Buffalo-based, blue-collar troubadour Greg Klyma grew up the son of a garbage man. This hard-nosed work ethic has informed an extensive catalog and a tireless touring schedule. As much a storyteller as he is songwriter, Klyma utilizes a slew of instruments (guitar, mandolin, harmonica, piano) to color his narrative approach. Sarah Craig, from Caffé Lena in Saratoga Springs, says his "stories blend seamlessly into songs, evoking a flavor of Mark Twain, Woody Guthrie, and David Sedaris." His sound, influenced by the likes of Merle Haggard, Tom Petty, and Waylon Jennings, would be right at home at folk festivals and random campground jams. As his website boasts, he's "a home-cooked meal and a Vaudeville show, in a fast-food, karaoke world."

Greg Klyma performs as part of Songwriters in the Round Saturday, November 17, 8 p.m. at Tango Café, 389 Gregory St. $8. 271-4930.