Live From Center Stage

Thea Hopkins

Internationally touring performing songwriter Thea Hopkins calls her music American Short Story Folk: concise, striking narratives, they tell of American romance, tragedy and triumph in modern terms.

Her summer 2015 tour of England included performances at the Greenbelt Festival and the Moseley Folk Festival. This was her third tour of England in three years. In 2013 and 2014, Thea toured England in support of her 2013 EP ‘Lilac Sky’. Her August 2014 of England kicked off in Manchester opening for David Bromberg & Larry Campbell. Other performances in England have included Grateful Fred’s Presents At The Atkinson, the Green Note in London, the Saltaire Festival, the Brunswick, the Guitar Bar and the “From A Distance- Festival of Americana Music.

“Lilac Sky” features pianist Tim Ray (Lyle Lovett), guitarist Peter Parcek (Blues Foundation Award nominee), drummer Mike Piehl (Chris Smither, Peter Wolf) and bassist Paul Kochanski (The Swinging Steaks). Guitarist/mandola player, Andy Hollinger and guitarist Cameron Peterson add atmospheric touches to several of the tunes. Country-rock singer/songwriter Susan Cattaneo provides harmony vocals.

Thea first came to greater notice in 2004, with the recording of her song ‘Jesus Is On The Wire’ by Peter, Paul & Mary. It is recognized as one of their later signature songs. ‘Jesus Is On The Wire’ has been called a ‘modern classic’ (Roberta Schwartz – Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange) and ‘chilling’ and ‘unforgettable’ by the All Music Guide.

A “standout songwriter” (Washington Post) Thea Hopkins’ songs reflects the sturdy virtues that are native to American popular music. Peter, Paul & Mary wrote: “Thea Hopkins is one of the most literate, poetic, emotionally moving of the new songwriters to arrive on the scene in the last few years.” Her 2008 CD “Chickasaw” received a 4 star review from Britain’s Maverick Magazine. “Thea Hopkins possesses a voice that stands up to her material,” wrote Americana-UK. And Susan Werner wrote: “It’s a voice with the mystery and power of the late, great Nick Drake.”

She is a member of the Wampanoag Tribe of Aquinnah, Martha’s Vineyard. She also boasts Nottoway (Iroquois), African-American, Irish, French and Portuguese ancestry.

Thea has opened for Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Richie Havens, Maura O’Connell, Peggy Seeger, Susan Werner, John Hammond, Ellis Paul, Brooks Williams and Katy Moffatt. She’s performed at many venues including Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, Club Passim, Johnny D’s, Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe, Utah’s Sundance Film Festival, The Coffee Gallery near L.A., and The Bitter End in N.Y.C. Thea’s music receives airplay here and overseas.

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