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Performer

 

Andrew McKnight is a renowned American folk and roots musician, known for his soulful voice, intricate guitar playing, and poignant songwriting. Born on October 17, 1967, in Washington D.C., McKnight grew up in a musical family and was exposed to a wide range of genres from an early age. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a classical pianist, and they both encouraged him to pursue music as a career. McKnight started playing guitar at the age of seven and quickly developed a passion for the instrument. He began performing in local coffeehouses and clubs while still in high school and continued to hone his skills as a musician throughout his college years. He attended the University of Virginia, where he studied English and music and played in various bands. After graduating from college, McKnight moved to Colorado and started performing as a solo artist. He released his debut album, "Traveler," in 1995, which showcased his unique blend of folk, blues, and country music. The album received critical acclaim and helped establish McKnight as a rising star in the folk music scene. Over the next few years, McKnight continued to tour extensively and released several more albums, including "Beyond Borders" (1997), "Turning Pages" (2000), and "Something Worth Standing For" (2003). His music was praised for its heartfelt lyrics, intricate guitar work, and soulful vocals, and he quickly gained a loyal following of fans. In 2004, McKnight received a prestigious honor when he was selected as a finalist in the Kerrville New Folk Songwriting Competition, one of the most respected songwriting contests in the country. He was also named as one of the top 100 artists of the year by Performing Songwriter magazine. McKnight's career reached new heights in 2006 when he released his album "Where This River Runs," which was produced by Grammy-winning producer Ben Wisch. The album featured guest appearances by several notable musicians, including John McCutcheon, Tom Paxton, and Jon Carroll, and received widespread critical acclaim. It was named as one of the top albums of the year by several publications, including the Washington Post and the Boston Globe. In 2007, McKnight was invited to perform at the prestigious Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, one of the largest and most respected folk festivals in the country. He was also selected as a showcase artist at the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance Conference, where he was able to showcase his music to industry professionals and fellow musicians. McKnight continued to tour extensively and release new music over the next few years, including the albums "Something Stronger" (2009) and "One Virginia Night" (2011). He also collaborated with several other musicians, including the band Beyond Borders and the duo Beyond the Pale. In 2013, McKnight released his album "Great Change," which was inspired by his experiences working with various environmental and social justice organizations. The album featured songs that addressed issues such as climate change, poverty, and inequality, and was praised for its powerful message and beautiful music.

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