It seems the name David Wilcox is synonymous with storytelling.

The author of this article shares his name with a renowned singer-songwriter who will perform at the Auburn Public Theater Friday night.

Trying to say how his show will unfold is somewhat useless. Wilcox savors the ability to plan his set at the spur of the moment, based on the energy he picks up from his audience.

“I love when the music feels like the right medicine for the right moment and the momentum of the emotion of the crowd picks up and comes together,” he said.

With 14 albums to his name, Wilcox can play as much as three hours' worth of material, as he has for performances near his hometown of Mentor, Ohio.

He rarely reaches that set length elsewhere, but spontaneity still guides how he selects from his extensive catalogue of songs. His personal preference also plays a role.

“The songs I most enjoy performing over the years are songs that contain a real concise storyline with one set of images and characters,” Wilcox said.

The musician's storytelling strengths manifest in “Wilford Brandon Hayes,” off his new “Vista” album.

Wilcox sings of a woman who reports her new love to the authorities after she discovers he is leading a dangerous life of robbery. With each line Wilcox sings, the listener is pulled further into the song's lengthy narrative.

Songs like “Wilford Brandon Hayes” also enable Wilcox to establish an emotional rapport with his audience. The chorus of that selection from “Vista” examines the conflict we all encounter when the one we love carries a dark secret.

“I've always enjoyed playing songs about really tough situations we get into,” Wilcox said. “My favorite thing is when a song has been to the darkest places and it shines a light out and shows the way through.”

The Auburn audience will also hear a few songs that Wilcox wants to test-drive with a live audience for the first time. He will take his experience playing them here into account when he chooses the track list for his next album, “Air Stream.”

While his audiences are usually unfamiliar with new songs, sometimes they are unfamiliar with Wilcox himself.

At concerts near the Canadian border, Wilcox must deal with another storyteller who shares not only his name but the instrument that almost never leaves his side: A guitar.

“There have been times when people have shouted out requests and think I'm the other guy,” Wilcox said.

They may confuse him with the Canadian rocker - or in Auburn's case, The Citizen reporter - who shares his name, but people new to the music of Wilcox will find him friendly nonetheless.

Following his Auburn performance, Wilcox looks forward to meeting people from the Finger Lakes area as he signs CDs. Among all his accomplishments as an artist, he cherishes the connections he has made with those who appreciate his music. “For a shy person it's the best way to make friends,” Wilcox said. “This is how I find my tribe.”

Staff writer David Wilcox can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 245 or david.wilcox@lee.net

If you go

What: David Wilcox in concert

When: 8 p.m.

Friday, doors open at 7 p.m.

Where: Auburn Public Theater, 108 Genesee St.

Tickets: $28 advance, $35 at the door

For details: Call 253-6669 or visit www.auburnpublictheater.com