House About Tonight Productions

Singing Through the Holidaze with Big Wide Grin

2011-12-15T23:33:00.002-05:00

Come celebrate the holidays with Big Wide Grin! This event will bring you good holiday cheer. There is a $15 donation collected at the door; please bring a dish and/or a favorite beverage to share for this special holiday gathering! Also, remember to dig out your most hideous Christmas sweater and wear it, if you dare! We will have a special contest to vote on the ugliest holiday sweater--prizes will be awarded!

Please make your reservations early; this band packs them in and they are fun, fun, fun!!!

******************************************************************

Now, here's a little bit of info on the band, whom I absolutely adore! --

This bi-coastal trio of Elaine Dempsey, Lawrence Lambert & Karl Werne, from California and Virginia, bring diverse backgrounds of experience, music and theater together to form a rich,

soulful blend of character and deep harmony. It will move you to an understanding of their name: BIG WIDE GRIN.

They are constantly on the move- whether at festivals, concert series, shows, or select house concerts and have shared the stage, collectively, with such artists as Janis Ian, Harriett Schock,

Lowen & Navarro, Richie Havens, Bruce Hornsby and toured with legendary blues man Keb' Mo'.

Their recent seasonal CD, “Holiday” features a wide variety of world class arrangers and studio musicians from both coasts, proving to be the most diverse self-produced musical endeavor from this group so far.

Musical guest artists include ODU Jazz Professor John Toomey, former Kool and the Gang bassist, Dana Silvercloud and Dan Martier from Tim Reynolds’ TR3.

BWG's "Live" release is a collection of original and cover material that have become trademark favorites of their live performances from the likes of Steve Earle and Tracy Chapman to Sly & The Family Stone.

Their debut CD, "Live Simple, Breathe Deep" (released under previous group name: "E.L.K.") was produced by Clayton Gibb (Keb' Mo' band) and features Mark Andes (Spirit, Canned Heat),

Rob Hooper (Jimmie Dale Gilmore), Cha Cha Friedken (Keb' Mo' band) and Eddie Williams.

http://www.reverbnation.com/bigwidegrin

“Big Wide Grin ... Good singing. Great songs and the hardest working band in folk music.” Keb’ Mo’

"Take three supremely talented performers, throw in a generous portion of intelligent and heartfelt songwriting, add a dash of wit and charm, then sit yourself down to a spellbinding evening of top-notch entertainment with Big Wide Grin ... guaranteed to put one on every face." BJ Leiderman, theme composer, National Public Radio

PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO RSVP AS THIS IS AN EVENT HELD IN A PRIVATE HOME; your RSVP will bring directions! Thank You!

Please visit the House About Tonight Productions' Facebook page and "like" us!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/House-About-Tonight-Productions/118334431556717

Beaucoup Blue is BACK!

2011-10-26T15:16:00.003-04:00

House About Tonight Productions is thrilled to be bringing back to the 'burg the immensely talented duo of Beaucoup Blue. Beaucoup Blue is the Americana Philadelphia-based duo of David and Adrian Mowry.

Father and son have been performing their roots-based music nationally and internationally as a duo, quartet and on occasion quintet. Bridging many gaps in American music, their soulful traditional and contemporary styles mesh into an innovative and authentic sound. Although blues is a staple in their repertoire, they base their love in music from Folk, Soul, R&B, Jazz, Country and Bluegrass. All these interests and influences come out in their original songwriting in a unique way. A handsome range of instruments like six- and twelve-string guitars, slide guitar, and round-neck resonator guitar, combined with two soulful voices, encompasses a rich and honest feel, noticeably influenced by familial ties.

Beaucoup Blue had previously released two albums: Out Of The Woodwork, 2003, and Hearts At Home, 2005. The long awaited third album, Free To Fall, is produced by Grammy nominated Jim Salamone. The project features a world class rhythm section including Jeff Sheard on drums, Bill Zinno on acoustic upright bass as well as the extraordinary talents of a few friends. A guest appearance by Universal recording artist Melody Gardot, and the Americana Angels of Red Molly contributed their voices to this important work in classic proportion.

This very popular duo is back for yet annother appearance in Fredericksburg; please make sure to RSVP early for the eagerly awaited return of these amazing musicians and songwriters.

NEW VENUE: The Scott Residence in Stafford, VA (directions will be sent before the concert when you RSVP)

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Doors at 7pm

Music at 8pm

$15 donation per person taken at the door; all donation monies go directly to the musicians so that they can continue to travel and spread their gospel of music

Please also bring a dish for the buffet table; House About Tonight will provide some beverages and desserts

First-come, first-served, so RSVP today--VERY IMPORTANT TO RSVP, as space is limited!!! I will send directions next week to those who RSVP; thanks for your continued support of live music that you can listen to in an intimate environment! Hope to see you soon!

You may email your RSVP to me at RAGwoman1@aol.com

White Collar Job to Singing with a Guitar

2011-10-16T22:09:00.001-04:00

Singer/songwriter and guitarist Andrew McKnight's five CDs and captivating performances showcase his engaging collection of songs and stories celebrating the lives and landscapes of rural American people with warmth and humor.

Since permanently leaving his corporate environmental engineering career in 1996, the award-winning folk and Americana artist has traced half a million miles of blue highways and backwater towns, and earned critical acclaim and enthusiastic fan response. His music and messages are always compelling, infused with his literate prose, eye for intriguing detail, and soundscapes that span haunting blues, feisty anthems, rustic folk, and a bit of swing.

He usually tours solo, but also performs frequently with founding Nitty Gritty Dirt Band member Les Thompson fronting their genre-bending quartet Beyond Borders. In addition to his music, he is an insightful essayist and poet, a gifted workshop leader, and a warm and thoughtful interview.

Join us for music that not only is beautiful sounding, but presents a thoughtful message. Andrew's music will leave you energized and hopeful. I know you'll like him a lot.

Doors at 7pm
Music at 8pm

A donation of $15 per person will be collected at the door; all donations go to the musician to help in their work as independent musicians

Please bring a dish to share; some beverages and desserts will be provided by House About Tonight Productions.

Please take the time to RSVP to this special event as space is limited. Thank you.

Bryan Bowers Returns

2011-10-10T12:05:00.002-04:00

House About Tonight Productions proudly welcomes back to Fredericksburg a real favorite: Master Autoharpist/Singer/Songwriter/Storyteller/Performance Artist Bryan Bowers. A simple description of Bryan's work would be songs, stories, and strings.

The show is on Friday, October 14 at the Athenaeum (formerly known as The Wounded Bookstore) at 109 Amelia Street in downtown Fredericksburg. Doors are at 7pm and the concert starts at 8pm.

Donation: $15 per person (taken at the door)

Beverages and light snacks will be served at intermission.

Now, about Bryan:

From his rather unglamorous beginning as a street singer, Bryan has become a major artist on the traditional music circuit. He has redefined the autoharp and is also well known as a singer-songwriter. Bryan has a dynamic outgoing personality and an uncanny ability to enchant a crowd in practically any situation. His towering six-foot-four-inch frame can be wild and zany on stage while playing a song like "Dixie," and five minutes later later, he can have the same audience singing "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" in quiet reverence and delight. We guarantee that you will come away from his performance absolutely mesmerized with his talent and message.

“To call Bryan Bowers’ performance simply a ‘concert’ would be inadequate if not inaccurate … (it) could better be described as an experience!”
-Deseret News

“Bowers is widely regarded as the leading virtuoso on the autoharp… Bowers also has distinct gifts as a singer and songwriter.”
-People Magazine

“…This man makes more music from an Autoharp than you can imagine from a 12-string guitar and a harpsichord combined. He has more stage presence and charisma than any stage performer in recent memory.”
-The Washington Times

My own personal experience with Bryan is that he seems to call when I need to hear from him most; earlier in the spring when we were talking about this show, he asked if he could "bend my ear" a while. He did, and I ended up in tears; sweet tears that were so needed for many reasons. The story was wonderful and I hope he will present it to you, too. So bring a handkerchief along with you to this event; you really don't want to miss it!

Reservations are not required, but there is limited seating (about 50), so please arrive on time so that you don't have to stand or miss the show!

September and Beyond!!!

