(NORTH ADAMS, Mass.) – Country singer-songwriter Jason Isbell, former member of Southern-rock sensations Drive-By Truckers, performs at MASS MoCA on Friday, August 15, 2014, at 8pm. Isbell is riding high on critical acclaim for last year’s solo album, “Southeastern,” which has been described as his “Blood on the Tracks” or “Tunnel of Love” in its searing intimacy and stripped-down intensity. The album garnered Isbell nominations for Best Song, Best Album, and Artist of the Year for 2014 from the Americana Music Association’s Honors & Awards; NPR rock critic Ken Tucker and American Songwriter magazine called it the best album of 2013.

Isbell, a native of rural North Alabama, launched his solo career in 2007, after his amicable departure from Drive-By Truckers. Isbell’s slow, careful writing style lends itself to music wrought with emotion that move people to do what one couple did at the New Orleans Jazz festival this year; a marriage proposal in the middle of Isbell’s set made Rolling Stone’s “20 Best Things We Saw At New Orleans Jazz Fest 2014.” Isbell writes open-hearted songs full of storm and drama that burst with personal truths, and echo the southern sounds of his Alabama upbringing. Add a little bit of thunder and that’s a good indicator of his sound.

Part of MASS MoCA’s summer concert series, Jason Isbell performs outside in Courtyard C (or inside the Hunter Center if it rains) on Friday, August 15, at 8pm. Standing room only. Fresh salads, hearty sandwiches, and tasty burritos are available from Lickety Split before and during the show. A full bar serves Berkshire Brewing Company beers and Berkshire Mountain Distillery spirits. Tickets are $24 advance, and $30 day of show. Members receive a 10% discount. Tickets are available through the MASS MoCA box office, located on Marshall Street in North Adams. Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling 413.662.2111 x1 during box office hours or purchased online at MASS MoCA.

MASS MoCA is one of the world’s liveliest (and largest) centers for making and enjoying the best new art of our time, across all media: music, art, dance, theater, film, and video. Hundreds of works of visual and performing art have been created on its 19th-century factory campus during fabrication and rehearsal residencies in North Adams, making MASS MoCA among the most productive sites in the country for the creation and presentation of new art. More platform than box, MASS MoCA strives to bring to its audiences art and shared learning experiences that are fresh, engaging, and transformative. MASS MoCA is the home of Solid Sound, Wilco’s music and arts festival; the FreshGrass festival of bluegrass and roots music; and The Bang on a Can Festival of contemporary music.

From June 21 through September 1, 2014, MASS MoCA’s galleries are open 10am to 6pm every day, Sundays through Wednesdays, with extended evening hours to 7pm on Thursdays through Saturdays, when performing arts events are often featured. In non-summer months, MASS MoCA’s galleries are open 11am to 5pm every day except Tuesdays. The Hall Art Foundation’s Anselm Kiefer exhibition is open seasonally, from spring through fall. Gallery admission is $18 for adults, $16 for veterans and seniors, $12 for students, $6 for children 6 to 16, and free for children 5 and under. Members are admitted free year-round. For additional information, call 413.662.2111 x1 or visit MASS MoCA.