Published: November 06, 2009 07:50 am      

Breathe Owl Breathe opens for Sean Hayes

Contemporary roots artist at Opera House

TRAVERSE CITY -- Sean Hayes, a rootsy San Francisco-based musician, performs at the City Opera House Saturday. Breathe Owl Breathe opens.

Hayes' music is danceable and contemporary, yet maintains one foothold in folk. He doesn't hesitate to make a point, but keeps the lightheartedness on the front burner. His "No, No Guantanamo" takes on a cowboy beat while he expresses his dissatisfaction with the detention center and its creation: "I've been looking for a horse thief that looks like you," Hayes sings. "You're a man on a horse, I guess that'll do."

Hayes has been featured on National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" and was a featured artist of the Tour de Fat festivals this past summer.

Local musicians Breathe Owl Breathe float between folk and country using guitar, cello drums and piano.

Tickets for the concert are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets are available at the City Opera House, 106 E. Front St., online at www.cityoperahouse.org or by calling 941-8082. Box office hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.