Local singer-songwriter Grant Peeples is bringing a special show to the American Legion Hall in Tallahassee on Friday, October 21st. The show is a tribute to the legendary Guy Clark, who died in May of this year. Joining Peeples onstage will be Tallahassee new folk trio, The New 76ers (Danny Goddard, Kelly Goddard, & Brian Durham), and a special guest, Texas singer-songwriter Melissa Greener, who performed and co-wrote with Clark.
“I first heard Guy Clark’s music in 1975 when I was in college at Appalachian State,” recalls Peeples. “It changed me. He was like my ‘gateway drug’ to Texas music.” Guy Clark was mentor to great Texas singer-songwriters such as Steve Earle and Rodney Crowell, and was himself mentored by Townes Van Zandt.
‘Texas Music’ is known for lyric driven songs that make poetic use of the literary tools of assonance and alliteration. They are often sung in an edgy, outlaw style. “The record by Clark that really stuck with me was ‘Texas Cookin,’ and remains today one of my top albums of all time. Several of the songs I’ll perform during the show are from that record,” says Peeples.
When asked why he chose The New 76ers to co-host the concert, Peeples responded, “It’s funny. I was influenced by Guy Clark in the mid-seventies. That’s when Texas music entered my DNA, and seeps out in everything I write now. And these kids (The New 76ers) hadn’t even been born yet. But they cover Guy’s songs, and other Texans, and I sense that same DNA in their own work. That’s the thing. Guy’s influence on musicians and writers bridges several generations.”
The show is called ‘Set the Poet Free’, from a line in a song of Clark’s that The New 76ers will include in their set list. Peeples and The New 76ers will swap Guy Clark songs, and perform together as well. Included in the show will also be songs of Steve Earle and Townes Van Zandt. Melissa Greener will share her personal memories of Guy Clark, and perform her favorite Clark tunes and those she co-wrote with the Texas maestro.
‘Set the Poet Free: The Songs of Guy Clark’ takes place at The American Legion Hall at Lake Ella in Tallahassee on Friday, October 21st. Doors are at 7:30 and the music begins at 8 pm. Tickets are $15 and may be bought at the door. Those interested in reserving a table of 8 or more can call 850-322-6917 or write to grant@grantpeeples.com