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Pokey LaFarge is an American singer and songwriter who hails from Illinois. LaFarge is an innovative singer who focuses on creating jazz and folk music that is reminiscent of music from the earliest days of the genres. In addition to being a talented vocalist and songwriter, LaFarge plays the guitar and mandolin and showcases these instrumental talents on stage. Pokey LaFarge tickets draw in large yet intimate crowds of fans who enjoy the organic style of classic blues, jazz and folk music.
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Pokey LaFarge first became interested in music as a child. He was inspired by his grandfather who was a member of a local music club. As an avid lover of history, literature and blues music, LaFarge set out to create music that was more in line with his tastes for traditional music. He obtained a guitar, but after discovering the mandolin, he traded his guitar to his grandfather in exchange for a mandolin. From there, LaFarge practiced his craft until he reached his teenage years.
After graduating from high school, he headed to the western United States. It was at this time that he began going by the name Pokey LaFarge. Born as Andrew Heissler, he created his stage name from a childhood nickname as well as an interpretation of what simply sounded right for his style. To support himself while traveling, LaFarge began busking on the streets. While on the streets, he met members of The Rum Drum Ramblers and released his first album, Marmalade, independently in 2006. His second album, Beat, Move & Shake was released under the Big Muddy Records label in 2008.
A band known as The South City Three, consisting of former members of The Rum Drum Ramblers, joined Pokey LaFarge. In 2009, they recorded the album Riverboat Soul. The album was well-received by fans and critics alike, and the group won the Independent Music Award's Best Americana Album in 2010. A year later, the group won the same award for their follow-up album, Middle of Everywhere. The band followed up with an additional album titled Chittlin' Cookin Time in Cheatham County.
In 2013, Lafarge signed to Third Man Records and began working with a different band. This partnership was short-lived, however, and LaFarge signed to Rounder Records the next year and subsequently released the album Something in the Water. In 2017, he released the album Manic Revelations under the same label. Pokey LaFarge tickets are a favorite among those who enjoy independent and timeless music. LaFarge is expected to continue having great success in recreating classic American music in the future.
''Those who enjoy the traditional styling of Pokey LaFarge may also enjoy the Dex Romweber Duo and Ollabelle.'