At Dykstra Park.
NOTE: if the threat of rain causes a postponement, the show will be rescheduled for Saturday August 22th at Dykstra Park.
Please check back on the home page after 2pm on Friday August 21st for any updates. Our Facebook page will also have updated information.
Please note that Dykstra Park concerts must adhere to Sparta Township regulations, including the prohibition on dogs (except for service dogs with a current valid permit presented) being in the park.
Official site: www.peterkarp.com/
PETER KARP AND THE ROADSHOW IN SPARTA
The Sparta Summer Concert Series is proud to present the return of Peter Karp and The Roadshow to The Nicholson Pavilion Stage this Friday evening. Peter Karp is known for many things. An assertive singer, a skilled guitarist and a passionate performer, he’s also an individual who writes songs that frequently reflect tales told as part of life’s journey, spawned by passion and personal experience. Consequently he’s not easily confined to any singular genre. Blues, Americana and rock and roll reverence all find common ground within his visceral template. He taps tradition and yet also maintains contemporary credence. As his friend and collaborator, Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor once noted, “Guys like Peter Karp, James Taylor and Bob Dylan embody Americana Blues, and us English guys are inspired by it.”
That’s never been more evident than on Karp’s striking new album, Magnificent Heart. A stirring collection of songs and observations, it bends the boundaries from blues to ballads, all conveyed with the insight and authority for which Karp’s come to be known. Whether it’s the gritty defiance inherent in such songs as “Sitting on Top of the World” and “The Letter,” the assured swagger of “This World,” the stoic determination inherent in “The Grave,” or the softer sentiments conveyed through “The World,” “Scared,” “The Last Heartbeat,” and “Face the Wind,” Karp conveys a knowing perspective that resonates through common cause.
Written and produced by Karp, Magnificent Heart features Karp on slide guitar, solo guitar, guitar, piano and vocals, along with Kim Wilson (harmonica), Jason Ricci (harmonica), John Ginty (B3 organ), Jim Eingher (piano and keyboard), Paul Carbonara (guitar and solo guitar on “The Letter,” “This World”), James Otis Karp (solo guitar on “Scared”), Niles Terrat (bass), Edward Williams (bass), Michael Catapano (drums/percussion), Cold City Horns (Jacob Wynne, trumpet and David Kasper, tenor sax), and Eyrn O’ree (background vocals).
“What turns me on is absolute honesty,” Karp confesses. “You have to take it seriously to stay committed to who you are and where you’re coming from. That’s the way I connect to my audience. You can’t BS people. It’s always about honesty.”
The singer, songwriter and fine guitarist Don Elliker, a Sparta native, will be opening the concert with “Me And My Big Ideas”. Don is a past winner of the MTV Beach House Band Search and he’s a member of the popular trio Blue Country. He will be bringing his latest songs and his guitar for a solo performance.
The FREE concert begins at 7PM in Dykstra Park, 22 Woodport Road, Sparta. Bring family and friends, lawn chairs, picnics and masks. Protocols for social distancing and the safety of the public will be strictly enforced. All attendees are asked to stay with their groups. All are asked to wear masks when entering and when walking around for any reason. Each group will be asked to provide contact tracing information. In the case of inclement weather, the show will be held on Saturday August 22nd. Please visit www.spartaarts.org or Sparta Arts @ Facebook for additional information and updates.