2011-09-21T21:04:00.004-04:00

On Saturday, September 24, House About Tonight Productions and Raven Hi-Fi are proud to present in concert Ange Boxall. Tasmania-born Ange is a singer/songwriter who takes her work very seriously, kind of. She's a dreamer, a spiritual walker on this earth, who writes about love, relationships, traveling, and longing.

Please help me welcome her to Fredericksburg by joining us in an intimate setting for this show.

Saturday, September 24, 2011
at Raven Hi-Fi
214 William Street
Fredericksburg, VA

Suggested Donation: $15 per person, plus a dish to share for the potluck supper and/or a bottle of your favorite beverage

Social Hour: 7-8pm
Music: 8-10pm

Please visit her website to get a taste of what you will hear at the show! http://www.angeboxall.com/

"Fool for Now" is my personal favorite!

This venue has limited space, so please RSVP as soon as possible to hold your seat!!

COMING IN OCTOBER:

Bryan Bowers on October 14
Andrew McKnight on October 22

NOVEMBER:

Beaucoup Blue on November 5

DECEMBER brings a special holiday show with Big Wide Grin; dig out your ugliest holiday sweater for our contest!!!

See You in September

2011-09-08T10:11:00.005-04:00

Two fabulous shows this month!!

First off, The Taters join us for fun and music at our September 17 picnic in Spotsylvania.

Come out and help us celebrate the end of summer with an outdoor picnic and show you will never forget. The Taters will be out in fine form, having survived the dog days of August, singing their way into your hearts. Their music harkens back to the late 50s and early 60s, but with their own Tater twist.

For more info and to listen to some of their sweet sounds: http://www.thetaters.com/

PLEASE NOTE THE DATE CHANGE: this concert was originally scheduled for September 24; it is now going to be held on September 17.

The suggested donation for this event is $15 per person. Bring your partner, your sibling(s), your friends, or someone new--we love meeting new people!

We are starting the event a little later in the evening in the hopes that the sun will be setting behind the trees and providing a bit of coolness.

Concert will be held at:

96 Longview Lane, Spotsylvania, VA 22553

Social Hour: 7-8 pm
Music: 8-10pm

Since this is a potluck event, please also bring a dish and/or a bottle of your favorite beverage to share.

Bring your lawn chair and/or blanket to sit on while you soak up the wonderful tunes of the Taters. There will be plenty of room for dancing if you are so inclined. Pop-up canopies are allowed just in case you want shade, but they must be lined up at the top of the hill. The sun should be down by then anyway.

After the longest break I've ever had in providing great music via house concerts, I am really looking forward to seeing you all again! Let me know if you're attending, okay?

PARKING will be in a field adjacent to the property; look for signs and helpers showing you the way!!!!

And THEN!!!!!

On Saturday, September 24, House About Tonight Productions and Raven Hi-Fi are proud to present in concert Ange Boxall. Tasmania-born Ange is a singer/songwriter who takes her work very seriously, kind of. She's a dreamer, a spiritual walker on this earth, who writes about love, relationships, traveling, and longing.

Please help me welcome her to Fredericksburg by joining us in an intimate setting for this show.

Saturday, September 24, 2011
at Raven Hi-Fi
214 William Street
Fredericksburg, VA

Suggested Donation: $15 per person, plus a dish to share for the potluck supper and/or a bottle of your favorite beverage

Social Hour: 7-8pm
Music: 8-10pm

Please visit her website to get a taste of what you will hear at the show! http://www.angeboxall.com/

"Fool for Now" is my personal favorite!

This venue has limited space, so please RSVP as soon as possible to hold your seat!!

COMING IN OCTOBER:

Bryan Bowers on October 14
Andrew McKnight on October 22

NOVEMBER is dark for now.

DECEMBER brings a special holiday show with Big Wide Grin; dig out your ugliest holiday sweater for our contest!!!

Late Summer/Fall 2011 House Concert Schedule

2011-08-04T21:52:00.004-04:00

The House About Tonight Productions house concert schedule for later this year has changed somewhat. To our deep sadness, Kaci Bolls had to cancel her show that was originally scheduled for early September, but it's all good. She got a great opportunity to work at a new music venue in Florida through the end of the summer -- here's the Facebook link to that new place, so if you're in that area, please go check out Kaci and the venue!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/First-Note-Music-Hall/158685240867153

The Taters' show on September 24 has been moved to September 17 due to a travel schedule change on their end. It is also at a new location in Spotsylvania. If you would like info on this show, please contact me by responding to this blog post.

October 2011 brings two great musicians to our area: On the 14th, fresh from a date in Washington, D.C., Bryan Bowers will enthrall you with his musicianship and put you under a spell with his storytelling. Very excited to be bringing him back to the area! (location tba)

On the 22nd, Andrew McKnight will be joining us in Spotsylvania for his unique brand of music that is both soothing and demands attention. Details to follow soon.

December 17 brings back the wonderfully talented bi-coastal trio of Big Wide Grin (Karl Werne, Elaine Dempsey, and Lawrence Lambert) as they help us to ring in the Holiday season--we may even have an ugly holiday sweater contest!!

2012 will bring back some favorites and some new folks, so please stay tuned to find out which of your favorite musicians are coming back to town. Hope to see you at one of the shows!!!

Rachel Platten Gets Sirius

2011-08-04T21:50:00.000-04:00

http://rachelplatten.tumblr.com/post/8392427669/so-this-just-happened-thank-you-sirius-pulse

Thank You/Next Show

2011-07-04T01:20:00.001-04:00

Thanks to everyone who attended the House About Tonight Production in June of Rachel Platten, Caleb Hawley, and Craig Meyer. They were such a blast and so much fun and the music just unbeatable. Even the neighbors came over in their pajamas to buy CDs after the show!

If you were not able to attend and want to check out these hugely talented musicians, here are their links:

http://www.rachelplatten.com/
(look for Craig's joyful drumming in the background)

http://www.calebhawley.com

Many of you may not know that Rachel and Craig had the misfortune of their equipment (much of it brand new) being stolen out of their locked van while performing in Atlanta earlier this year; even with this major setback, they forged on with positivity, borrowing instruments so that they could finish this tour. If you are so inclined, you will find on Rachel's page a link for donating funds to help them rebuild their musical arsenal.

I wanted to let you know that you won't be hearing from me again until early September of this year. A heavy travel schedule for my family means no mid-summer shows in 2011.

So, the next show will be on September 25 with "The Taters"!!!

Please mark your calendars early for this very special show! If you are not familiar with "The Taters", here is their web site: http://www.thetaters.com ;

Craig, Brad, Greg, and new drummer Chris will light up the night with their great mix of roots rock, pop, country, skiffle & Americana, a sound that's been compared favorably to a mixture of Everlys, Orbison, Beatles, and Nick Lowe. (from their website) One of my favorite Virginia-based bands, I guarantee you a real good time!

As always, I am so thankful to each and every one of you for coming to the shows and supporting my efforts during the past five years to bring high-quality music to you in an intimate atmosphere. And, too, a special thanks to the volunteers and hosts who help me bring these shows to you. You know who you are! A special shout-out to Scott Wagner, the sound man extraordinaire who can make a cardboard box sound good if need be, and Emily Barker, who helps me with anything I need. And, of course, my husband, who helps me stay calm and carries heavy things. Hugs all around!

See you in September!

Let's Celebrate Birthdays and Summer with Great Music!

2011-06-04T17:19:00.004-04:00

When this group of wonderful musicians came to Fredericksburg in February, we had the concert inside and were blessed with more than a hundred attendees!

With this venue being outside, just imagine the lovely group we can assemble to welcome Caleb, Rachel, and Craig back to the 'burg!

It is unusual for House About Tonight Productions to have a band back to perform in the same year, much less within months of their last appearance. But, and those of you who were in attendance can attest to this, we had such a good time, dancing in the aisles (Cookie Dance), listening to music that made you feel good, and getting to know three people who are making a difference in the music world, that the opportunity to have them back so soon is very exciting!

Come on out to Hartwood to help me welcome them back for Rachel's CD release tour! (I will be getting one for myself; can you believe I did not get one the first go-round?)

Doors at 7:00pm
Music at 8:00pm

Still only a $15 donation at the door--what a deal!!! Every penny collected will be donated directly to the musicians. House About Tonight Productions is a no-profit group.

Bring a dish to share for the buffet table and extra money to buy CDs!!!!!

