November 17, 2005

Ethan Lipton Performs at MASS MoCA, Dec 17

(North Adams, Mass.) Singer/songwriter Ethan Lipton is known for hysterical and poignant story-telling with a jazz/blues/folk vibe. NPR called his music "twisted, dark, sophisticated, hilarious, schleppy and sad all at once". He'll perform with a ukulele maestro and bassist in the museum's Club B-10 space, as part of MASS MoCA's Alternative Cabaret series on Saturday, December 17, at 8 PM.

His songs range from the tale of a siren mermaid stalking, seducing, and finally drowning an accountant to the story of a man who doesn't like people. His lyrics are both dark and reassuring without ever being sentimental or sappy. As one tune goes: "Did you ever think you had a funny face? Did you ever think you walked a little goofy? Well, you were right - and it's okay."

Like most artists, Lipton maintains a website (ethanlipton.com) with tour information, press releases, and CDs for sale. In addition, the site offers this advice to visitors: "In addition to promoting the music and good deeds of Ethan Lipton & His Orchestra, this site offers safe harbor to those who are discouraged, downhearted, defensive and defeated; also to those who are overly sensitive, self-centered, irresponsible, rigid, needy, neurotic, obsessive, passive aggressive, or, simply passive. Anyone lacking in character, fortitude, horse sense, good luck, personal space or money is welcome as well, and we're always looking to cheer up a few of the crabby."

Lipton came to music from a playwright's perspective. (His plays have been produced in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and even Edinburgh, Scotland.) He'd been writing lyrics and melodies and singing for friends, family, and lovers for decades until finally a friend suggested he try his hand at New York's Deep Dish Cabaret variety show. His a cappella performance was so well received he kept coming back and adding musicians until they offered him his own show. By now he's played all over New York and Brooklyn, released 2 CDs: A New Low and Baby, I Feel the Same Way, and grown a huge and enthusiastic fan base. "I listened to his music, it brought tears of both laughter and heartbreak to my eyes," said one, and another commented, "typical of Ethan's songs, humor and real life are there along with the occasional thought from left field."

Tickets for Ethan Lipton are $14 in advance or $17 the day of the concert. MASS MoCA members receive a 10% discount. Tickets are available through the MASS MoCA Box Office located off Marshall Street in North Adams, open from 11 A.M. to 5 P.M. Wednesday through Monday. Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling 413.662.2111 during Box Office hours or purchased on line at www.massmoca.org.

MASS MoCA, the largest center for contemporary visual and performing arts in the United States, is located off Marshall Street in North Adams on a 13-acre campus of renovated 19th-century factory buildings.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Katherine Myers
(413) 664-4481 x8113
katherine@massmoca.org