Jim is a performer and songwriter living in California’s Sierra Nevada foothills. Born and raised in West Virginia, his acoustic style reflects his Appalachian roots, with uplifting, poetic lyrics and melodies influenced by folk, bluegrass and country.

His songs include descriptions of the natural beauty of the world, often inspired by the West Virginia hills and the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and his writing touches on life, people, society, and spirituality, with a viewpoint of humor, optimism and hope.

Jim served six years in the Marine Corps, followed by a career in physics and aerospace. His influences include Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Butch Hancock and John Denver. Jim has opened for John Denver, sang around campfires with Butch Hancock, never met Joni, Bob or Woody, but loves them dearly.

NEWS - April 26, 2024

October 11, 2024 Jim will be performing at the Oakhurst Fall Festival, 11 am to noon, accompanied by friends Nicole Hoke, vocals, and Terry Hoke on bass.

Performances

Besides performing at festivals, coffeehouses, house concerts and clubs, Jim also puts much of his effort into performing at benefits for a variety of organizations and grass roots efforts. Jim has performed on the main stage and hosted songwriting workshops at the Traditional Music Festival in Avoca, Iowa. Also, he has performed at the Kerrville Folk Festival in Kerrville, Texas, and most recently at California Festivals such as the Brookdale Bluegrass Festival and Pick and Gather Festival.

Recordings

Jim's third recording, "Sun Dreams", was released in February, 2009. Jim's second recording, released in February 2002 is titled "Don't Let the World Get You Down". His first CD titled "The Man in the Street" was released February of 1998. Earlier recordings included a self produced cassette, and a release on Prairie records titled "Avoca by Night". Jim was a regular on "Malibu Folk", a syndicated radio show hosted by the late Brian May, and has been featured nationally on "River City Folk", a one hour music and interview program on the NPR. Fast Folk Records included Jim's song "Avoca by Night" on their Los Angeles 1993 CD. The Fast Folk recordings are now available through Smithsonian Folkways.

Jim's song "Walkin' Shoes" was used in the movie "Tyrus" a documentary about the 'Disney Legend' Tyrus Wong, who created the art that inspired the movie "Bambi" and worked for years with Disney, Warner Brothers and others. Tyrus is 104 years old! The movie will be released in 2016

Jim co-wrote three songs with Trae Buckner of the Hillbilly Gypsies on their October, 2014 recording "West Virginia Line"

"Where Have The Mountains Gone?" (aka "Appalachian Fall") appears in a documentary film about mountaintop removal mining titled "Rise Up! West Virginia".

Jim's Song "Far From Home", with violin arranged by Ty Jaquay, was commissioned by the Prickett's Fort Foundation in Fairmont, WV, and is being used as the Prickett's Fort theme song.

A song co-written with Kathy Hussey, "Sing My Memory" appears on Kathy's album "Moments of Wonder" and has also been recorded by the Irish band "Carmel Sheerin and the Ravens".

Contact and Bookings

Contact Jim at: jim@jimsavarino.com

Send booking inquiries to bookings@jimsavarino.com

Jim plays Taylor Guitars and endorses D'Addario Strings.