If you would like to RSVP, please respond here or email me at RAGwoman1@aol.com; when I receive your RSVP, I will send you clear directions to the venue. Thanks!

Brother Sun Article by Ashleigh Chevalier

2011-05-20T12:40:00.000-04:00

http://fredericksburg.patch.com/articles/brother-sun-performs-friday-evening

Brother Sun in Concert!

2011-05-20T10:38:00.003-04:00

House About Tonight Productions is very excited to present in concert on Friday, May 20, 2011:

Brother Sun!!!

Singer/songwriters Pat Wictor, Greg Greenway, and Joe Jencks have formed a dynamic new male trio called "Brother Sun."

Their harmonies, as much as their lyrics, tell what they are about: warm as a campfire, stirring as a gospel church, rousing as a call to arms.

Calling upon contemporary songwriting, and informed by the deep roots of gospel, blues, and folk, the trio weaves a tapestry of harmony that is brilliantly fresh and yet familiar.

Nationally touring folk artists from three major points on the map - Boston, New York, and Chicago - Pat, Greg, and Joe celebrate the amazing power of singing together.

Their combined musical skills will make for an unforgettable evening - three rich voices blending on a well-crafted foundation of guitar, slide guitar, and piano.

More on their solo work at:

http://www.patwictor.com/

http://www.joejencks.com/

http://www.greggreenway.com/

Location: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fredericksburg

5044 Plank Road, Fredericksburg, VA

Social Hour: 7:00pm

Music: 8:00pm

Donation: $15 per person, taken at the door (a portion of the proceeds will go to the UUFF Building Fund)

Please bring a dish to share for the wonderful buffet and/or a favorite beverage!

Some beverages will be provided by House About Tonight Productions.

Anthony da Costa in Concert!!!

2011-05-09T10:25:00.003-04:00

One of the things I look at when booking acts is their longevity in the business; you know--have they "paid their dues"? Well, when a friend introduced me to Anthony da Costa's music, I trusted that he knew what he was talking about.

When I looked at the number of CDs Anthony had released, I knew we had found another veteran to the business. And I guess he is, but you certainly could not tell by his age.

Anthony da Costa is releasing his 9th CD soon and he is only in his early 20s AND still going to college at Columbia University in New York City!

From his website:

"Seeing Anthony da Costa on stage is a perfect storm — talent, intensity, humor, passion, intelligence and charm — all bouncing off the walls of the room he is playing" (Court House Concerts). Anthony's music combines folk, rock, Americana and pop, plus what it's like to be "a very young man, with a very old soul" (legendary New York DJ, Pete Fornatale).

Now nearing 20 and a sophomore at Columbia University, in 2009, Anthony was named an MSNBC.com "Top 5 Up-&-Coming Young Singer" and a "WFUV-FM New Artist To Watch". In 2008, he released two, critically-acclaimed albums and was a Folk Alliance "Emerging Artist of the Year" nominee. In 2007, at 16, he became the youngest winner ever at the Falcon Ridge and Kerrville Folk Festivals.

Anthony has played major festivals, including Kerrville, Falcon Ridge, Philadelphia and Tonder (Denmark); showcased at SXSW and Tin Pan South; opened for music icons, like Loretta Lynn, Judy Collins, and Dan Bern; and, with one foot in folk, and the other foot loose and wandering into various other genres, released his eighth record in 2009, "Not Afraid of Nothing," which "has the lyrical quality of a John Prine album" (Twangville). He is currently halfway finished with his latest album, a rock/americana effort recorded in Brooklyn, NY and featuring a slew of wonderful NYC musicians.

http://www.anthonydacosta.com/
http://www.youtube.com/anthonydacosta
Info: anthony.bdylan@gmail.com

DETAILS:

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Raven Hi-Fi
214 William Street
Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Doors at 7:00pm; music at 8:00pm
Donation: $15 at the door (all of which goes to the musicians)

Please also bring a snack to share for the refreshment table; beverages/wine will be supplied by the hosts; we'd love to have you share the night with us!

An Evening with Hans York

2011-04-18T19:32:00.004-04:00

This German-born, award-winning, internationally acclaimed performing songwriter got his musical roots from being born into an occupied Germany and fed a rich diet of American and British music. His potpourri of influences include Joni Mitchell, Steely Dan, Peter Gabriel, The Beatles, Pat Metheny, Miles Davis, Bill Evans, Debussy, Earth Wind & Fire, and Eric Clapton , to name a few.

Hans' decision to spend his life as a professional musician was very nearly aborted by disconsolate parents, until his uncle—who had played piano while a prisoner of war—intervened and convinced Hans' parents to let Hans follow his heart.

Please join us on Friday, April 22, to hear the music that has been coming from Hans' heart ever since! Social hour is at 6:30pm; music and revelry begins at 7:30pm.

Our hosts have a lovely home with wonderful couches and a comfortable listening atmosphere in Spotsylvania, Virginia (just a few miles from downtown Fredericksburg).

Hans has been traveling on the road, playing music, having adventures, amassing stories, and meeting really great people for more than 15 months straight!

$15 donation at the door; please also bring a dish to share and/or your favorite beverage for the always-delicious buffet

Some wine and beverages will be provided by the organizers/hosts.

Go here to listen to Hans' work: http://www.hansyork.com/

Sharing the Love

2011-03-11T12:10:00.005-05:00

"Hey Ruth -- As you thank others, I'd like to thank you for all your help to us musicians. We are truly grateful for the spaces you create to share our hearts. What you do gives our creations flight. Peace, 360º -- Gaye Adegbalola"

http://www.adegbalola.com/

From Craig Bickhardt's manager, Larry Ahearn:

" . . . a 5-star house concert!!"

http://www.craigbickhardt.com

Robbin Thompson Takin' it to the Streets

2011-03-03T10:10:00.007-05:00

House About Tonight Productions is proud to present in concert Robbin Thompson!

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Raven Hi-Fi
214 William Street
Fredericksburg, VA

Social Hour: 6:30pm
Music: 7:30pm

$20 at the door; beverages and snacks will be served. Please bring a snack to share for the refreshment table.

INFORMATION ABOUT ROBBIN THOMPSON:

Robbin Thompson has been a Richmond resident since 1969. He is the Vice President and co-founder of "In Your Ear Music and Recording Corp" . . . a company that composes and produces music for commercials and films. They also open up the space for some really great concerts; check them out here: http://www.jaminc.org/UpcomingEvents/BillEvansTheBanjoinAmericaApril14th/tabid/492/Default.aspx

Robbin's musical career spans more than 40 years and still counting.

Following stints with the Tasmanians and Mercy Flight, Robbin was the lead singer in the Bruce Springsteen band "Steel Mill." He has won the American Song Festival twice, and has recorded more than a dozen albums. Thompson, along with friend Steve Bassett, authored the song "Sweet Virginia Breeze," which is considered by many to be the unofficial state song of Virginia. He has also written and recorded songs with Eagles bassist Timothy B. Schmit (who also sings harmonies on many of Robbin's recordings).

Check out the Brucebase for some cool gig information and photos of Robbin with Steel Mill. http://brucebase.wikispaces.com/

Thompson has shared the stage with many recording artists, including Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, Crosby, Stills, & Nash, Bruce Springsteen, and Bruce Hornsby, to name just a few.

His film scoring credits include the title song to the cult classic GLEAMING THE CUBE, starring CHRISTIAN SLATER . . . and Robbin was the co-writer and vocalist on the song "I WON'T QUIT" in the film THE FIGHTING TEMPTATIONS starring CUBA GOODING JR. and BEYONCE KNOWLES.

Due to Robbin's involvement with Bruce Springsteen, he is proud to have a song on the EMI/CAPITOL release entitled ONE STEP UP/TWO STEPS BACK - The Songs of Bruce Springsteen. This two-cd set includes artists such as David Bowie, John Hiatt, Ritchie Havens, Ben E. King, The Smithereens, The Bodeans and others.

Robbin's first LP (for the Nemporer label) was released in 1976 and the most recent in 2009.

After many years of touring, Thompson now reserves much of his spare time for his family and his second love, sailing the Chesapeake Bay on his beautiful sailboat. His concert schedule is limited mostly to concerts he knows "will be enjoyable."

Won't you join us at a concert that is guaranteed to be a great time?

Contact info: Ruth at RAGwoman1@aol.com or 540.846.2380

Many thanks to East Beach Photography/Lee Rosenberg for this video!

