John Latini returns to perform at Tunes at Twilight tonight

Tunes at Twilight will be adding a little blues to go with its folk sensibilities tonight.

John Latini, who also performed during last year's Tunes at Twilight spring/summer series, is an award winning singer and songwriter, and was the Detroit Blues Challenge Champion in 2008 and 2009. Latini is known for his clever, literate songs and powerful vocals with a hard-driving guitar style.

"When I played there last year, I couldn't get over how gracious and hospitable the people are in that area. It's hard to say no when you get a call to come back and do it again," Latini said. "I know this is a mostly folk series, and I know I'm a little different. But, in some ways, I've got a little folk mixed in with my blues. I just have that bluesy, gravely voice that catches people upfront."

Local blues staple Bruce Zimmerman said Latini knows how to put on a show.

"When I met John and heard him for the first time I knew he was the real deal. His songs have a way of drawing you in and make you want to catch every word," Zimmerman said. "Being from Michigan, he has a different perspective than the writers from around here or south of here. He has songs about his home, family and friends that are very touching and reflect his life experiences."

Since 2007 Latini has worked as a full-time musician and has begun to build a fan base throughout the Midwest. He has released six CDs, won songwriting honors in three states and performed at notable venues and events like the Bluebird Café in Nashville, Tenn., and Austin, Texas' South By Southwest festival. Larry Underberg, who booked the performers for Tunes at Twilight, said bringing Latini back this year was an easy decision.

"He was an absolute crowd pleaser here last year, and we had so many people tell us to be sure to bring him back. Not only that, he loved coming here and playing Tunes," Underberg said. "He's really friendly, and stayed after the show last year to talk with anyone who wanted to visit with him. And to me, when you're a blues champion in Detroit, you deserve respect."

But, whether he's playing with his band The Flying Latini Brothers or commanding the stage alone, Latini says he personifies the best that the heartland, and especially Michigan, has to offer.

"Heck, I can even throw together a kid's tune if some children are there needing to be entertained. I know how to grab my audience," Latini said. "I guess you could say I have a friendliness about my blues."

Latini's Tunes at Twilight performance will begin at 7 p.m. this evening at the Common Pleas Courthouse gazebo. In the event of rain, the show will take place in the Rose Theatre on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University. For more information about Tunes at Twilight and its concert schedule, visit www.oldtowncape.org, or call 334-8085. For more on Latini and his music, visit www.johnlatini.com.

jsamons@semissourian.com

388-3641