Riding together

Three of folk music's most respected singer-songwriters are coming together from the far corners of the country to perform March 9 at the Sheldon Theatre.

Eliza Gilkyson from Austin, Texas; John Gorka from Stillwater, Minn and Lucy Kaplansky from New York City will perform music from "Red Horse," the album they conceived and recorded in 2010.

The collaboration was unique in that the veteran performers chose to cover each other's songs in addition to introducing some new work and giving old favorites a new spin.

They have been friends for years and have recorded on each other's albums, according to officials at Red House Records, which released the blend of traditional folk and contemporary Americana.

Gilkyson, Gorka and Kaplansky were inspired by shows they performed during the recording company's 25th anniversary tour.

"It was a project conceived, developed and released with a sense of play," Gorka said.

Gilkyson agreed, adding, "Who'd have known solitary types could get along?"

"If I had to use only one word to sum up this project I would use the word 'harmony' - not just in terms of the vocals, but also in the way we relate to each other. We're friends, we love each other's work and we love to sing together."

Singing each other's songs was special to them. Gilkyson performs Gorka's "forget to Breathe," while Kaplansky takes on Gilkyson's "Sanctuary," and Gorka takes the lead on Kaplansky's "Don't Mind Me."

Kaplansky commented, "Eliza and John are two of my very favorite artists and people, so it's been amazing to hear my songs sung by these great singers and to have the chance to sing lead on their beautiful songs."

According to Sheldon officials, "Having these three talents converge on one record is a folk fan's dream album."

The focus of "Red Horse" is on vocals with sparse instrumentation, allowing the three distinctive voices to carry the music.

Gilkyson, a politically-minded, poetically gifted songwriter, is a Grammy-nominated artist and a member of the Austin Music Hall of Fame. A Pop Matters review commented "...the very timbre of Gilkyson's voice convinces the listener that she understands the deep lessons of life."

Gorka, whose music was described by iTunes as "sophisticated, yet never over-complicated," has written award-winning songs that were performed by Mary Chapin Carpenter and other icons.

Kaplansky's records have won Best Pop Album of the Year honors in addition to plaudits for her folk and country songs. She was described by the New Yorker as "a truly gifted performer with a bag full of enchanting songs."

For more information about the artists, go to www.redhouserecords.com.

Tickets are $29.50 for adults, $18.50 for students. Call 651-388-8700 or 800-899-5759 or go online to www.sheldontheatre.org.

If you go...

Who: Eliza Gilkyson, John Gorka and Lucy Kaplansky

When: 7 p.m. Sat. March 9

Where: Sheldon Theatre, 443 W. Third St.

Cost: $29.50 adults, $18.50 students

More info: 651-388-8700, 800-899-5759 or www.sheldontheatre.org

Tags: red wing, arts and entertainment, lifestyle