On Friday May 30, The Troubadour presents Vance Gilbert and Jesse Ruben, with D.B. Purkis as the opener.

Get ready to experience the legendary Vance Gilbert, a trailblazer in the R&B/Folk/Jazz crossover scene! Hailing from Philadelphia, Vance’s unique blend of storytelling and musical mastery has earned him a devoted following. With a voice that will knock your socks off, and guitar skills likened to “a god,” Gilbert has dazzled audiences nationwide. From opening for icons like Arlo Guthrie and Anita Baker to stunning crowds at prestigious festivals worldwide, including Newport and Woodford Folk, Vance is a true force of nature.

Jesse Ruben is a singer/songwriter who recently moved to Atlanta after spending the last 15 years in Brooklyn. Best known for his lyrical storytelling and engaging live shows, his songs have been heard on more than a dozen TV shows in the US and abroad including Teen Mom, Switched at Birth, The Bachelor (Germany), and the recent Disney+ series Diary of a Future President. His most recent single “This Is Why I Need You” reached the top 10 in 12 different countries and has been streamed more than 65 million times across all platforms.

Opener D.B. Purkis brings a warm, nostalgic sound that bridges the golden age of American folk and blues with contemporary storytelling. A self-taught guitarist with a deep respect for musical tradition, Purkis discovered his passion by immersing himself in his older brother’s carefully curated vinyl collection, drawing inspiration from classic folk revivalists, blues pioneers, and roots musicians.