Rob Carpenter

Things have come full circle for Rob Carpenter of Topsham, Me. A regular on the local club circuit in the ’70s and ’80s, Carpenter put his music on the back burner for a few decades while he concentrated on making a living and raising a family.

VETERAN PERFORMER
Although he gave up the club scene in the ’80s, Carpenter never stopped performing. For more than 20 years, he has appeared at the annual Lennox Passage Yacht Club Festival in Nova Scotia and has played scores of private parties. His mother’s family hails from the Nova Scotia area and Cape Breton has been a summer vacation stop for more than 50 years.

Now in his 50s, he’s decided that the time is right to re-launch his musical career. "Call it a mid-life crisis if you want," he laughs. "I’m trying to make up for lost time."

COMING TO A CLUB NEAR YOU
Toward that end, he recently released his first CD and is writing more songs than ever before. Carpenter, who plays acoustic guitar and sings, is also busy lining up gigs at local clubs and coffeehouses.

He keeps things lively by telling funny stories and getting the audience involved. Along with his original songs, Carpenter plays everything from Jimmy Buffett to Travis Tritt, the Eagles and John Prine. You might even hear a sea chanty or Irish tune.

NEW CD
His new CD, Warm Beer & Cold Women, is a combination of original and cover tunes, some serious and some whimsical – with a country-folk feel. It’s much like Carpenter’s live act.

Check out the tunes on Carpenter’s CD or take in one of his live shows. You’ll have a great time. He’ll insist on it.