Billy Bragg is coming to the  Center for the Arts in Grass Valley on October 30 at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $30.00

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jphA05ka6E

Billy Bragg has been described by The Times in London as a “national treasure.” Finding inspiration in the socially conscious folk tradition of Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan, Bragg has spent over two decades making an indelible mark on the conscience of British music that has carried over to the US and Canada. He has released consistently celebrated solo records as well as two Grammy nominated albums with Wilco – Mermaid Avenue and Mermaid Avenue, Volume II. Bragg’s most recent CD Mr. Love and Justice blends social justice with the power of personal relationships.

He was born Steven William Bragg in Essex, England. He has worked alongside British parliamentarians, unskilled unemployed workers, members of the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, young music hopefuls, unsung buskers in the street, incarcerated convicts, newly liberated refugees, punk rockers and striking dockers.

Billy Bragg has recorded hit singles, composed Top Ten albums, penned political anthems sung at rallies, kept alive traditional English folk songs, put his own spin on America’s greatest folk catalog and sung his heart out doing so. He has appeared on both MTV and late night talk shows. He’s written essays for many daily newspapers and several notable weekly journals.

In 2006 he authored his first book, The Progressive Patriot, an eloquent protest against the extremist British National Party electing twelve councilors in his east London hometown.

Bragg was awarded the Classic Songwriter award by Q magazine. One of the first in the audience to shake his hand in congratulations during that warm moment was Sir Paul McCartney. Typically Bragg used the attention of the record industry audience to make a plea for contributions to his program to supply guitars to prison inmates. The name of this program is Jail Guitar Doors, a name Billy chose in honor of his early heroes, The Clash, who had a song by that name.

Tickets at:

The Center Box Office – 314 W. Main St, Grass Valley, 530-274-8384 ext 14
Box Office hours: noon to 5:00PM, Wednesday through Saturday

BriarPatch Co-op – 530-272-5333

After the Gold Rush Records – 530-265-3090

Cherry Records – 530-823-2147