AHWAHNEE — Gordon Bok has never sung the same solo concert twice, so those gathering at Coolwater Ranch this Sunday, Sept. 15 are in for an outstanding and unbridled musical experience when he takes the stage at 4:30 p.m.
Concert host Robin Ralston is known to feature truly stellar talent at her house concerts, which carry an exciting air of rarity and celebration about them. Gordon Bok is among the best Coolwater offers in terms of high-caliber musicians.
Gordon has toured extensively, gathering friends and fans around the world. The singer/songwriter/musician is a storyteller at heart.
He’s performed with many artists and has toured with the trio Bok, Muir and Trickett for 30 years, and with his wife, harpist and singer Carol Rohl.
Despite his worldly experience, Gordon first found music in his own family, singing Scots, German, Italian, Australian and American traditional and popular songs – all learned in the places they had lived. Working boats along the coast of Maine where he grew up, the wood-carving world traveler delighted in songs of the Maritimes, and ballads and chanteys from around the globe.
“But at home, Hank Williams was our kitchen-music, especially in coastal Maine,” says the troubadour, “so I was singing those songs, too.”
When he couldn’t find what he was looking for in songs already written, Gordon began to write his own, producing a body of work that includes poems, songs, stories, choral and instrumental works.
A chorus in Maine took one of his choral works on tour to Serbia, Bulgaria and Greece as part of their American repertoire. Gordon reinvented and further developed the cantefable folk-opera form now widely used by storytellers and musicians in this country.
Gordon’s extensive repertoire gives him a rich well to draw upon for his concerts, guaranteeing a unique experience no matter where he performs. Coolwater Ranch promises to be a wonderful venue for Gordon’s musical adventure.
Passes for Gordon Bok are available now. Concerts at the ranch are small nonprofit social events attended by about 40 friends, neighbors and family. About 20 additional seats are available by arrangement to interested listeners. Reservations or passes are a must for these concerts, since space is limited. Refreshments are either provided by the host or volunteers and sometimes even a potluck.
Passes are available at Mountain Feed in Coarsegold or by contacting Robin directly at 559-760-1134 or via email. Alcohol, smoking and drugs are prohibited at the venue. Admission is free but there is a suggested donation for the artist. No children under age 16. Visit the Coolwater Ranch website for information and upcoming events. Check out Gordon Bok’s website here.
