The Fun Side of Life

Matt Wahl. Photo by Paul Ebbe.

Musician Matt Wahl grew up in a household where background music included the tunes of musical greats Gordon Lightfoot, Joan Baez, Peter, Paul and Mary, and The Kingston Trio. So it’s no surprise that when Wahl picked up the guitar at age 11, those influences were present in his songwriting style.

Over the years, the influence on his music has continued to build, not only in the form of other musicians, but in his naturally sunny disposition as well. Today, Wahl is a proud performer of a self-assigned genre he feels suits his music perfectly – “fun-loving, sunny-day, acoustic music.”

On Saturday, Jan. 31 at 7pm, Wahl will perform his glass-half-full music at the Fireside Lobby at Door Community Auditorium for the second Coffeehouse Concert of 2015.

An annual visitor to the county since 1998, Wahl will bring his acoustic guitar, ukulele, harmonica and uplifting songs to his performance, which over the years has increasingly been influenced by the positive vibes of country/folk singer/songwriter John Prine and “island escapist” musician Jimmy Buffett.

“The themes are enjoying the moment, being present, taking advantage of the time you have, and looking at life like an adventure,” Wahl said.

Those themes are evident in his signature songs, “The Fun Side of Life,” “I Like the Look of Today,” and “The Time Is Now.” But he’s not all sensitive and sunny – he also throws in a few beer songs, wit and a great sense of humor to make his performances the adventure he wants people to experience.

“I want people to come away with a smile, having laughed a little bit, and bring about that positive outlook on life,” Wahl said.

Coffeehouse concerts are $15, general admission; advance ticket reservations are suggested. Door Community Auditorium is located on Highway 42 in Fish Creek. For more information, call 920.868.2728 or visit dcauditorium.org.