Dirk Hamilton is such a prototypical singer-songwriter-guitar player, someone ought to make a movie about him — and in fact Dirk does appear front and center in the upcoming documentary Folk, which examines how three artists at dramatically different stages of their career work to reach an audience. Dirk is well cast as the seasoned vet. He’s just released his 17th album, solo mono, which recordnet.com describes as "raw and real," "inventive," and "delicately nuanced," with "a bluesy, contemplative feel." He’s bringing his guitar and harmonica to the Freight to play songs from the new album and from his thirty-five years in the music business.

Dirk moved from his hometown of Stockton to Los Angeles in the late 70s and went into the studio with Steely Dan's producer, Gary Katz, who helped him get a deal with ABC Records. Four albums and two record companies later, he returned to Stockton and counseled troubled teens. He was playing for fun in a bar band when the inspiration to write returned. After recording a few more albums, he found out that his music had a following in Italy, and he started playing there every year. He's currently based in Plano, Texas, but Italy remains a second home. This fall, he's adding England, Switzerland, and the Netherlands to his European tour.

Dirk Hamilton has paid his dues. Tonight at the Freight is your chance to reap the reward.

Visit Dirk's website

Listen to a track from Dirk Hamilton: