Any divide between the clever-yet-sincere folk lyricism of John Craigie’s albums and the stand-up-comedylike storytelling of his live performances was only exemplified by his dual 2022 releases: the restrained and emotionally roiling LP Mermaid Salt and a hilarious recording of him pondering the Beatles, Abbey Road Lonely. The Portland folkie touches down on South Lamar for two nights with Grace Rowland, known for leading beloved coffee-shop-Americana combo the Blue Hit and then psych-folk favorites the Deer. The singer and multi-instrumentalist also captivates in a stripped-down setting, accompanied here by husband Jack Wilson.
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— Kevin Curtin