Music percolates at Butler Little Theatre
The Butler Little Theatre is hosting a Coffee House Series to promote local singers and songwriters.
Songwriter, musician and saxophone player Brad Yoder from the Pittsburgh area will take the stage on Saturday at the theater at One Howard St.
Connie Donovan of the BLT said: “Acknowledged as 'ruling the Pittsburgh coffee house scene,' Brad's unique mix of humorous, poetic, political, funky and edgy original songs, covering a musical range from folk to indie rock, has earned him a loyal following.”
Yoder has opened for a diverse range of artists including Emmylou Harris and Robyn Hitchcock, and has played the second stage for David Gray, Peter Paul & Mary, and Steve Earle/Jackson Browne.
He has sold more than 7,000 copies of five self-released CDs. Several of his works have appeared on television shows.
Yoder also tutors math and German by day and plays some steady gigs by night.
“I play small musical gigs, including coffee shops, churches, farmers markets, and the occasional college show. I also host an open mic once a month. Currently my work is probably 60 percent tutoring, 40 percent music,” he said.
Yoder's musical roots began in church during his early childhood, he said.
“I grew up doing lots of singing, mostly in church. I enjoyed making up little songs as a kid. I started playing saxophone in sixth grade and guitar in eighth grade. I majored in music at Goshen College in Indiana, and started writing songs the first year after college,” he said.
His performances typically feature original music.
“I have songs dating back to about 1991 and last week,” he said.
While Yoder draws his inspiration from everything, it is words that seem to get the juices flowing. He also sings to himself, he said.
“I try to sing to myself during the day. Children make up songs easily ... I think that most adults become self-conscious and lose that, but that doesn't have to happen. If you keep your ears and eyes open, inspiration is everywhere,” Yoder noted.
Yoder isn't just a musician but also a storyteller and involves the audience in the performance.
“People can expect to hear a wide variety of songs which blend humor, storytelling, and poetry,” he said. “I try to write songs that surprise and go to unexpected places.
“Also, there will be a few singalongs, and I'll probably play something on the soprano saxophone,” Yoder said about the event.
He also said he'll be playing a brand new song as well as an award-winning song about “Babies.”
WHO: Butler Little TheatreWHAT: Coffee House Series featuring Brad YoderWHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday; doors open at 7 p.m.WHERE: One Howard St.TICKETS: $10 at the door
