Cajun fiddler comes to Highland Avenue Coffeehouse April 20

An Elgin congregation will welcome Southern folk music in the person of Gina Forsythe to its coffeehouse stage at 7 p.m. Friday, April 20.

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 Folks 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 form a performer who does it as well as it can be done."

Forsythe has received many awards including Emerging Songwriter at the Napa Valley Music Festival, and the title song from her latest album, Promised Land, reached No. 1 on the Folk DJ list in January 2012.

Forsythe will be on stage at 7 p.m. Friday, April 20, in the fellowship hall of the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin.

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.