In the late 1970s, John Gorka was a regular hangout at Godfrey Daniels, one of the oldest and most venerable music institutions in eastern Pennsylvania. Soon he found himself living in the club's basement and acting as resident emcee and soundman, encountering legendary folk troubadours like Stan Rogers, Eric Andersen, Tom Paxton, and Claudia Schmidt. Soon he started traveling to New York City, where Jack Hardy's legendary Fast Folk circle, a breeding ground for many a major singer/songwriter, became a powerful source of education and encouragement. From there he went to Boston, and to Texas' Kerrville Folk Festival, where he won the New Folk Award in 1984.

Gorka's stunningly soulful baritone voice and emerging songwriting was turning heads. In 1987, he released his first album, I Know, to popular and critical acclaim. With other albums rolling out, Rolling Stone dubbed him "the preeminent male singer/songwriter of the new folk movement." His rich multi-faceted songs full of depth, beauty and emotion gained increasing attention from critics and audiences across the country, as well as in Europe, where his tours led him through Italy, Belgium, Scotland, Ireland, Holland, Switzerland, and Germany.

His material is championed by many: to date, more than a score of artists have recorded and/or performed John Gorka songs, including Mary Chapin Carpenter, Mary Black and Maura O'Connell. He also started sharing tours with many notable friends, including Nanci Griffith. His video for the single "When She Kisses Me" found a long-term rotation on VH-1's program, Current Country, as well as on CMT and the Nashville Network. Gorka has also graced the stage of Austin City Limits.

Amilia Spicer, whose music is described as "stunning" by Applause magazine, will open the show and play a few tunes with Gorka during this performance.

For tickets visit www.swallowhillmusic.org or call (303) 777-1003. Swallow Hill Music Association is located at 71 East Yale Avenue (just off Broadway) in Denver.