Craig Finn, the gravel-voiced bard behind The Hold Steady, is bringing his singular blend of storytelling and song to Kingston’s Rough Draft Bar & Books on Tuesday, May 20, at 7pm. This free event promises an intimate evening where the lines between fiction and melody blur, as Finn reads from his new short story collection, Lousy with Ghosts, and performs selections from his latest solo album, Always Been.
Released on April 4, Always Been marks Finn’s sixth solo venture and perhaps his most cinematic to date. Produced by Adam Granduciel of The War on Drugs, the album envelops Finn’s character-driven narratives in lush, atmospheric arrangements. The songs trace the arc of a faithless clergyman, navigating themes of redemption and identity with Finn’s characteristic wit and empathy.
Complementing the album, Lousy with Ghosts is an 80-page collection of 11 interwoven stories that delve deeper into the lives of Finn’s lyrical characters. This limited-edition book offers fans a chance to explore the rich inner worlds that Finn so deftly sketches in his music.
Admission is free, but seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Copies of Lousy with Ghosts will be available for purchase, with Finn on hand to sign books and engage with attendees.
For fans of The Hold Steady, literary fiction, or anyone intrigued by the crossroads of song and story, this event offers a rare opportunity to experience Craig Finn’s multifaceted artistry up close.
This article appears in May 2025.
