CAMDEN — Singer-songwriter Pokey LaFarge and his band return to the Camden Opera House on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.m., celebrating the release of his new album, Rent Money.

 

"Known for his unmistakable sound and independent spirit, LaFarge continues to carve his own path through American music, blending vintage influences with original songwriting, infectious rhythms, and a distinctly contemporary edge," said a Camden Opera House news release.

 

"Drawing on the many traditions of 20th-century American music, Pokey seamlessly blends roots, folk, blues, and other influences into a style that is unmistakably his own," the release continues. 

 

That independent spirit has defined LaFarge’s career from the beginning. As he explains, he has never been interested in following outside expectations about how an artist should sound, look, or perform.

 

“People are always going to tell you what they think you should play,” says LaFarge, “what you should sing about, how you should sound, how you should look, how you should act. And I’ve always just been like, nah. Nope. I’ve just completely gone my own way, and hopefully I’ve been honest and authentic in the process."

 

In an era of increasingly homogenized music, according to the news release, LaFarge remains committed to the human element of performance and songwriting.

 

“I’m just trying to make music that AI can’t replicate,” he says. “Things are so homogenized right now. That’s what I’m really, really, really resistant to, especially when it comes to music. I’m not going to do it. I’m not going to conform.”

 

Choose-your-own reserved-seat tickets are $38 in advance and $45 on the day of the show at camdenoperahouse.com or by calling 207-236-3154.

 

Doors at 29 Elm Street open at 7 p.m.

 

Sponsored by Lord Camden Inn and 40 Paper.