There was a time in America when folk music was relevant, edgy, even dangerous — a tool of personal and political expression, at once raw and beautiful. That spirit lives on in the music of Alastair Moock. He has won top honors at some of the country's most prestigious contests, including those at the Falcon Ridge, Sisters, and Great Waters Folk Festivals. In 2007 he was nominated for a Boston Music Award for Outstanding Singer/Songwriter of the Year. The Boston Globe calls him "one of the town's best and most adventurous songwriters" and The Washington Post says "every song is a gem."

More info, tour dates, cds, downloads, etc at www.moock.com .

On Wednesday, January 14 at 8pm, Moock hosts a benefit concert for The United Way Community Support Fund at Johnny D's in Davis Sq. The show features an all-star cast of Boston talent, including Merrie Amsterburg, Mark Erelli, Meg Hutchinson, Todd Thibaud, Jennifer Kimball, Tim Gearan, Jimmy Ryan, The Loomers, Dinty Child, and Jim Fitting. More info here .