Bio
Drew Velting is an American singer-songwriter and accomplished roots-oriented musician. Performing with banjo and acoustic guitar (6- and 12-string), he is widely regarded for his rich, baritone voice and genuinely soulful interpretation of music that incorporates early blues, country, folk, rhythm and blues, and rock influences.
Drew's long-standing concert program, "A Patchwork of American Folk Songs" highlights the richness and diversity of the American roots tradition and includes a range of African-American spirituals, Southern Mountain ballads and more contemporary songs that inspired and represent the folk music revival of the 50's and 60's.
Drew has shared the stage with Tom Chapin, James Maddock, Marc Berger, the Guthrie Brothers, Gathering Time, and Songwriters By the Sea featuring Joe Rapolla and Joe D’Urso.
Drew's song, "Widows Walking" won second place in the March/April 2021 American Songwriter Magazine lyric contest. Drew also placed as a semi-finalist in the Music City SongStar Fall 2019 songwriting contest for his entry, "Where Do the Homeless Dwell?" His music has been featured on WFUV and he was recently nominated for the Bethpage Best of Long Island 2022 Contest in the Arts & Entertainment Section (Best Singer category).
“Drew Velting writes moving, beautiful songs that address contemporary social issues. He is a gifted storyteller and musician, carrying forward the legacy of songwriters like Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs and Tom Paxton." - Dave Sear, host of WNYC's Folk Music Almanac
"... strong storytelling and songwriting. Gorgeous vocals! - Music City SongStar Awards
"Amazingly relevant and strong lyrics ... a Dylan for the New Age ... folk is back!" - B. Keating
"... reminds me of Tom Lehrer, who wrote great parody and original songs in the '60s." - Lady Liberals
"Very Woody Guthrie ..." - Resistance
"Hopefully, he will continue to write songs ... of resistance, songs of healing, songs of equity, using his talent for social justice" - Susan Bro, Mother of Heather Heyer