David Bankston of Coastal Carolina University's music faculty, known primarily as a classical vocalist, will be dressing down for an evening of contemporary folk music, including blues, bluegrass on Wednesday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m. in Wall Auditorium. He will share the stage with professional singer-songwriter Sam Broussard. The event, titled "Bankston, Ballads, Blues, Bossa Nova & Broussard," is free and open to the public.

Bankston, whose extensive experience in opera and musical theater includes appearances with Houston Grand Opera and the Washington Opera, is equally gifted in popular musical genres, both as a singer and a guitarist.

"Folk, pop and rock music were my first love, really," says Bankston, who was inspired in his youth by such artists as Bob Dylan, Mose Allison and the Beatles. Bankston began playing the guitar at 15 years old and was singing folk songs professionally by age 17. He has written many songs which reflect his Louisiana roots.

Broussard is a singer, songwriter and guitarist from Lafayette, La., the heart of the Cajun bayou country. He and Bankston recorded for Capitol Records together in the 1970s and cofounded the folk-rock group Manchild. Broussard has earned acclaim from critics and fans for the wit of his lyrics, the power of his voice, and the virtuosity of his guitar playing. Most of his songs tell poignant, often ironic stories about real people, relationships and moments of decision. Broussard plays every instrument on his 15-song debut album, "Geeks," which was released on the Surface to Air label in 2000.

Broussard has worked with many recording artists during his career, including Jimmy Buffet, Michael Ducet and Michael Martin Murphy. He played lead guitar on Murphy's hit single, "Wildfire," in 1975.

For more information, contact the Wheelwright Box Office at 349- 2502.