Paul Thorn

When it comes to songwriting, less is more, and simplicity is strength. Just ask Paul Thorn, who’s spent three decades turning soulful grooves and small syllables into songs that pack a big wallop. Maybe he learned the power of minimalism from his years as a pro boxer; maybe it just comes naturally. But whether he’s targeting heads, hearts, hips or the occasional funny bone, he somehow manages to condense large nuggets of wisdom into tight little mantras, the kind embroiderers stitched onto pillows before internet memes existed.

Paul Thorn is an American Southern rock, country, Americana, and blues singer-songwriter whose style is a mix of blues, country, and rock.

In 2014, Thorn released “Too Blessed to Be Stressed,” which he described as a collection of “positive anthem songs.”] “I wrote these songs hoping they might put people in a positive mindset and encourage them to count their own blessings, like I count mine,” Thorn observes. “There’s no higher goal I could set for myself than to help other people find some happiness and gratitude in their lives.”

In March 2018, Thorn released an album, titled “Don’t Let the Devil Ride,” featuring several covers of gospel songs that were an inspiration to him during his youth and adolescence.] The album features several prominent artists in that genre such as the Blind Boys of Alabama, The McCrary Sisters, Bonnie Bishop, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. The album peaked at No. 1 in the Billboard Blues Albums Chart.

2021’s “Never Too Late to Call, his 12th album, was held together with an honest sense of his shortcomings, an insistent moral compass, and a healthy dose of country funk.

Thorn’s latest record, 2025’s “Life Is Just A Vapor” reflects his six-decade journey through life & music, offering soulful, bluesy insights. The album is an outspoken account of the life lessons Thorn has experienced throughout his unique and extensive career,

There’s no one else like Paul Thorn, a walking contradiction of saint and sinner, boxer and poet, tough guy and sensitive soul, Mississippi belter and acoustic guitarist.

American Blues Scene writer Don Wilcock calls Thorn “an everyman (who) addresses things we all think about, but few can articulate with the kind of candor, humor and folksy truth that immediately endear him to almost everyone lucky enough to hear his music.”

Thorn delivers his messages with consummate skill — and pinpoint precision. One minute, he’ll unwind an outrageous tale full of wild characters (often accompanied by his own cartoonish illustrations); the next, he’ll tug at heartstrings with confessions of love, loss or failed dreams, balancing wit and pathos with an ease only the best storytellers can pull off. Thorn says “I like for people to be touched by music and get something from it, something that they can take with them throughout the day…. a message in it of some sort about how to live life.”

More information: Paul Thorn

ADDITIONAL CONCERT DETAILS

•  Ticket purchases are nonrefundable
•  Concerts take place Rain or Shine
•  Admission gates open at 5:45 pm
•  Showtime is 7 p.m.
•  You need to bring your own lawn chair and/or blanket
•  We recommend bringing a jacket or sweatshirt as it often gets cooler after the sun goes down and sometimes a rain shower pops up
•  You are welcome to bring a picnic with drinks and beverages (no alcohol is permitted on-site)
•  There is a on-site food vendor – for larger attendance shows sometimes two food vendors, but we always recommended bringing at least some water and a few snacks in case the lines at the food vendor are long and/or they run out of food
•  Alcohol, drones, pop-up tents, and tables are not allowed in the amphitheater
•  Dogs are permitted at most shows with the following rules: dog(s) must always be on a leash, concert goers with dog(s) are only permitted to sit on the hillside above the rock walls and not in the main seating area below the rock walls, you must clean up after your pet, if your dog(s) behavior is interfering with other patrons enjoyment of the show, you and your pet may be asked to leave the amphitheater and no refund will be given 

The Bluffs Restaurant will offer food and beverages for purchase during the concert. Visitors may bring their own food and beverages into the amphitheater. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted. 

Assistive listening devices are available for use during concerts. If you would like to borrow a free device, email info@blueridgemusiccenter.org in advance of your visit.

For more information, view our concert FAQs