Date(s): May 17th 2025
Type of Show: Singer-Songwriter
Showtime(s): 7:30 pm
Tickets: $20.00
Triangle known Jess Klein with grammy nominated Charles Newkirk joining Jess on guitar,
will perform at The ArtsCenter May 17th.
Over two decades and 12 albums, Jess Klein has pursued a remarkable creative evolution that has seen her dig ever deeper for resonant emotional insights, while continuing to refine her eloquently melodic, effortlessly accessible song-craft.
Her live shows explore the musical offerings of many styles – from rock’n’roll to folk to classic jazz standards. She shares songs of personal healing, growth and change with her audience, always leaving them moved, uplifted, and empowered.
Jess has played to packed houses in rooms such as Club Passim in Boston, Joe’s Pub in New York City, the Green Note in London, and Fogartyville in Sarasota, Florida Jess just released three new singles and videos including a song about women’s empowerment and resilience: “Never Gonna Break Me” which premiered in The Bluegrass Situation), and “That Was My Family” a song about the immigration stories that connect us and are part of our collective history, which premiered in Guitar Girl magazine. The latest single release and video for “Annie’s Place” can be viewed here.
Her new album, “When We Rise” dropped September 15, 2023. Jess is also passionate about teaching songwriting and has done so at workshops and retreats alongside Jonathan Byrd and Wyatt Easterling. She also co-leads the Three Graces Songwriting Retreat in Mars Hill, North Carolina which she created in partnership with Abigail Dowd and Jane Kramer.
About Charles Newkirk
Charles Newkirk [Rissi Palmer, Tiera Kennedy, Chapel Hart] is a Grammy nominated guitarist, composer, and songwriter who has established a career as being one of the most versatile live entertainment providers. He grew up in Raleigh, NC, listening to the sounds of gospel at his church. He would watch the excitement of the musicians as they played their hearts out. This sparked an appreciation for the emotion and sanctity of music. Though he did not play at the time, he would marvel at how the power of music could change one’s mood. He began to try different instruments. It makes sense that he would choose to play guitar; his father also plays. There were three other guitarists in the church, all of them with different styles of play. One had a background in funk, another blues, and the other R & B. His father played old time gospel. This gave him a great appreciation for different styles of music.
With plans to go to college and major in engineering, Charles made a change to pursue music. He proceeded to attend NCCU and graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree, concentration in jazz performance. Jazz was not his passion but was a great foundation to understand and learn any style of music. For over 2 decades, Charles has worked with various artists and cover bands, as well as give back to the church that inspired him musically.
“A songwriter with a voice of unblinking tenacity” — The New York Times
“A major talent” — Billboard
Jess Klein’s Big Table is a bi-weekly podcast featuring conversations with artists and activists. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.