MARBLEHEAD — The me&thee welcomes David Mallett, one of the “most memorable Mainers” of all time, to its stage on Friday, March 15. Local favorites Marina Evans and Bernardo Baglioni open the show at 8 p.m. The me&thee coffeehouse is at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 28 Mugford St.
The cool breezes of Maine’s northlands have flowed through the songs of Mallett for more than four decades. In addition to being featured on his 14 albums, Mallett’s pen has provided material for an eclectic list of artists that includes Pete Seeger, Alison Krauss, Emmylou Harris, Kathy Mattea, John Denver and the Muppets. His tune, “The Garden Song,” is one of America’s most popular folk songs, having been recorded more than 150 times and sung around the world. He has toured consistently in folk clubs, concert halls and festivals for 30 years.
A turning point in Mallett’s career came in 1975, after he discovered that Noel Paul Stookey, of Peter, Paul and Mary, had moved to Blue Hill, Maine, and was opening a recording studio. Within six months of their initial meeting, Mallett found a true mentor in Stookey. In addition to producing Mallett’s first three albums, Stookey helped to bring his songs to a national audience.
Mallett has continued to tour nationally and has written and recorded many CDs.
Evans combines strong, sultry vocals, unusual melodies, and raw, honest lyrics into a sound entirely her own. Since her start in her hometown of Rockport, she has independently written and released three original EPs and two full-length CDs. She will be joined by her husband, Baglioni, for this show. They perform a blend of folk, Americana, and gritty blues.
Tickets are $20 in advance and $23 at the door. Student tickets are $10. Tickets are available online at www.meandthee.org. The me&thee is one of the oldest continually running acoustic coffeehouses in New England, and probably the country. It has been and will always be a volunteer, non-profit organization sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead.
Next concert: Friday, March 22: Contemporary bluegrass from California: The Barefoot Movement.