Howard Kraskow / Johnny Dowd

​Johnny Dowd is an American alternative country musician from Ithaca, New York. Typical of his style are experimental breaks in his songs and gothic and country elements in the lyrics as well as in the music. There is also a strong undercurrent of black humor and the absurd in his work.

​Although his early albums were most celebrated in the alternative country community, he has never quite fit into any particular genre. As a singer-songwriter, his music is most often compared to that of Tom Waits, Nick Cave and Captain Beefheart.

​He is touring this summer with The Mekons, as well as with Amy LaVere and Will Sexton.

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​Opening for Johnny Dowd is Howard Kraskow. Howard plays Americana music inspired by folk, blues, country, rock and pop. He writes about his life, often inspired by melancholy thoughts and feelings but the music and lyrics turn it into a healing, and even uplifting, experience.