THIS WILL BE A TREAT >>>

I met Steve Poltz at an American Music label party at SXSW in 1994. A couple months before I flew down to Austin, his folk rock band, The Rugburns, released their debut album, Morning Wood, and I had been playing the shit out of it. Guitarist Poltz and his band mate, guitarist Robert Driscoll, performed acoustic melodies spiked with ridiculous lyrics. The most popular song off the album, "Me and Eddie Vedder," was a grating contemplation on the glorious possibilities of overdosing in a hotel room alongside Eddie Vedder.

As I chatted with Poltz during the party, a young woman with an amazing voice performed for the crowd. Halfway through her first song, she had the balls to tell the music executives, media and partygoers in the room to show some respect and, basically, shut the hell up.

"That's my girlfriend," Poltz said, pointing to the blonde on stage.

The blonde was Jewel. Later on, she would yodel for the crowd.

A couple years later I saw him in Jewel's "You Were Meant for Me" music video (a song he co-wrote). He was the skinny guy teenage girls everywhere stared dreamily at.

After The Rugburns faded, Poltz released several well-received albums and started his own record label. His songs are popular for their clever and often moving lyrics, and his way with an acoustic guitar is impressive.

Stoltz will perform Thursday, Dec. 2 at the Morso wine bar in Gig Harbor. I highly recommend this show.

UPDATE: Michael ONeill, the man who is bring Poltz to Gig Harbor, will interview the singer-songwriter tonight on his KGHP 89.9FM radio show at 7 p.m. Listen to the stream here.

Steve Poltz

Thursday, Dec. 2, 8 p.m., $20
Morso wine bar, 9014 Peacock Hill Ave., Gig Habor
253.530.3463