Craigie smolders at Hopmonk

The mild-mannered folk singer might only make rare appearances in these parts lately, but John Craigie’s got quite a cult following among those of us who have been introduced to his tunes.

Playing in places like indie coffee shops and corners of bars, John Craigie and his band have been known to make even the smallest of venues feel huge.  He holds a whole slew of original songs under his hat, going from tearfully sentimental like he does in “White Sands” to ridiculously hysterical songs like “Chuck Norris’ Tears Cure Cancer, Too Bad he Never Cries” and “Naked Skype Call”.

But his latest album of covers only enhances the Craigie experience.  Folking up tunes like “Sex and Candy”, “Santa Monica”, and “Hey Jealousy” on his 2012 album “Leave the Fire Behind”, his classic harmonica solos and breathy drawl over a playful guitar bring new life into old(ish) favorites.

John Craigie travels over to Sonoma Hopmonk for an all-ages show at the tavern on Dec. 7.  Admission to the show is free, and it starts at 9 p.m.  Hopmonk Tavern is located at 691 Broadway, Sonoma.  More info at hopmonk.com/sonoma.

Check out John Craigie’s touring schedule and music news at johncraigiemusic.com.