In the troubadour tradition 

“It’s far more than just a gig,” says folk artist John McCutcheon of his annual Sebastiani Theatre show, on January 8. “There are many places I frequent as often as Sonoma, but none I love better.”

The Virginia-born troubadour conveys a social consciousness in the great folk tradition through poignant, humorous stories put to music while playing every instrument in the genre’s arsenal, including guitar, banjo, dulcimer, fiddle and Jew’s harp. In an era of social unrest and economic disparity, the protest element of folk music seems as relevant as ever. McCutcheon said he learned much from folk icon Woody Guthrie, a champion of the oppressed and disenfranchised.

“The first 50 songs or so I learned were Guthrie songs. He not only taught me guitar chords, he taught me about writing. And his cardinal rules were two: pay attention and tell the truth.” 7:30 p.m. $30. 476 First St. E. 996.9756. Sebastianitheatre.com.