Dave Carroll returns to the Nickel City

Carroll, who will be accompanied by Mike Hiltz on bass guitar and Chris Ianetti on electric guitar at the Sudbury show, said he's looking forward to performing at the outside venue.

Concerts in the great outdoors always make for a “more relaxed atmosphere,” he said. “Obviously if the weather is better, it makes for a better experience,” Carroll said.

The folk-pop musician said he'll be focusing on his solo repertoire, but will also be dipping into the Sons of Maxwell catalogue.

“I consider myself a kind of singer-songwriter and storyteller,” Carroll said. “Part of the show would definitely be some of the back story on some of the songs
and hopefully create a conversation back and forth.”

One of the songs he said he'll definitely play is “United Breaks Guitars,” a tune he wrote after United Airlines damaged one of his guitars in 2008, and refused to compensate him.

He laughs that although he's become known for the song, he's had pretty good luck travelling with guitars ever since.

“I try and keep them close, though,” Carroll said. “I don't just put them on the belt, if I can help it.”

Carroll said he keeps his concerts family friendly.

“I've always believed that you can write songs that a three-year-old and an 85-year-old can enjoy,” he said.

Admission to all concerts in the Vale Summer Concert Series is free, but monetary donations to the Sudbury Food Bank are welcomed. All concerts start at 7 p.m. at the Grace Hartman Amphitheatre.


Upcoming Vale Summer Concert Series concerts

July 16 – Dave Carroll
Aug. 13 – The Spinney Brothers
Sept. 17 – Barney Bentail