"She is more than a singer-songwriter. She’s a poet, storyteller, snake-charmer, good neighbor, friend and lover, minister of the wide-eyed gospel of hope and grace.
That’s how Barbara Kingsolver, best-selling author of "The Poisonwood Bible" and "The Bean Tree," describes multifacted Carrie Newcomer, who will be "artist in residence" at Eastern Mennonite University Apr. 6-8.
Carrie Newcomer will be "artist in residence" at Eastern Mennonite University Apr. 6-8. Newcomer, who has recorded nine albums for Rounder/Philo Records, including her latest, "Betty’s Diner," will lead workshops on creativity and sustaining joy in work, speak in classes, interact with students and faculty and give a public concert of her original music during her time on campus.
Newcomer will give a chapel talk 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Apr. 7, in Martin Chapel of the seminary building.
She will join EMU student performers for an informal program in the Common Grounds Coffeehouse in the University Commons 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Apr. 7.
At 10 a.m. Friday, Apr. 8, she will speak in university chapel in Lehman Auditorium.
The artist will conclude her time at EMU with a public concert 8 p.m. Friday, Apr. 8, in Martin Chapel. General admission is $8, premium seats, $12, and $5 for other than EMU students at the door. Tickets are available in advance by calling the EMU box office, 540-432-4582.
Newcomer leads workshops across the country on songwriting, creative writing and peace and justice and faith and vocation themes. She holds to the Quaker saying, "Let your life speak," focusing on the idea that every person has unique and valuable gifts and that the more effective one’s work the more authentic his or her life becomes.
The musician has shared the stage with such performers as Alison Krauss, Bonnie Raitt and Mary Chapin Carpenter. The string band Nickel Creek covered her song, "I Should’ve Known Better," on their 2003 Grammy award-winning album, "This Side," produced by Alison Krauss.