(NORTH ADAMS, Mass.) – Musical storyteller and instrumental wizard Sam Amidon will perform at MASS MoCA’s Club B-10 on Saturday, November 19, 2011, at 8 pm as part of the Alt Cabaret series. Quickly developing a cult following, Amidon has re-invented traditional folk through his melding of age-old music with the sound of today. As an expert guitarist, banjoist, and fiddler, Amidon will exhibit his contemporary folk narratives, as well as videos, field recordings, and hand-drawn cartoons.

First picking up the fiddle at age 3, Amidon began his musical career with his family’s band, and by age 8 he had made his first record playing strings for The Amidons.  Raised in Brattleboro, Vt., he was inspired by his family’s Appalachian musical heritage. Since that early start he’s been involved with a dozen bands, recording five albums with his band Assembly (which included his brother on the drums) and contributing to indie bands Doveman and Stars Like Fleas.  At age 20, Amidon released his first solo album, Solo Fiddle, featuring a novel perspective on traditional Irish music.

Forging his solo path, he recorded two albums, All is Well and But this Chicken Proved Falsehearted, as Samamidon before returning to the original presentation of his name.  He recently released the critically acclaimed album I See the Sign, arranged by Nico Muhly, composer of Oscar-nominated film The Reader.

Amidon does not limit himself to traditional folk music. He is known to inject his folk and free jazz into mainstream songs which are seemingly unrelated to the folk genre, as revealed by covers like R. Kelly’s “Relief.” In his radical interpretations of gospel, ballads, and children’s singing games, Amidon continues to challenge original performances of music.

Drinks from the MASS MoCA bar, as well as dinner and snacks from Lickety Split, are available before and during all shows. Tickets for the performance are $12 in advance and $16 day of show. Student tickets are $10. MASS MoCA members receive a 10% discount. Tickets are available through the MASS MoCA Box Office located off Marshall Street in North Adams, open from 11AM – 5 PM, closed Tuesdays. Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling 413.662.2111 during Box Office hours or purchased online at MASS MoCA.