Split Level Concerts presents John Gorka

Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 11/07/2026

(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- The Jersey Shore Arts Center in Ocean Grove presents An Evening with John Gorka on Saturday, December 5, 2026 at 8:00pm. The show is part of the ongoing Split Level Concerts series which highlights renowned Americana and contemporary folk musicians in a uniquely intimate setting.

John Gorka is widely regarded as one of the leading voices to emerge from the contemporary folk revival of the 1980s. Raised in New Jersey and musically shaped in eastern Pennsylvania, he came into his own at the Godfrey Daniels coffeehouse in Bethlehem, where a steady stream of touring artists helped spark his development. With a rich baritone voice and a gift for blending humor, empathy, and vivid detail, Gorka quickly established a songwriting style that feels both intimate and timeless.

Gorka's national breakthrough came after being named a finalist at the Kerrville Folk Festival’s New Folk competition, leading to a recording contract and a series of acclaimed albums. Early releases I Know and Land of the Bottom Line introduced his sharply observed characters and understated wit, while subsequent recordings such as Jack’s Crows, The Company You Keep, and True in Time deepened his reputation for craftsmanship and emotional range. His 14th studio recording, unentitled, continues that tradition and reflects his seasoned perspective while retaining the warmth and insight that have long defined his work. Released in 2025, unentitled is testimony that the songwriter's work endures not because it chases trends, but because it speaks plainly and honestly.

Gorka's career also has been closely associated with a circle of influential singer-songwriters. He has shared stages with songwriting greats Nanci Griffith, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Suzanne Vega, Shawn Colvin and many others. And, most notably, the folk supergroup Red Horse - consisting of Gorka, Lucy Kaplansky and Eliza Gilkyson - toured extensively behind the folk radio chart topping album of the same name. These relationships have helped place him firmly within a lineage of artists dedicated to the art of songwriting. Through his dry humor and generous musical spirit, John Gorka continues to connect with audiences by deftly balancing poignancy and levity.

Advance tickets are $35 and are available for purchase online. The Jersey Shore Arts Center is located at 66 South Main Street in Ocean Grove, New Jersey.

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Net ticket proceeds from all Split Level Concerts support the programming and arts education offered by the Jersey Shore Arts Center, a non-profit organization serving Ocean Grove and its surrounding areas.

Jersey Shore Arts Center and Split Level Concerts are proud to partner with Brookdale Public Radio 90.5 The Night and Musicians On A Mission (MOAM) to promote the concert series. Musicians On A Mission is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating connection and inspiring giving through music. MOAM will be on hand for all shows in the series, collecting non-perishable food, personal care items, and cash donations to benefit Fulfill (formerly the Food Bank of Monmouth & Ocean County). Concertgoers that visit the MOAM table in the lobby before the show, or during intermission, can learn more about Fulfill’s mission and enter a drawing to win items donated by the artists, 90.5 The Night, and local businesses.

Remaining Split Level Concerts this season are as follows:

Saturday, January 9th – Dan Bern with special guest Redbird

Saturday, February 13th – Catie Curtis and Band with special guest Mike Montrey

Saturday, March 13th – Stephen Kellogg with special guest to be announced

Saturday, April 10th – Abbie Gardner with special guest Sean Kiely

Saturday, May 8th – Heather Maloney and Band with special guest Tiny Cities

Saturday, June 5th – Kim Richey with special guest Sharon Lasher