Jon Shain and FJ Ventre with opener Kemp Harris

Jon Shain and FJ Ventre began making music together when they met in their Massachusetts high school. Both landed in North Carolina where they continue to perform and record together.  Jon learned the piedmont blues while playing in Big Boy Henry’s backing band, and he won the 2019 International Blues Challenge. FJ is a sought-after sideman and audio engineer at his own Good Luck Studio.

Kemp Harris defies categorization. He is a singer and songwriter; a master weaver of American musical styles. He’s also an actor, activist, author, and storyteller, and an award-winning educator who has taught young public-school students for more than 40 years. He wrote and performed “If Loneliness Was Black” for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

Advance tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for those age 18 and under. Visit oldslooppresents.org, John Tarr Store in Rockport, or The Bookstore of Gloucester. The suggested contribution at the door is $14 for adults, $5 for those age 18 and under, and $28 for families.