Sam Amidon performed live at The Blasket Centre – Ionad an Bhlascaoid in West Kerry, Ireland, as part of Anam: Songs for Hearts and Minds, a multi-artist concert that streamed live via Other Voices. Amidon performed songs from his latest release, his 2020 self-titled album, to his 2013 Nonesuch debut, Bright Sunny South, and more. You can watch it here.

Sam Amidon is the guest on the latest episode of the Suzie Explores podcast hosted by violinist Suzie Collier. The two discuss approaching one's work with a beginner's mind, being open to new influences, and catching the creative spark when it hits. Amidon also talks about his lifelong connection to the fiddle and his lifelong friendship with musician and producer Thomas Bartlett. You can hear the conversation here.

Sam Amidon kicks off a tour of North America in a performance of Nico Muhly’s The Only Tune with members of the Oregon Symphony, led by Jeffrey Kahane, in Beaverton, Oregon, on Friday. Timo Andres performs on the program as well, which is hosted by Gabriel Kahane. Amidon then continues through the Pacific Northwest with shows in Seattle, Vancouver (with special guest Joachim Cooder), and Portland, before heading to the East Coast in support of The Weather Station in Philadelphia, DC, Brooklyn, and Boston. 

Sam Amidon kicks off a six-week tour of Europe and the UK in Leipzig, Germany, Friday night. The tour, which features songs from Amidon's 2020 self-titled album and more, continues with additional shows in Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Ireland. The UK leg of the tour begins at The Duncairn in Belfast on March 5, followed by shows in Portstewart, London, Brighton, Bristol, Frome, Birmingham, York, Edinburgh, Morecambe, Salford, Chester, and Guildford. 

"Sam Amidon is one of the most open-minded artists I know," says pianist/composer Pablo Held of his latest Investigates podcast guest. "Right away I was struck not only by his beautiful music, I was also amazed by the vast range of things he welcomes into his world. Every Sam Amidon album is a winner." You can watch their extensive conversation here.

Sam Amidon has announced a headline tour of the Northeastern United States for this October featuring songs from his 2020 self-titled album and more. The two-week tour starts at Club Passim in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on October 4, followed by shows in Burlington, Providence, Brattleboro, Northampton, Sellersville, DC, NYC, and Woodstock, culminating at One Longfellow Square in Portland, Maine, on October 16. Amidon was on BBC Radio 3's In Tune to perform last week.

Sam Amidon was the subject of a profile on PBS NewsHour Weekend. "Amidon has developed a shining reputation for taking something very old and making it sound brand new," says host Hari Sreenivasan. Amidon talks with special correspondent Tom Casciato about his career in music, from his earliest days immersed in the music of his performer parents to his 2020 self-titled album. You can watch their conversation and a new performance of the album track "Maggie" here.

Sam Amidon’s self-titled album, released digitally and on CD in October, is now available on blueberry-marble vinyl. On the album, which Amidon produced and considers the fullest realization to date of his artistic vision, he performs radical reworkings of mostly traditional folk songs with his frequent band, multi-instrumentalist Shahzad Ismaily and drummer Chris Vatalaro, along with saxophonist and label mate Sam Gendel, guitarist Bert Cools, bassist Ruth Goller, and Amidon’s wife, Beth Orton, who adds vocals on three songs.

Sam Amidon’s self-titled album is out digitally and on CD today, with the vinyl due January 22. "A fine showcase for Amidon’s studio experimentation," says Rolling Stone; "incorporates elements of spacious, echoing ambient electronic music to complement Amidon’s warm vocals, reminiscent of Nick Drake and Arthur Russell." No Depression says "this LP, full of delicate noise and artful sophistication, deserves a pause in a harried time." A video of the album track "Cuckoo," recorded live in concert at Kings Place in London earlier this month, can be seen here.

While many of us can't go out to take in great live music, here are some events taking place online to enjoy while staying home this weekend: Sam Amidon plays in Dublin's National Concert Hall marathon livestream; Devendra Banhart performs in Planned Parenthood benefit; Tyondai Braxton contributes to Semibreve festival online; Jeremy Denk gives a recital from Caramoor; k.d. lang takes part in The 519 Community Centre virtual gala; Gaby Moreno leads an Acoustic Festival on Facebook; and Chris Thile launches his masterclass series. Off line and in person, Brad Mehldau tours Europe, and Laurie Anderson leads a NYC voter activation parade with RuckUS.

Sam Amidon is the guest on the latest episode of WNYC / New Sounds' Soundcheck, hosted by John Schaefer, to discuss his new, self-titled album, out tomorrow. Amidon is joined by multi-instrumentalist Chris Vatalaro, who is also on the album, to perform three songs from his new, self-titled album: "Cuckoo," "Hallelujah," and "Pretty Polly." You can hear the session here.

Sam Amidon performed as part of Kansas Smitty's Virtual Jazz Bar in London. He joined clarinetist Giacomo Smith and band to perform a few songs from Amidon's new self-titled album, out this Friday. You can watch the session here. Amidon will celebrate the release of the new album with a livestream concert on Bandcamp this Thursday at 4pm EDT.