OXFORD – This Saturday at 7:30 p.m., 6 On The Square (6OTS) welcomes singer-songwriter, Vance Gilbert to their stage. This gifted, contemporary “folk” performer has it all: tenor vocals fluid and enthralling, masterful guitar skills and lyrical storytelling. His passionate vocal delivery of soul wrenching lyrics will give you a feeling of utter joy. There is no substitute for seeing Vance live; those who haven’t must. Those who have … keep coming back for more!

Vance Gilbert burst onto the singer/songwriter scene in the early 90’s when buzz started spreading in the folk clubs of Boston about an ex-multicultural arts teacher who was knocking ‘em dead at open mics. Once word got to New York about this Philadelphia-area born and raised performer, Shawn Colvin invited Gilbert to be a special guest on her Fat City tour. Gilbert took audiences across the country by storm. "With the voice of an angel, the wit of a devil, and the guitar playing of a god, it was enough to earn him that rarity: an encore for an opener" wrote the Fort Worth Star-Telegram in its review of a show from that tour.

Acclaim for Vance kept growing. By the time he released his fourth album, “Somerville Live” (2000), he was lionized by the Boston Globe as the disc "young songwriters should study the way law students cram for bar exams." The next album, One Thru Fourteen (2002), garnered, “Gilbert is a formidable vocalist. His voice has the beauty of a choral singer, the strength and control of Broadway’s finest, the power of lead rock singers and enough play to match any comedic imitator” from Sing Out. Vance’s accolades continue.

Blessed with an uncanny ability to read the moods of his audiences, Gilbert has learned to trust his intuition in his song selection on stage. You can certainly look forward to him singing some selections from his highly touted latest album, “Up On Rockfield.” It’s a celebration of the influences various famous songwriters and performers have had upon his writing. Each song is penned by Gilbert as if he was co-writing with some of his musical heroes, but they are all his own.

One fan wrote, “Go see Vance in concert whenever he’s within two hundred miles of your place. He’s the only thing like him, period.” Don’t miss this incredible performance. Purchase tickets on-line at the discounted price of $20 until the day of the show; $25 at the door. Students, under age 18, are always $2. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Upcoming at 6OTS: Friday, June 18, Bill Staines will appear as a benefit for Chenango County Habitat for Humanity and June 25th is Thistledew. All shows are at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30. Visit the website at www.6onthesquare.org for tickets and future event information.