ALAMOSA — Society Hall is thrilled to bring Jackson Emmer, the acclaimed award-winning California and Colorado based singer songwriter, to the stage on Wednesday night, June 25. 

There’s a reason Rolling Stone Magazine wrote, “Few are writing songs like Jackson Emmer.” Emmer’s music – his lyrics, his melodies – are unencumbered, authentic, free of any pretense that might get between the songs he sings and the person who is listening.  

He takes themes that are familiar and known and a part of our lives, and, in songs like “Dad’s Shoes”, uses the image that comes to mind to tell a story that resonates with anyone who has had a complicated relationship with a parent.  

And that’s just one song on one album – “Battle Hymn of the Early Riser”, the recently released fifth solo album Jackson has produced. There’s plenty more where that song came from. 

Emmer’s writing is often compared to the late greats of the 70's Texas troubadour scene – think witty and gritty, cheerful and lonesome, a poet bleeding while you tap your toes.  

“Battle Hymn of the Early Riser” encapsulates all that and more as Emmer explores themes of family, parenthood, broken dreams and steady bonds. The songs capture moments of tension and grace between generations, pairing levity with tragedy, and the stars with the dirt.  

Growing up in both Colorado and California, Emmer describes himself as a “cultural mutt.” His parents are from Oklahoma, and as a teenager he stumbled upon their collection of Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and Bob Wills records. 

 This influence, paired with an irreverent and omnivorous love for modern music, has shaped Emmer’s sound. In the words of folk legend Tom Paxton: “Jackson Emmer has dropped a masterpiece steeped in tradition and as contemporary as next Wednesday. This bare-bones recording is proof that an authentically American voice has claimed its rightful place. Bravo!” 

Bluegrass legend Tim O'Brien said this about Emmer's latest: "I chuckled, I sang along, and a few tears came. It's personal, universal, fresh, and hopeful. And there's steel guitar. Were you looking for more?" 

Co-produced by Nashville up-and-comer, Abigayle Oakley, the album showcases Emmer’s masterful writing through sparse and minimal soundscapes- often just one or two instruments accompanying Emmer’s signature vocal rasp.  

The recordings were tracked at Emmer’s home studio (a converted garage) in Santa Cruz, CA. Six of the twelve songs were written by Emmer alone. The other six are collaborations with some of America’s finest songwriters and acoustic music legends. Tim O’Brien, Jaimee Harris, and Tom Paxton all contributed co-writes for the record.  

This is yet another opportunity to spend a summer evening in a setting like no other, listening to the music of a singer-songwriter who has been given high praise by some of the best in the business. And if that isn’t enough, accompanying Jackson will be Martin Gilmore, another top Colorado singer-songwriter and guitarist who played his own Society Hall show earlier this year. 

The acclaimed award-winning California and Colorado based singer songwriter Jackson Emmer, in concert on Wednesday, June 25, at 7:30 p.m. Doors will open at 6:30. Tickets are $20 and are available online at www.societyhall.org, or in Alamosa at the Green Spot, or at the door. The concert will also stream live on the Society Hall Facebook page and You-Tube channel.