In 2007, Gregory was named "Best Male Singer-Songwriter" by Westword Magazine. I remember elephants, water buffalo, zebra and ostriches. For Isakov, music and living are analogous. Gregory Alan Isakov - Kalamazoo State Theatre Make sense? 2 Concerts . Gregory Alan Isakov is crouched in a field on a sweaty September morning, a clump of wet soil oozing between his fingers. It was a little intimidating being in there, being around other people watching and listening. Fans flocked to Boston's Roadrunner on Jan. 28 for Gregory Alan Isakov's latest stop on his much anticipated nationwide tour. You see, to me, that is what distinguishes an average performer apart from the cacophony of coffehouse performers that I've grown used to. 4 Concerts . Notify me of follow-up comments by email. 1 Concerts . He basks in the anonymity of his polished craft. "I loved playing CU's Old Main," Isakov said. "John Brown's Body" came a few songs later, almost a country-folk epic, and it occurred to us how much the CD version suggested Isakov could pick his direction at will fronting a very good, very song-sensitive alt-country band or working primarily as a solo artist. I hated practicing,Gregory Alan Isakov wrote and recorded his new record in Boulder and Lyons. 33 Concerts . He did not specify the release date, but the news landed excitedly as cheers ricocheted off the steel walls. "It was really cool to sing with Brandi Carlile," Isakov said. Renowned Folk-Rock Musician Steve Varney On the Invisible Superpower of When asked about his goals for this coming year, Isakov replied that he wants to finish the album that he sunk all of his money into (due out in the Spring). Comparisons have been made to Isakov's own hero Kelly Joe Phelps, and the solo-acoustic work that Springsteen escaped superstardom to produce at times in his career. Search all Bandcamp artists, tracks, and albums, Follow your favorite artists, keep a wishlist, get instant streaming of your purchases, showcase your collection, and explore the music of like-minded fans. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and now calling Colorado home, horticulturist-turned-musician Gregory Alan Isakov has cast an impressive presence on the indie-rock and folk worlds with his five full-length studio albums: That Sea, The Gambler ; This Empty Northern Hemisphere ; The Weatherman ; Gregory Alan Isakov with the Colorado Symphony; Ruth Moody | Tickets Concerts and Tours 2023 2024 - Wegow Isakov tours internationally with his band, and has performed with several national symphony orchestras across the United States. Gregory Alan Isakov, Friday, July 22, Coors Field, 2001 Blake Street. Isakov's been garnering lots of acclaim in the local music market and has been cited by several publications as one of the area's best new artists.? (Gabe Gomez) - The Santa Fe Reporter, Gregory Alan Isakov "That Sea, The Gambler"November 2008 ReviewThe Denver, Colorado music scene is ripe with young talent. Grammy nominated folk artist, Gregory Alan Isakov, will perform live in concert at The ELM in Bozeman on July 11, 2022 with Daniel Rodriguez (formerly of Elephant Revival). Amsterdam 6. Somehow Isakov has the ability to condense a near-universe of emotion and wonderment into his small frame as though he has been levied these as his lifelong taxes. Isakov's music could save the world from the monotony of the pop world.Key Tracks: "The Stable Song"; "John Brown's Body"; "3 a.m." - THISisMODERN.net, ARTICAL FROM DENVER POSTFrom South Africa to Philadelphia to Denver, Isakov triumphsBy Ricardo Baca Denver Post Pop Music CriticGregory Alan Isakov proudly calls himself a folk artist, and while that's broadly accurate, it's also a tad limiting. For years I have been trying to explain what it is that draws me toward certain singer-songwriters, but I've never been able to nail it until my friend Matt watched Gregory perform and nailed it. He wears only a simple shirt, some worn pants, a beat-up pair of boots and most likely, on a given night, he smells of wood smoke. ?Like Dave Matthews, Isakov is a transplant from South Africa. The two live at Starling Farm in separate dwellings along with a few other residents who inhabit the various buildings and tiny homes that line its private drive. "Sometimes I feel like I have no control over it," he explains. I guess I've always listened to songs, the more stripped-down the better. Gregory Alan Isakov and his band performed in the northeast at two sold-out shows this past week. Isakov's song-craft lends to the deepest lyrical masterpieces, and his live performance has been known to quiet and shake the biggest rooms. Gregory Alan Isakov - First Avenue It doesn't inundate the viewer with pictures, biographical blurbs, MP3s or the usual hoopla the