Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Tim O’Brien has a résumé that goes back to his days in Hot Rize, a bluegrass band that formed in 1978. The West Virginia-born musician has also released a slew of albums that include collaborations with Darrell Scott and O’Brien’s sister Mollie O’Brien. For my money, Tim O’Brien broke out of the confines of traditional music with his deft 2014 cover of Chris Smither’s “Origin of Species” on Link of Chain: A Songwriters Tribute to Chris Smither. Along the way, O’Brien has made his mark as a songwriter, penning tunes for the likes of Alison Krauss and Garth Brooks. His latest album is 2025’s Paper Flowers, which he recorded with his wife, Jan Fabricius. It’s a typically well-turned effort that keeps the virtues of bluegrass intact while subtly advancing the form. O’Brien definitely knows his way around songs, and he possesses a congenial but pointed vocal style. On May 20 at 3rd and Lindsley, O’Brien marks the release of his book The Tim O’Brien Songbook — and Wisdom on Singing and Songwriting. He’ll be joined by fiddler Shad Cobb and cellist Nathaniel Smith. O’Brien will also appear at Parnassus Books the next night, May 21, to talk about his book. The Parnassus event is free, but you need to register if you wish to attend.
Wednesday, May 20 7:30 p.m. at 3rd and Lindsley
818 Third Ave. S.
