Blues and Roots Master David Bromberg to Return to SOPAC This May

David Bromberg, a godfather of Americana music, award-winning multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter, gifted song interpreter and lauded bandmate pays a return visit to the South Orange Performing Arts Center on May 11 at 7:30 p.m., along with his quintet.

With a history steeped in musical partnerships that encompass the greats of Blues, Roots and Pop music, Bromberg's pedigree is unparalleled. Bromberg is "an American music icon" (Dr. John), and counts Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Emmylou Harris, Jerry Garcia, Bonnie Raitt, Carly Simon, The Eagles, and so many more as collaborators, fans and friends.

Bromberg's latest album, The Blues, The Whole Blues and Nothing But The Blues (Red House Records) was released last year. Produced by Levon Helm and Bob Dylan's longtime collaborator, Larry Campbell, Bromberg's first album since 2013's Only Slightly Mad is a wonderfully curated selection of deep cuts from the Blues genre, in addition to original compositions. This is Bromberg's 18th album, the latest in a solo career that began in 1971 on his self-titled debut, and SOPAC audiences can look forward to hearing selections from the new album, as well as classics from prior years. Bromberg will bring his talented band with him for an exceptional night of music with blues musicians that are fiercely devoted to the genre, and play with passion and skill.

David Bromberg was born in Philadelphia and raised in Tarrytown, New York. He attended Columbia University in the 1960s, studying guitar with Reverend Gary Davis during that period.

Proficient on fiddle, many styles of acoustic and electric guitar, pedal steel guitar and dobro, Bromberg began releasing albums of his own in the early 1970s on Columbia Records. His seven-minute rendition of "Mr. Bojangles" from 1972's Demon in Disguise, interspersed with tales about traveling with song author Jerry Jeff Walker, earned Bromberg progressive rock radioairplay. In 1973, he played mandolin, dobro, and electric guitar on Jonathan Edwards' album Have a Good Time for Me.

Bromberg released his first new studio album since 1990 with Try Me One More Time on February 27, 2007, on Appleseed Recordings. The disc includes Dylan's "It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry" and Elizabeth Cotten's "Shake Sugaree." The album was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of Best Traditional Folk Album at the 50th annual Grammy Awards in 2008. His 2011 album Use Me features guestsLevon Helm, John Hiatt, Tim O'Brien, Dr. John, Keb' Mo', Los Lobos, Widespread Panic, Linda Ronstadt, and Vince Gill. Only Slightly Mad followed in 2013, with The Blues, The Whole Blues, And Nothing But the Blues the latest in his impressive body of recordings.

The David Bromberg Quintet will bring their exuberant live show to South Orange Performing Arts Center on May 11 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go onsale toSOPAC members February 21 at noon, and to the general public on February 24 at noon. They are $38-$58 and can be purchased online at SOPACnow.org/david-bromberg, or by calling the box office at (973) 313-2787.

Since 2006, SOPAC has been serving as a premier performing arts center in the region. SOPAC offers innovative artistic and cultural experiences for diverse audiences in an intimate, inviting environment. The premier arts center hosts a variety of live performances, community events and education programs for all ages. To further expand its offerings, SOPAC has a partnership with the Juilliard School of Music to present Juilliard @ SOPAC-a series featuring upcoming musicians from the acclaimed conservatory. SOPAC is home for Seton Hall University Arts Council's performances, including Classical Concert Series, Jazz 'N the Hall performances and Seton Hall University Theatre productions. SOPAC also presents performances by its theater company in-residence, American Theater Group. For more information, visit SOPACnow.org.

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