An Evening with Tom Rush

Saturday, October 18, 2025
AN EVENING WITH TOM RUSH Accompanied by Matt Nakoa, piano
 

Tom Rush shows overflow with the rib-aching laughter of terrific storytelling, the sweet melancholy of ballads and the passion of gritty blues. Still magically understated, and completely mesmerizing onstage after five decades writing and playing on stages worldwide, he still does what audiences love him for…passionately, tenderly…knitting together the musical traditions and talents of our times.

American music legend, major international talent, contemporary singer–songwriter-guitarist-storyteller and clear audience favorite, Rush began his long, celebrated performing career at a Harvard Square Open Mic as a student in 1960s Boston. His early recordings introduced the world to the work of Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne and James Taylor. Widely credited with “ushering in the singer-songwriter movement” [Rolling Stone], he helped shape the folk revival in the ’60s and the renaissance of the ’80s and ’90s, his music leaving its stamp on generations of artists. Not only Taylor and Mitchell, but Emmylou Harris, Tom Petty and Garth Brooks have cited Rush as a major influence. Over the years Rush brought attention to emerging artists such as Nanci Griffith and Shawn Colvin.

Tom Rush still does – and does well – what audiences love him for: writing and playing …passionately, tenderly…knitting together the musical traditions and talents of our times.
 
“Probably the only man alive who should be allowed to sing Joni Mitchell songs” CHICAGO TRIBUNE
 

Matt Nakoa, piano accompaniment

“On the ivories a hot-handed phenom who can go from Chopin to beer-drenched honkytonk in one set..he drops jaws” BOSTON GLOBE

Young, international touring singer/songwriter Nakoa has already appeared at The White House, throughout India, and regularly accompanies folk icon Tom Rush. A multi-instrumentalist, he is a modern troubadour who makes his home on the highways and concert stages of America. Across the board his song craft has garnered awards. He has rapidly garnered attention and praise as uniquely dynamic, garnering multiple songwriting awards, including a win at Kerrville Folk Festivalʼs new folk competition. His album Antique Dances is a critically acclaimed throwback, old world piano record.


“Matt Nakoa is musically adept, one of those well kept secrets you just can’t help but celebrate: intimate and genuine, soulful and bittersweet WASHINGTON POST

“It was summer entertainment at its quintessential best, evergreen, ever-growing vet…Rush’s extraordinary stage presence captivated the audience. His distinctive baritone simply skimmed over the hushed crowd toward the open sea” BOSTON GLOBE

“Superb, triumphant” SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER

“Fluid, gorgeous, ravishing, ditsy, inventive, gritty elegant. The music cast an intimate spell” BOSTON HERALD

Personal Responsibility Statement: Proctors prides itself on offering a diverse selection of arts entertainment. Not all productions may appeal to or be appropriate for every person or for all ages. Patrons are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the shows we offer in order to make informed decisions prior to purchasing tickets.

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