Rob Flax will return to Old Sloop Presents Saturday, October 10 with his Boom Chick Trio. Dean Stevens will open the show.

Rob Flax possesses a rare combination of skills: he is an award-winning violinist, classically trained but known for his jazz and improvisational pyrotechnics and irresistible grooves, plus a deep knowledge of American fiddle traditions. He’s also a powerhouse vocalist, capable of silky crooning a la Nat King Cole or visceral Chicago blues shouts, and a consummate songwriter with lyrical depth. It takes a special kind of musician to keep pace with Rob’s stylistic breadth and depth, but after much searching he’s finally found a band that can keep up: Rob Flax’s Boom Chick Trio features Slava Tolstoy on guitar and Chris Sartori on bass.

An exuberant performer of distinctive style and wit, Dean Stevens combines an intricate, self-taught guitar style with a versatile and expressive singing voice. He has established himself as a formidable creator and interpreter of a wide spectrum of songs in English and Spanish. His own material explores a variety of personal and social topics, paints sketches of people and places, celebrates the Earth, and annoys the narrow minded.

Born and raised in Costa Rica, Dean Stevens is a lifelong student of Latin America. He learned Spanish at an early age, and readily absorbed the musical and topical influences of the region. He travels frequently to Central America, and has become known for his humanitarian efforts on behalf of war refugees returning to resettle their villages, replant their fields and reconstruct their lives.

The performance will take place at 7:30pm in the handicap-accessible Fellowship Hall of the First Congregational Church of Rockport, 12 School St. Advance tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for those age 18 and under. Visit oldslooppresents.org, John Tarr Store in Rockport, or The Bookstore of Gloucester for tickets or more information. The suggested contribution at the door is $25 for adults, $5 for those age 18 and under, and $50 for families.