He was an American boy.

PHOTO BY SARAH CROSS

"When I opened my mouth and started talking to people and they start to look at each other, kind of be weird because of the way I talk. I'm stupid because I have this accent. I'm poor. I'm probably dangerous. I'm not them. I definitely don't have anything to offer. That's the vibe that I consistently got, my first experiences dealing with the status quo, those sorts of people calling the shots," McPherson says.

He recorded his first album, Fourteen Stories, while still in Boston in 2007. McPherson already has his third album written. He just needs to record it.

BRYAN MCPHERSON

With Lera Lyn, the Lady Crooners

Thu/30, 9pm, $8

Hotel Utah

500 Fourth St., SF

(415) 546-6300

www.hotelutah.com