technology, for once, lags behind the artistry itself. "She said, 'Pretty much how I write songs is I walk around and eat poetry and experiences, and then one day, I'll throw it all up into a song.' So let's go with him and call his excellently varied music "folk," but also know there are tributes to alt-country, old-timey and roots in his new record "That Sea, The Gambler," which Isakov releases Thursday with a show at the Fox Theatre.The Post caught up with the South African-born singer-songwriterGregory Alan Isakov releases his new CD with a show Thursday at the Fox Theatre in Boulder. "It's an amazing honor to be able to use up someone's time with something like this," he concludes. And as evidenced by the rooms I have seen hushed: Combine the two elements and Isakov becomes great. It was CD Release Party night, well attended by an engaged and social crowd, and Isakov's stack shared table space with CDs by the excellent Denver-based alt-Americana band Tiny Television and Massachusetts-based singer/songwriter Chris Pureka, both of whom put on energetic and satisfying opening sets.They created a semi-circle of chairs behind Isakov himself when it came time for him and his band to take the stage. Happiness was elusive. When Isakov and his family immigrated to the United States a place in young Isakovs mind that consisted solely of tornados and Disneyland they landed in Philadelphia. Isakov's performance showcased his upcoming album The Weatherman . It's kind of a magical thing. Plus we were working in a studio most of the time I was used to just recording on a four track in a barn or something. . A change of tune: Gregory Alan Isakov brings folk to sold-out 40 Watt But instead of bloating egomaniacal, the humble Isakov follows the moment of glory by stating the facts: of how he played the show, met Fiona, and then half an hour later he was in bed, reading his Harry Potter book. Its because there, on stage he has a chance to give everything. And once you come to that grand understanding, remaining in that place of wonder is not terrifying. I used to listen to a lot of Iron & Wine, and when I saw they were on "Garden State," I thought that maybe it would change the way I feel about them. When he returned, he spent more time on Naropa's farm and eventually decided to pursue horticulture full-time. He didn't study music at the local university, but he has played shows since he was 18. For him, he is simply trusting in his craft and its effect; performing his duty on this salty earth. Follow Caetano Veloso. There, something began to churn in Isakov and it began to manifest itself as a separation between he and the secular world around him. He recently was named 2008's Best Acoustic/Folk Artist by the Denver Westword (Audience Award) and was named by the Denver Westword as the Best Singer/Songwriter 2007 (Critics Award). Gregory Alan Isakov: Sad Songs About Space Fools Magazine Flynn Center - Gregory Alan Isakov However, this musician spent most of his growing up years in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Head over to our Spotify, Zolita made her way to Boston for a spectacular so, Those of us old enough to remember the genesis of, Caity Baser has been making personality-packed pop, You Me At Six concluded their huge Truth Decay UK, Back by popular demand, Fitz and The Tantrums had, Weekly Roundup Gregory Alan Isakov, a truly underrated folk deity, performed in a stunning late-January concert at the Newport Music Hall in Columbus, Ohio. I think back then I thought that's what you were supposed to do to hone your playing. Colorado musician Gregory Alan Isakov shares how he created his Grammy-nominated album The musician wants to know what moves you Enlarge Gregory Alan Isakov's latest album, "Evening. Their violinist, Jeb Bow, brought the crowd awestruck as he played his solos throughout the evening. Gregory Alan Isakov Popularity . And then I started growing corn and tomatoes and stuff. "I throw in elements of folk and indie rock, but I'm just figuring it out like everybody else. He and his family immigrated to the United States in 1986 and he was raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. People often forget his name if they don't mispronounce it first. At all times he is quiet, but kind and warm and glowing with rousing insights. "I went to see Jolie Holland last year, and she nailed it," he continues. I thought there was going to be tornados everywhere. For Isakov, his songs and the characters in them are not limiting to one person, or one event or situation. And then, supporting The Lumineers on an international tour beginning in February. - Wendy Kale, The FolksterSaying that folk music recently experienced a resurgence in popularity is like saying food recently made a comeback. He has appeared at music festivals such as South by Southwest, Falcon Ridge Folk Fest, Rocky Mountain Folks Fest, Telluride Bluegrass Festival and Monolith at Red Rocks. 