City of Rock Island, IL

10/03/2023 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/03/2023 14:17

Songs & Stories with Singer-Songwriter Forrest McCurren

Americana singer-songwriter Forrest McCurren brings songs and stories to the Rock Island Public Library Watts-Midtown Branch at noon on Tuesday, October 10. The free public performance of Americana/country/folk tunes is open to all ages.

Americana/country/folk singer-songwriter Forrest McCurren brings a reprise of his touring public radio show to the Rock Island Public Library on Tuesday, October 10, from noon to 1:30 pm at the Watts-Midtown Branch, 2715 30th Street, Rock Island.

Accompanied by wife Margaret McCurren on fiddle, the Missouri-raised McCurren offers Americana/country/folk songs and stories that fall "between Saturday night and Sunday morning, rowdy and redemptive," with "intoxicating stories that tell tales of love and longing, leaving and regret, nostalgia and hope," says his press kit. The show is free and open to all.

His October 10 library show replicates an earlier tour offered as part of a partnership with High Plains Public Radio. Over the past year McCurren has played 150 shows ranging from Duke's in Indianapolis to the Mercury Lounge in Tulsa. His debut album, "Oh Me, Oh My," was recorded with Wes Sharon of 115 Recording in Norman, Oklahoma.

"As a writer and storyteller, I pride myself on an engaging live performance, through stories and side notes, that allows folks into the world that my songs live in. One of the compliments that I carry in my back pocket was along the lines of having the showmanship of Todd Snider, the songwriting of John Prine and the rowdy-raspiness of Ryan Bingham," says McCurren.

"Missouri-raised singer-songwriter Forrest McCurren's music is a celebration of the "luckiness of life." In fact, you could consider his debut album 'Oh Me, Oh My' a soundtrack to those moments of human connection that feel almost cosmic." -Bobbie Jean Sawyer- Wide Open County

"There's no mistaking that Forrest McCurren falls right in line with the greats like John Prine and Terry Allen - with gentle cautious tales about real folks delivered in "around the campfire" style." - Melissa Clarke,- Americana Highways

For more news about events and services at the Rock Island Public Library, visit the library website, call 309-732-READ, or follow Rock Island Library on social media.