Songs of the Oregon Trail at George's CoffeeHouse

GEORGE - It will be like old times, as in 150 years ago, at George's first CoffeeHouse Concert Series presentation on Saturday, Jan. 19.

Humanities Washington will present guitarist-vocalist Hank Cramer in Songs of the Oregon Trail. The George Community Hall's doors will open at 6:30 to afford early arrivals best seating for the 7 p.m. concert.

"This a great beginning for 2013," CoffeeHouse organizer Debby Kooy said. "We always enjoy having Hank Cramer come to town. He is one of the best-loved folksingers in the American West."

For an admission price of just $3 a person, you and your family will get to step back in time. Cramer delivers an engaging historical panorama of the pioneers of the Oregon Trail and the music they brought with them to the West.

This special presentation is fully funded by Humanities Washington. So there will be no hat-pass. Just come and enjoy Cramer and Songs of the Oregon Trail and refreshments by George's Georgettes.

Cramer is known for his booming bass voice, smooth picking on a vintage flat-top guitar, and a wry sense of humor, Kooy said.

Cramer's repertoire is a mix of original, traditional, and contemporary folk songs. They tell the stories of cowboys, sailors, soldiers, miners, adventurers, and just plain drifters.

That fits right in with Cramer's life story. He has been an underground miner, a professional soldier, a shanty-man on a square-rigged sailing ship, a wrangler for a high-country outfitter, and a world traveler.

"Those experiences make Hank's music ring with a special authenticity," Kooy said.