Eliza Gilkyson

Gilkyson, a third-generation musician who grew up in Los Angeles knowing that her life would revolve around music, was inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame in 2002 alongside such luminaries as Willie Nelson, Nancy Griffith and Townes Van Zandt. Her CD Land of Milk and Honey was nominated for a Grammy in 2004.

“Eliza Gilkyson doesn't pull any punches,” says the New York Times. “She graces the music with her lush and passionate voice; a dark and lonely sound, hope and satisfaction, and edgy lyrics with piercing imagery round out the whole.”

The daughter of successful songwriter Terry Gilkyson (Greenfields, Memories Are Made of This, Marianne among others,) Gilkyson recorded demos for her dad while in her teens.  Soon after, she was writing and recording her own material as well.

At the end of the Sixties, she moved to New Mexico with like-minded souls, eventually raising a family, all the while developing a loyal fan base in the Southwest and Texas. 
After a period in Europe working with Swiss composer/harpist Andreas Vollenweider, Eliza returned to the United States, releasing Through the Looking Glass in 1996 (Private Music) and 1997’s Redemption Road (Silverwave/MTI), which she has recently reissued.

Gilkyson started her own label, Realiza Records, and put out Misfits in 1999, a collection of out-takes that received favorable press as a sound that connected the worlds of folk and modern storytelling. 

In 2000 she released Hard Times in Babylon, her first album on Red House Records.  The album was a critical success, followed by her second recording with Red House, Lost and Found.  She has been on several compilations issued by Red House, including a Bob Dylan tribute album, Nod to Bob, and Going Driftless, a Greg Brown tribute benefiting a breast cancer research group. 

Land of Milk and Honey, released in 2004, is a decidedly more sociopolitical record which was nominated for a Grammy.  Her most recent CD, Paradise Hotel, made the DJ Top Ten lists all over the US and Europe. She is working on a songbook to come out soon.

“We are so excited about our 2007-08 Winter Wind season” says Becky Grider, chair of the series, “and are thrilled to have Eliza Gilkyson opening it.  Eliza was one of the artists who performed in the “Ribbon of Highway, Endless Skyway” tribute to Woody Guthrie tour.  She is such a strong, independent and inspirational singer/songwriter.  Her songs are empowering, relevant and beautiful.  I am really looking forward to her first show here at the Depot.”

Seating for the WinterWind show is limited and advance ticket purchase is recommended, either at the Depot or through OKC Tickets.

Additional Winter Wind concerts include: Sam Baker, Oct. 28; The Red Dirt Rangers (acoustic), Nov. 11; Ellis Paul, Dec. 9; Watermelon Slim (solo), Jan. 13; Dolce, Jan 27; Christopher Williams, Feb. 10; Antje Duvekot, Feb. 24; Nathan Brown & Beth Wood, March 9; Jamie Coon, March 30; and Johnsmith, April 13.  Discounted season tickets are available at the Performing Arts Studio.  

For additional information, call The PAS at 405-307-9320.  PAS office hours in the Depot are Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00.

Winter Wind Concerts are made possible in part by grants from: Norman Arts Council; Norman Chamber of Commerce Arts Grants; Oklahoma Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.  Sponsors include Tom McAuliffe: Don Cies Real Estate, and Nancy McClellan.  Contributors include Skye Diers: Gingerbread Kindergarten and Nursery School, and Mark and Theresa Marsee.  Friends include Becky Grider and Danna Primm.