John Flynn

Sat., Aug. 29, 7:30 p.m., $15, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., 215-928-0770, tinangel.com.

by Mary Armstrong

folk/rock

Even more important than his impressive songwriting, or his fine, strong voice, or the fact that he's awfully cute and often very funny, remember first that John Flynn is a man of peace. After we'd finished talking about his new CD, America's Waiting, discussing all the thrill of self-determination that goes with striking out on your own once again, he called back urgently with this message: "You do know that this is a benefit for PTSD, don't you?" Nobody hates war more than Flynn, and nobody prays more fervently for peace. But nobody can beat him for rankling at injustice, either. He speaks repeatedly about hating war but supporting the warriors — especially when they return home in need of a whole lot more than a hug. "Semper Fi" is the true story of one young man who didn't get the attention he needed, despite the best efforts of a band of Vietnam vets who knew how he was feeling. Flynn will be raising funds for post-traumatic stress disorder at the launch of America's Waiting.