Lee Murdock has uncovered a boundless body of stories and music extolling the history and people of the Great Lakes; tales of hard work, hard living, ships that go down and ships that come in make up the subject matter of his vast repertoire.
The balladeer finds inspiration in the lives of sailors and fishermen, lighthouse keepers, outlaws and everyday heroes, and is intrigued by the drama surrounding shipwrecks and seafaring ghosts. Those dramatic and inspirational tales will be shared with landlocked local citizens on Sept. 17 when Darke County Center for the Arts presents Lee Murdock in concert at the Arts Depot in Union City to open its new Coffeehouse Series season; the show starts at 7 p.m.
In addition to performing a vast reservoir of authentic sailing songs from past eras, Lee combines historical research with contemporary insights and a poet’s way with words to create his own original songs about the people who live and work along the freshwater highways of North America. “I’m interested in … making music that’s exciting to people today… looking for songs and interesting stories not only for people who already enjoy folk music, but for those who think they don’t,” Murdock stated.
Whether or not they think they like folk music, people from all cultures and of all ages enjoy hearing tales of outlaws and heroes, disasters and triumphs. Lee Murdock has combined his degree in geology with his love for history and music to become the premier interpreter of songs and tales about the Great Lakes, treating audiences around the nation to fascinating stories of the past and present. Murdock’s clear, assured singing voice and his skillful guitar playing enhance the fascinating tales his songs so eloquently tell.
DCCA’s Coffeehouse Series provides high quality performers in a casual, comfortable setting where food and drink are also available, a concept affording opportunity for conversation and socializing. I fondly remember the coffeehouses of the late 1960s and early 1970s where the music was about important issues, provoking thought and discussion as well as camaraderie and fellowship among audience members. Lee Murdock would have fit right into that scene, his concerts evoking a universal sense of place and celebrating people who have shaped our heritage. However, his music is not locked into one era, but creates a sense of timelessness spanning centuries as well as generations.
If you enjoy folk music, you will enjoy this show. If you are a history buff, this is the performance for you. However, if you don’t fit into either of those categories, you can still have a wonderful time listening to a masterful storyteller weaving his timeless tales of seafaring adventures. Tickets for Lee Murdock’s concert are just $10, and can be reserved by contacting DCCA at 937-547-0908 or [email protected], and purchased online at www.centerforarts.net. Tickets will also be available at the Arts Depot.