20:00. While the musician plans to tour pretty heavily, you can still find him at his fresh produce stand at the Boulder Farmer's Market.? The Mill and Mine is a gorgeous venue in itself, but having the evening with Gregory Alan Isakov and co. - it goes unmatched. He has lived in Scotland. My family moved around a lot. I'm looking forward to being on the show with Lila Downs. Backed gently by his band, The Freight, on all but a few of the CD's 11 songs, Isakov renders his imagery-laden ballads of yearning and remembrance, loss and regret in a warm, intimate, casually literate vocal style. Libras. And he is a man that will surely continue watching for the seeds of life being spread by the wind, like stars across the land. The Colorado-based indie-folk artist is a full-time farmer who sells vegetable seeds and grows various market crops on his three-acre farm, while also tending to a thriving musical career. Photos and Review by Al Mahaffey "I just write music that makes sense to me," Isakov said. Isakov tours internationally with his band, and has performed with several national symphony orchestras across the United States. And over time, the prolific songwriter became prodigious in his craft. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and now calling Colorado home, horticulturist-turned-musician Gregory Alan Isakov has cast an impressive presence on the indie-rock and folk worlds with his five full-length studio albums: That Sea, The Gambler ; This Empty Northern Hemisphere ; The Weatherman ; Gregory Alan Isakov with the Colorado Symphony; Although he'd long since outgrown his desire to toke up, his green thumb was as bright as ever. He recorded all the instruments and slowly intertwined the band: Steve Varney, Jeb Bows, John Paul Grigsby, Philip Parker, and Max Barcelow. Follow Cigarettes After Sex. "That magic is enough to mesmerize listeners. "We didn't even have to ask them"Respond: letters@boulderweekly.com - Dave Kirby, Theres not much immediately striking or distinct about Boulder's Gregory Alan Isakov-instead, his music coasts on the same subtle strength and gravity that Bruce Springsteen built 'Nebraska' on. But say this to Isakov and he will respond by saying that there is no way that you can reasonably expect to condense all that into one person. His latest release was a single cover of The Lumineers Salt And The Sea, in 2021, so his show was set up to be a tasteful selection of his songs from the past decade or so.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'nysmusic_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_6',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-nysmusic_com-medrectangle-4-0'); The band members made their way onto the stage to introduce their instruments slowly one at a time until their sounds melded together into song. I recorded some tracks in the barn where I live out near Lyons. "Even in college, I just wanted to keep this as something for me. Gregory Alan Isakov has shared the stage with numerous artists such as Ani Difranco, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Richie Havens, and Fiona Apple. Isakov has performed with several national symphony orchestras across the United States and tours internationally with his band. I guess I've never been part of either of them until recently. Gregory Alan Isakov and his band didn't just play their songs at XPN Fest; they created an atmosphere with their music an entire feeling that grew stronger the closer you came to the Marina Stage. He's appeared on David Dye's World Cafe and is quickly rising in the ranks of independent modern folk artists. Subsequent albums have included That Sea, The Gambler (2007), This Empty Northern Hemisphere (2009), The Weatherman (2013), Evening Machines (2018). A lot of them are little-kid memories, like walking with my brothers and learning how to ride a bike and playing soccer. While such a pastoral scene is befitting of the rustic troubadour who's spent the better part of the past six years farming, Isakov has been a city slicker for most of his life.He was born in the bustling metropolis of Johannesburg, South Africa, and came of age during the latter days of Apartheid. Isakov has toured solo and with his band "The Freight". "We wondered if he was thinking in terms of a single we admitted that we had trouble identifying a lead single off That Sea, The Gambler. Gregory Alan Isakov - Age, Family, Bio | Famous Birthdays "By letting the music speak for itself.Additional Dave Herrera Westword Piece:"Gregory Alan Isakov summoned a rootsier Glen Phillips covering the best Kelly Joe