Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist John Craigie will be performing at The Bridge on Oct. 17. As it will be his second time playing at the venue, Craigie has good expectations for the upcoming performance.

“I like the people of Columbia,” he says. “I think they have a great sense of humor. They’re great to have as an audience. I hope they come out, and I hope they have a good time.”

Although the L.A. native has been touring full time for around six years, Craigie says he has known that he wanted to pursue a career in music since childhood.

“I think it’s all I wanted to do as a kid,” he says. “Before I played, I was obsessed with music. It’s like someone who’s so into magic, they kind of want to know what’s going on behind the curtain. That’s what started it. I wanted to learn what was going on.”

A primarily self-taught musician, Craigie plays the acoustic guitar, harmonica, banjo and ukulele.

In the vein of his personal influences Bob Dylan, John Prine and Arlo Guthrie, the content of Craigie’s music is solely based on real-life experiences.

“I pick specific themes that have universal themes within them,” Craigie says. “What’s great about storytelling songs is that it’s not very vague or poetic, but it’s something that everyone can relate to while still being something that’s personal to me.”

From his first album, “I Always -ed You” to his most recent release, “The Apocalypse Is Over,” Craigie says his music has grown with him.

“So much has changed in every possible way,” he says. “Maturing, learning more about songwriting, traveling … at the time my first album was written, I hadn’t been anywhere. I think the travel and the maturity of being human and being an artist has changed my music dramatically.”

With song titles like “Chuck Norris’ Tears Cure Cancer…Too Bad He Never Cries,” expect an entertaining and hands-on performance at Craigie’s upcoming show.

“I really hope that I’m able to do what I’m doing,” he says. “I always hope that I can entertain the crowd. Not to sound unambitious, but I really like where I’m at and I want to keep playing. Hopefully, I’ll play to as many people as I can and keep traveling, keep singing and hopefully win over some new fans as I go.”