ASTORIA – Christopher Worth didn’t start singing until he was 20. “It was almost like it came overnight,” Worth said. Auditioning for a college rendition of “West Side Story” on a whim, he was accepted in an ensemble part that required singing and dancing. “Since I was young I’d always been fascinated by the stage and performance – it wasn’t until Stanford that I got to really explore this, and that’s when my voice came. I wanted to be an actor before I was a singer,” he added. Within several months of rehearsals and a couple sessions with the vocal coach, Worth’s abilities as a vocalist and performer expanded into something he hadn’t expected. “It was as if I’d found my purpose on stage.” By his senior year he’d joined an a cappella group, played the male lead in several other musicals, and begun writing songs.

In the years after college, Worth bounced from the San Francisco Bay Area back to his hometown, Portland, to pursue opportunities as a singer/songwriter there. He didn’t truly find his home musically, however, until he met the future members of the band NIAYH (Now Is All You Have). “I love playing alone, but I always knew my focus would be in some sort of group,” he admitted. Since the band’s formation in 2007, NIAYH has released one full-length record and toured extensively through the western U.S. at venues such as the Crystal Ballroom and Dakota Live Music Lounge. The band often draws comparisons to Pink Floyd, although this comparison is more indicative of their ethos than their musical style. “We are a rock band at heart, but there are deep R&B, funk, psychedelic and Latin influences there that are equally important.” Worth plays keys and sings in the band as well as collaborating on songwriting and composition.

Worth describes his solo project as bohemian blues hop. Often resorting to busking to survive, he claims to have developed most of his vocal style and performance ability on the streets. “There’s nothing like playing on a street corner day in and day out to get you into shape and ground you as an artist.” To the listener his voice evokes an intense emotional response. It is simultaneously timeless and new, recalling contemporary influences such as Jeff Buckley, Martin Sexton and Amos Lee and classics such as Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder. The songwriting is eclectic and infuses lyrical depth with memorable melodies. “I like to think of myself as equally a singer, instrumentalist, songwriter, and performer,” he said, “and I try not to be limited by any definition of genre. It’s all music.”

In the past year, Worth has collaborated with the likes of Russ Liquid, Saqi, Unkle Nancy and Marv Ellis on a variety of recordings and live performances. He is currently based in Portland and splitting his time between solo music, NIAYH, and work on the “Sea of Destiny” musical. In 2011 he plans to release a solo debut and a sophomore album with NIAYH.

The Christopher Worth Trio will play at 8 p.m. Sunday, April 10, at Fort George Brewery and Public House, 1483 Duane St. There is no cover charge. For more information, call (503) 325-7468 or visit www.fortgeorgebrewery.com