Gillian Welch

Singing and playing rural folk, bluegrass and country music that reaches back to the early part of the 20th century, Welch strolled onto the alt-country scene in the mid-’90s and impressed many. Over the years, she has evolved into a bluesy singer, but her love of the Carter Family and early bluegrass informs her foundation. She and musical partner David Rawlings have released several solid albums and written songs ranging from haunting blues to country folk, as well as recorded covers imbued with sparse instrumentation. Tapping into bygone eras from which ballads sung on porches and fields have become a part of the American musical fabric, she performs without coming off like a novelty act. Welch doesn’t have a clean singing voice — in fact, it’s rather dry — but that only adds to her natural charm. She will perform on Friday, April 25, at the Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte. www.neighborhoodtheatre.com.

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