originally published: 01/04/2026
Photo © Kershona Mayo
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- The Princeton Folk Music Society presents an evening of country, Americana, folk, blues, and bluegrass music with award-winning troubadour Crys Matthews on Friday, January 16, 2026 at Christ Congregation Church. Showtime is 8:00pm.
One of the brightest stars of the new generation of social justice music-makers, she presents a complex performance steeped in traditional melodies punctuated by honest, original lyrics. Folk Alliance International has nominated Chrys for its 2025 Artist of the Year Award, and her album Reclamation for the Album of the Year Award.
Crys Matthews believes that its important for a folk musician to support a tradition, to speak for the people in that tradition and to be able to answer the questions: “what is your tradition, who are your people, what is the fabric of you?" She says her mission is: "to amplify the voices of the unheard, to shed light on the unseen, and to be a steadfast reminder that hope and love are the truest pathways to equity and justice."
Crys describes herself as “a preacher's kid, a Black woman, a butch lesbian, and a proud Southerner who sings social justice music right alongside 'traditional' country and Americana music.” She has been said to be “reclaiming not just of the space Black artists have been denied in country and Americana music, not just of the space LGBTQ people have been denied in communities of faith, not just of the autonomy women have been denied over their own bodies, she is reclaiming the South that raised her.”
Tickets at the door: $25 ($20 members). A live-stream is also available. Tickets are available for purchase online (tickets will be available for pick up at the show). Ample free parking. Christ Congregation Church is located at 50 Walnut Lane in Princeton, New Jersey.
“By wrapping honest emotions around her socially conscious messages and dynamically delivering them with a warm heart and a strong voice, she lifts our spirits just when we need it most in these troubled times.” – ASCAP VP & Creative Director Eric Philbrook
The Princeton Folk Music Society has encouraged the growth of folk music in central New Jersey for over 60 years. As they continue to explore new ways of presenting and promoting folk music while ensuring a Covid 19-safe environment for their audiences, their concerts this season will available for viewing by live streaming, as well as on-site in Princeton. They welcome everyone to join them, in person or virtually for their concerts.
COLUMNS
This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from February 17-23, 2026
Here is a look at shows taking place from February 17-23, 2026 along with our featured listings and a look at some upcoming shows. New Jersey Stage offers previews of concerts throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas.
