Wesley Stace with Mare Winningham

In 1992, John Wesley Harding went on tour in support of his Sire/Reprise album “Why We Fight”, headlining a bill that featured Barenaked Ladies and Mare Winningham. These were the halcyon days when record labels helped musicians defray the costs of touring with “tour support”. In such a heady and extravagant atmosphere, longtime friendships were forged, beautiful music made, and everyone ended up unrecouped.

33 years later, like two characters from “The Big Chill”, Wesley Stace and Mare Winningham are touring together again, asking questions of the past, inviting requests. Merely by singing songs, telling stories and sharing a duet or two, they hope to recreate some of the finer points of this lengthy and memorable tour. No more major label van for our intrepid heroes; they’re in a rental car (but with a driver).

Wes has travelled under two distinct names, but there’s only one Mare Winningham, recipient of two Primetime Emmys, nominated for Oscars, Golden Globes and Tonys, and the recent star of Bob Dylan’s “Girl from the North Country” on Broadway.

Despite all that, Wes claims that the 1992 tour was the highlight of her career, and, in honour of this vintage pairing, like two fine wines you’ve poured into the same glass by mistake, he is prepared to assume the mantle of John Wesley Harding once more.

 

Mare Winningham has worked in film, television, and theater for over 4 decades during which time she released 5 albums of original music. She was most recently featured in the Grammy nominated cast album of Bob Dylan and Conor McPherson’s Girl From the North Country.

For her performance as a folksinging legend in the 1996 film Georgia, she received accolades including an Academy Award nomination, a SAG award nomination, and the Independent Spirit award. The film’s album was released the same year, and includes Winningham’s version of Stephen Foster’s Hard Times.

Her records and musical performances brought her to audiences while on tour with John Wesley Harding, and opening for numerous artists including Richard Thompson, John Hiatt, Marshall Crenshaw, Arlo Guthrie, Carla Olsen, and Kate and Anna McGarrigle.

Her most recent album Mare Winningham and the Brothers Crouch: Live at the Carlyle was released in 2020.