Matt the Electrician Charges Up Silver City With Tall Tales and Tunes

Get ready to be wired and charged up with live entertainment from Matt the Electrician. Matthew Sever is a folk-pop singer, songwriter, and musician traveling from Austin, Texas, to a quaint town in Northern Nevada for one night only. Come to the Silver City School House (385 High St.) on Sept. 19 for an electrifying evening. The doors open at 6 p.m., and the show lights up at 7 p.m., with drinks and treats available for purchase.     

Sever’s appearance is part of the Roots Music Masters series put on by Evangeline Elston, the School House board member and promoter. It has been six years since Sever’s last booking at the venue in 2020; that was canceled. His “quirky and sincere” presence is finally here for all to enjoy. 

"He's a wonderful tale spinner, super engaging. He has a very quirky way of intertwining music and story; he's just fabulous," Elston said.    

Elston’s goal for the series, occurring in the spring and fall each year, is to bring exceptional masters of roots music such as folk, blues, bluegrass, jazz, and more to the Comstock area. Sever falls perfectly into this category, along with his charismatic engagement with the audience through songs and stories.   

"My roots music master series is about bringing people who are masters in their craft, and he fits really well with that," Elston said. 

His whimsical character and musical style were influenced by 1960s folk artists such as Arlo Guthrie and others who thrived on comedy with a touch of class. He takes to heart their carefree motto while performing, making the best of each interaction and enjoying the simplicities life has to offer. 

"I always kind of erred on the side of folk that was a little bit funny sometimes, and maybe didn't seem like they were taking themselves quite so seriously," Sever said.

He merges songs and stories based on personal experiences, random encounters, and on-the-spot inspiration with ingenious balladry that may invoke an array of emotions. While he entertains audiences with joyous interactions, some onlookers have been moved to tears by his meaningful songs of hope.     

Sever released a new vinyl 45 in spring 2026 with baseball-themed songs that exemplify his love for the game. He additionally produced seven other 45s and 11 studio albums. His first gig was in 1987, but he took off performing consistently in the late ‘90s. He plays shows for hundreds of people or a few in an intimate living room setting, and brings an unforgettable experience to everyone with decades of songs and stories to last a lifetime.

"I think the goal is to die on stage. That's the retirement plan, anyway," Sever said.

Sever’s path as a musician has taken grit and ambition to pursue what brings him joy. Sever doesn’t shy away from the hard work he puts in on the side to foster a successful music career. After leaving the electrician trade, he utilized various revenue channels within the music industry. Along with teaching lessons and at songwriting camps, his songs appear in commercials, films, TV, and podcasts. His stage name reflects some of his stories, while remaining a constant reminder of how far he has come. He hopes his life reflects a humble nature with plenty of humility and grace.

"There's a lot of crazy stuff going on in the world, and I hope that if people come out and hear me play, they come away with some lightness, some sense of there being some light in the world that they can focus on for a minute," Sever said.

His songs are full of joyfulness and hope in a chaotic world that desperately needs more moments of enjoying the present. Come to laugh, cry if you must, and enjoy a phenomenal master of his craft.  

Admission is a $25 recommended donation that helps the touring performer and the nonprofit School House venue book talented artists throughout the year. The small-town spot known for its community-enriching events wants everyone to be able to attend. All ages are welcome and encouraged to come. 

Tickets are available at the door via cash, card or Venmo. For questions, contact the Silver City Preservation Society and stay updated on future events at the School House. Follow Matt the Electrician on Facebook, YouTube and Patreon.