Kelly Joe Phelps Features Lap Slide Guitar at White Gull

Singer, songwriter and guitarist Kelly Joe Phelps will perform at the White Gull Inn in Fish Creek on Jan. 16 at 8 pm.

Since Lead Me On, his debut album, came out in 1994, the Pacific Northwest-based Phelps has written and performed some of the most compelling slide guitar music ever recorded. Though he spent his early years playing free jazz, he has never strayed too far from the roots music world that has become his passion.

“I’d spent all this time learning improvisational music, but I’d always had an attraction to folk based music forms,” said Phelps. “So, I was listening to a lot of Chet Atkins, Merle Travis and some of the newer people like Leo Kottke and John Fahey. My music is a reflection of all the music I loved and steeped myself in. There’s a space and openness in rural music that makes sense to me.”

Phelps’ lap slide guitar style combines traditional blues with his own innovative technique, and he sings with the voice of an old soul, weary with experience, yet inspired with the prospects of life. After several years of exhaustively exploring the potential of his slide, Phelps’ attention has recently focused on songwriting as well.

An optional pre-concert fixed price dinner for $19.95 will be served at 6 pm. The menu consists of: Meatloaf-stuffed with blue cheese, served with wild mushroom gravy; garlic mashed potatoes; sautéed vegetables; salad and dessert.

Concert tickets are $16.

For tickets and reservations, call 920.868.3517.