David Luning with Ellie James

John Prine forced David Luning to drop out of college. Not at gunpoint or anything—the two had never even met—but the effect of hearing the songwriting legend’s music for the first time had an equally compelling effect on Luning, who was studying film scoring at the Berklee College of Music in Boston at the time. Now an accomplished artist in his own right, Luning is preparing to release a new collection of songs, “Restless,” and he can trace it all back to one fateful night that changed everything. Stylistically unique and captivating, Ellie James mixes lush indie-pop sounds with the style and edge of her rock ’n’ roll background. Her music is both genuine and dance-inducing, as she uses real instruments and electronic production to weave musical stories all her own. Get tickets.

Saturday, May 4, 7 pm to 9 pm at Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. $25-$35.