Enjoying My Fifteen Minutes . . .

2011-03-02T14:46:00.001-05:00

. . . maybe I can stretch it to 30, if I'm lucky.

Some good press from past events; there should be more in the April SNAP. So much thanks to Brandon and his crew, especially Mats, for coming to the events and sharing their photographic talent (and humor)! Much welcome in town as a photo-paper because SNAP snaps everyone; they are not discriminatory and don't care to compile a paper of the "who's who" of downtown. Very community oriented; welcome SNAP to the 'burg!

AND, best of all--WE MADE THE FRONT PAGE!!!!!

http://www.snapfred.com/index.php?option=com_sngevents&id[]=245161

Also, a heartfelt thanks to Rob at the Front Porch for what I thought was going to be a paragraph, but was a half page in his wonderful monthly city paper.

Really appreciate the shout-out about the five-in-five week events I've been involved with, either hosting or promoting or advising. It is my passion and I'm happy someone else recognizes it!

http://www.frontporchfredericksburg.com/pdf/March_2011.pdf

Check out page 6, but read it all, cover to cover, just like I do, every month!

An Evening with Craig Bickhardt -- House Concert

2011-02-23T19:00:00.005-05:00

House About Tonight productions is proud to present in concert, in a house, Craig Bickhardt!!!

Craig Bickhardt's superb songwriting credits read like a "Who's Who" of the music industry. Twenty-seven years of Nashville experience started when he wrote music for the movie, "Tender Mercies," starring Robert Duvall. Others who have either recorded songs written or co-written by Craig include Ray Charles, B.B. King, Johnny Cash, The Judds, Trisha Yearwood, Allison Krauss, Anne Murray, Art Garfunkel, Poco, David Wilcox, Kathy Mattea, Willie Nelson, Van Zant, Baillie and the Boys,, Vince Gill, and Martina McBride, to name a few.

When Craig moved to Nashville, he hooked up with fellow songwriters Thom Schuyler, Fred Knobloch, and Don Schlitz to establish THE WRITERS IN THE ROUND. Their laid-back "living room" style of performing at The Bluebird Cafe became the hottest ticket in town.

"Bickhardt's vocals are soothing and reflective, the perfect vehicle for carrying his smartly crafted lyrics. His are songs of life, with intriguing character sketches and penetrating observations, of restless searching and revealing discovery."
- Jack Bernhardt, The Raleigh News and Observer

Come see for yourself what has had Nashville talking for all these years! (http://www.craigbickhardt.com)

http://www.moultrienews.com/news/-23CHRISSONGWRITER-

Saturday, March 5, 2011
Connie and Don's house in Spotsylvania, VA (just outside the city of Fredericksburg)

Social Hour: 6:30pm
Music: 7:30pm

$15 suggested donation taken at the door; bring a dish to share for the buffet meal

Email RAGwoman1@aol.com to get more info or to make your reservation!

An Evening with Victor Goldberg

2011-02-22T20:57:00.003-05:00

World-renowned, multiple-award winning concert pianist Victor Goldberg is making a stop in Fredericksburg, Virginia, following critically acclaimed debuts at Carnegie Hall in New York City and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

A distant relative of Vladimir Horowitz, Goldberg is a Horowitz International Competition Winner! He is " . . . an artist of smoldering intensity who reveals the very soul of the art . . . ."

Don't miss this great musical celebration!

Friday, February 25, 2011

Central Rappahannock Regional Library Theatre
1201 Caroline Street
Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401

7:00 - 10:00pm

Program for the evening:

Chopin Scherzo No. 2, Op. 31
Mozart Sonata No. 9, K. 311
Scriabin Sonata No. 5, Op. 53

Intermission

Brahms Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24

Join us for a gala reception following the concert. Seating is limited, so please RSVP before February 22.

Suggested donation: $18 - $40 per person

Please make your reservation early, as the venue is filling fast! Please call Clare at 540.899.2793

Pierce Pettis

2011-02-20T21:27:00.000-05:00

Pierce Pettis in Concert

2011-02-10T11:25:00.007-05:00

Pierce Pettis is a songwriter's songwriter; lyrics that are stirring, emotional, and sharply written followed by fine guitar playing to round things out. You cannot come to a Pierce Pettis show and leave unchanged; his words, music, and being will absolutely change you. http://www.piercepettis.com

I'd like to share this quote from his web page which really resounded with me:

After a lifetime of crafting finely-wrought, heart-touching songs, singer-songwriter Pierce Pettis feels that he’s finally found his comfort zone. “The biggest change,” he says of this point in his career “has been getting over myself and realizing this is a job and a craft. And the purpose is not fame and fortune (whatever that is) but simply doing good work.”

I am hoping you can join us to hear Pierce Pettis " . . . doing good work."

This concert will be held at Connie and Don's house in Spotsylvania; if you are interested in the show, please contact me so that I may provide a full address and directions to go along with your RSVP.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Social Hour: 6:30pm (this is when we eat our fill of all the scrumptious food that comes in the door and also when we claim our spots on the comfy couches, so come early!)
Music: 7:30pm (this is enchantment time)

A suggested donation of $15 will be taken at the door; you'll see the jar on the counter as you walk in. Please be generous, as these concerts are what helps our musicians continue to do their work in music.

Please go here: http://www.houseabouttonight.org and sign up for regular mailings of the once- or twice-monthly house concerts. Occasionally, if demand merits it, the venue may change, but you will receive ample notification and directions. Thank you for your support during these past five years!

2011 Schedule, so far

2011-02-07T10:12:00.008-05:00

What a great year of music so far, and it just gets better and better! Here's an updated list of upcoming acts and a list of those I am working on to firm up dates and venues!

February 19 -- Pierce Pettis, Spotsylvania (http://www.piercepettis.com)

March 5 -- Craig Bickhardt, Spotsylvania (http://www.craigbickhardt.com)

March 19 -- Robbin Thompson, Raven Hi-Fi, Fredericksburg (http://www.robbinthompson.com)

April 22 -- Hans York, Spotsylvania (http://www.hansyork.com)

May 17 -- Anthony da Costa, Raven Hi-Fi (http://www.anthonydacosta.com)

May 20 -- Brother Sun, Spotsylvania (http://www.brothersunmusic.com)

June, July, August -- tba

September 3 -- Kaci Bolls and Ben Glover, CD Release Tour, Spotsylvania (http://www.kacibolls.com)

September 24 -- The Taters, venue tba (http://www.thetaters.com)

October 22 -- Andrew McKnight, Spotsylvania (http://www.andrewmcknight.net)

November -- Bryan Bowers, date and venue not confirmed (http://www.bryanbowers.com)

December -- Beaucoup Blue, date and venue not confirmed (http://www.beaucoupblue.coom)

Continue to visit here to get updates as I get them; thanks for your support during these fascinating and fun years!

Gotta Love Good Press!

2011-02-05T21:44:00.003-05:00

(photo by Hadar)

Until I can come off my cloud from an unbelievably great show last night, here's what one of the attendees wrote about his experience!!! Whoo-hoo!

http://www.opticality.com/blog/2011/02/05/caleb-hawley-and-rachel-platten-at-unitarian-universalist-fellowship-of-fredericksburg/

Also, look for photos of us in next month's issue of SNAP Magazine!

February 2011 Shows

2011-01-11T16:02:00.015-05:00

YOU MUST RSVP FOR THIS CONCERT AS SEATING IS LIMITED TO 100! Otherwise, you risk the chance of being turned away from the door!!!! Thanks! Contact me at RAGwoman1@aol.com especially if you are planning on traveling from farther away.

SPECIAL NOTE: Good news, everyone! Even though Caleb has taken the star turn on American Idol, he said he will still be here in Fredericksburg on February 4. Won't it be great to see him here and then say you knew him "when"? Really, he's a sweet guy with a ton of talent and we already knew that, didn't we? Come on out and enjoy a night of music with Caleb Hawley.

ANOTHER SPECIAL NOTE: Rachel Platten http://www.rachelplattenmusic.com/fr_home.cfm will be accompanying Caleb when he visits us in a few weeks! Check her out; she's got a great sound.

