Friday, June 20 at 7:30 p.m.—RUTLAND—Two of Americana’s most celebrated voices—Shawn Colvin and Rodney Crowell—will share the stage at the Paramount Theatre as part of their “Together On Stage” tour. The evening promises an unforgettable blend of storytelling, stripped-down arrangements, and the kind of musical chemistry that only decades of artistry can create.
For both Colvin and Crowell, this show represents something new. “We’ve known each other for a long time,” Colvin said, “but we’ve never done a tour like this—trading songs, singing together. I think it’s going to be great. I’m thrilled. I’m a huge fan of Rodney.”
Crowell echoed that sentiment. “I think it came out of a conversation Shawn and I had a couple of years ago,” he said. “Then we were on the Cayamo boat together, and we talked about it some more. Eventually, I just said, ‘Let’s not talk about it—let’s do it.’”
The Paramount Theatre—with its renowned acoustics—is the perfect setting for this type of show, which Crowell described as “more songwriterly.” “It’s not about hitting marks,” he said. “It’s about intuiting how to tell a story you’ve already told in a brand-new way. There’ll be songs we do together; we’ll interrupt each other, tell stories—it’ll seem unrehearsed because mostly it is.”
A legacy of lyrics and longevity
Rodney Crowell is often referred to as a songwriter’s songwriter, with a career spanning more than four decades that includes Grammy wins, induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and hit songs recorded by legends such as Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, and Bob Seger. Still, Crowell finds joy in the quiet creative process: “I like performing, I really do,” he said. “But my favorite thing is writing. It’s really an introverted experience.”
That doesn’t mean he’s slowing down. Crowell’s new album “Airline Highway” is due out August 29, and he hinted that the Paramount audience may hear some new material—even if it was initially recorded with “screamin’ slide guitars.” “If the song works, it works,” he said. “I’m not afraid of playing it acoustic.”
Shawn Colvin’s enduring voice
Shawn Colvin, whose signature track “Sunny Came Home” earned her multiple Grammy Awards, brings a poetic and introspective voice to the performance. A gifted guitarist and lyrical storyteller, Colvin’s work has long resonated with fans seeking songs of emotional honesty and nuance.
She recalled to the Mountain Times how her father introduced her to the guitar.
“My dad tried to teach my brother, who didn’t care,” Colvin said. “I said, ‘Hello, do you mind?’ So he started teaching me.” Colvin also credits a Mel Bay guitar chord book and early musical influences, such as Laura Nyro and Elton John, for shaping her style. “At 15, I started listening to Laura Nyro. She was either a wizard or a genius,” she said of the legendary singer-songwriter.
Though 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of her landmark album “A Few Small Repairs,” Colvin is focused on the road ahead. She hinted at new material in the works and is looking forward to future tour dates, including an August run with Keb’ Mo’ and an October tribute concert to Emmylou Harris in San Francisco.
An evening to remember
Both artists are bringing decades of experience—and a sense of play—to this Northeast mini-tour. “We’ll have fun,” Crowell promised. “That’s a guarantee. It’s not work. It’s called playing music.”
Two outstanding performers sharing the stage at one of the area’s best venues—what a great way to start the summer.
For tickets and more info, visit: paramountvt.org.
