The Cutting-Edge

On August 1 at 8 pm, southern singer-songwriter Jason Isbell will bring his cutting-edge alt-folk to the stage of Door Community Auditorium (DCA).

Isbell, who originally gained fame as a member of the alt-country band Drive-By Truckers, has met with enormous success as a solo artist, with his 2013 album Southeastern landing him on hundreds of top-ten lists across the country. The New York Times calls Isbell “one of America’s thoroughbred songwriters, with a knack for rueful melodies and the kind of grainy blue-collar detail that pins a song in your mind.”

The album delivers stark and poignant story songs against an alt-country and blues backdrop, weaving in powerful characters in a southern gothic vein. His fourth solo outing and his first since getting sober after a long and public struggle with alcoholism, Southeastern explores themes of struggle, loss, and redemption.

After setting out on his own, Isbell first funneled his songwriting talents into Sirens of the Ditch, a bluesy, punk-influenced album infused with guitar tones and Southern swagger. Backed by a new band dubbed the 400 Unit, Isbell took his songs on the road and soon released two more solo albums.

Tickets range from $22 to $38. Advance reservations are recommended and can be made through the DCA box office, located at 3926 Highway 42 in Fish Creek. The box office is open Monday – Friday, 12 – 5 pm. Tickets can be purchased in person, on the phone at 920.868.2728, or online at dcauditorium.org.