“Songs. Stories. Popcorn.” May 9 Concert at The Block Celebrates Rural America

Muskegon, Michigan, May 2, 2014 – In collaboration with the Lakeshore Museum Center, singer, songwriter and guitarist Andrew McKnight will perform folk music rooted in American landscapes, history and Appalachian culture at The Block on Friday, May 9.


Drawing inspiration from stories he’s picked up while traveling the dusty back roads as a musician, McKnight will weave his masterfully crafted songs, humorous stories and poetic drama into a musical soundscape sketched with shades of Appalachia, tasteful slide and jazzy blues, feisty anthems and rustic folk.


The program starts at 7:30 p.m. on May 9 at The Block, which is located on the second floor of 360 W. Western Ave. in downtown Muskegon. Doors and bar open at 6:30 p.m. Popcorn will be served.


“We are very excited to host Andrew and his Americana music,” said Carla Hill, CEO of the West Michigan Symphony. “His passions, and the thoughtful ways he expresses them, have made him an audience favorite.”


McKnight’s captivating performances showcase his engaging collection of songs and stories celebrating the lives and landscapes of rural American people with warmth and humor. Since permanently leaving his corporate environmental engineering career in 1996, the award-winning artist has traced nearly a million miles of America’s blue highways and backwater towns from his northwestern Virginia home.


While McKnight’s guitar is clearly the foundation for his solo concerts, the touches of native American cedar flute, djembe – or African hand drum – and occasionally mandolin, add mesmerizing embellishments to the show.


Taking a cue from the lyrics of his award-winning song “Good Things Matter,” McKnight’s songs and online essays often encompass his passion for community and causes. He often shares his talents for a variety of worthy causes little and large, supporting local efforts such as a community radio station in Massachusetts, an at-risk youth mentoring program in California and a food bank in suburban Seattle.


McKnight’s music can be heard on hundreds of broadcast and internet radio programs around the world including many National Public Radio stations and XM/Sirius Satellite. He’s also been a featured guest on the nationally syndicated Art of the Song and River City Folk shows.


Tickets for the event are $15 and up and available at the West Michigan Symphony ticket office: 231.726.3231 ext. 223; online at www.westmichigansymphony.org; or in person at 360 W. Western Ave. in Muskegon.


The Block: A simple, accessible, inspirational space where honest music can happen…not to you, but with you. Follow us on Twitter @AtTheBlock and fan us on Facebook www.facebook.com/AtTheBlock.

Michigan Arts & Culture Council
National Endowment for the Arts