Sisters Folk Festival presents New York City-based emerging songwriter Christopher Paul Stelling, Sunday, October 25 at 7pm at the Belfry in Sisters.
Stelling takes the stage with just an old guitar and the stomp of his foot. What truly sets him apart is an imagination that yields stories that feel like parables that you slowly realize have never before been told.
His imagination also lives in his fingertips as he traverses from country blues to flamenco to claw-hammer banjo – all on his trusted “Brownie,” an old nylon-string guitar that’s been traveling the globe with him for years. He has no rulebook. He sees no limitations.
“There are certain artists that, when you first hear their music, you’re moved, there’s something special and unique. When we first heard Stelling’s songs and guitar work he seemed different and all his own. We thought it was a good idea to introduce him and his music to our Sisters and Central Oregon audience,” says Brad Tisdel, creative director of Sisters Folk Festival. “When you see him perform, you know you’re watching a true artist moving forward with intensity, focus, and direction. One who wants to take you along for the ride – but you must trust him and go where he wants to go, because nothing can change the course.”
His most recent album, “Labor Against Waste,” was released in June on ANTI- Records and, as described by Rolling Stone, “sounds like The Tallest Man on Earth enhanced by the liquid courage of a few tallboys downed during band practice.” They go on to say, “For these songs, Stelling stretched his approach to include elegiac strings and solemn harmonies on ‘Too Far North,’ clanging percussion and driving banjo on ‘Death of Influence,’ and a shuffling, simpatico band for ‘Revenge’.” The record delights at the threshold of polished folk-pop and rustic old folk; and he seems bound to make converts on both sides of that divide.
Tickets for the concert are $15 adult and $10 for youth 18 and under. For more information or to purchase tickets to this special SFF Presents show visit sistersfolkfestival.org/sff-presents.
The Belfry is located at 302 E. Main Ave. in Sisters, doors will open at 6 p.m.