David Olney, Tim Grimm
Spencer’s Stadium Tavern
Saturday, Feb. 17, 8 p.m., $5

It is about time David Olney comes to Indianapolis. In four decades of touring, Olney’s only stop in Indy has been for an Indians baseball game. It’s only appropriate that his first Circle City gig be just a few blocks from Victory Field.

Olney is touring in support of Lenora, his latest live CD, recorded during two European tours. In the last 30 years, he has created an extensive catalog of recordings: dozens of albums, including four live discs.

His prolific songwriting and storytelling skills have earned him many musician fans. Townes Van Zandt called him one of his favorite songwriters, and Olney’s songs have been covered by Emmylou Harris, Linda Rondstadt and Del McCoury.

Helping to usher the era of alternative music to Nashville, Tenn., his band, Dave Olney and the X-rays, burned up the 1970s Nashville club circuit. They shared the bill with Elvis Costello and the Attractions and appeared on Austin City Limits. Olney’s theatrical performances as a frontman are legendary.

That same intensity carries over to his acoustic shows. Olney is known for inhabiting the characters he creates in his songs. In Lenora, for example, he is a bird whose heart is broken when his mate is killed.

Indiana’s own outstanding storyteller and songwriter Tim Grimm will open the show.