Stage 33 Live welcomes the return of London-born, Oxford-educated Rupert Wates and his thoroughly American acoustic folk steeped in deep wells of cabaret and jazz on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at 7:00 PM. With the lyricism of Gordon Lightfoot and the attention to craft of Richard Thompson, his highly developed songwriting is by turns vulnerable and bold, featuring intricate lyrics and memorable melodies, exceptional guitar skills, and a smooth, expressive voice. He's released eleven acclaimed solo albums and won dozens of songwriting awards, and his work has been covered by artists in the UK, Canada, and the US, including two tribute albums to his material. The doors to large venues and big festivals are open to him, but he prefers intimate, up-close audiences in small listening rooms where the emphasis is on the music. The recognition that regular people are what make the world extraordinary reflects in his vivid, sophisticated songwriting about the American experience.

"A prime figure in American music." — Folk And Acoustic Music Exchange

"As the former manager of the late Harry Chapin, I've heard my share of story songs. Rupert's are right up there with the best." — Bob Hinkle

"Gripping lyrics with great themes and troubling, witty messages." — Leith Radio, Scotland

"Astonishing fingerpicking chops." — Monterey County Weekly

Tom Pirozzoli's recordings have had national and international success, and he's in the Smithsonian Folkways Collection. He's been on the Top 40 AAA charts, had a featured release at Tower Records, and has worked with artists like Greg Brown, Jesse Winchester, Doc Watson, and Willy Porter. Sophisticated guitar playing forms a rich backdrop for his warm tenor, with melodies and lyrics exploring a wide range of the human and global experience. His encounters with people, cultures, and ideas while traveling Europe, South America, India, Southeast Asia, China, and Tibet continue to enrich and deepen his music. His relaxed stage presence features endearing, funny, insightful spontaneous patter. These days, Pirozzoli only performs a handful of times annually as he focuses on his successful fine art career. Stage 33 Live is enthused to have him back in the room.

"Good sound, man!" – Taj Mahal

"You can't write like he does without leaning into each line." – Willy Porter

"Hypnotic soothing vocals and rich guitar textures… well crafted." – Sing Out

"Pirozzoli's poetic lyrics make his songs worth reading as well as hearing." – Boston Sunday Globe

Sunday, May 19 2024, 7:00 PM, Stage 33 Live at 33 Bridge Street in Bellows Falls, Vermont. Advance tickets are $15, or $20 at the door. Door opens at 6:00, music starts at 7:00. 100% of tickets sales support the performers. Admission is limited to 40. The event will be recorded and filmed.

Stage 33 Live is a casual and intimate industrial-rustic listening room in a former factory hosting local, regional, and national performances and presentations of original material. No bar or kitchen, the stage is the mission; coffee / soda / juice / water and weird snacks available by donation. More info about the nonprofit, all-volunteer project, and this and other upcoming events, online at stage33live.com

Stage 33 Live gratefully acknowledges the help of so many individuals without whom none of this would be able to happen, and institutional support this season from The Island Corporation, the Vermont Arts Council, Guilford Sound, WOOL-FM, the Rockingham Arts & Museum Project, and Chroma Technologies to help fund improvements and maintenance, and generally smooth out a lot of the rough edges. Stage 33 Live is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and all donations are deductible to the fullest extent. Volunteers run the thing from stem to stern.

May 21, 2024, 10 to 10:45 AM

May 21, 2024, 5 to 6:30 PM

May 23, 2024, 5:30 to 7 PM