You might want to RSVP early for this one! RAGwoman1@aol.com

************************************************************************************

February is truly going to be a magical music month; why? Well, first off, on Friday, February 4, Caleb Hawley will be performing a house concert in Spotsylvania. Caleb Hawley looks like a young'n, but considering the caliber of his songwriting skills and his beautiful voice, he's been through the mill a time or two. Excellent at picking up the nuances of daily life and transferring to music those feelings, Caleb will delight you with his humor and pathos.

Here is a link to his webpage; peruse and enjoy! http://calebhawley.com/

Also, some good listening here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/calebhawley

Take a look at his "shows" page and you'll see he is a very busy young man.

A short time later in the month, on Saturday, February 19, House About Tonight Productions is almost falling-over amazed at the opportunity to bring to town the great talent of Pierce Pettis! (Many thanks to my friend, Sam, for making the connection work!)

Pierce Pettis is a songwriter's songwriter; lyrics that are stirring, emotional, and sharply written followed by fine guitar playing to round things out. You cannot come to a Pierce Pettis show and leave unchanged; his words, music, and being will absolutely change you.

I'd like to share this quote from his web page which really resounded with me:

After a lifetime of crafting finely-wrought, heart-touching songs, singer-songwriter Pierce Pettis feels that he’s finally found his comfort zone. “The biggest change,” he says of this point in his career “has been getting over myself and realizing this is a job and a craft. And the purpose is not fame and fortune (whatever that is) but simply doing good work.”

I am hoping you can join us to hear Pierce Pettis " . . . doing good work."

MORE TO COME: Russian-born Israeli concert pianist Victor Goldberg in Fredericksburg!!!

Small Potatoes -- Jacquie Manning and Rich Prezioso

2011-01-04T12:53:00.004-05:00

House About Tonight Productions is so excited to be presenting SMALL POTATOES!!!!

The Chicago-based folk duo of Jacquie Manning and Rich Prezioso say it has taken them years of careful indecision to develop a repertoire they describe as "Celtic to Cowboy." Superb musicianship and showmanship, award-winning songwriting, and a strong sense of tradition has made them, as Dirty Linen Magazine said, "one of the most polished, inventive, and entertaining shows on the circuit."

You don't want to miss this beautiful, fun, and unique show!

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Social Hour at 4:00pm
Music at 5:00pm

Suggested Donation: $15 per person

Please bring a dish to share for the buffet table and/or a bottle of wine or other favorite beverage

For more info on this band: http://www.smallpotatoesmusic.com/

I will be delighted to send you directions to the event when I receive your RSVP; hope to see you there!!!

Anne McCue

2010-12-14T09:42:00.006-05:00

Been listening to my Anne McCue CDs for several days now and I am even more proud of myself for jumping on the idea of having her come her for a show. One of the things I like most about her is that she cannot be categorized into any one musical genre; that is wonderful. I've listened to albums before from artists who seem to be in a musical rut and fear change and experimentation. Not so Anne McCue!

This great guitarist plays with the music and if it is not her own work, she makes it her own in just a few strums of the guitar strings. Fast or slow, her songs are mesmerizing.

One of my favorites is "Motorcycle Dream," a very lyrical and visual song that grabs you by the lapels of your shirt and says "listen and feel!"

Anne drove out from Nashville over two days to make this concert happen; for that I am most grateful. She was lovely company.

I had heard about Anne from a friend of mine; she heard about Anne from a friend of hers who said that she would LOVE Anne; so true, so true. There aren't many women who can really handle a guitar the way that Anne does. Many times during the concert, I found my mouth hanging open in surprise by the sounds that she got the various stringed instruments to make, whether it was a string-on-string sound of the acoustic or wired trembling of the lap steel. She was sooooo good.

I have two of her CDs, but want more. As I said, these CDs are all over the place, moody and slow on one song, retro guitar vibe on another, and hard rock on the next. She slays me, happily. I hope we can have her back next year when the weather isn't so crazy; I understand she had an eight-hour drive through a snowstorm to get to her next destination south of here. Wouldn't wish that on anyone.

The other thing that was so wonderful about Anne was her down-to-earth-edness. She was a dream to work with (as was her manager) and the show was not just guitar and singing; she infused the evening with lightness and humor that I did not expect. She also recognized the younger attendees in the audience (my son, Elliott, and another attendee, Ellie, who is an up-and-coming singer/songwriter herself--she was thrilled to find someone who played a ukelele just like hers!) and commented on them during different parts of the show. Elliott, because he requested "Driving Down Alvarado," and Ellie because of her love of ukeleles.

Anne is a great entertainer, and as I've mentioned already, more than welcome to join us again here in the 'burg when her schedule might allow another such visit. I am so grateful and have been so lucky this year to meet some wonderful, wonderful entertainers. Being able to share their music via the house concert network makes it even better.

http://www.annemccue.com

Next Blog: Musical Reflections on 2010

Anne McCue in Concert on Saturday!!!!

2010-12-08T17:50:00.002-05:00

M.S.G. -- The Acoustic Blues Trio

2010-11-22T10:25:00.003-05:00

An unforgettable night of wonderful Piedmont blues from M.S.G. -- Jackie Merritt, Miles Spicer, and Resa Gibbs. (photo by Sylvia DeVoss)(more photos to come)

Jackie Merritt, Miles Spicer, and Resa Gibbs -- M.S.G.--Acoustic Blues Trio

2010-11-18T11:28:00.003-05:00

On Saturday, November 20, HOUSE ABOUT TONIGHT PRODUCTIONS is thrilled to present in a house concert the amazing and wonderful "M.S.G. -- Acoustic Blues Trio"

So, let me tell you that the first time I heard Jackie Merritt and Resa Gibbs as they sang and played backup with Gaye Adegbalola, I knew then that I wanted to have them join us for a house concert.

The harmony, musicianship, and raw emotion that is expressed in their music is such a pleasant surprise in these days of mechanized music. Jackie plays the harmonica like it's nobody's business and Resa's vocals soar and swoop like a bird set free from its cage. Miles Spicer rounds out this fantastic group with able guitar work and a sound that takes you to that special place where the blues live. This band bills themselves as an acoustic blues trio, but they are so much more. Their hard work in keeping the Piedmont blues alive is commendable and you can be a part of that journey.

"It's been a while since I've heard anyone take something as traditional as your chosen style and not lose the respect of the heritage while bringing it into the 22nd Century."
- Tina Terry, Piedmont Talent

"M.S.G. The Acoustic Blues Trio understands the uplifting power that music has in any form and their second cd, Done Spoke My Mind, packs that kind of emotional wallop."
- Paul Shugrue "Out of the Box"

Saturday, November 20, 2010
Doors: 6:30pm
Music: 7:30pm

$15 suggested donation per person, and please bring a dish and/or wine for the buffet table. This event will be held at Connie and Don's home; let me know if you would like directions to either event.

FOR MORE INFO; contact me at RAGwoman1@aol.com

Hope to see you up close and personal real soon!

Getting It Out There

2010-11-16T21:06:00.002-05:00

One of the most important aspects of a successful house concert series is publicity; getting the information out to those who would be interested in your venue and the type of music it offers.

One of my semi-regular attendees of the shows told me recently that she hadn't been getting my e-mails and that maybe her name had dropped off the list. Since I'd only added her this year, I was a little confused, but did not dwell on the issue.

She reminded me again about it at the last concert. So, today, with the help of a few friends, I found out that my concert e-mails have been diving off the board of usefulness into an abyss of not knowing. The last known e-mail that hit its mark was maybe in March of this year; yikes! I've had monthly concerts since then, and sometimes two a month and my whole list of almost 400 people were not getting the news! Granted, some of them are crossovers on Facebook, but STILL . . . .

Thank goodness I also use the invitation application on Facebook because that would account for the numbers we've had all year. Well, that, and word of mouth (thank you all for that!). What saddens me is that the numbers could have been exponentially larger had I had the other mailing list in its full, useful form.

No one had mentioned it (does that mean they had not noticed it either? Boo hoo!); kind of makes me sad that no one noticed it or maybe some of them were happy to be relieved of my constant updates. I don't know. Thing is, the process was still working fairly well even though there was a very weak link.

So, today, with many thanks to my genius husband, he printed out a list he had created a while back for my website and I compared it to what I currently had with new names and voila! Today, the list is safely used via the website and no longer on AOL (bad AOL!).

Nervously, I sent a new e-mail highlighting Saturday's show and I got my copy and my husband got his, so I think everything is peachy keen. I'm very interested to see whether this changes the range of numbers of folks attending the concerts. Looking forward to finding out!

