Two folk legends to play Pitt

By NICOLE DIMARIO

Eliza Gilkyson and Tom Russell Tomorrow at 8 p.m. Carnegie Lecture Hall $15.00 student rush… Eliza Gilkyson and Tom Russell Tomorrow at 8 p.m. Carnegie Lecture Hall $15.00 student rush (412) 394-3353

The Pittsburgh Folk Music Society presents singer-songwriters Eliza Gilkyson and Tom Russell at Carnegie Lecture Hall tomorrow evening as part of the Calliope Concert Series.

Gilkyson, a third-generation musician, knew from an early age that her life would revolve around music. Critics have praised her work, and one has even called her “one of the most original and influential folk artists of our time.”

By the late ’60s, Gilkyson had already developed a strong fan base thanks to a number of albums. She then traveled to Europe, working with composer/harpist Andreas Vollenweider. In 1996, after returning to the United States, she released Through the Looking Glass and in 1997, Redemption Road.

Gilkyson has showcased her talents in several compilation albums including, Nod to Bob, a Bob Dylan tribute. Since 2000, Gilkyson has released four albums. Her 2004 album, Land of Milk and Honey, was nominated for a Grammy. Her latest album is Paradise Hotel, which one critic has described as “simply stunning.”

Tom Russell is a brilliant singer-songwriter who has recorded more than 20 albums of original material. Rolling Stone has called him the best living country songwriter. His songs have been recorded by many artists, including legendary performer Johnny Cash.

In 2005, Russell released Hotwalker, a “beat montage on American culture,” described as a folk memoir of the music and literary characters that influenced him growing up. It features the voices of Jack Kerouac, Lenny Bruce, Dave Van Ronk and others. The album could be found on over a dozen top 10 “best music” lists from January 2006. For more information about the performance or to order tickets, call (412) 394-3353 or visit www.proartstickets.org.