Greg Brown

Greg Brown was born in the Hacklebarney section of southeastern Iowa and raised by a family that made words and music a way of life. His seasoned songwriting, storytelling, and music are deeply rooted in that place. His father was a Pentecostal preacher, and Greg's youth was consequently spread across a map of the Midwest as his family moved between churches (and even denominations). Music, however, was always a staple. Gospel and hymns, classical, hillbilly, early rock & roll, country, and blues coalesced into a simmering stew of sound.

Greg's music is an intricate mix. It's no wonder — he is an intricate mix of a person. Though a touring musician for over thirty years, he has never abandoned those things that move him deeply — family, home, poetry and the natural world. Music and words flow through him and he uses them to paint simple yet powerful images on a canvas of gospel, blues, country, rock, and jazz. A firm believer in community and ecological responsibility, he often uses his music to support these causes — both directly (doing benefit concerts and through sales of benefit CDs) and indirectly (using his gift for words to point out environmental or social ills in his strong yet subtle voice).

Location: Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall

Cost: $35