Singer-Songwriter Steve Spurgin Returns on Sept. 9

In the world of Folk and Americana music, some traditional songs have been beloved for centuries and are known all over the world. They form the basis of our musical heritage and are well-loved by performers and audiences alike. Occasionally a song composed by a contemporary songwriter appears and is so universal in its appeal that it quickly becomes a de-facto "traditional" song.

One of these is "A Walk in the Irish Rain," by Steve Spurgin. It has been performed and recorded by dozens of artists over the years, and was in the repertoire of two local bands, Will James and Paint a Rose. Spurgin performed in May of 2015 with guitarist, Dan Crary and banjo player, Bill Evans. He will take the stage at Fiddlers Crossing on Friday, September 9 for a solo concert.

A musical life began early for Steve Spurgin, starting with lessons in classical piano at age five, and then moving on to French horn and choral training in school. The performing bug bit him in the early '60s when he picked up a guitar and started entertaining his schoolmates with the songs of his musical heroes, such as Bob Dylan and Gordon Lightfoot.

In the summer of 1965, Spurgin launched a professional career that has touched on six decades. After playing folk music in and around Dallas, Texas, for a few years, Spurgin moved to the Los Angeles area, bought a set of drums and spent the next 15 years providing the backbeat for various bands – everything from rock to bluegrass. He played behind such performers as Freddy Fender, Mason Williams, The Limeliters and Byron Berline's cutting-edge country/bluegrass band Sundance, which also included Vince Gill. During his time in California, he also did studio session work on the drums as well as voice-over work for TV and radio commercials.

Spurgin moved back to Texas in 1983 and joined the honky tonk scene. He eventually picked up an electric bass and once again joined Bryon Berline in a band that became California, and included Dan Crary, John Hickman and John Moore. California won three consecutive IBMA Instrumental Group of the Year awards and traveled throughout the world, performing its own brand of power bluegrass.

Throughout his performing career, Spurgin continued to pursue his true passion -- songwriting. He spent three years as a Nashville staff writer for The Welk Music Group, assigned to Gene Watson and Reba McEntire. That association saw many of his songs recorded, and produced two major country hits for Watson. With a B.M.I. award in hand, Spurgin started his own publishing company for his songs that have now been circulated far and wide, such as "She Always Smelled Like Lilacs", "Muley Was a Railroad Man", "Band of Angels," and, of course, "A Walk in the Irish Rain."

In 1994, after winning the prestigious "New Folk" award at the Kerrville Folk Festival, Spurgin began concentrating on a solo career and has become one of the most distinctive and enjoyable singer/songwriters on the Americana music scene. His live performances showcase original songs full of insight, humor, love, tears and nostalgia.

In the world of singer-songwriters, Steve Spurgin is the genuine article.

For more see spurginmusic.com or fiddlerscrossing.com

Fiddlers Crossing is at 206 East F Street at Robinson Street, in Downtown Tehachapi. Tickets may be purchased next door at Mountain Music, at Tehachapi Treasure Trove, Tehachapi Furniture in Old Town, and Lucky's Barbershop, or online through Fiddlerscrossing.com. Tickets to the concert are $20, and as always, coffee and goodies are included. The concert begins at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.