Cajun Fiddler returns to Elgin Coffeehouse Sept. 13
An Elgin congregation will welcome Southern folk music in the person of Gina Forsythe to Highland Avenue Coffeehouse stage on Friday, Sept. 13.
New Orleans-based Forsyth is an award-winning singer/songwriter, who is known for her wizardry on fiddle and guitar. She brings an alto as unique as it is soulful, unpretentious songs that cut straight to the heart, and a wicked sense of humor. Her live performances are legend. She is considered one of the best Cajun fiddlers in Louisiana (no small feat).
Dan Willging noted in Offbeat Magazine, “She’s hilarious commenting on her native, beloved South … then (she) questions the South’s provincial view on gay rights.”
She has played at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Rocky Mountain Folk Festival, and many more. John McClure of Victory Music has said of her work as a recording artist, “Well-written tunes, crisp production, and instrumentation framing a message of reminiscences from a performer who does it as well as it can be done.”
Rheta Grimsley Johnson of Daily Journal probably sums up Forsyth best, “If you’ve ever wondered what happened to the gutsy folk singers who used to roam the earth with their instrument and protest, check out Gina Forsyth. In the tradition of Guthrie, Dylan and Prine she is writing and singing, not just fiddling while America burns.”
Forsythe has received many awards including Emerging Songwriter at the Napa Valley Music Festival, and the title song from her album, “Promised Land,” reached No. 1 on the Folk DJ list in January 2012.
The Coffeehouse starts at 7 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave. in Elgin. Before Forsythe takes the stage, guitarist Merv Collins will do a short opening set.
The Highland Avenue Coffeehouse offers folk music, light refreshments, and friendly people. It is open to the community. There is no cover charge; donations are appreciated. For information call (847) 741-5124 or go to www.hacob.org.