FOLK | Bill Staines 

Some say Bill Staines carries on the tradition of Woody Guthrie. And surely with his Americana characters, his well-worn harmonica, and 40-plus years on the road, Staines shares a few similarities with the legendary fellow sextenarian, Neil Young. Having crisscrossed the country repeatedly with more than 200 shows a year, you get the feeling Staines' weathered flannels and white beard have swayed everywhere, from small town living rooms and churches to folks festivals. Other 1960's babies will know his subjects, while the kids easily bob to familiar melodies. One of his most widely known tunes, "River," may be recognized from a grade-school songbook. Staines has 26 albums under his worn leather belt and countless awards. Would you have guessed he was also the National Yodeling Champion back in '75?

Bill Staines plays Saturday, November 15, at Rochester Christian Reformed Church, 2750 Atlantic Avenue, Penfield. 7:30 p.m. $10-$18. goldenlink.org; acousticmusic.com/staines.