…they’re not just about giving private concerts to a select group of uber-special people (though they are that, too). They’re about fellowship. Storytelling. They are, to me (as an artist), the quintessential picture of the Church as it was back in the Day. People gathering to eat, talk, share burdens, and be lifted…through music and message and hope and just being together.
I love house shows because even when I enter the home of someone I’ve never met or even spoken to, I leave with a few new Great Big Family members. I have new friends I know will listen if I need an ear, and who know I’ll listen too.
There are plenty of artists out there who would prefer to do big stage shows, who don’t do a lot of intimate interacting with their frands* and I get why: some are huge and famous and it’s just unrealistic; for others, they simply prefer to keep their professional and personal lives very separate. That’s just not me. My music is a pretty major expression of who I am and what goes on in my head, so sharing it with people is inviting them into a deeper place anyway. Why not make it even more Real by making it a shared, listen/listen experience, rather than a one-sided singer/audience one? You invite me into your living room, I’ll invite you into my writing space. You feed my belly, I’ll try to feed your spirit.
Anyway, that to say I’m looking very much forward to another round of House Shows with one Ms. Bethany Dick-Olds in a few weeks. We’ll be hitting some spots again, like Spartanburg, SC and Asheboro, NC, and a few new ones as well, like Greensboro, NC and Philadelphia, PA. If you’re anywhere nearby – or somewhere along that route – give me a shout. We’d love to come share with you!
*Frand:
Noun.
1. A fan of one’s professional artwork who has become a personal friend.
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amy courts: en route 
WOO-HOO!!! Bring it to Spartanburg!!! Can’t wait!
Comment by pimwaddis August 29, 2011 @ 11:45 amLooking forward to your coming to Philly! See you then!
Comment by betaylor68 August 29, 2011 @ 11:50 amI wish we were friends in real life, somehow. If I ever get back into music the way I was in high school and early college (http://stitchinguptheseams.wordpress.com/2011/08/01/i-have-an-awesome-voice/) …this is exactly how I would want to do things.
Comment by Stitch August 29, 2011 @ 11:57 am