Paradise Community Guilds brings Simon Lynge to MONCA

Singer-songwriter Simon Lynge will play at the Museum of Northern California Art (MONCA) on Saturday, January 12th, at 7 pm as a presentation of the Paradise Community Guilds/Norton Buffalo Hall West. Opening will be local artists John-Michael Sun, Susan Dobra, and David Leon Zink. Simon Lynge's music has a way of captivating one's soul, at once melodic and beautiful, yet powerful in its presence and boldness. His lyrics are poetic, and speak candidly from personal experience, sometimes of inner darknesses and existential challenges but more often with a life-affirming and hopeful vision. Astute observations of our world and humanity weave their way into his songs, and a real perception of the beauty of life buoys the listener into a joyful space, even in the midst of deep sorrows. Recently honored with a nomination from the 16th annual Independent Music Awards for his last album, The Map of Your Life, Lynge just finished recording his latest album in a secluded cottage in the green hills of Wales and in the eclectic atmosphere of Narcissus Studios in London. The new album is collaboration with longtime friend and musical partner, Richard Lobb. The BBC’s Sally Taylor says of Lynge, “Simon is a fascinating man and an amazing talent . . . and he plays beautiful, beautiful music.” Music Week Magazine said, “Counting Elliott Smith and Nick Drake among his influences, Lynge's music is a brand of quite faultless melodic rich pop.” Simon grew up in both Denmark and Greenland. He always felt a strong affinity for his arctic homeland, with its abundant, unspoiled nature and deep connection to the earth and its creatures. In Greenland, his father is an acclaimed accordion player, and his grandfather was a composer and conductor and namesake of a church choir in Qaqortoq, which still exists to this day. Simon began singing as a boy in a church choir in Denmark, and was inspired to begin writings songs in his teenage years by the music of Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Simon & Garfunkel and Crosby Stills & Nash, among others. Simon's music brought him to Copenhagen first, then to the UK and the US. He has had several song placements on US network television and film, has appeared on BBC Breakfast TV, performed at Glastonbury Festival, and toured with Emmylou Harris. Doors open for seating at 3:30PM. Snacks and drinks will be sold. More Norton Buffalo Foundation/Paradise Community Guilds Events: 01.07.2020 – Chuck Brodsky @ Theatre on the Ridge 02.14.2020 - Valentine’s Day Duets @ Chico Guild Hall