Wilder Adkins and Beth Snapp will share the stage at the Central United Methodist Church in downtown Asheville June 2nd.
Wilder Adkins’s songwriting nods to the earthy poetry of Wendell Berry and Mary Oliver as well as folk giants Richard Thompson and Bruce Cockburn. His dry wit and deft guitar playing shine through in his work, which explores thematic territories ranging from love and hope to pirate songs. The Birmingham, Alabama-based musician and 2016 Grand Prize Winner of the NewSong Music Songwriting Competition will perform as part of the Sanctuary Sessions series on Saturday, June 2nd at the Central United Methodist Church in downtown Asheville. Songwriter Beth Snapp shares the bill.
The Sanctuary Sessions are a benefit for Blue Ridge Public Radio, with performances taking place the first three Saturday evenings in June (June 2, 9, 16). Those attending the Sanctuary Sessions may be as taken by the artists as they are by the beautiful and acoustically stunning venue. “The venue, Central United Methodist Church, sounds lovely,” says Adkins. “I have heard that Methodists only sprinkle for baptism instead of dunking. That sounds good to me because I don’t want to have to change clothes.”
Adkins is one of many past NewSong contestants sharing their tunes at the Sanctuary Sessions series. “Being part of the NewSong family has given me the chance to play for a much wider audience at some of the nations best venues,” says Adkins. “NewSong has a great network of artists, as well, who are great for networking with.”
Adkins says he is always working on something new. He will put out a Springsteen cover this summer and is looking forward to finishing up a new album this fall. “Also on the horizon,” says the songwriter, “a lullaby album and a collection of pirate songs.” And why not? We will gladly listen to whatever this clever and heartfelt songwriter from Alabama puts out.
WHAT: Sanctuary Sessions: Wilder Adkins and Beth Snapp
WHERE: Central United Methodist Church, 27 Church Street, downtown Asheville
WHEN: Saturday June 2; Doors: 7 / Show: 7:30
TICKETS: $15 advance / $20 day of show; advance tickets available theorangepeel.net
