Jeffrey Gaines and Freedy Johnston kick-off American Songwriter Series

NEWTON — Jeffrey Gaines and Freedy Johnston kick-off Newton Theatre’s new American Songwriter series on Friday, Sept. 11 at 8 p.m.

Jeffrey Gaines
Singer/songwriter and guitarist Jeffrey Gaines brought a unique, original voice to the sea of singer/songwriters that emerged in the 1990s.

Born and raised in Harrisburg, Pa., Gaines studied drawing and painting as a child, but became interested in singing while in his teens, joining local cover bands and taking his cue from the recordings of musicians like John Lennon, David Bowie, Ray Davies and Elvis Costello.

After high school, Gaines was offered the singer slot for a New York rock & roll band, but turned it down to move to Philadelphia, where he signed with Chrysalis Records in 1990.

His self-titled 1992 debut, featuring The Band’s Garth Hudson on saxophone, organ and accordion, drew critical praise from far and wide, and put him on the musical map as a sensitive folk-rock artist.

Freedy Johnston
A songwriter whose lyrics paint sometimes witty, often poignant portraits of characters often unaware of how their lives have gone wrong, Freedy Johnston seemingly appeared out of nowhere in the early 90s and quickly established himself as one of the most acclaimed new singer/songwriters of the day. Johnston, now based in New York city, was born in 1961 in Kinsley, Kansas, a small town with the odd distinction of being equidistant between New York City and San Francisco.

Tickets for Jeffrey Gaines and Freedy Johnston range from $19 to $29 and may be purchased by visiting www.thenewtontheatre.com or contact the box office at 973-383-3700.

The historic Newton Theatre, located at 234 Spring Street in Newton.