Born in 1943 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Van Dyke Parks has spent over 40 years in music. As a child, he attended the American Boychoir School in Princeton, NJ, and his first instrument was the clarinet. Parks established his reputation as a songwriter in the 1960s, penning lyrics for the Beach Boys’ Smile and clinching his first major label contract. As Parks puts it, “Surviving the Beach Boys, I plunged ahead in 1968 with my own album, soon producing debut albums by Ry Cooder and Randy Newman, etc. In the 1970s, I started the first audio/visual department at a record company, seeking a new income stream for artists. Studio dates, productions and arrangements followed with diligent pursuit….Yet, I maintain my best work is ahead of me. Lest I get ahead of you, my heart will be in the work.”

A ticket for this concert also provides entrance to the 5 PM matinee performance by El Circo Cheapo. And then, after the music, please stick around for the FREE Late Night Comedy Show.