Phelps songs never writtenI'd admired Isakov's work from afar since late last summer, when I stumbled across his MySpace page and reached out to him. Why is it that Isakov can stumble at the gas station, but when faced with hundreds of people in the audience he is perfect, calm and thriving? Turns out, it is about 20 feet from the road.Q: What was your childhood like growing up in Philly?A: Growing up in Philly was hard. Gregory Alan Isakov On Mountain Stage : NPR - NPR.org The property is owned and operated by none other than Gregory Alan Isakov, Varney's bandmate and Grammy-nominated folk musician. But Isakov says he's just as awed by his fans as they are by him. Gregory Alan Isakov - Kalamazoo State Theatre Shows & Tickets Visitor Info Gift Shop Tours About Rentals Contact This event has passed. Gregory Alan Isakov - The State Room Presents People who came to hear the CD actually got more than they paid for. In 1999 he sought out his solo acoustic roots and moved to Colorado where he now resides. If you'd like to receive a weekly recap of altcountry with the top posts and their alternative links, send me a message with the subject 'altcountry' (or send me a chat with the text: altcountry) [Apple Music]: John Craigie - I Am California (feat. Gregory Alan Isakov, a folk artist born in South Africa, performed at Roadrunner in Boston on Jan. 28, 2023. Indie-Folk musician. "I was scared about moving," Isakov admits now. - Denver Post, Ricardo Baca, The New GayNovember 2008http://www.thenewgay.net/2008/11/amy-ray-new-gay-interview.htmlThe New Gay: Yes! A horticulturist by trade, Isakov is not interested in running the city race. A bevy of other contributors added additional sonic flourishes as well. As good as his pastoral songs sound on record, they're even more endearing live. "Isakov has played many shows in Boulder, but he didn't set out to be a performer. 2 Concerts . Gregory Alan Isakov. And what youre bound to hear come out of Isakovs mouth and guitar is, at times, astonishing. Acclaimed Colorado musician Gregory Alan Isakov lost everything, then As soft-spoken as Isakov is, though, on stage he emanates a commanding intensity that often leaves listeners stunned and speechless. Head over to Spotify to, On the cold December night in Atlanta, The Smile b, Fans packed Eastside Bowl in Nashville, Tennessee, LIVE PHOTOS: McCafferty, Lydia, & Moose Blood // Atlanta, GA, LIVE PHOTOS: Jake Miller // Philadelphia, PA. Tour announcements He and his manager allowed me to hear rough cuts of some new songs and I was floored with the potential of where these songs could goif only. Isakov decided to head west in the late 90s and set up shop in the Boulder/Denver market.? Gregory Alan Isakov is a long name. "She said she'd come out to sing on my new record. And early-on, he even recognized the fundamental notion that being in the middle of life and being awake to everything around you reaps mountains of reward. Along the lines of Alexi Murdoch, Ray Lamontagne, Iron & Wine, Buckley and Nick Drake, Gregory Alan Isakov is able to intertwine plain lyrics and simple chords that sound anything but. On the Friday evening of January 27th, Brooklyn Steel hosted a heavenly evening with Gregory Alan Isakov. Whether he was staying in youth hostels, camping out or bunking with friends, Isakov supplemented the money his father had given him with what he earned busking on the streets and beaches of the Mideast. I totally look up to people who can go out on the street and project like that. Rather than another would-be Jeff Buckley or Will Oldham, Isakov uses 'That Sea, The Gambler' to lay bare an elegant simplicity that's caked in dust and an utter lack of pretension. Sally Van Meter joined up for a bruising turn at the dobro on "Black And Blue," while Flogging Molly's Bob Schmidt contributed mando lines behind the CD's title track, which rests on J.C. Thompson's solid bass riff. Justine Frischmann, former lead singer of Elastica (yes, that Elastica) and now Schmidt's neighbor in Los Angeles, came on stage and gave a stirring background vocal behind "Drank All The Wine," a new song that Isakov will include on the band's follow-up to That Sea, The Gambler.But Isakov's real charisma came on his solo numbers, "3AM" and "The Moon Was Red And Dangerous." 