Flat Rock Playhouse presents the Music on the Rock concert “The Songs of James Taylor and Joni Mitchell: Unplugged,” July 10-19, starring local singer-songwriter Tom Fisch and Julie Foldesi, who returns to the Playhouse following her debut in Music of the Night: A Tribute to Andrew Lloyd Webber earlier in the season. The two performers will perform such songs as “Both Sides, Now,” “Fire and Rain,” “Big Yellow Taxi,” “How Sweet It Is (to Be Loved By You),” “Help Me,” “Carolina In My Mind.”
ABOUT THE MUSICAL INSPIRATIONS FOR THE CONCERT
Raised in Chapel Hill, James Taylor is most known for his folk-rock sound and his down-to-earth lyrics. Beginning his career in the 1970s, Taylor quickly rose to the top of the Billboard charts with the song “Fire and Rain.” That same year, Taylor’s album, Sweet Baby James, was nominated for a Grammy Award for Album of the Year. That same album would later be listed as one of Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time in 2003.
Canadian-born singer, songwriter, and painter Joni Mitchell began her career in small coffeehouses before heading to the bright lights of New York City. In 1969, her second album, Clouds, featured the songs “Both Sides, Now,” and “Chelsea Morning.” Mitchell became another key artist in the Folk-Rock movement with her poetic music voicing the spirit of the ‘60s and ‘70s. Her personal album Blue was voted #30 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time in 2003. Known as “one of the greatest songwriters ever” (Rolling Stone Magazine) and as one of the “most important influential female recording artist of the late 20th Century” (Allmusic), Joni Mitchell with her unique guitar style continues to be an inspiration.
ABOUT THE PERFORMERS FOR THE CONCERT
Tom Fisch is a Henderson County singer-songwriter whose diverse, original songwriting draws from the traditions of folk and country. Originally from Albany, N.Y., Fisch drew his inspiration from singers and players like Doc Watson, James Taylor, Dan Fogelberg, Tony Rice, the Byrds, and traditional folk and country artists. His playing and writing were also greatly influenced by singer-songwriters such as Dave Mallett, John Prine, Steve Goodman, and Jonathan Edwards. Fisch entertained audiences for many years throughout the Northeast at colleges, clubs, coffeehouses, festivals and fairs.
In 1991, Fisch moved to Nashville, Tenn., to further his songwriting career. He formed his own publishing company, October Boy Records, and his songs have been recorded by a number of artists, including the Oak Ridge Boys and Swiss country singer Erica Arnold. In 2004, Tom relocated to Western North Carolina. His main focus now lies in his own career as a performer and has released two albums – We Could Use a Little Rain and October Boy.
Julie Foldesi is a North Carolina native. Though raised in Raleigh, her family spent many years living in Asia and traveling the world. Her mother is a coal-miner’s daughter from Kentucky. Julie received a BA in Opera performance from UNC- Chapel Hill, though she had her sights on Broadway. Julie has been in several Broadway shows (South Pacific, Little Women, The Full Monty), many national tours, regional shows and New York productions. She is valued as an artist for her versatility, singing soprano, belt, pop and country. She also plays guitar, piano and ukulele. Her greatest passion is songwriting. She has a folk-bluegrass band and titled her first release This Part of Town. She is currently working on her second album.
James Taylor and Joni Mitchell: Unplugged is onstage July 10-19, in the Second Stage cabaret space. Performances will be Sunday-Tuesday at 8 p.m. All tickets are $22 and can be purchased by calling the Playhouse box office at 828-693-0731, toll-free at 866-732-8008 or online at www.flatrockplayhouse.org . Flat Rock Playhouse is located at 2661 Greenville Hwy in Flat Rock.
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