The heart of community, music & honest conversation.
Join us for a special evening as longtime collaborators and musical storytellers Andrew James & John Gratton step back into duo mode, bringing the spirit of their band Citizen Bare together once more in this intimate all-ages BYOB venue.
From 2007, John and Andrew co-founded Citizen Bare, writing songs steeped in hope, freedom, and social justice under the mantra “live free, die naked.” They shared stages, wrote albums (including 2011’s Carnival), and crafted a sound dubbed “Blusicana” — Americana and blues with harmony-rich textures and a message. Now they reunite for a night of originals, deep harmonies, and stories told through guitar, voice and heart.
Expect two hours of dynamic interplay — Andrew’s & John’s honed songwriting and harmony sensibilities coupled with roots-inflected grit. They’ll revisit key Citizen Bare tunes alongside new compositions born from that same desire for transparency, reconciliation, and musical truth. And they’ll do it in the welcoming, creative space that the Dick Wright Public House has become — a gathering place in Franklin that champions arts, live music and community conversation.
Whether you’ve followed their journey since the early days, discovered Andrew’s work with his duo/trio The Owl Stars, or are just arriving fresh to their live sound — this evening promises meaningful songs, soulful expression and an atmosphere that invites connection.
Arrive at 6:00 pm, bring your own drink if you like, enjoy the local vibe, and settle in for a show where two musicians who have known each other for decades bring their shared story into the moment. A hand-picked set that blends roots, soul, blues-tinged Americana and vocal harmony — all served up in a space that believes in bringing people together.
Mark the date. Bring friends. Let’s make December 27 a night of song, story and community in Franklin. See you there!
Songs, soul, and philanthropy have been the core of Franklin singer/songwriter John Gratton’s two-decade career in the Vermont music scene. Rejuvenated from a musical hiatus, John’s unique blend of country blues rock elicits the feel of Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, and the Eagles that has quickly reintroduced him as a must-see performer of taverns, tap rooms, and beyond.
Since being jokingly bestowed the nickname “Stevie Ray John” as a prodigious young guitarist, Gratton has risen through the ranks of the local scene from humble beginnings of local dives and DIY festivals performing as a member of “the Gratton Brothers,” a three-piece power trio performing the hits of the 1950s through mid-’90s. John’s musical path has been as diverse and sprawling as his catalog suggests, performing in the Christian Metalcore group “Breaking Root” and the soul-rock outfit “Firewater Experience,” where his meticulously sculpted guitar riffs and rock-laden background vocals made them staples of Christian and community events across New England.
Perhaps most recognizably, John co-founded the powerhouse folk-rock duo “Citizen Bare” alongside songster Andrew James in 2007, later morphing into a six-piece group that captivated audiences by blending popular music, hip-hop, a tinge of alt-country and Americana, and a whole lot of heart. Over nearly eight years as a band, Citizen Bare penned over 30 original songs and collaborated with Phish mastermind Pete Carini. The group’s debut EP “Carnival,” was engineered and produced by John in his home “studio.”
In addition to his current solo project, John serves as lead guitarist and background vocalist for husband and wife duo “the Owl Stars” (featuring Citizen Bare members Andrew James and Elizabeth Patterson), “Kippincoe,” and frequently sits in with Seven Days’ “Best Folk Group”- “Troy Millette & the Fire Below.”
As infectious and endearing as his melodies are John’s willingness to collaborate and mentor. With his thumb on the pulse of social consciousness and his gaze set on a better, more prosperous future, he is quick to lend advice and talents.
Be well and do good.