3 Concerts . I think we decided we'd just rock 'em out a little bit. ?My family is from South Africa, but I lived in Philadelphia from the time I was seven to 17, said Isakov. Indie-rock and folk by South African horticulturalist-turned-musician Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and now calling Colorado home, horticulturist-turned-musician Gregory Alan Isakov cast an impressive presence on the indie-rock and folk worlds with his five full-length studio albums, including the Grammy nominated Evening Machines. The world wasnt agreeing with he. "It was good for me, but I'll never play music like that again," he declares. Skip to main content Due to a planned power outage on Friday, 1/14, between 8am-1pm PST, some services may be impacted. On the heals of his latest full length release, "That Sea, The Gambler", Gregory Alan Isakov tours as a solo artist as well as with his band, The Freight. And while he resists the label, Isakov is both a singer and a songwriter. "Yeah, we have another CD pretty much written at this point, and I think we'll be going in the studio in July to start recording. Isakov has been taking on the folk music scene with his 2003 release "Rust Colored Stones" LP and his 2005 release "Songs For October". In Between concluding songs, Isakov announced that he and his band have a new record coming out. He leads a fairly simple life as a part-time farmer on the beautiful front range foothills just outside of Boulder and on many cloudy days, it's easy to catch him at the coffeehouses that line Pearl Street Mall. In the past it hasnt fit on some showbills. Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver. Gregory Alan Isakov - Popular Bio Folk musicians, singer-songwriters and unplugged versions of rock bands constitute a huge swath of the music empire, one that never really goes away. ?Friday Shawn Mullins headlines the Fox. Catch Gregory Alan Isakov and the full band on a national tour the rest of this year with Israel Nebeker (of Blind Pilot) and Leif Vollebekk. Mostly due to that magical interaction that occurs when Isakov picks up his guitar and begins to write his lyrics are monstrous. Fans stood shoulder to shoulder, faces illuminated with the anticipation live music ensues. I was a lonely high school kid and I got through it all by playing guitar.Isakov says his musical heroes are Bob Dylan and Kelly Joe Phelps. But everything came together. The entire album is filled with lyrically driven songs that are not over powered by production or any special musical composition. ?Isakov is planning the mother of all modern folk CD release party's at the Fox Thursday.? Follow Anni B Sweet. For the uninitiated, it may have been a little tough to tell who the regular members of his group and who the guests were that night.The CD's opener, "All There Is," likewise opened the set, a little bass drum courtesy of Freight percussionist Jen Gilleran providing the ballad a rhythmic pulse absent on the CD, followed by a more fully accompanied "Stable Song," the first time that night the real heft and potential power of Isakov's band revealed itself. This new singer/songwriter is one who will most likely take the national stage by storm. Like anyone who practices anything, it's something that makes being with yourself the most important thing to you. 3,455 talking about this. He is man that wants to live and work, in earnest. It is immersed in everything wiser than a man double his years could produce. "Isakov mentioned a follow-up CD. I am a bot. I helped manage a big garden farm in Hygiene. Hes out of Boulder. Three songs into his set, I was sold. They're definitely not like bluegrass songs, where there's a standard form and a solo section and that's it. When the song finished, the band took their bows and thanked New York City for being an unmatched host and embracing their music with artful openness.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'nysmusic_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_8',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-nysmusic_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Setlist: Southern Star, Dark, Dark, Dark, San Luis, Master & a Hound, This Empty Northern Hemisphere, Chemicals, Liars, She Always Takes It Back, Virginia May, Amsterdam, The Stable Song, Appaloosa Bones, Big Black Car, Second Chances, CavesEncore (1): Dandelion Wine (acoustic, full band), Saint Valentine (acoustic, full band)Encore (2): All Shades of Blue (acoustic, full band), Peach Music Festival Announces Additions to 2023 Lineup, Lou TidesReleases Mini-Movie For Infinite Loop Visual Mixtape, In Focus: Joe Bonamassa at Sheas in Buffalo, The Winery Dogs deliver Breathtaking Display of Musicianship and Passion at Agora, The Lumineers Tour Stops include Performances at Catbird Festival, Jones Beach and, Olivia Reid Releases Indie-Pop Single Runners High, FRANK Release One-Take Instrumental Album Moment, Australian Superstar Vance Joy Announces Final Shows On The, 2012-2023 NYS Music - All Rights Reserved. Live, he rolls through his sets with graceful efficiency and a minimum of banter. Big Black Car 4. (Erin Preston)and the guitar was the thing I kept for myself. Version 10, edited by joelposton on 6 April 2019, 2:48am