Folk guru Staines returns to region

Folk legend Bill Staines plays a concert in celebration of his new studio album, “Beneath Some Lucky Star.” Staines will perform at Hobgoblin Music at 7:30 p.m. Saturday Nov. 3.

Consistently touring for more than 45 years, he has crafted a strong multi-generational following that includes such luminaries as Nanci Griffith and the Billboard-charting super group Celtic Thunder, who have both covered his songs.

Looking back on his life - from his teenaged years when he frequented the famed Club 47 in Cambridge, Mass., to his current status as a strong songwriter in contemporary folk music, Staines said the new album shows listeners the places and people he has met along the way.

Heavily inspired by the Atlantic seaside where he grew up, he brings his fans original ballads of epic journeys “Salt Air,” “Lord Franklin,” “Lightship” and everyday story songs of love and loss “The Road to Rustico,” “The French Girl” and “Ceremony.”

In addition to his originals, he includes songs by some of the writers he has known and admired, including Ian and Sylvia, Pierce Pettis and Mason Daring, hearkening back to his early performing days when he sang covers and traditional tunes.

“At that time, I was singing mostly traditional material,” Staines says, “Writing my own songs came before too long, being influenced by writers like Pete Seeger, Gordon Lightfoot and Ian and Sylvia.”

Telling the story of his musical path on the track “Along the Road,” he sings about his first Martin guitar, which he still owns, and how it led him to where he is today.

In his liner notes Staines says, “I have always felt that I was blessed to live a life in music and to know that, surely it must have been a lucky star that led me there.”

For more information or to buy tickets call Hobgoblin Music at 651-388-8400 or visit www.stoneyend.com

At a glance…

Who: Bill Staines

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday Nov. 3

Where: Hobgoblin Music Loft, 920 Highway 19

Cost: $15

More info: 651-388-8400 or 877-866-3936

Tags: arts and entertainment, lifestyle, arts, entertainment