Words and Music

Join the Auburn State Theatre for a night of outstanding music as three celebrated, award-winning songwriters trade some of their favorite tunes in a Nashville-style song circle, accompanied by virtuoso guitarist Nina Gerber. Audiences will be moved by the quality of their unique voices, thought-provoking, timeless lyrics and rich variety of musical genres represented in this special collaboration.

Don Henry’s songs have been recorded by legends like Ray Charles and Conway Twitty, as well as by Blake Shelton and Lonestar. He won a Grammy for Kathy Mattea’s version of his song Where’ve You Been as well as Song of the Year honors from the Country Music Association and the Nashville Songwriters Association International. Don is a songwriters’ songwriter, bringing humor, depth and a profound sense of humanity to his songs.

Laurie Lewis is a Grammy-award winning musician and world renowned as a singer, songwriter, fiddler and bandleader. Lewis has twice won International Bluegrass Music Association’s Female Vocalist of the Year. According to Linda Ronstadt, “Her voice is a rare combination of grit and grace, strength and delicacy. Her stories are always true.”

Claudia Russell’s heartfelt and humorous songs have won her accolades from far and near. Britain’s Country Music People UK writes, “Few singers can construct a song as well as Claudia Russell, and her sharp, well-observed lyrics, have an engaging timeless feel.” She has shared the stage with Kris Kristoffersen, Willie Nelson, Loudon Wainwright III, and Rosalie Sorrels, among many others.

Last but not least, Nina Gerber adds her virtuoso guitar to the evening’s music. One of the West Coast’s most sought after guitarists, Nina has added her talents to a long and distinguished list of artists, most notably Kate Wolf, with whom Nina started her musical career. Her album Good Music with Good People features outstanding performances with Jackson Browne, Eliza Gilkyson and Bruce Cockburn.