ALAMOSA — It has been several years since Rupert Wates, internationally known for the “haunting, melodic quality” of his songs, has performed at Society Hall, and it’s a joy to announce he’ll be gracing the stage once again on Saturday.

As described on his website, “Multi award winning singer-songwriter Wates combines unforgettable songs with virtuoso guitar playing. His music is the fruit of twenty years at the top of his profession. Folk tinged, with flavors of jazz and even classical, it bears the impression of his English roots as well as his years in New York City and on the road in America. By turns witty, erudite and moving, his songs will go straight to your heart.”

But that journey to “your heart” was not an immediate path.

Wates was born in London and, for a time, a student attending Oxford before signing an exclusive publishing contract with Eaton Music. After several years with Eaton, he moved to Paris in 2000.

“When I left London in 2000, I felt that my career in music was over,” he said in a 2022 interview with Penny Black Music Company. “To that point I’d been writing for other artists, rather than performing, and though I had a publishing deal nothing really worked for me. Above all, I was persuaded by others that I should not consider myself a performer, or at least certainly not a singer.”

Fortunately, imbued with an undeniable passion for music, Wates didn’t listen, although it took a while to confirm his persistence. “…without any great expectation of success, I started playing live in small clubs, first solo and then with a small band. The reaction I got was good and it was the French, above all, who persuaded me that I could after all succeed as a performer. For this I will always be grateful to them. But there is a limited future in performing English songs for French audiences.”

He then made the leap from Paris to New York City in 2006. “America had the advantage of being English-speaking, and it was where the biggest audiences were. So it made sense (at least retrospectively) to come to America.” Wates goes on to say that “like so many others throughout history”, he came to America “in search of opportunity and a new life.”

That sense of humility and honesty and connection with the humanity of being human – with a great wit thrown in – runs throughout his music, as even just a quick scan on YouTube will reveal. And his music most certainly resonates as his list of awards and accolades is impressive.

But, awards aside, it ultimately comes down to audience members and music reviewers to make up their own minds, and that is where the love and admiration for Wates’ music speaks the loudest.

The following was posted just last month from one of the venues where he performed.

"A standing ovation and a call for an encore. These are rare at Lakeside Music, but Rupert Wates received both at our show last evening—and for good reason. There aren’t many artists who can play a set of masterful instrumentals, both classical pieces and originals, and follow that with a second set of original vocal pieces covering almost every other musical genre out there. Rupert did both with ease, including background stories about the classical pieces and his own originals that amazed our audience. This artist is well-read, talented, and has an absolutely joyful connection to the audience. I can’t imagine a host who wouldn’t be thrilled to add him to their line-up. Rupert’s a pro."

Another post from another part of the country.

"What do you say when an excellent professional exceeds your highest expectations? Bravo to an exemplary performance by Rupert. His well timed repartee, with the audience whom he stunned with his songs and his guitar playing, felt warm and inclusive. To have this level of talent in my backyard leaves me in awe. To say I recommend him is a gross understatement. Rupert is a professional from start to finish."

" Rupert holds the record for the number of returns which is testament to how much our audience enjoys his shows. Each one is different, eclectic in its content, fresh and interesting in its presentation and one of the best evenings of live music a host can offer. Upbeat story songs about mermaids, heartfelt stories about his family, and intricate classical pieces all make a unique show that not many artists are doing these days. Not surprisingly, our audience is already asking when he’ll be back again. Rupert is a professional in all aspects—booking, communication, thoughtful houseguest. All this makes a host’s job so much easier. This artist is one of the best out there and I highly recommend Rupert for any venue."

Reviewers tend to be a little more succinct. “How can anyone play guitar like that?' (Musicians Corner HC MN)

“Unbelievable experience with Mr Rupert Wates.” (Charlie Boy HC CA)

"Truly gripping lyrics with great themes and troubling, witty messages. An inspirational artist." (Leith FM Radio Scotland)

"A new and unique songwriter-musician already in the front ranks by dint of timeless work." (Folk And Acoustic Music Exchange) “An exceptionally talented sonofabitch.”

In addition to writing and recording, Wates plays over 120 live shows a year in venues all over America, in Canada and in Europe, and has appeared regularly on radio and TV. He prefers smaller, more intimate spaces, where the audience is up close, where true musicianship counts, and where real emotion can't be faked…which makes Society Hall, once again, the perfect venue for such a troubadour.

With 2025 in the rear view mirror and 2026 stretched out up ahead, spending a few hours with a soulful, funny, eclectic and extraordinary talent like Rupert Wates seems like a better than average way to spend a Saturday evening making it, yes, another evening to be remembered.

The Society Hall board, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a place for community celebrations of all kinds, invites everyone to join them in the hall for a powerful and moving evening of music from Rupert Wates at Society Hall, at the corner of 4th Street and Ross Avenue in Alamosa, Saturday, January 10th at 7:00 pm. Doors open at 6:00.

Society Hall - Where Community Celebrates!