Chris Smither goes way back – to New Orleans in the 60s, when he first heard the music of Lightnin’ Hopkins and Mississippi John Hurt, to Boston in the 70s, when he met Fred McDowell, Son House, and Bonnie Raitt, who made a hit out of Chris’s song, “Love Me Like a Man.” Since then, Chris has recorded more than 20 albums, including his latest, Hundred Dollar Valentine, which the music magazine MOJO called “a thing of profound beauty; deep, sad, wise songs, allied to perfectly crafted arrangements, from a man who’s lived long enough in darkness to address the big, heavy questions with a lightness of touch.” Darkness and light – that’s Chris’s territory. He has a way of being jaunty and bleak at the same time – “the sun is risin’ but it just don’t shine,” as he sings on the new album’s title cut.

Be forewarned: Chris’s last show at the Freight sold out. “His acoustic fingerpicking is a joy,” says Stereo Review Magazine, “as is his grainy, lived-in voice. And while his original songs are wondrous, his covers are revelatory too.” Don’t miss this chance for an evening of inspired and inspiring contemporary blues.

Wisconsin native Willie Porter is a dazzling guitarist with a haunting baritone who writes engaging songs and has a gift for connecting with his audience. The Boston Globe has called him “an acoustic picker with the Olympian speed of Leo Kottke bolstered by rootsy vocals and twisting, offbeat lyrics.” As he sings on the title song of his most recent album, How to Rob a Bank, “You can’t walk in there brazen with an Uzi like Patty Hearst / I’m gonna secure myself a seat on the board of directors first.” Secure your seat now, and catch Willie and Chris at the Freight.

Visit Chris Smither's website

Visit Willy Porter's website

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Chris Smither photo by Devin Dobbins

Willy Porter photo by Rodney Bursiel