DAVE MANNING
He has graced the stage at Folsom Prison and shared billing with the likes of Dan Bern, Mose Allison, and James Mathus, the frontman of Squirrel Nut Zippers. Navigating the western roads in a vintage VW Microbus adorned with Arlo Guthrie's autograph, Dave Manning embraces the timeless tradition of the wandering storyteller and songwriter.
Touring in his '65 Microbus named "Vincent", Dave stands as a rare relic in an era dominated by television and Karaoke, embodying the essence of a traveling troubadour. Cruising at a leisurely 50mph, performing in a different town every few days, Dave remains unafraid of "paying his dues." His Microbus carries a treasure trove of road tales, spanning from the frigid expanses of Alaska to the sunbaked high deserts of Arizona.
Dave's vocal timbre often draws comparisons to Tom Waits, while his piano mastery spans the spectrum from soulful ballads to blues, country, and boogie-woogie. A captivating performer, Dave's repertoire includes on-the-spot improvisations inspired by the names of audience members. Armed with a collection of blues harmonicas, he adds depth to his sound. Notably, he is an award-winning published poet with releases encompassing spoken word and musical compositions.
“If Mark Twain played the piano, he might sound like this guy. The music is great and the stories damn funny.”