John Gorka – New Folk Pioneer with a Rich Baritone and Masterful Storytelling Through Song | Friday Evening • 8PM

John Gorka returns to Godfrey Daniels—where his legendary career first took root—for two nights of music and storytelling!

Widely regarded as a pioneer of the New Folk movement, Gorka’s rich baritone and sharply observed lyrics have earned him acclaim worldwide. His new album, unentitled (released October 3), reaffirms his voice as a guiding light in American songwriting, featuring collaborations with Lucy Kaplansky and Eliza Gilkyson. Join us in our intimate listening room for an evening of timeless songs and an authentic connection with one of folk music’s most beloved artists.

Show Dates & Times:

Friday, December 12 • 8PM
Saturday, December 13 • 7PM

JOHN GORKA
johngorka.com

John Gorka, the leading singer/songwriter of the New Folk movement according to Rolling Stone, hails from New Jersey. He embarked on his musical journey in a neighborhood coffeehouse in eastern Pennsylvania, specifically Godfrey Daniels, an iconic music institution. While initially pursuing academic studies in Philosophy and History at Moravian College, John's passion for music led him to live in the club's basement, immersing himself in the folk scene and performing as an opener for renowned musicians.

In the late 1970s, John's talent flourished, and he ventured to music hubs like New York City's Fast Folk circle. His baritone voice and soulful original songs gained recognition, and he eventually signed with Red House Records and later Windham Hill's High Street Records. With a career spanning over 11 studio albums and collaborations with notable artists, John's music has captivated audiences in North America and Europe. His songs have been covered by Mary Chapin Carpenter, Nanci Griffith, and others, and he continues to tour worldwide, making a mark in the folk music landscape. John Gorka currently resides in Minnesota, cherishing time with his family when not performing at festivals, theaters, and clubs.

READ FULL BIO ON JOHNGORKA.COM

New album released October 3, 2025
(Album Artwork photographed at Godfrey Daniels!)

On his new album, unentitled, Gorka reasserts his voice as a guiding light in the folk scene. The album opens with “Favorite Place,” an upbeat reflection on the songwriter’s life and the creative process. “A Light Exists in the Spring” is a setting of an Emily Dickinson poem brought to life by Gorka’s sparkling acoustic guitar and warm, rich baritone vocal, which segues into “Particle & Wave (Goodness in the World),” an anthem to the power of kindness and the better angels of human nature. Gorka delivers a stunning rendition of the well-loved Stan Rogers song “Harris and The Mare” (the sole cover on the album) before closing with a reprise of “Particle & Wave.” Joining Gorka on the project are Lucy Kaplansky and Eliza Gilkyson, fellow folk icons that share the Red House legacy with him.