J. Trafford - “The Winedark Serenatas” 20th anniversary album release/photo exhibit

J. Trafford will present a newly re-recorded version of his 2005 debut album The Winedark Serenatas at a special homecoming solo performance on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Steamworks Creative in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania. The performance will coincide with a photography exhibition of new images of J. Trafford created by visual artist, author, and model Joella Clove (Almonde Photography).

J. Trafford began his work in music in Pittsburgh in 2002. In 2005, Trafford wrote and produced The Winedark Serenatas, his first full-length album which was self-released as a small run of CDs. Following the release of two additional solo albums, Trafford turned his creative direction and patchwork influences to ensemble music with the bands Suavity’s Mouthpiece, Sommelier, and Nowhere Wolves. Each of these acts has garnered recognition locally and internationally for their originality, often with respect toward Trafford’s writing and vocal performance.

Trafford has re-recorded The Winedark Serenatas from scratch with the assistance of longtime friend and Suavity’s Mouthpiece guitarist Nick Bigatel (also of the bands Smokey Bellows and Citywitch). The 2025 version of The Winedark Serenatas album keeps true to the ornate arrangements and dynamics of the original work, but is heightened by keen, polished production and vintage-aged performances.

Photographer and multi-faceted artist Joella Clove was enlisted to assist with the re-creation of The Winedark Serenatas’ original artwork for the re-recording. Clove subsequently created a series of images portraying Trafford’s rediscovery of the album’s original songwriting notes; these images will be exhibited at The Winedark Serenatas twentieth anniversary show.

The Winedark Serenatas release show will feature performances by special guests Sarah Halter (metal singer-songwriter), Hemlock for Socrates (post-punk duo), and The Stolen Stitches Sideshow (vaudeville entertainers).

Tickets for The Winedark Serenatas twentieth anniversary show Saturday, November 1 at Steamworks Creative are on-sale now. The venue is located at 4967 William Flinn Hwy #6, Gibsonia, PA 15044.