So what's my lesson here? If you get any kind of error code from your mailing, that should be a red flag that your list has some problems. Talk to your own genius or find your inner genius and make it work. Half my contacts had just dropped away without my realizing it; glad they're back and glad that some of them have already contacted me about this weekend's and future concerts.

November 2010 Concerts

2010-11-11T22:08:00.004-05:00

Wednesday, November 17, House About Tonight Productions is pleased to present in concert JILL ANDREWS. (http://www.jillandrews.com/) Local music lovers will remember Jill as part of the duo "everybodyfields" with Sam Quinn. Jill is touring solo now and will bring not only her liltingly expressive voice, but also her beautiful songwriting abilities to a small, intimate show on Wednesday, November 17.

Suggested donation is $15 per person; please also bring a dish to share for the buffet table. This concert will be held at Raven Hi-Fi in downtown Fredericksburg at 214 William Street.

Social Hour: 7:00pm
Music: 8:00pm

"It starts with the voice. Before you notice the words, before you detect the gently curling melodies tugging them along, this is what hits you first: It's warm and rich and touched with a soft Southern twang, as likely to swing down into its earthy lower register as arch upwards into a hopeful trill; it's steady and sure but flecked with a certain weary sadness that stops you dead, draws you near. It's beautiful. It knows something.

This voice is Jill Andrews, who's been singing her whole life: as a little girl, as a camp counselor plucking out three chords on an acoustic guitar under swaying pine trees, as one-half of The Everybodyfields—and, since 2009, as an increasingly formidable singer/songwriter making her way on her own." to read more, go here: http://www.jillandrews.com/about

AND,

On Saturday, November 20, HOUSE ABOUT TONIGHT PRODUCTIONS is thrilled to present in a house concert the amazing and wonderful "M.S.G. -- Acoustic Blues Trio"

So, let me tell you that the first time I heard Jackie Merritt and Resa Gibbs as they sang and played backup with Gaye Adegbalola, I knew then that I wanted to have them join us for a house concert.

The harmony, musicianship, and raw emotion that is expressed in their music is such a pleasant surprise in these days of mechanized music. Jackie plays the harmonica like it's nobody's business and Resa's vocals soar and swoop like a bird set free from its cage. Miles Spicer rounds out this fantastic group with able guitar work and a sound that takes you to that special place where the blues live. This band bills themselves as an acoustic blues trio, but they are so much more. Their hard work in keeping the Piedmont blues alive is commendable and you can be a part of that journey.

"It's been a while since I've heard anyone take something as traditional as your chosen style and not lose the respect of the heritage while bringing it into the 22nd Century."
- Tina Terry, Piedmont Talent

"M.S.G. The Acoustic Blues Trio understands the uplifting power that music has in any form and their second cd, Done Spoke My Mind, packs that kind of emotional wallop."
- Paul Shugrue "Out of the Box"

Saturday, November 20, 2010
Doors: 6:30pm
Music: 7:30pm

$15 suggested donation per person, and please bring a dish and/or wine for the buffet table. This event will be held at Connie and Don's home; let me know if you would like directions to either event.

FOR MORE INFO; contact me at RAGwoman1@aol.com

Hope to see you up close and personal real soon!

UUFF Comedy Night- Welcoming by Ruth Golden

2010-10-10T18:40:00.000-04:00

Local Newspaper Coverage of UUFF Building Fundraiser with Comedian Sue Ryerson

2010-10-07T08:47:00.005-04:00

(text of the article appearing in today's Weekender section of our local paper, The Free Lance-Star)

COMEDIAN HAS SHARED THE STAGE WITH ROSIE O'DONNELL AND MORE

'Bringing Down the House to Raise the Roof' featuring comedian Sue Ryerson at UUFF

Date published: 10/7/2010

BY CRAIG SCHULIN

After performing at such well-known comedy clubs as Rascals in New Jersey, The Improv in New York and Stitches in Boston, comedian Sue Ryerson decided to make it really big by moving to Georgia.

Georgia?

Actually, Ryerson left show biz for a while--and in the subsequent years, she found a passion in caring for horses in need of rescue. (She currently has four.)

Then, about 21/2 years ago, she found herself back onstage.

"I missed it," said Ryerson. "And after some prodding by friends, I got back into comedy."

Recently, Ryerson reconnected with an old high school pal from her home state of New Jersey.

As it turned out, this friend lives in the Fredericksburg area now and is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fredericksburg.

For those unfamiliar with the UUFF, the fellowship describes itself as "a diverse community of those that seek philosophical, spiritual, intellectual or religious growth in a forum of mutual respect."

The UUFF recently purchased 5 acres of land in southern Stafford County, and is moving ahead with a new 8,000-square-foot building.

"We started outgrowing the space we had in the city," said Ruth Golden, the organizer of the comedy show. "We were holding events that were too large for the old building."

Equally important, Golden pointed out, was a desire to have a building that the UUFF built on its own.

In fact, much of the work on the building will be done by volunteers from the UUFF, putting to use such talents as computer-assisted design and landscaping.

But funding is still needed--and Ryerson's appearance in Fredericksburg is part of the fundraising effort.

She'll be performing her "observational style" of comedy--a profession she honed years ago alongside some big names in the business.

Very early in her career she met and worked the same clubs with a comedian named Rosie O'Donnell.

"I met her when I was just starting out and Rosie had been doing comedy for about a year," said Ryerson.

"She is just the nicest person in comedy, and gave me some great pointers about being in what was then a very male-dominated profession," said Ryerson.

Ryerson will be the headliner at the show this Saturday evening, which also features musician Greg Marsh.

Craig Schulin: 540/374-5000
Email: cschulin@freelancestar.com

What: "Bringing Down the House to Raise the Roof," featuring comedian Sue Ryerson Where: Central Rappahannock Regional Library theater, 1201 Caroline St., Fredericksburg When: Saturday; doors open at 6:30 p.m. Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door Info: 540/846-2380; houseabouttonight .blogspot.com; susanryerson.com. Pre-show light hors d'oeuvres and beverages. Some adult material may not be suitable for young children.

SUE RYERSON is coming to town!!!

2010-09-30T19:08:00.003-04:00

Would you like a little humor to go with your check writing?

Sue Ryerson will be headling our comedy night at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Theatre on October 9, 2010--so excited to be having her here, as she has headlined at a lot of the big comedy clubs in the country! She is funny, you will be having a good time (humor is always good) AND you will be helping a great cause!

This is a fundraiser for the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fredericksburg's building fund; we've got the land, now we need to build the building!

Please let me know if you are interested in a ticket; we're selling 200 of them and would like yours to be one of them. Check out Sue's comedy here: http://www.susanryerson.com I've only communicated with Sue online and love her already, as I'm sure you will, too! Please join us!

P.S. If you can't make it to the show or just want to donate to such a fine cause, we would be honored to take your money. Checks can be made out "UUFF" and mailed to: 5044 Plank Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22407

Blessings and good Karma to all of you!

Who you gonna call?

2010-09-29T17:50:00.000-04:00

The Taters -By The Rivers of Babylon

2010-09-27T14:04:00.000-04:00

The Taters -On The Cover of the Rolling Stone

2010-09-27T14:01:00.000-04:00

New Acts Signed for Series!

2010-09-24T12:18:00.005-04:00

I am about to spit with excitement! I know, not a great visual, but I'm trying to express my excitement with some of the new house concerts coming up!

BIG NEWS!!!! Just yesterday, signed Anne McCue to come visit our lovely town for a house concert; if you've never heard this woman play guitar before, get thee to YouTube NOW! http://www.annemccue.com Very excited and happy to be working with her great manager, Linda!

Small Potatoes will be joining us in late January; date and location being firmed up! http://www.smallpotatoesmusic.com This group is fantastic; just go take a listen!

