21st Century Troubadours-Songwriter Series at The GEM with Host J.D Malone

Dating back to the 12^th century, Troubadour refers to the song-meisters of the Middle Ages, but it has been extended to cover contemporary poet-musicians as well. Troubadour is a fitting name for such creative artists: it derives from an Old Occitan word meaning "to compose." Troubadours perform their own songs. Jongleurs (instrumentalists) and Cantaires (singers) also perform troubadours' songs.

Line-up for the Evening:

J.D Malone

Dad, husband, son, brother, friend, singer/songwriter, recovering philosopher. J.D Malone was born and raised under a bright blue sky in a small town called Bennington in the Green Mountain State of Vermont, U.S.A. He writes and sings songs about love and hate, angels and demons and the universal struggle to feel safe under the stars.

“J.D Malone writes songs that grab you right away and then resonate deeply.”

- Nick Cristiano (The Philadelphia Inquirer)

New music is available on all streaming services and at

www.jdmalone.com

Jason Ager

Jason Ager is a dedicated father, a passionate college professor, and a hyper-literate original songwriter. Balancing a PhD in German Literature with a few days a week as a stay-at-home dad, Jason still plays more than 100 shows a year in the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond. On his third album, Porchlight, Ager’s talent as a storyteller shine as he weaves together the academic and the arcane into clever lyrics that reward the careful listener. Nestled comfortably atop classic soul, R&B, and rock influences, songs like “Overload” and “Everybody Needs Love” epitomize Jason’s ability to rouse hearts and minds in the same breath. 

Jason Ager

Kate Gaffney

Singer-songwriter Kate Gaffney honed her skills in her hometown of Philadelphia, jumped from coast to coast and toured everywhere in between. She laid musical roots in Northern California, building a loyal following in Sacramento and within the San Francisco Bay Area music community. Pennsylvania has since called her back home. Gaffney’s festival nods include Philadelphia Folk Festival, High Sierra Music Festival, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass & Hangtown Music Festival. She has opened for a variety of touring acts including Richie Havens, Todd Snider, Xavier Rudd, Chris Smither, Carolyn Wonderland, Jackie Greene, Karl Denson, Kaki King, Elephant Revival, and Dead Winter Carpenters. Kate Gaffney has released four albums: Highways, The New Then, The Coachman, Here by the Ocean.

Kate Gaffney | TiredWired Productions

Tom Guest

Tom Guest is a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from New York, known for his captivating live performances at iconic clubs and over 3,000 shows across the US, Canada, and Mexico. His lyrical storytelling and soulful voice have earned him collaborations with Grammy Award-winning producers and opportunities as a studio vocalist. Tom's new album is on the horizon, blending folk, rock, and Americana influences. He now calls the Philadelphia area home.

Tom Guest / Facebook