Here's a little theory of mine: most music-lovers don't know that they love house concerts. YET.

Those three little letters (Y-E-T) are the main reason that my friend David Ramirez and I are embarking on our latest tour together. We're calling it Home Sweet Home, and it's a tour completely comprised of house concerts.

Go ahead, it's okay to ask. What is a house concert anyway?

I'm glad you asked.

A house concert is just what it sounds like: a concert in your house. Or your backyard. Or even in a furniture store or in front of a small-town city hall. The location is not important, except for the fact that house concerts take place in places where we are not used to seeing music. I use the word "seeing" because this is the type of show you want to sit down and watch. It's very easy for a performer to connect with his audience while he's in someone's living room. There's a vulnerability there that traditional clubs can rob you of through bad sound, smoke, and noise. House concerts cut right to the heart of the matter: the music.

For the past few years David and I have traveled across the country, playing in just about every kind of venue you can think of. We both have played our fair share of house concerts, and for both of us it was love at first show. Several months ago, as I was planning some summer travels, I called David to ask him about doing this tour together. There was no hesitation in his voice as he agreed to do it, and we hit the ground running shortly thereafter. Soon confirmations were coming in from across the country from trusted hosts and some newbies as well.

And now we're proud to announce Home Sweet Home: A House Concert Tour. From July 5 to July 19 we're cruising across much of the U.S. to spread the word about the house concert format. We want to bring this type of show to more of our fans, and want to encourage other artists to do the same.

If you've never attended a house concert, now would be a great time to try. But you don't have to come to ours. Seek them out. Why not try hosting one yourself?

Take a look at the dates below and let us know if you'd like to attend. You can contact us through Myspace, Facebook, or email. We hope to see you, but even if we don't, we hope we can share a great new way to enjoy live music.


Sunday, July 5 - Austin, TX

Monday, July 6 - Magnolia, TX**

Tuesday, July 7 - Dallas, TX

Wednesday, July 8 - Lindale, TX

Thursday, July 9 - Little Rock, AR*

Friday, July 10 - Memphis, TN

Saturday, July 11 - Nashville, TN

Sunday, July 12 - Atlanta, GA*

Monday, July 13 - Birmingham, AL

Tuesday, July 14 - Rosemary Beach, FL

Wednesday, July 15 - Athens, GA

Thursday, July 16 - Knoxville, TN

Friday, July 17 - Indianapolis, IN

Saturday, July 18 - Grand Rapids, MI

Sunday, July 19 - Lansing, MI

* - not confirmed
** - closed event

Thanks for supporting independent music,

Dylan

I've got some talented sisters. Their band The Tunahelpers toured all over North America well before I started to hit the road. While I was passing through New York City a few weeks ago I stayed with my older sister Adrienne, who is now focusing on a solo project. She had recently sung backup vocals for me at a few NYC gigs, and we also performed one of her songs, "Mulberry Tree." It was so much fun we decided to record it in her apartment. You can listen to the results here: http://www.myspace.com/adrienneanemone.

Also, you need to check out this video for Adrienne's song "Boys And Girls." It's very cool, and I'm not just saying that as a brother.


boys and girls

First of all, I'm sorry for not blogging more often. I promise I'm still alive! I plan to do more on the blogging end this next tour, starting now. I'm very excited about my show at The Living Room in New York. I know some will be out of town for Easter, but even if you're gone, can you still tell a few area friends about it?

I'm playing with a band, but not just any band. On bass, we've got my new friend Bobby McCullough, who also plays with the NYC group Benyaro. On drums, my long-time friend and drummer Jeff Rogers, who's played on all my records. On background vocals, Allison Rogers, who sang on my latest record. And finally, my BIG SISTER, Adrienne Anemone, a Brooklyn-based songwriter, is gonna join us as well. Holy cow! I hope to see your smiling faces there.

Thanks for supporting independent music,

Dylan