Patrick Fitzsimmons will perform at The Grist Mill Cafe

ANDOVER-Singer/songwriter Patrick Fitzsimmons will perform at The Grist Mill Cafe in Andover as he continues the tradition of celebrating his birthday with family, friends and fans on Saturday, Oct. 23. Fitzsimmons will be accompanied by cellist, Loni Bach. Although Patrick lives in Burlington, Vt., he is originally from New Jersey and was signed to RCA Records with the folk/rock band From Good Homes in the late ‘90s. After the band's break-up in 2000, Fitzsimmons moved to Vermont and started a solo career. He has since released three CDs on his own Itz Fitz label. Robert Resnik of VPR's All the Traditions wrote, "This man can really sing. The songs are carefully crafted and range from folk/pop anthems to masterful love ballads", and Relix Magazine called him "one of the most captivating, if understated, songwriters around today". Over the past few years, Fitzsimmons has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in the acoustic music scene, including Ellis Paul, Vance Gilbert, Cliff Eberhardt, Steve Forbert and Roger McGuinn. One of his songs was selected for the Cream of Vermont compilation CD of Vermont songwriters, and he was a featured performer on the Vermont Stage at the Ben and Jerry's One World One Heart Festival in 2002. There are two shows on Saturday at The Grist Mill Cafe: 7 and 9:30 p.m., with doors opening 30 minutes before each show. Last year's back-to-back shows sold out. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $10 at The Grist Mill Cafe or at The Hyper Goat in Newton, online at gristmillcafe.com/patrickpurchase.htm or for $12 at the door the night of the show.