DENVER, COLO. (4/2/08) -- Jesse Winchester, who is known for his amazing body of impressive songwriting work as well as his prominence as a draft-evader of the Vietnam War, will perform at Swallow Hill on Saturday, April 26 at 8 p.m. When Winchester received his draft notice in 1967, he moved to Montreal, Canada, and eventually became a Canadian citizen in 1973. In 1969 he met Robbie Robertson of the Band, who helped him launch his recording career.

His first album was the self-titled Jesse Winchester, in 1970, which had the song "Yankee Lady," a poignant piece considering his real-life exile. Despite much critical acclaim, he could not tour in the U.S. through much of the 70s. This was somewhat of an obstacle for his career since he missed taking his place among the boom of singer/songwriters during that time.

Eventually he received amnesty from President Jimmy Carter in 1977 and scored a Top 40 hit in 1981 with "Say What." His songs have been covered by a multitude of talent, including Joan Baez, Tom Rush, Jimmy Buffet, Emmylou Harris, the Weather Girls, and Michael Martin Murphey. Murphey’s cover of "I'm Gonna Miss You, Girl," earned him a place in the Top Ten on the country charts.

Bernice Lewis, who sings from a woman's perspective with wit and eloquence in distinctive, powerful vocals, will open for Winchester.