Consummate Singer-Songwriter Patty Griffin
Makes First Solo Appearance in Santa Rosa July 23rd
at Wells Fargo Center for the Arts

Santa Rosa, CA (June 27, 2007) - With a voice described by Rolling Stone magazine as "an amazing instrument," Patty Griffin takes the stage July 23rd at 8pm at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. The singer-songwriter arrives in Santa Rosa following a string of sold out concerts across the country and a recent announcement from the Americana Music Association in Nashville that her latest album has earned three award nominations. Griffin's Children Running Through (ATO), released in February, is nominated for Best Album, Artist of the Year, and Song of the Year ("Heavenly Day"). The July 23rd concert will be the sing-songwriter's first solo performance in Santa Rosa . She appeared along with an all-star cast including Emmylou Harris, Bruce Cockburn, John Prine, Nanci Griffith, Nina Gerber, Steve Earle, and an unannounced Bonnie Raitt, in 1999 as part of the Landmine Free World Tour.

Children Running Through continues the remarkable creative evolution that's quietly established Griffin as a vital and singular musical force. It also belies her persistent sensitive-singer-songwriter image-a limiting perception that fails to fully convey the emotional depth and breadth of her songwriting or the emotive power of her fluid, soulful singing. Indeed, the new disc's 12 Griffin originals maintain a timelessly truthful resonance that echoes a variety of styles, most notably the classic R&B and gospel music that have long been a source of inspiration for the artist.

"I just wanted to write from the heart and let it be," Griffin says of the project. "Some of the most beautiful music I've ever heard is when you catch somebody singing to themselves. I wanted to make music that had that feeling."

That sort of heartfelt forthrightness has won Griffin a fiercely loyal fan base that's continued to expand, even as she's retreated from the cookie-cutter machinery of the mainstream music industry. Among her higher-profile admirers are the Dixie Chicks, who recorded much-loved versions of the Griffin compositions "Top of the World," "Truth No. 2" and "Let Him Fly"; Emmylou Harris, a longtime supporter who's covered several Griffin songs, and who lends her iconic harmony vocals to the Children Running Through number "Trapeze"; and Solomon Burke, who covers "Up to the Mountain (MLK Song)" on his latest record.

Patty Griffin and special guest Scott Miller perform July 23 at 8pm at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. Tickets ($16.50-Standing Room Only, $29.50, $39.50) are available at the Box Office located at 50 Mark West Springs Road in Santa Rosa, by phone at 707-546-3600, and online at www.wellsfargocenterarts.com .

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The non-profit Wells Fargo Center for the Arts is the North Bay's premier arts organization presenting world-class performances, contemporary sculpture, festivals, and events to 500,000 residents and visitors each year. Together with its resident companies, the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts provides more than 100 annual performances, serves to present intriguing contemporary art, and is one of California's largest providers of arts education programs for children. Located in the heart of the Wine Country, the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts campus features spacious auditoriums, an intimate cabaret, and outdoor festival grounds with a big-top tent. Unlike many similar organizations, the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts is not aligned with any federal, state, or municipal entity-such as a city or university. The Center was created by and is supported by the community it serves, making it uniquely positioned as an independent, entrepreneurial-focused, non-profit arts organization. We serve to Enrich, Educate and Entertain - Connecting Our Community through the Arts.