Gordon Lightfoot has called Craig Cardiff "a songwriter who needs to be heard."

The prolific songwriter from Ontario, whose voice has been described as "warm, scratched, sad and sleepy," released his latest album, Floods and Fires, in November. The album is being hailed as Cardiff's most ambitious in scope, both musically and lyrically, and it was nominated for a Juno Award as Roots and Traditional Album of the Year: Solo.

Cardiff is known not only for his musical style, but also for the close relationship he has with his fans, who helped him complete Floods and Fires by buying copies in advance - making the album the only crowd-funded album nominated for a Juno this year.

Cardiff will be performing songs from Floods and Fires and many of his previous releases Saturday, June 2 at The Top Knight. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $20 in advance at www.craigcardiff.com.