Gregory Alan Isakov Biography, Age, Height, Wife, Net Worth, Family Isakov has rendered us dumbfounded on numerous occasions with his ability to move audiences in a way that performers with much larger profiles would envy. Gregory Alan Isakov is a South African-American singer-songwriter currently based in Boulder, Colorado. Folk Singers. Powerful. ?No matter what happens with my music, I think I'll always grow food, said Isakov. Stream Gregory Alan Isakov music | Listen to songs, albums, playlists The musician was also influenced by singer Elizabeth Cotton, who composed the vintage folk tune Freight Train. The song not only inspired the local performer, but helped create the name of his current band the Freight.? And off stage, he's not all that different.Erin PrestonGregory Alan Isakov sets sail on the Land Yacht.Details:CD-release show, with Chris Pureka, Tiny Television and a slew of special guests, 8 p.m. Thursday, May 31, Fox Theatre, 1135 13th Street, Boulder, $8, 303-443-3399.Subject(s): Gregory Alan Isakov/ That Sea, the GamblerOn a peaceful Sunday afternoon in May, Isakov is kicking back in a plastic deck chair outside the Airstream trailer where he's been staying since he split with his girlfriend in February. He has spent time in the Middle East, playing his guitar on street corners and on the beach. I like that a lot. People often forget his name if they dont mispronounce it first. Sometimes when Im playing electric stuff for awhile I like to listen to something really different from what Im doing, just to get my ears wrapped around something different. He is a straightforward artist delivering some of the best in simple, yet complex, music. Venue capacity: 3950 . After numerous tours, sharing the stage with Rod Y Gab, Ani DiFranco and an upcoming date with Brandi Carlileand winning the coveted Telluride Troubadour Songwriting competition, it would seem Gregory is primed for the next step. "The Mountain Tempo Blog & Kim's Folk Music Blog", "From South Africa to Philadelphia to Denver, Isakov Triumphs". I was always into music growing up. "They're great, they have good vibes when you want to chill," he smiles. I still listen to them a bit.Q: This CD release show is quite the event, and you're including a lot of people.A: I'm really excited about the release. Their violinist, Jeb Bow, brought the crowd awestruck as he played his solos throughout the evening. www.thefreight.netwww.myspace.com/gregoryalanisakov-Jonathan BitzDenver SyntaxJanuary 15th, 2007www.denversyntax.com - Jonathan Bitz, Profile: Gregory Alan IsakovMonday November 24, 2008http://folkmusic.about.com/b/2008/11/24/profile-gregory-alan-isakov.htmA few weeks ago, I was working on a story for another publication and we had a photo shoot with a few really great local Seattle singer-songwriters. Included on these discs are variations on many of the songs that ultimately ended up on That Sea, the Gambler, his latest effort. But for Isakov, he's okay with this. The Stable Song 5. 43 Year Olds. When he does speak, it's at such low levels that you're forced to lean in close to catch the gist of what he's saying. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and now calling Colorado home, horticulturist-turned-musician Gregory Alan Isakov has cast an impressive presence on the indie-rock and folk worlds with his five full-length studio albums: That Sea, The Gambler ; This Empty Northern Hemisphere ; The Weatherman ; Gregory Alan Isakov with the Colorado Symphony; I've been playing music since I was 13. Or "There's always the creaks and the strangest sounds/John Brown's body was never found/but the locals see him walkin' around" he opens in "John Brown's Body," a prayer to our collective conscience that is simply stated and unmistakable in intent.Isakov draws close to his subjects, withdraws, then draws close again, revealing every detail before losing himself in metaphor and then, finally, he returns once more, ready to face the bottom line. Please read ourCOVID-19 Safety Policy for information on attending events during this time. For him music is the perfect analogy, which teaches you, among other virtues, that everything is larger than the individual. In addition to owning his independent record label, Suitcase Town Music, he also manages a small farm in Boulder County, which provides produce to the farm's CSA members and to local restaurants. Tickets, $8, available at the door or foxtheatre.com.Pop music critic Ricardo Baca can be reached at 303-954-1394 or rbaca@denverpost.com. 1979 Isakov was born in Johannesburg on October 19, 1979. gregory alan isakov - Chris Burns Writing The first was at the Bowery Ballroom in New York, and the second at the legendary Club Passim - a small, not for profit stage in Boston's Harvard Square.