Fiery roots-rock singer/songwriter Scott Miller performs at the Historic Masonic Theatre in Clifton Forge on Friday, June 4th at 7:30pm. Raised on a cattle farm in Virginia, and well versed in topics ranging from Greek mythology to modernist poetry, Miller’s smart songwriting has long been admired by his peers. He is a  founding member of Knoxville-based band, the V-Roys, and his raucous style helped influence the newer generation of Alt-Country revelry and what’s now known as Americana.

At this show, Miller and his trio will present songs from Ladies Auxiliary, his latest album. This is his first album in four years, released November, 3rd via F.A.Y. Recordings. The themes running through much of this album illustrate Miller’s observations and appreciation for the common man (and woman), the music and characters of his native Appalachia, and his talent for clever storytelling. The backing band on this album is comprised solely of women, including Bryn Davies (bass), Rayna Gellert (fiddle/banjo), Jen Gunderman (keys) Deanie Richardson (fiddle), Megan Carchman (drums) and guitarist Anne McCue.

“Recorded in Tennessee with an all-female cast, it’s equal parts humorous and heartfelt, shot through with social commentary, working-class twang and character-driven songwriting.” – Rolling Stone

In an album and live show highlight, “Lo Siento”, Miller takes on the travails of Spanishburg, West Virginia, a dying town recently rejuvenated by the arrival of wealthy retirees streaming down from Northern Virginia. Another character-driven narrative is the haunting “Someday / Sometime”, which deals with the suicide of a young mother leaving behind two 8-year old twin girls. In true Scott Miller fashion, the album also humors us with “Mother In Law” (one of the only two covers on the album) and the original “Jacki With An Eye” about an Augusta County fairground romp.

Tickets are $25. The Masonic Ampitheatre is located at 513 Church St in Clifton Forge, Va. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit historicmasonictheatre.com or call 540-862-5655. Learn more about Scott Miller at thescottmiller.com.

– Hashtag Lewisburg City Paper. #131. May 2021.