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Go to an Amos Lee concert and you likely won't be the oldestperson in the room. You probably won't be the youngest one, either, unless it's your 21stbirthday and the venue is 21 and older.

Lee, who's been compared to singers like John Prine, Bill Withers and Norah Jones, has a folksy,bluesy sound that appeals to everyone from the teen girls who proclaim their love for Lee betweensongs to the older couples out for an occasional date night. At 31, Lee's happy with both crowds.

"I guess that's really great for me, because I don't want to play to one particular group and oneparticular person," Lee said. "I love a diverse crowd."

We spoke to Lee to find out what he's bringing Saturday to the Vogue, as he tours behind histhird CD "Last Days at the Lodge."

Question: What was it like to record with some of the big names in the music business?

I learned a lot. These guys don't bring any drama, no ego, no silliness. They're justkind of cool. People asked me if I was intimidated, but I wasn't. Those guys don't play thatgame. It was cool for me to be with guys who were pretty accomplished.

You write all of your songs. Do you consider yourself a singer or a songwriter first?

I don't necessarily think that either one of them has to be dependent on the other. Singing issomething that I do more for other people, and songwriting is something I do for myself.

What's your inspiration?

Sometimes I'll just meet somebody and a story will come forth. You'll see something and itwill happen. Autobiographical songs will take more time to write.

Why are you such a well-kept secret?

I think there's a lot of room for people to make music today. I'm pretty happy with beingunder the radar, if that's possible. It's part and parcel of the approach we take. We don't wantto put ourselves out in any sort of glitzy way. We want the connection first.

You used to be a second-grade teacher in PhiladelphiWhat did the kids teach you?

They helped me understand that I shouldn't be a teacher.

Amos Lee is a stage name. (Given birth name: Ryan Massaro.). What's up with that?

I've always played under "Amos Lee." I'm not really sure (how I came up with the name.) Therewas no particular rhyme or reason. And I get to be next to Led Zeppelin in the record display.

- By Lori Darvas / Star correspondent

Amos Lee with Dayna Kurtz

When: 7:30 p.m. August 9th.

Where: The Vogue, 6259 N. College Ave.

Tickets: $22 in advance, $24 day of show.

Information: Call (317) 259-7029.