Renowned musician, George Winston, will be in concert November 5th and 6th at the Chef’s Listening room at the Carriage House, operated by Chef Hosch and Ann Catering in Williamsport. Winston plans on bringing something special to Northcentral, PA, during these unique times.

Known mainly as a pianist, Winston also plays guitar and harmonica and will often incorporate both into his concerts. When asked to describe his unique style, he uses the term “rural folk piano.” Regardless of how anyone labels his music, his fans simply call it outstanding.

George Winston has been a household name in music for more than four decades and has sold over 15 million albums. His evocative music and unique style have inspired not only fans but also fellow musicians. Now 70, Winston released his first album in 1972, then waited eight years to release his sophomore album titled “Autumn.” Since then, fans have been able to enjoy many more collections “Winter into Spring,” “December,” and “Summer,” to name a few.

One of Winston’s more recent albums is titled “Restless Wind,” where he features songs by Stephen Stills, Sam Cooke, George Gershwin, and other timeless artists.

The live performance industry has been hit hard during this pandemic, but that has not stopped Winston. “We’ve become livestream and podcast producers and have embraced the relatively new idea of “pop-up shows,” said Dave Whitnack, VP of Operations of Night Song Concerts and manager to George Winston.

“All we can do right now is work with the options we have been given. We produce and present COVID-compliant pop-up shows in suitable venues that fall into and fit within the mandates laid upon us. We are doing this wherever and whenever we can and at a moment’s notice. We are coming together in unconventional ways and collaborations to not only survive but to feed our talented artist’s hunger to perform. We, as artists and managers, immensely care for our fans and patrons; they are very much like friends to us and are the lifeblood of the industry. We work hard to balance practicing our craft and also keeping our fans, our friends, crew, and gig workers safe in doing so.”

Under normal circumstances, George Winston is continuously traveling, playing nearly 100 concerts annually. These, however, are not normal circumstances, though Winston helps those in need as much as possible. “The main thing I do is play live, so I want to play food bank fundraisers wherever there is permission to. Everyone wants to help, and this is the best way I can,” said Winston, referring to the Salvation Army fundraiser for this Williamsport show. “We associate all of our shows with a local charity that helps feed people in the community. We’ll be working with them on this show.”

When asked how the pandemic has affected his music, he responded, “I have finished a benefit album to help, called “A New Morning – A Food Bank Benefit.” An album Winston created during his six months quarantining along with the rest of the country. “George is a purist, and for him, it’s all about the music, its history, and the things around him that inspire him to create it,” said Whitnack.

George usually enjoys interacting with fans after shows and signing autographs, but unfortunately, the pandemic has changed a lot of that, forcing him to find creative ways to play safely. “I often try to visit whoever stays after shows but probably won’t be able to do that.” In addition, he stays at least 10 feet from the closest seated patrons, all in an effort to keep fans and himself safe.

There will be two unique evenings of music performed by George Winston for fans to enjoy, all while eating gourmet food prepared by Chef Hosch and Anne Catering, Inc. at the Chef’s Listening Room in Williamsport on Thursday, November 5th and Friday, November 6th.

Music and food all-inclusive in one price, in a socially distanced atmosphere. This is a BYO beer & wine event. Wine glass and corkscrews are provided.

Each table will include a preset charcuterie plate and wine glasses for your group. Feel free to bring your own wine or beverage of choice. Dessert will be served at intermission.

Social distancing protocols will be in place. Table positions per reservation are random and will be set to accommodate your group’s number in a socially distant setup. For more information about this event, please visit http://www.facebook.com/chefslisteningroom/.

To purchase tickets, go to https://gwchef.eventbrite.com.