Charlie Parr brings his deeply rooted folk songwriting to YES Basement, performing material shaped by decades of touring and more than a dozen albums.
Based in Duluth, Minnesota, Parr is known for his raw acoustic sound, characterised by resonator guitars, banjo, and unvarnished vocals that cut straight to the heart of his storytelling. His most recent work, including his album Dog, reflects a period of personal struggle and honest self-examination, with songs that explore themes of depression, resilience, and the search for clarity.
While Dog contains some of Parr’s starkest writing, it also marks a shift toward fuller arrangements. Initially intending to record the album solo, Parr ultimately brought in collaborators including Jeff Mitchell, Mikkel Beckman, Dave Hundreiser and Liz Draper, whose contributions added dynamism and lift to the songs. The result balances quiet introspection with moments of greater energy, highlighting Parr’s instinctive ability to connect emotional depth with forward momentum.
His live performances are known for their openness and directness, often mirroring the unfiltered quality of his recordings. At YES Basement, audiences can expect a set that spans his catalogue, delivered with the candour and musicianship that have made Parr a respected and enduring figure in contemporary folk.
