Tom Rush, a bonafide folk music legend who still brings it, is coming to the Spire on Aug. 24. With seminal hits like “The Circle Game,” “Urge for Going,” and “No Regrets,” Rush helped usher in the folk revival of the 1960s. On 1968’s “The Circle Game,” he covered songs by Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, and Jackson Brown. Now 83, he has been performing for more than 60 years.
In a phone interview, he spoke about how his relationship to music changed as he’s gotten older.
“I think my shows have gotten better,” Rush said. “It’s because the audience doesn’t want perfection, they want connection. And that’s good news for me because I’m no good at perfection at all. But connecting, I’ve gotten better at it. I have more fun telling stories between the songs and I think I’m better at delivering the songs in a way that connects with people.”
I was curious to find out whether his connection to the lyrics in his songs had changed as well.
“Well, it’s funny that ‘Child’s Song,’ written by Murray McLauchlan, a Canadian friend, used to make the kids cry. Now it makes the parents cry, and it actually even makes the grandparents cry.”
At the Spire, Rush plans a mix of old and new music. “Old favorites are why people come to shows,” he said. “But I wrote all the songs on this new album (“Garden’s Old, Flowers New”). Though a couple of them are fairly old. There’s one I wrote for my daughter when she was a baby. She just turned 25. For writing, I kind of have to sit around with nothing to do and, hopefully, songs come floating through the room, and I try to catch them before they float away.”
Rush, especially given his long experience, is an expert at reading the room when he plays live.
“I respond to the audience. If they like the funny songs, I’ll lean more in the funny direction. If they like ‘Child’s Song’ and it makes them cry, I’ll go that way,” he said. “But I go on stage knowing the song I’m going to start with and the song I’m going to end with, and in between, it tends to be pretty flexible.”
He also has maintained a sense of humor.
“Because this is my 63rd annual farewell tour, I’ve got more experience, more things to write about, more perhaps interesting ways to think about things that have happened,” Rush said.
At the Spire, he will be accompanied by singer/songwriter Matt Nokoa. “He’s an absolutely brilliant musician,” Rush said. “And he turns out to be a brilliant record producer, too. He produced my latest album. And I think it’s my best yet.”
The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $55 for the concert and $80 for the VIP experience. You can get them here.
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August 21
Wut It Iz will headline this week’s Project Arts free concert at Pilgrim Memorial Park on the waterfront. This six-piece dance band plays funk, disco, rock classics, and current dance hits. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday Walks at Mass Audubon Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary. At this weekly hour-and-a-half event, you can find out about the sanctuary’s successful wetlands restoration during a two-mile hike. You will get to see the sanctuary’s native plant and animal species. No registration required. Meet at 60 Beaver Dam Road at 10 a.m.
See Plymouth’s Friday’s Live Music on Shirley Square continues with Just Two Guys, performing outside at 4 North St. between 4 and 6 p.m. This event is free. For more information, go here.
August 22
The Spire presents Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. The seminal rock and blues band, with a legendary horn section, has released more than 30 albums over the last 48 years and is known for its high energy performances. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $99 and you can get them here.
L. Knife & Son hosts the free Thursday Concert Series at the Pilgrim Memorial Park Amphitheater on Plymouth’s waterfront, from 7 to 9 p.m., at 79 Water St.
The Spire presents Spyro Gyra: 50th Anniversary. This well-regarded pop-jazz band has released more than 30 albums and performed more than 10,000 concerts. Tickets are $70 and you can get them here.
August 24
The Spire presents Tom Rush with Matt Nakoa. See the lead item in this week’s column for more.
The Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce presents its annual waterfront festival. Events will include the annual Ducky Dash Race as well live entertainment by Annie O and the Mallet Brothers – among others – and the annual Motor Head’s Cruise-In Car Show. More than 200 exhibitors will be featured in the arts and crafts show. There will be tables for local nonprofits and activities for kids. Now in its 38th year, the Chamber aims to highlight the Town of Plymouth and its merchants, artisans, crafters. and entertainers. It all takes place on Water Street from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. For more information, go here.
August 25
Plymouth Memorial Hall presents Boston Bruins Fan Fest. Hockey fans can enjoy hockey activities and interactive exhibits, shop Bruins merchandise and take a turn in the NESN Play-by-Play Kiosk. “Engaging the next generation of Bruins fans has been an important part of our Centennial celebration,” said Boston Bruins President Cam Neely. At 83 Court St. from 12 to 4 p.m., this event is free but you are encouraged to pre-register here.
August 28
Brothers Project will headline this week’s Project Arts free concert at Pilgrim Memorial Park on the waterfront. This Allman Brother’s tribute band will perform under blue skies in the final concert of the 2024 season. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. and it’s free.
Wednesday Walks at Mass Audubon Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary. At this weekly hour-and-a-half event, you can find out about the sanctuary’s successful wetlands restoration during a two-mile hike. You will get to see the sanctuary’s native plant and animal species. No registration required. Meet at 60 Beaver Dam Road at 10 a.m.
August 29
The Spire presents Life & Lyrics Concert and Podcast Series with Cara Brindisi, in an unusual format of interviews and performances with some of her favorite musicians, talking with them about their music and lives. This month’s event features singer-songwriter-guitarist Sarah Blacker. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and you can get them here.
L. Knife & Son hosts the free Thursday Concert Series at the Pilgrim Memorial Park Amphitheater on Plymouth’s waterfront, from 7 to 9 p.m., at 79 Water St.
August 30
The Spire presents Asleep at the Wheel, led by Ray Benson. The band has been performing western swing music for more than 50 years. Representing an important cornerstone of American roots music, Asleep at the Wheel has 30 albums and10 Grammys, and has put in countless miles on the road. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $72 and you can get them here.