Craig Bickhardt

Craig Bickhardt is a masterful singer-songwriter whose five-decade career has made him a respected voice in American folk and roots music. Signing his first record deal at 19, he has since released eleven albums, including Outpourings — a critically acclaimed collection that climbed to #2 on the National Folk/Americana Chart in 2023.

Renowned for his emotional honesty and literary craftsmanship, Bickhardt’s songs have been recorded by icons such as Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Alison Krauss, Kathy Mattea, Art Garfunkel, Nicolette Larson, The Judds, and B.B. King. His artistry also reached Hollywood when he wrote and performed the closing theme for the multiple Academy Award–winning film Tender Mercies (1984), starring Robert Duvall and Tess Harper.

Onstage, Bickhardt continues to captivate audiences with his intricate acoustic guitar work, soulful vocals, and eloquent storytelling. He has graced stages from the Grand Ole Opry and Austin City Limits to Mountain Stage, the Philadelphia Folk Festival, and The Bluebird Café, sharing bills with legends including Bruce Springsteen, Judy Collins, Harry Chapin, and Stephen Stills.
Website: www.craigbickhardt.com

Kyle Swartzwelder is a veteran of the folk scene and award winning songwriter. Kyle started out in the coffee shops around the University of Delaware and quickly developed a reputation as a top-notch songwriter and performer.

Kyle has performed at the Philadelphia Folk Festival numerous times and has become a sought after sound engineer, producer, sideman and multi-instrumentalist. This show will feature Kyle’s talents on guitar, mandolin, and steel guitar.

Nate Gonzales is a saught after keyboard player and multi-instrumentalist. He is the keyboard player for bands such as York Street Hustle, and J.D Malone and The Experts. Nate is also the Contemporary Music Director at Medford United Methodist Church.

Aislinn is a gifted vocalist who has graced the Spotlight Concert Series stage alongside her father on several occasions. Known for her beautifully expressive voice, she can be heard lending rich harmonies to many of Craig’s recordings. We are delighted to welcome her back—this time as part of a special full band performance that promises to be truly memorable.

Tommy Geddes is a in-demand drummer in the regional music scene -- known for his versatility, precision, and dynamic stage presence. A longtime collaborator and friend of Craig Bickhardt, Tommy will be bringing his signature energy and musicianship to this concert.