Folksinger Don Skelton returns April 15 to Highland Avenue Coffeehouse
Folksinger Don Skelton likes to think of his music as a gift to give. After many years in the music business and many years away from it, now he plays and sings for the magic and love of it all. And his music continues to grow and evolve in new and interesting ways, and his guitar work just keeps getting better.
He will bring this appealing mix of freshness and maturity to the Highland Avenue Coffeehouse at 7 p.m. Friday, April 15.
Audiences are drawn to Skelton's warmth and humor, his expressive voice, his fine guitar playing, and the depth of his songs. He has a feeling for the goodness and interesting quirkiness of people, and he gives voice to this in songs of hope and struggle and joy. At his October 2013 performance at the Highland Avenue Coffeehouse, Skelton delighted fans old and new, playing to a large and enthusiastic house.
For years before taking a break from performing, Skelton had appeared regularly at venues in the Fox Valley and beyond. In 1973, Skelton was featured in two concerts at Hemmens Auditorium. After the Hemmens concerts, Skelton was in the music business for 16 years. Among his many appearances, he was the opening act for the well-known singer Anne Murray at a 1976 concert at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Even after he left the business, he continued to perform occasionally, but then gradually he stopped.
A few years ago, after retiring from his career as a schoolteacher, contractor, and building supervisor, he began to return to his music, now for his own pleasure and to bring joy to the audience. The rare 2013 show was the result, and now this upcoming event.
So friends and fans are eagerly anticipating Skelton's performance, looking forward to his new material and some old favorites. Those who have not heard him before are in for a treat, a full and vibrant show, at once original and reminiscent of the folk era.
The performance will be 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 15, at the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave. in Elgin. Two sets. No cover charge. Light refreshments. Donations are appreciated. For information, call (847) 751-5124.