Andy Davis performed a concert in the Gorton Community Center parking lot in the early stages of the pandemic.

“It was a blast,” he said. “I would still come back even if it was outside.”

It’s dedication. The singer-songwriter returns to the Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest on November 11 for an indoor performance at 7 p.m.

“I’ve actually played in the area a few other times. There was an art gallery that I played in at the time – they had a private event, kind of wine and dinner and art and music experience,” he said. “I’ve been there many times and really like it.”

Davis is originally from Louisiana. He was born in Baton Rouge and moved south growing up, he said. He lived in Nashville for about 15 years, he says, currently lives in Austin, Texas.

He burst onto the scene in 2004 with an acoustic debut album called “Thinks of Her”. Opening concerts for artists such as Jakob Dylan, Colbie Caillat, Dave Barnes and Need to Breathe followed.

He grew up in a family of musicians, he says.

“The music was still there,” he said. “My mum and dad used to sing duets together and my relatives were also musicians. I thought everyone could sing when I was a kid, because everyone I knew sang.

He learned guitar as a teenager and played in bands with friends, he said. He grew up listening to the Beatles and “oldies” radio, he said.

“From my mom’s side, I get a bit of country-bluegrass,” he said. “My grandfather wanted to be an opera singer when he was younger and I think there’s a bit of that crooning world that was passed down from my father’s side of the family. I discovered Stevie Wonder, he’s one of my favorite artists. I discovered soul music when I was in university.

He went to Belmont University in Nashville, studying music and the music business.

Since putting down roots in Austin, he’s been listening to older country music and has become a big fan of artists like Leon Russell and Guy Clark, he said.

“I gravitate more towards the groove,” he said. “Music that has a distinct groove. I definitely learned lyric writing from singer-songwriters and I still consider myself a singer-songwriter.

“I think over time I gravitate more and more towards music that moves your body and you can listen to the lyrics if you want. I think people sometimes want to disappear into the music and relax. They don’t always want to follow every detail of your story.

Davis has seven projects in the works, he said, and is currently working on a new project that will hopefully release in early 2023.

Gorton’s audience will be engaged with his show, he said. He will oscillate between piano and guitar.

“I think the pandemic has made me really grateful to have the opportunity to facilitate a gathering with people and to be a part of it and to connect with people in a group setting,” he said. declared. “It made me realize how special it is and how important it is for me to be in these places.

“Maybe at first I was interested in telling sad stories or talking about breakups when people were sitting in the dark and the spotlight was on me talking about my pain, but I don’t. more think that’s really my motivation. Especially after the last few years. I’m excited to bring a good time and keep it fun and entertaining.

Andy Davis

When: 7 p.m. November 11

Where: Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest

Tickets: $15-$25

Information: 847-234-6060; gortoncenter.org

Annie Alleman is a freelance journalist for the News-Sun.