Smither brings music musings to Carnegie

Chris Smither Carnegie Lecture Hall of Oakland Saturday, Jan. 19 7:30 p.m. Presented by Calliope: The Folk Music Society $14 to $28 412-361-1915

Don’t let snow, sleet and miscellaneous, miserable wintry-weather woes retire you to pre-packaged hot chocolate and a movie fest this Saturday night. Instead, bundle up and head on over to the Carnegie Lecture Hall of Oakland to enjoy folk-blues singer/songwriter Chris Smither’s good-hearted tunes. Calliope: The Pittsburgh Folk Music Society will host the performance starting at 7:30 p.m.

Smither, who boasts a whopping 10-album discography that spans his lifelong career, most recently released Leave the Light On in 2006 – a disc of self-reflection and appreciation. Also newly available is his concert DVD, One More Night, constructed with live footage from two Lyme, Conn., shows, a full-band performance at Boston’s Somerville Theatre and a sit-down interview with Smither himself. He’s been featured on numerous soundtracks – The Horse Whisperer in the company of Emmylou Harris, Brother’s Shadow, Love from Ground Zero and The Ride. In addition, Smither’s songs have been covered by the likes of Diana Krall, Bonnie Raitt and John Mayall.

For being 63 years old, Smither can really hold his own. His sound is that of an older, raspier and wiser Pete Yorn with hints of Johnny Cash, and each song is a display of his poetic and philosophical inspirations. Rather than recreating his identity every so often to draw in fans, Smither relies on his solid personality that listeners have come to know and love. He has appeared on international media via NPR, the BBC, MTV, Ireland’s RTE and Australia’s ABC Radio.

The opener will be Pittsburgher Heather Kropf, whose delicate voice complements her piano playing to achieve standout simplicity.

Don’t let the age scare you away, either: Smithers is for young and old alike.

Advance tickets are $30 and are $35 at the door. Students pay $18. You can order by phone by contacting ProArts Ticket Service at 412-394-3353 or online at www.proartstickets.org.