Jesse Rubin and Vance Gilbert with D. B. Purkis
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Jesse Ruben is a singer/songwriter who recently moved to Atlanta after spending the last 15 years in Brooklyn. Best known for his lyrical storytelling and engaging live shows, his songs have been heard on more than a dozen TV shows in the US and abroad including Teen Mom, Switched at Birth, The Bachelor (Germany), and the recent Disney+ series Diary of a Future President. His most recent single “This Is Why I Need You” reached the top 10 in 12 different countries and has been streamed more than 65 million times across all platforms. He has recorded live sessions for NPR and MTV Asia and has been featured on CNN and in Esquire Magazine.
Beyond his music career, Ruben is highly active in philanthropic endeavors. He has run the NYC Marathon three times for The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, the largest non-profit devoted to spinal cord injuries, and five times to raise money for Lyme disease research. He is also the founder of “The We Can Project”, an initiative for young students designed to help them discover their passions and give back to their communities. To date, more than 500,000 young people have participated. To promote the program, he was personally invited by Hoda Kotb to perform live on The Today Show.
A heart on his sleeve singer/songwriter with a combination of emotional songs and witty banter. A true artist with a heart for change, Jesse Ruben, is an undeniable force in both music and social impact.
Jesse Ruben Video: This is why I need you
“If Joni Mitchell and Richie Havens had a love child, with Rodney Dangerfield as the midwife, the results might be something close to the great Vance Gilbert”, says Richmond Magazine.
Vance’s new album, “The Mother of Trouble”, features Grammy winner Lori McKenna on background vocals, Juno award recipient and Bonnie Raitt Grammy hit song co-writer Joey Landreth on guitars, and Americana-Roots master mandolinist Joe K. Walsh. With 4 bullies, 4 deaths (3 of them murders), 3 moms, 2 accidents, 2 Black people, 2 dogs, 1 dog ball, and 1 missed flight thanks to gas station sushi, this album benefits from the gifts of time and experience honing songwriting skills that put this most vital of acoustic storytellers at the top of the game.”
Get ready to experience the legendary Vance Gilbert, a trailblazer in the R&B/Folk/Jazz crossover scene! Hailing from Philadelphia, Vance’s unique blend of storytelling and musical mastery has earned him a devoted following. With a voice that will knock your socks off, and guitar skills likened to “a god,” Gilbert has dazzled audiences nationwide. From opening for icons like Arlo Guthrie and Anita Baker to stunning crowds at prestigious festivals worldwide, including Newport and Woodford Folk, Vance is a true force of nature. Don’t miss the chance to see this one-of-a-kind performer take the stage — it’s a musical experience like no other!
Vance Gilbert Video: A Change is Gonna Come
DB Purkis brings a warm, nostalgic sound that bridges the golden age of American folk and blues with contemporary storytelling. A self-taught guitarist with a deep respect for musical tradition, Purkis discovered his passion by immersing himself in his older brother’s carefully curated vinyl collection, drawing inspiration from classic folk revivalists, blues pioneers, and roots musicians.
His performances pay homage to the storyteller tradition that defines folk music, blending heartfelt lyrics with timeless melodies that resonate with audiences who appreciate rare authenticity. Drawing from both traditional songs and original compositions, Purkis delivers an intimate and engaging experience, which reminds listeners of music’s power to connect and inspire.
His approach to songwriting embodies the art of unpacking stories through melody and verse. With honest, unvarnished delivery, Purkis connects deeply with those who appreciate a blend of raw artistry and meaningful melodies which channel American roots music seamlessly into an ever-evolving world.