Express & Star

Smethwick library show for Rick Shea

Acclaimed Americana musician Rick Shea has announced a UK and Ireland tour that stops off in Smethwick this summer.

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Rick Shea is coming to Smethwick

Shea cut his teeth in the bars and honky-tonks of San Bernardino, California, and his songs reflect the folk, country, rock and Mexican influences he grew up with there. The Town Where I Live, Rick’s latest album, emerges from that world of haunts, hard choices and dusty rock 'n' roll.

A spokesperson said: "From the rollicking fare thee well of Goodbye Alberta, to the hard country twang of The Starkville Blues, the gospel touch of Trouble Like This and the guitar driven burn of (You’re Gonna Miss Me) When I’m Gone, it’s an album of lost roads, lost dreams and long, rambling goodbyes."

Shea says he comes from the Dave Alvin school of folk music, a school that includes Woody Guthrie, Howlin' Wolf, Curtis Mayfield and Chuck Berry to name just a few. “Songs tell our stories and our history and songs were how those stories were shared in the past," he added. "I’d like to continue that tradition."

As a solo artist he’s recorded 10 critically acclaimed albums and has toured the US and Europe. Rick’s also played as a guitarist with Dave Alvin and Wanda Jackson, among others.

His tour stops off at Smethwick's Thimblemill Library on June 1. The Fragile Hearts will provide the support. Tickets for the show, priced at £9.05 and £6 for concessions, can be bought by searching his name on Skiddle.

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