Penn to sing about life on the road at Nov. 1 Grassroots performance

NISSWA -- The Grassroots Concerts folk music series resumes Nov. 1 with Larry Penn, noted for his songs of "simple elegance," promoters said in a news release.

"Penn sings and tells stories of hard work, working people, trains, trucks, life on the road, love nonsense and pink flamingos," the release said.

If you go

Who: Larry Penn

What: Grassroots performer

Where: Nisswa Community Center

When: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1

Cost: $10 at the gate

"Noted for their simple elegance, his songs are not only popular with audiences but are acclaimed by other artists, many of whom have recorded their own renditions of Penn's songs," organizers added.

Penn has even delighted audiences at the annual Hobo Convention at Britt, Iowa, the release said.

His Grassroots appearance will open at 7:30 p.m. in the Nisswa Community Center. Tickets are $10 at the gate, which opens at 6:30 p.m.

Penn's discography includes "The Whiskey's Gone," "When Steam Was King," "Stickin' With the Union" and "Still Feel Like Rollin'," titles that capture the themes of this music.

One reviewer said Penn's melodies are so memorable that once "the melody starts going around in your head, you'll never get it out," according to the release.

Penn, a retired Milwaukee truck driver, has turned his interest in travel into a toy-making endeavor, "spending time in his workshop carefully cutting and carving wooden trains, tugboats, sailboats and paddleboats ... for collectors," the release said.

Claudia Schmidt will appear in the Grassroots series Nov. 15, followed by John Gorka on Dec. 6. For more information, call 963-2976 or 746-3930.