Perennial favorites The Taters are playing tomorrow (Saturday) in Hartwood for our last outdoor concert of the year. Bring your kids, your grandma, Aunt Harriet, and set a spell while we travel down memory lane and create some new memories with songs that will stay in your heart long after the music is over. Take a listen here: http://www.thetaters.com

October 9 brings a different kind of act to town, but one which will having you busting a gut! (Okay, maybe not so great a visual, but you will be laughing!) Sue Ryerson will be headling our comedy night at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Theatre--so excited to be having her here, as she has headlined at a lot of the big comedy clubs in the country! She is funny, you will be having a good time (humor is always good) AND you will be helping a great cause! This is a fundraiser for the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fredericksburg's building fund; we've got the land, now we need to build! Please let me know if you are interested in a ticket; we're selling 200 of them and would like yours to be one of them. Check out Sue's comedy here: http://www.susanryerson.com I've only communicated with Sue online and love her already, as I'm sure you will, too! Please join us!

October 22 is bringing Wishing Chair, a duo of fabulous singer/songwriters and multi-talented instrumentalists! I call their music "thinking music" because it does make you think, but you can also dance to it! http://www.wishingchair.com

November 17 brings Jill Andrews in a nearby downtown location; love her and her songs--she brings more new music to us this time! http://www.jillandrews.com

November 20 is M.S.G. night; a night of great blues and spirituals and folk songs that you'll not soon forget! Listen to their traditional Piedmont blues style music here: http://www.acousticbluesmsg.com/index.html

December 4 is the always-favorite blues duo Beaucoup Blue, father-and-son group David and Adrian Mowry. This concert is always held at the same place; a beautiful log home in the country and the host continues to impress every year with his culinary skills. So you will eat, drink, be merry, and listen to great blues at this event. Come on out! http://www.beaucoupblue.com

December 11 will bring the aforementioned ANNE MCCUE! Whoo-hoo--by the way, I knew I was on the right track with Anne when my daughter said she liked that Anne was coming to play. Score!!!

After Small Potatoes in January, we have Caleb Hawley in February, Craig Bickhardt in March, Hans York in April, and Brother Sun in May. They will all be great shows, so I hope you can join us for all of them, but if not, at least some of them!

Thanks for your support over the years, everyone! I would not be bringing you these fine acts without that support! See you soon.

P.S. I will write longer descriptions of the 2011 acts as we get to the end of 2010!

The Taters are BACK!!!!!

2010-09-14T22:55:00.005-04:00

House About Tonight Productions is honored to have THE TATERS join us for our September and final outdoor concert for the year!

Location: 32 Manse Road, Hartwood, Virginia

Saturday,September 25, 2010

Social Hour: 6:30pm
Music: 7:30pm

Suggested Donation: $15; as this is an outdoor venue, children are more than welcome to join their donating adults for a fun time playing in the gardens and romping on the lawn!

Please also bring a nice-sized dish to share for the buffet table; light beverages will be availabe, but you're more than welcome to bring along your favorites!

Now, about the Taters (this is borrowed from their website-- http://www.thetaters.com/ :

The Taters play eclectic roots-pop, a mix of roots-rock, power-pop, country, & Americana, a sound that's been compared favorably to the Everly Brothers, Roy Orbison, The Beatles, The Mavericks and Nick Lowe. CD Baby describes it as "Country roots-pop, dashed with the genius songwriting of 60's & 70's power-pop, like a curious, accidental mix of the Mavericks, the Everly Brothers, Roy Orbison and the Beatles".

The Taters have been reviewed favorably in Billboard Magazine, No Depression, and countless regional publications, and have played successful shows throughout the mid-Atlantic region for the last 14 years. In 2008 they won "Richmond's Favorite Band" in a poll from Virginia Commonwealth University. In 2009 they were the Theresa Pollak winners for Best Ensemble. They have 5 CDs of original music out, and are currently getting airplay at over 60 stations around the world, in 12 countries.

The Taters have played to crowds from festivals & clubs to bookstores & house concerts, and have shared the stage with dozens of great performers, including Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Patty Loveless, Los Lobos, Dwight Yoakam, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Sam Bush, Asleep At the Wheel, Bill Kirchen, BR5-49, Little River Band, Kansas, America, 1964 The Tribute, Wayne Hancock, and The Grandsons. Their music appeals to all ages and is suitable for any audience.

The band was formed in 1997 by Craig Evans and Brad Tucker as "Burnt Taters". The name was shortened in 2002 to simply "The Taters."

MY WORDS: House About Tonight Productions invites The Taters back again and again simply because one show is not enough; it's like trying to eat one Lay's Potato Chip. You just can't do it!

An all-ages show, The Taters' music harkens to a simpler time with tight harmonies and beautiful musicianship and songwriting. Come hear Craig sing, and if you close your eyes, you would swear Roy Orbison was in the room. The rest of the band all have superb talents of their own, whether vocals, guitar, or drums. All I can say is: Come on out and listen to what I'm talking about! And yes, there is dancing, plenty of it!

Can you tell I love these guys; come on out and see them and you will, too!!!

Big Wide Grin

2010-08-16T00:24:00.008-04:00

I am a happy recipient of gifts from the Universe. Big Wide Grin was my most recent gift and I am joyful and honored and, as a new friend said, basking in the afterglow.

Putting on house concerts every month (usually only one, but sometimes two) is not very hard work, but it can be taxing. In the summer months, a huge 20x20 tent has to be hauled to the site, erected, and then disassembled after each show. Sometimes the lights we've put on the inside of the tent work; sometimes they don't. So we have to get replacements and hope they work for at least the length of the show.

Tables have to be put up and dressed. Cases of water are bought, as is wine, soda, beer, fruit juice, and iced tea. Bags of ice are drippily swept up the stairs and into the coolers. Trays of food are prepared and arranged on those nicely dressed tables. Now you know why I am dripping when you arrive at the show; as much pre-work gets done as possible, but there are always the last-minute things that we can't do in advance.

This last concert, the rain forced the show inside. We will always have a show; rain or shine! Couch, chairs, tables, and rugs were moved to create an entertainment space and seating for our guests. My sound system was hauled in and set up. Whew!

The non-sweaty part of the job is writing the announcement every month, sending out the invitations, contacting the newspaper and hoping your announcement will run, hoping you will receive enough RSVPs, and answering questions from new concertgoers. Along with logistical planning with the band and their agent, there's a lot of e-mail and telephone calls flying back and forth.

These are the things I'd been thinking about while preparing for this concert; for some reason, I was getting a bit tired. I found I was getting aggravated when people would RSVP, but not show or those who would show and walk right by the donation table without donating. I was getting tired of spending a lot of money to throw a party every month. I was getting tired of not knowing how this "music thing" was playing out as a part of my life's journey.

Just when I was feeling my lowest, along comes a group of musicians who make everything alright again. Big Wide Grin made me cry, laugh, and be still and just listen. Big Wide Grin's billing as a "Soulfully Acoustic 3-Peace Band" is so absolutely perfect for who they are and what they bring to the house concert space.

There weren't many dry eyes in the house when they sang "Ready to Fly"; even my eyes were running. I had prepared myself for the moment by learning the words and listening over and over, but it was as if I were hearing the song for the first time. (The fact that my son appeared by my side after being gone four days may have added to the heightened emotionality of the moment . . . .)

Their banter and comfort with each other made all of us feel like family and that we were at "home." Elaine's family drove up from Richmond to be with us; it was so good to meet her folks and to know that our venue provided a great place for them to reconnect. Karl's husky laugh always started a ripple of the same around the room. Lawrence's soulful eyes looked deep into everyone's essence and brought us all together in harmony. Their agent, Janet, was a dream to work with in handling her end of the arrangements.

I hope that my venting earlier does not come across as griping; as with everything we do in this life, occasionally a wrench (or two) gets thrown into the works and you start questioning things. Producing house concerts has been an integral part of my life for the past four years and I don't see it letting up by any means.

What I would like my readers to take away from this is that the party does not just happen. People make it happen with their labor and their song and their musicianship. Music, especially the business of music, has changed so much during the past 50 years, and I believe we are at a crossroads. House concerts and smaller-venue concerts are going to become more popular, especially to touring musicians and people who care about the quality of music they are being exposed to in their lives.

I liken house concerts to the days gone by when folks would sit out on their porches and visitors would come to play and listen and trade tall tales and maybe get a shot of whiskey on the back porch. Music is too important to our physical and mental well being to be only enjoyed in stadiums with thousands of other people and with the main act only a pinprick on the stage below you. How can you really listen with someone screaming in your ear???

So I hope you will continue to come and enjoy the House About Tonight Productions; we're already booked into next year and always talking to new people about doing a show. I'm excited for whatever comes next and for what has already happened. I am so grateful for the new friends I've made and the music that has become such an important part of my life.

