In his fifth decade as a folk singer-songwriter, Cliff Eberhardt has hoofed the country and back. With his bluesy growl, honest lyrics, and penchant for melody, surely he's had nods toward two of his heavy influences: Bruce Springsteen and Shawn Colvin. Like the weathered wood of his acoustic, he's grown into a wisdom in his rasp. Since being signed to Red House Records in the 1990's, Eberhardt has released nine albums. His most recent effort has been writing original songs for the Shakespeare classic "The Taming of the Shrew" in Washington, D.C. Louise Mosrie also plays.

Cliff Eberhardt performs Saturday, December 5, at Cafe Veritas, 220 South Winton Road. 7:30 p.m. $10-$18. cafeveritas.org; cliffeberhardt.net.