Singer-songwriter Tom Rush has emerged as a particular favorite of audiences at the Kate, who are set to welcome him once again on Saturday evening, July 28, as the famed artist returns for his third engagement.

This is Rush’s 50th year in music and he plans to finish out this anniversary year with a return to Symphony Hall in Boston on Friday, December 28, timed with the reissue of his 1981 release, “Tom Rush: A New Year,” recorded live at that venue. He’s alo reissuing his debut recording, “Live at the Unicorn.”

Rolling Stone has credited Rush with ushering in the era of the singer/songwriter drawn from his studies in English literature at Harvard University and his early performances at Cambridge’s famed Club 47 (now Club Passim). In the late ’60′s, he introduced and popularized the works of Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and Jackson Browne, while a generation later he did the same again for such artists as Nanci Griffith, Alison Kraus, Shawn Colvin, and Maura O’Connell.

Rush continues to tour and enjoys unprecendented popularity today, thanks in part to his viral video on YouTube, featuring his version of Steven Walters’ “The Remember Song,” which has received over 5.9 million hits thus far.

To check out one of Rush’s previous engagements at the Kate, visit the Vimeo website and search “Tom Rush.” And be sure to purchase your tickets for his upcoming concert now.

– Karen and Andrew
See you at The Kate!

Fans of Delta blues, zydeco and southern rock will no doubt be thrilled as Sonny Landreth, the remarkable musician that NPR calls “the wizard of the slide guitar” takes the stage at the Kate this Thursday night.

When describing his style, it’s hard to limit it to just one or two genres. Landreth has been attuned to the musical language of southern Louisiana for years, and inspiration from Cajun traditions, swamp pop and contemporary rock and roll can also be found in his songs.

Eric Clapton has said that Landreth “is probably the most underrated musician on the planet and also probably one of the most advanced.” Concertgoers on Thursday will understand why Landreth has been so much in demand as a sideman to the likes of Jimmy Buffet, John Hiatt and Beausoleil. A talented singer-songwriter in his own right, Landreth and his band have been one of the most popular attractions each year at the New Orleans Jazz Festival.

Although his new, widely-praised album “Eternal Joy,” offers thrilling evidence of his far-reaching guitar skills on an all-instrumental effort, Landreth’s show at the Kate will feature his vocals as well, affording an opportunity to appreciate his deep and purposeful lyrics. Indeed, a performance to look forward to!

– Karen and Andrew
See you at The Kate!