John Howie, Jr., alt-country singer/songwriter, spoke with me recently about his upcoming workshop and show at the Gaithersburg Arts Barn on July 29, 2023. His inspired music, his country songs rooted in country bedrock, with his own spin baritone, and his thoughtful insights on making music and the music business will be a memorable chapter in the Barn’s long-running Singer Songwriter Concert Series.

John’s 30 years of writing and performing alt-country, honky-tonk punk rock has produced. He’s been part of the North Carolina Triangle music scene with Two Dollar Pistols, Rosewood Bluff, and Sarah Shook and the Disarmers. His 2018 solo album, Not Tonight has been called “a country breakup album of unusual clarity and emotional resonance.”  Just prior to our interview, John had been in the studio making fresh recordings for the Fall 2023 re-release of material from dormant album, On Down the Track.

The 7:30 p.m. concert will feature music spanning his long career – Two Dollar Pistols era, the Rosewood Bluff band, selections from Not Tonight and his new work. For this show, he will be joined on stage by classically trained violinist/cellist Sarah Glasco.

Whether you write or play music, or wonder how music happens behind the scenes, plan join the workshop on Saturday afternoon. Expect an interactive conversation about the nuts and bolts of songwriting, the music business, “mailbox $” and some advice about managing variables of life as a songwriter.

John Howie, Jr. wrapped up our chat by saying -“In the face of mass media and commercial forces, the creative stuff we can put out as individuals is EVEN MORE IMPORTANT to make the world a better place.  Make the world a better place – write your own song.”

Plan to hear John Howie, Jr. in person on July 29 at the Arts Barn with Special Guest, Annie Stokes.

TICKETS: Concert $30 | Combo Workshop + Concert $50

Arts Barn 311 Kent Square Road Gaithersburg, MD 20878 (301) 258 – 6394