Z2 Entertainment and 97.3 KBCO are thrilled to present the return of celebrated Americana artists Gillian Welch and David Rawlings to the historic Chautauqua Auditorium on Monday, June 16, 2025. A cornerstone of modern acoustic music, Welch and Rawlings bring their timeless songwriting, masterful musicianship, and Grammy-winning repertoire to the front range for an unforgettable evening.
Hailed by Pitchfork as “modern masters of American folk” and by Rolling Stone as “protectors of the American folk song,” Gillian Welch and David Rawlings have spent over two decades shaping contemporary folk and roots music. Their profound influence can be traced back to Welch’s breakthrough when Emmylou Harris covered her song “Orphan Girl,” followed by the critically acclaimed 1996 debut album, Revival (produced by T Bone Burnett).
Welch and Rawlings’ collaborative genius shines on subsequent releases, including the stark yet powerful Hell Among the Yearlings (1998) and the landmark soundtrack to O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000), which garnered a Grammy for Album of the Year. Their own catalog—featuring the widely lauded Time (The Revelator) (2001), the electric-inflected Soul Journey (2003), and the Grammy-nominated The Harrow & The Harvest (2011)—has garnered legions of fans and consistently appears on “Best Of” lists. In 2020, their joint album All the Good Times won the Grammy Award for Best Folk Album.
Beyond their own recordings, Welch and Rawlings have launched archival releases under their Acony Records’ “Boots” series—unearthed gems that highlight their commitment to preserving and celebrating roots traditions. Their unwavering dedication to craftsmanship also extends to producing projects for other artists and earning prestigious honors such as the Thomas Wolfe Prize for Literature (Welch, 2018), an Academy Award nomination for “Best Original Song” (2019), the Berklee American Masters Award, and a Lifetime Achievement for Songwriting from the Americana Music Association.
A Grammy-nominated songwriter, lauded producer, and award-winning guitarist, David Rawlings steps into the spotlight with his solo projects, including Poor David’s Almanack—a “modern folk album that wears its old-school influences on its sleeve.” Building on the success of collaborations spanning from the late 1990s onward, Rawlings continues to explore new stylistic territory while honoring the roots that have made him one of Americana’s most respected figures.
Fans can expect an evening that embodies the enduring spirit of American folk traditions—intimate, soul-stirring performances punctuated by pristine harmonies and intricate acoustic guitar work. From career-defining hits to new favorites, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings promise a memorable concert that underscores why they remain at the forefront of the genre.
Tickets go on sale Friday, February 14th at 10am and can be purchased at
https://www.z2ent.com/events/detail/welch-rawlings-2025-cha/
