Carrie Newcomer on Stage at DCA

Passionate and prosaic, Carrie Newcomer is a new-age folk singer/songwriter whose music has earned her praise from both fans and critics alike. On Saturday, July 18 at 8 pm, the Door Community Auditorium will present the acclaimed performer in a concert that promises a little blues, a little gospel, a little pop, and a whole lot of soul.

Reflecting on the everyday stories of the every man and every woman, Newcomer’s words and voice create images that are compelling, thoughtful, and smart. Newcomer was born in Michigan, raised in Indiana, and following graduation from Purdue University in 1980, she performed with the folk group Stone Soup from 1982 through 1988.

Overlapping her Stone Soup tenure, Newcomer toured regionally. Expanding her horizons after 1990, she traveled throughout the United States and Europe performing with the formidable country-bluegrass queen Alison Krauss and the acoustic band Union Station. In 1991, Newcomer released her first solo album, Visions and Dreams. In the course of the next 15 years, the performer went on to record 11 solo albums. Newcomer’s most recent album, Geography of Light, was released last year.

Throughout her career, Newcomer’s folk roots have been evident in her writing and performing, both of which bring a clarity and elegance to the ordinary. And as fearless as she may be in taking on the serious side of life, Newcomer never forgoes a healthy dose of good humor.

Equally relevant to Newcomer’s writing and performing is her spirituality. A Quaker and an activist, she cuts across all boundaries in an exploration of light and shadow. In addition to performing and writing, Newcomer facilitates workshops on writing, faith, vocation, activism, and art, working with faith-based communities, and college campuses. She also serves as an artist-in-residence for public schools.

Preceding the concert at DCA, Newcomer will lead a songwriting workshop at 2 pm. “Writing Mindfully” will guide participants through the process of expressing themselves through song.

Tickets for the show are $26, $22, and $18, with tickets for the “Writing Mindfully” songwriting workshop $20 or $10 with the purchase of a concert tickets. Tickets are available at the DCA box office, by phone (920.868.2728), or by visiting http://www.dcauditorium.org.