(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents "Growing Up:  An Evening of Two One-Act Musical Memoirs with Matt Butler and Mike Montali," on Friday, February 23, 2024 at 8:00pm. This special event will take place at the First Congregational Church (40 South Fullerton Avenue) in Montclair. 

Matt Butler’s “Reckless Son”:  This piece, written and performed by singer songwriter Matt Butler, was inspired by his experiences performing over 100 concerts in jails and prisons across the country.  This 60-minute solo show is described as a 21st Century version of ‘On the Road’ meets ‘Folsom Prison Blues.”  It’s a story of hope that speaks to recovery from trauma and substance abuse, the healing power of storytelling, and what it means to discover a deeper sense of purpose in life through service to others.  Filled with personal history, lessons learned from those behind the walls and Americana songs influenced by Woody Guthrie and Townes Van Zandt, Reckless Son is more than just a show.  It's a calling.

Reckless Son was developed in part by the HB Studio Artist Residency program and was workshopped in Oregon State Penitentiary, The Theater Workshop at Otisville State Prison, and the Chesterfield County Jail.  Performances can be accompanied by community outreach events that include visits to correctional facilities, hospitals, rehabilitation centers and schools along with talkbacks, Q and A, and open discussions.

Mike Montali’s “Ballad of a Boro Kid”: Mike Montali, known for his work with the rock bands Hollis Brown and Fantastic Cat, strips down to an acoustic guitar, and tells the story of his life growing up in Queens, NY. Each song delivers insight into the artist’s upbringing, with family relationships highlighted as a major theme.

Tickets for this show are on sale now and can be purchased via TicketLeap at www.outpostintheburbs.org. Tickets can also be purchased at Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, 54 Fairfield Street, Montclair, NJ.

Covid Policy: Masks are optional for this concert; proof of vaccination is not required.  Please note that Covid Policy is subject to change at all times.

Outpost in the Burbs is a nonprofit outreach organization in Montclair dedicated to building community through music and volunteerism.   For over 35 years, the Outpost has presented more than 450 concerts by internationally known artists such as Judy Collins, Roger McGuinn,, Jorma Kaukonen, Jimmy Webb, Richie Havens,  The Jayhawks, Nick Lowe,  and Dar Williams.  In addition to presenting concerts, Outpost volunteers have donated many hours of their time through programs affiliated with Toys for Tots, the Human Needs Food Pantry of Montclair, the Community Food Bank of N.J., Dress for Success, MESH (Montclair Emergency Services for Hope), and a Community Food Program run by Outpost volunteers in Orange, NJ.