ALAMOSA — For those aficionados of Folk, Roots and Americana music who hold a special place in their heart for well-known and remarkably gifted singer-songwriter and activist types of musicians, all one needs to say is “Eliza” and it’s immediately known the person being discussed is Eliza Gilkyson. That is just one indicator of what kind of impact Gilkyson has made on the hearts, minds and souls of listening audiences.  

And now, after being gone for a while, Eliza Gilkyson is returning to the stage at Society Hall on Friday night where she’ll be performing with the “incomparable Don Richmond” (as he’s so often called) in celebration of the release of her new CD “Dark Ages”, recorded and produced by Richmond at Alamosa's own Howlin' Dog Records studio on the Realiza Records label. In fact, Society Hall is the very first release concert for her new album, a distinction that, as Richmond says, “is pretty cool.”  

Of her new “Dark Ages” release, Gilkyson says, “It’s an upbeat call to remember who we are, who we love, all that we hold dear, and all that’s worth fighting for today in the USA and the world: our values, our loved ones, the natural world, and justice for all. It was cathartic for me to write and record these songs and I hope they give you a sense of comfort, purpose and solidarity as we navigate the Dark Ages we are living through.” 

When asked for his comment on “Dark Ages”, Richmond told the Valley Courier, “This is another one that is particularly dear to my heart, as I have recorded and produced Eliza’s last three albums. They were also recorded at our Howlin’ Dog Records studio just north of Alamosa, out on the North River Road.”  

For those who are new to her music, Gilkyson is not in short supply when it comes to accolades. She is a twice Grammy-nominated (2006 and 2014) singer-songwriter whose songs have been covered by the likes of Joan Baez, Bob Geldof, The Conspirare Choir, Tom Rush and Rosanne Cash. Her music has appeared in films, PBS specials and on primetime TV. A member of the Austin Music Hall of Fame, and an inductee into the Austin Songwriter Hall of Fame, she has won countless Folk Alliance and Austin Music awards, including 2014’s Songwriter of the Year and the “Song of the Year” Award at the Folk Alliance International Conference in 2021. 

Unquestionably impressive as they are, all those awards and accomplishments just confirm what those who listen to her music already know. 

Eliza Gilkyson’s music is unlike any other. It’s passionate and heartfelt and her lyrics ring of truth – sometimes joyfully and sometimes painfully so, connecting with listeners at a deep and lasting level as she captures in words and melodies those thoughts and feelings that are so often impossible to express.  

The result is a bond with her audience that reaches across the distance, whether it’s measured in oceans, miles or feet, leading listeners to think, “I’ve felt that feeling…I’ve dreamt of that place…I’ve longed to see that exist in the world” or, sometimes, “It’s good to know I’m not alone.” 

All those things are true and more so when Gilkyson is performing in person. She’s often very funny, sometimes irreverent and always willing to share herself with a spontaneity and authenticity that’s precious treasure these days. Add in the fact that she’s performing with Richmond, and Friday, May 2, should be circled on the calendar of anyone and everyone looking for an extraordinary night of music. 

She will have copies of the new CD at the show, and it is also available on all the usual streaming and download sites. Eliza will be featuring several songs from her new album at the Society Hall show. 

The board of Society Hall, a non-profit organization, invites members of the public to another fabulous musical evening with regional favorite Eliza Gilkyson, Friday, May 2, at 7:30 p.m. Doors will be open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and are available online at www.societyhall.org or in Alamosa at The Green Spot, 711 State Ave.