Steve Poltz is the kind of artist who seems to operate in a permanent state of joyful creative mischief. A wildly inventive singer-songwriter, storyteller, and road warrior, Poltz has built a devoted international following through decades of relentless touring, unpredictable performances, and songs that swing effortlessly between heartfelt sincerity and laugh-out-loud absurdity. Born in Halifax and raised in Southern California, Poltz first gained attention as a founding member of the alt-folk band The Rugburns, before launching a prolific solo career that has produced a remarkable catalog of songs and unforgettable live shows.
Poltz has collaborated with artists across the musical spectrum, including co-writing You Were Meant for Me with Jewel, a song that became one of the defining hits of the 1990s. But the real legend of Steve Poltz is built on stage, where no two shows are ever the same. His concerts feel like a spontaneous adventure—equal parts music, comedy, storytelling, and glorious unpredictability.
His latest album, JoyRide, came about in typically unconventional fashion. One morning in East Nashville, Poltz received a call from neighbor Dex Green, a platinum-selling record producer and GRAMMY-nominated mixer/engineer. “You live so close,” Green told him. “You oughta come over and make some music. Maybe we’ll document it — who knows, maybe it’s a record.”
Capturing Poltz in a studio is a bit like convincing a whirling dervish to stop spinning long enough to sign a bill into law. It’s chaos, caffeine, and accidental poetry — art colliding with microphones and commerce in a glorious mess. That’s exactly how JoyRide happened: ten songs recorded with no seatbelts, no helmets, and no map. Just unsaturated, unadulterated art — real humans making real noise in real time.
JoyRide marks Poltz’s 14th solo album (not counting records with The Rugburns, live releases, and the countless bootlegs floating around). Since he tours nearly nonstop, he often has to be tricked into entering a studio under the guise of “just one song.” Luckily for listeners, this time the trick worked.
As Poltz himself puts it: “Joy Ride. Ten songs, no filter, no seatbelt, no map. Big thanks to Dex Green for being the musical trickster who lured me into the studio. Party on, weirdos.” Expect a night of dazzling guitar work, unforgettable stories, and songs that might make you laugh, cry, or wonder what just happened.
Presented by Rogue Folk Club.
Tickets: $30 in advance, $35 at the door, $20 live stream.
Event Venue
Mel Lehan Hall @ St. James, 3214 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6K 2M9, Canada
