Purly Gates’ repertoire as a singer/songwriter/educator is as diverse as her
experience: from an Earth Day concert at Disney World or a Residency in
Micronesia funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, to national touring
and local prominence. She enchants audiences of all ages, actively engaging
her listeners with original and borrowed songs covering subjects from peace to
pizza, environment to retirement.
This uniquely energetic and creative singer accompanies herself with
guitar, banjo, accordion, ukelele, harmonica and umpteen odd or
home-made instruments.
Her programs for adults include originals, traditional American Folk, 30’s-40’s Swing tunes, old Cowboy songs. And she may do a little storytelling or recite some cowboy poetry between songs,
if the moment is right. Her Cowgal Poetry & Songs can be heard here on her Western Programs page.
Purly has performed in schools, libraries, museums, camps, rec centers, restaurants, clubs & festivals and around campfires in North America and beyond. She offers workshops for all ages and abilities in
instrument-making, songwriting, and multi-track recording as well as
Staff-Training workshops for teachers and others serving young folks. Based near Austin, Texas, Purly works regionally and travels seasonally for performances in New Mexico, Colorado and other Western states. She is a skilled and talented professional artist with decades of experience working with
folks 6 to 96.
Purly was commissioned by the Texas State Library to write the theme song for their Summer Reading Club. Listen to I Can Read by scrolling down on the Media/Recordings page.
She’s a familiar performer at the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival/Threadgill Stage and at many other Texas venues.
Clicking on the links at the top of the page will take you to more info on Purly’s programs and song samples.