Bahamas to perform at Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

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The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall will feature Bahamas and Sam Weber on Oct. 16.

Bahamas’ fifth album, “Sad Hunk,” takes its title from a nickname bestowed upon the artist by his wife in reaction to how he was being portrayed in the media.

“Something like 10 years ago I did a photo shoot, and in all the pictures they sent back, I was lit half in shadow, looking all brooding and mysterious,” said the singer/songwriter also known as Afie Jurvanen. “When my wife saw the photos the first thing she said was, ‘Whoa — sad hunk,’ and after that it became sort of a joke among our friends.”

In writing the album’s songs, Jurvanen drew inspiration from his home life and all that comes with building a family. Having recently moved to the coast of Nova Scotia with his wife and two daughters, the Ontario native inevitably imbued the album with his surroundings, even while committing to sincerity in his lyrics.

“I definitely use music to work things out for myself,” says Jurvanen. “It’s possible I’m too open sometimes, but I really don’t know any better way to be. If I tried to just go write fun songs about hot dogs or something, I’d probably fail.”

For 2018’s Grammy-nominated “Earthtones,” Bahamas enlisted bassist Pino Palladino and drummer James Gadson, along with his longtime musicians.

Jurvanen created “Sad Hunk” with those same musicians: Christine Bougie (guitar), Don Kerr (drums), Mike O’Brien (bass) and Felicity Williams (vocals). The album was recorded by longtime producer and multi-Grammy nominee Robbie Lackritz.

It also features the guitar work of Sam Weber, whom Jurvanen discovered on YouTube.

Examining what’s essential and what’s expendable in today’s world, the album offers songs like “Own Alone.”

“That song came from being fascinated by how being on our phones all the time changes us at a cellular level — it changes the way you think; it changes the way you operate,” says Jurvanen. “I’m not suggesting we become Luddites and churn our own butter, but I do think we need to question whether you really need to have this thing on you at all times.”

Tickets may be purchased at The St. Augustine Amphitheatre box office, which is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays. Ponte Vedra Concert Hall box office is closed until further notice.

Payment for tickets can be made by credit card or debit card only. A valid ID is required for all transactions.

To purchase tickets online, go to Ticketmaster.com.