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Folk tradition finds audience at Shoreline

As part of the 2003-2004 Arts and Lecture Series, 2000 Grammy winner Dave Alvin will perform with Chris Gaffney and a special guest at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, on campus.

Grammy winner for “Best Traditional Folk Album,” Dave Alvin hit the L.A. scene as songwriter and guitarist in the late ‘70s with his band, The Blasters. Since leaving The Blasters in 1985, Alvin worked with X and The Knitters before embarking on a solo career that has highlighted his abilities to both write and interpret great songs.

Between 1987 and 1993, he released three albums — “Romeo’s Escape” (Epic 1987), “Blue Boulevard” (Hightone, 1991) and “Museum of Heart” (Hightone, 1993), which carried on the roadhouse-rock tradition of The Blasters. But it was his 1994 release, “King of California” (Hightone), that featured a stripped-down, mostly acoustic sound that showcased Alvin’s songwriting and performing. Known for high-energy shows, Alvin recorded the live album, “Interstate City” (Hightone, 1996).

His release, “Blackjack David,” continues his distinctive blending of blues, folk and rock. Alvin’s collection of interpretations of American folk songs, “Public Domain” (Hightone, 2000), won the Grammy for that year.

“Occasionally I make records,” said Alvin, “but what I do is play live.” His latest release, “Out in California” (Hightone 2002), showcases that ability in electrifying fashion.