In the Strauss Black Box Theatre at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center

Joni and Beyond: Beth Bombara explores the music of our treasured female songwriters

Beth Bombara is a dynamic singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in St. Louis, Missouri, celebrated for her evocative blend of Americana, folk, and indie rock. With a voice often likened to Rosanne Cash and a musical sensibility that bridges the raw energy of rock with the introspective depth of folk, Bombara has carved out a distinctive niche in the American roots music scene.

Born on August 4, 1983, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Bombara's musical journey began with piano lessons in her youth, eventually leading her to the guitar and songwriting. She formed her first band, a melodic punk group called Green Means Go, during high school, which continued into her college years. After earning an interdisciplinary degree in Music & Culture from Greenville College in Illinois, she relocated to St. Louis in 2007, immersing herself in the city’s rich musical landscape.

Bombara’s solo career took off with the release of her debut EP, Abandon Ship, in 2007. Since then, she has released several acclaimed albums, including Wish I Were You (2010), Beth Bombara (2015), Map & No Direction (2017), Evergreen (2019), and It All Goes Up (2023). Her music showcases her versatility as a vocalist and instrumentalist, often featuring her on guitar, piano, and drums. Collaborating closely with her husband and bassist, Kit Hamon, Bombara crafts songs that resonate with authenticity and emotional depth.

A respected figure in the St. Louis music community, Bombara has been honored with multiple awards, including the Riverfront Times' Best Americana Artist in 2014 and 2015. Her performances at venues like the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Whitaker Music Festival and her active engagement with fans through live shows and social media have solidified her reputation as a compelling live performer and dedicated artist.

Beth Bombara continues to captivate audiences with her heartfelt songwriting and genre-blending sound, embodying the spirit of modern Americana while honoring its roots.