Singer-Songwriters Karla Bonoff & Livingston Taylor to Play Landmark on Main

What's better than one powerhouse singer-songwriter? Two powerhouse singer-songwriters, of course. Landmark welcomes Karla Bonoff and Livingston Taylor in a twin bill at the Jeanne Rimsky Theater on Saturday, May 6.

Born and raised in Southern California, Karla Bonoff was a songwriter by the age of fifteen. In the 60's she became friends with other musicians who were creating their own unique sound. She talks about lining up at the legendary Troubadour to get a slot in the famous Monday night Troubadour "hoot," a proving ground for many now-famous artists. She says, "It was an amazing time. Jackson Browne, James Taylor and Elton John were around the Troubadour in those days." Karla connected with Linda Ronstadt, who recorded three Bonoff songs on her 1976 album - and three more on her 1990 album.

Karla's performing career took off soon after. Throughout the years, Karla has continued to do what she does best. She's toured with Bonnie Raitt, John Prine, J.D. Souther and others, building up a passionate audience, resulting in sold-out houses everywhere. People magazine ranked her All My Life as one of the top 5 most popular wedding songs. Often after her concerts, Karla talks with fans and signs CDs and well-worn LP covers people bring to her shows.

Karla's legacy as a writer and perseverance as a performer are spoken best in a Billboard Magazine review of Karla's All My Life recording. "Long before Alanis and Jewel, there was a breed of singer/songwriters whose earthly anthems of soul-searching, heartache and joy touched souls in a way few can muster today."

Livingston Taylor picked up his first guitar at the age of 13, beginning a 40-year career that has encompassed performance, songwriting and teaching. He is the fourth child in a musical family that also includes Alex, James, Kate and Hugh. Livingston released his first record at the age of 18 and has continued to create well crafted, introspective, and original songs that have earned him listeners worldwide.

From top-40 hits I Will Be in Love with You and I'll Come Running, to I Can Dream of You and Boatman, both recorded by his brother James, Livingston's creative output has continued unabated. His musical knowledge has inspired a varied repertoire, and he is equally at home with a range of musical genres-folk, pop, gospel, jazz-and from upbeat storytelling to touching ballads.

Livingston has been performing ever since his early coffeehouse days, touring with major artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Jimmy Buffett and Jethro Tull. His shows are peppered with personal stories, anecdotes and ineffable warmth that connect him to his fans. His relaxed on-stage presence belies the depth of his musical knowledge, and fans might just as often be treated to a classic Gershwin or something from the best of Broadway.

Livingston is a full professor at Berklee College of Music, where he has taught a Stage Performance course since 1989. He teaches young artists invaluable lessons learned over the course of an extensive career on the road; the course is consistently voted the most popular at the College. His book, Stage Performance, released in 2011 offers those lessons to anyone who is interested in elevating their presentation standards to professional standards.

Tickets for Karla Bonoff & Livingston Taylor go on sale to Friends of Landmark on Tuesday, January 31; general public sales start Friday, February 3 through Landmark's Box Office, 516-767-6444 and online at www.landmarkonmainstreet.org. Premium $50 (Friends $45), Select $45 (Friends $40), Standard $38 (Friends $33)*.

*All ticket prices include a $2 facilities fee for capital improvements.