Dar Williams is considered one of America’s best singer-songwriters. Born and raised in small towns in New York, she started playing guitar and writing songs at an early age; it
Biography
Dar Williams is considered one of America’s best singer-songwriters. Born and raised in small towns in New York, she started playing guitar and writing songs at an early age; it was theatre, however, that initially caught her attention. In 1990, she moved to Boston to pursue dramatic arts, but found herself writing songs, taking voice lessons, performing in coffee houses, and recording her first album. Early in her career, Dar gained tremendous exposure by opening for Joan Baez and has since worked with many greats in the American folk music scene. In 1998, Dar, Richard Shindell, and Lucy Kaplansky formed the group Cry Cry Cry as a way to pay homage to some of their favourite folk artists. Dar’s discography for her solo work is extensive. Her first two recordings were on cassette tape and are now rare; her first full-length album, The Honesty Room, was released in 1993. Her 2015 recording, Emerald, marks Dar’s ninth studio album. A remarkable songwriter, who addresses religion, gender, anti-commercialism, loss, humour, and much more, Dar’s first Folk Harbour appearance is eagerly anticipated.