The Hudson Valley north of New York City is home for Tom Chapin, but something about Nova Scotia keeps drawing him back every year.
Usually, the singer-songwriter performs at the Ovens Natural Park, but this year he will be at Truro’s Marigold Centre on the evening of Aug. 11. The 73-year old has played music ever since he was 12 and has made his annual trip to Nova Scotia for 30 years, where he has a second home and five grandchildren.
“Nova Scotia is one of my loves and people are so appreciative of the singer-songwriter tradition,” said Chapin. “It’s a magical place – it’s like being on an island up in Scotland and Ireland. In the Bay of Fundy, the weather changes minute to minute.”
Since he first stood on a stage alongside his brothers aged just 12, Chapin’s career has seen him play countless gigs, act on Broadway and has also worked on films, radio and TV shows. He specializes in both folk and children’s music and his songs typically tell myriad stories.
On stage, Chapin sings and plays a banjo, guitar and an auto-harp.
In 60 years of performing music, Chapin’s efforts have earned him eight Grammy Award nominations and three wins.
“I guess I’m now officially a folk elder,” Chapin quipped.
Chapin also launched his solo recording career in 1976 with his first album Life Is Like That. His latest album Threads is his 25th and latest adult record, released earlier this year.
His latest work tells the stories of his two youngest grandchildren, but Chapin has honoured all five through his music.
“There’s songs for each,” said Chapin.
His show at the Marigold Centre starts at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 11 and runs for two hours at the venue on 605 Prince Street.
For more information on both this and other upcoming events, please visit http://www.marigoldcentre.ca.
