Singer-songwriter to perform in Grand Coulee

Singer-songwriter Bradford Loomis will be performing at the Grand Coulee Library Sept. 12 and will also be talking about the tradition of narrative and storytelling.

"Stories have the unique ability to contextualize a point of view," Loomis said. "Through them, we are vividly able to imagine ourselves in the shoes of someone else. Listening to a story allows us to access empathy and consideration through our imagination, like a back door to compassion."

Grand Coulee has its place in folk music history, as legend Woody Guthrie wrote 26 songs about the Columbia River and the dams in 1941, including such legendary songs as "Pastures of Plenty," and "Roll On, Columbia."

"I'm so excited to be playing in Grand Coulee!," said Loomis, originally from Marysville, Washington.

Loomis has taken inspiration from Guthrie, among others. "I love the work of Peter Seeger and the Guthries, the lyrics and storytelling of Bruce Springsteen and Jason Isbell, and the story of Johnny Cash."

The performance starts at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 12, and is free to the public.

"I will be playing some narrative-driven songs and shedding light on the inspiration behind the songs. We will be discussing the value and unique nature of storytelling," Loomis said. "I tell stories, that I resonate with, through allegory, and often set in a historical context."

Loomis's fourth album, "Bravery and the Bell," came out in March. You can listen to his music and learn more about him at http://www.bradfordloomis.com.