And please remember that the donation jar is there for the musicians, not for me. They have the hardest job of all and deserve much more than I could ever offer, but we'll keep doing our best. House concerts are not a business; they are a passion. Together, we'll keep the fires burning!

BiG WiDE GRiN -- TIME CHANGE!

2010-08-09T11:47:00.005-04:00

*HOUSE ABOUT TONIGHT PRODUCTIONS * is proud to present for an afternoon of music at a potluck picnic the "Soulfully Acoustic 3 Peace Band" BiG WiDE GRiN!!!!

This is a perfect event for after church, after using pen to do the New York Times crossword puzzle, or just after anything!

Sunday, August 15, 2010
Social Hour: 2:00pm
Music: 3:00pm

Suggested donation is $15 per person, but pay as you are able.

Please bring a dish and/or beverage to share for the picnic buffet table; also bring along chairs or a blanket for sitting, relaxing, napping, and especially, listening.

Children are welcome to come to this kid-friendly event with a donating adult; there's lots of fields of grass and flowers for them to run around in and work off all that wonderful energy! Also, please feel free to send this message to your friends or post on your social networking profile. We love meeting new people!

Directions to 32 Manse Road, Hartwood, Virginia

1. Starting at the intersection of I-95 and Route 17 (Exit 133)

2. Turn North on Route 17/Warrenton Road; continue to follow US-17 for about 6 miles beyond I-95

3. About ¼ mile past the Hartwood Fire Station, make a U-turn (at Richard’s Ferry Road—Rt.752)

4. Immediately get into the right lane, go past the Hartwood CITGO, and turn onto Manse Road (Rt. 695); drive up the road to the third, and last, house on the right and follow signs for parking which are on the grounds past the house.

Keep my number handy so that you can call if you lose your way (temporarily) or need more detailed directions (540.846.2380).

Thank you for supporting house concerts and the musicians who provide the music!

Summer House Concert Series Reflection

2010-06-20T13:04:00.002-04:00

House About Tonight Productions kicked off the summer series of house concerts with a great local band from Fredericksburg, "Un Mundo." A record crowd with a lot of new people, great food, lots of dancing, and the hottest music around!

Last night, there were nine musicians under the tent at Hartwood. Our venue in Hartwood is three acres of beautiful farm and cleared land; a wonderful oasis from the hustle bustle of the city.

Un Mundo delivered and then some! I don't usually write a review after every show, but last night's show really stood out. Three sets of amazing music that kept everyone dancing all night long, even though the temperatures were hot, hot, hot!

I've seen and heard Un Mundo twice; once at Mary Washington at the Multicultural Fair and once at the Loft (now the Otter House) in downtown Fredericksburg.

I used to go out a lot more than I do now to listen to bands and I always look for that something extra that makes a group special, whether it is their music, lyrics or the way they relate to the audience. Un Mundo satisfied all three requirements easily.

What made them go over the top for me is that not only does their name mean "One World," the words "Un Mundo" embody their effect on people. Most clubs I would go into would have a very white audience, not that there's anything wrong with that generally, but I wanted more: a real sense of community in music.

First of all, when I went to hear "Un Mundo" at the Otter House, not only was the place packed to the gills, it was packed with people of many different races.

That, to me, really stood out and I saw it as a most wonderful thing. And SO many people were dancing. Beautiful, beautiful people grooving to a very special beat.

Last night again brought out all different kinds of people and, in the true universality of music, for one night we were all speaking the same language.

House Concerts for April and May 2010

2010-04-21T16:20:00.001-04:00

Hello Everyone!

Sorry to have been out of touch for a while; did a little traveling over Spring Break and am now getting down to finishing out scheduling House About Tonight concerts for the year!

I wanted to update you on the April and May shows that are planned so that you can come out to one or maybe all of them!

April 24 (this Saturday) 6:30pm: Megan Jean and the Klay Family Band. No strangers to Fredericksburg, Megan Jean and Byrne know how to bring down the house. Excellent songwriters, Megan's fine and strong voice and Byrne's creative handling of an upright bass are always crowd pleasers. I understand from Byrne that they are adding a little bit of gypsy music to their repertoire and Megan Jean says they hope to have a new CD with them!!! This concert will take place at Connie and Don's in Spotsylvania (directions attached). http://www.meganjean.net/

May 7, 7:00pm: Louis Ledford: Although a city kid born and raised in Richmond, VA, Louis Ledford's familiar roots lay in Western North Carolina and Southwestern Virginia where as a child he soaked up the rural culture and music. Ledford spent much of the 1990s fronting and writing songs for the Alt-Country band Used Carlotta. He borrows from Randy Newman his style of crawling inside a character and presenting the songs as visually as possible. Ledford cites Raymond Carver, Charles Bukowski, John Fante and William Faulkner as influences. "I see myself as a storyteller. My songs are like very short stories." The concert will take place at a beautiful home in downtown Fredericksburg on Caroline Street. RSVP for directions. http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/ledford

May 15, 6:30pm: The Honey Dewdrops: A nationally-touring and award-winning husband-and-wife duet who perform fresh, original songs focusing on vocal harmonies and tight instrumentation. This one is also at Connie and Don's house. http://www.thehoneydewdrops.com

Suggested Donation for each show is $15, with a dish or bottle or two of wine or other beverage to share for the evening's gourmet-pleasing buffet. Please let me know if you would like to attend a show and I'll put you on the entry list.

Thank you all so much for your patronage and for helping to bring music back to the people, one living room at a time. Peace.

2010 House About Tonight Concert Schedule (Updated)

2010-02-07T21:21:00.004-05:00

The 2010 House Concert series is shaping up just beautifully in a musical way! Here's the schedule so far for the year; hope you will be able to join us for a few of these terrific musical experiences!

January 23, 2010 -- "Work o' the Weavers" at Picker's Supply Concert Hall (my first larger venue outside a home) http://www.workotheweavers.com

February 20, 2010 -- "Charles and Sara Arthur" House Concert in Spotsylvania, Virginia http://www.charleskingarthur.com

RESCHEDULED to March 6 -- "Stony Man Unplugged" House Concert in Spotsylvania, Virginia http://www.stonyman.org

March 13 - "Megan Hicks" Storytelling House Concert celebration Women's History Month in Spotsylvania, Virginia http://www.meganhicks.com

April 24, 2010 -- "Megan Jean and the Klay Family Band" House Concert in Spotsylvania, Virginia http://meganjean.net

May 7, 2010, 7:00pm: "Louis Ledford" House Concert in Fredericksburg, Virginia http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/ledford

May 15 - "The Honey Dewdrops" House Concert in Spotsylvania, Virginia http://www.thehoneydewdrops.com/

June 19 -- "Un Mundo" House Concert in Hartwood, Virginia

July 31 -- "World Jam Club" House Concert in Hartwood, Virginia

August 15 (Sunday)-- "BiG WiDE GRiN" House Concert in Hartwood, Virginia

September 25 -- "The Taters" House Concert in Hartwood, Virginia

October 22 -- "Wishing Chair" House Concert in Spotsylvania

November -- tba

December 4 -- "Beaucoup Blue" in Spotsylvania!

Stay in touch! If you'd like to be put on my concert mailing list, drop me a line at RAGwoman1@aol.com!

Work o' the Weavers

2010-01-25T15:55:00.006-05:00

House About Tonight Concert Schedule for 2010

2009-12-29T10:05:00.003-05:00

2010 is shaping up just beautifully in a musical way! Here's the schedule so far for the year; hope you will be able to join us for a few of these terrific musical experiences!

January 23, 2010 -- "Work o' the Weavers" at Picker's Supply Concert Hall (my first larger venue outside a home) http://www.workotheweavers.com

February 20, 2010 -- "Charles and Sara Arthur" House Concert in Spotsylvania, Virginia http://www.charleskingarthur.com

RESCHEDULED to March 6 -- "Stony Man Unplugged" House Concert in Spotsylvania, Virginia http://www.stonyman.org

March 13 - "Megan Hicks" Storytelling House Concert celebration Women's History Month in Spotsylvania, Virginia http://www.meganhicks.com

April 24, 2010 -- "Megan Jean and the Klay Family Band" House Concert in Spotsylvania, Virginia http://meganjean.net

May 15 - "The Honey Dewdrops" House Concert in Spotsylvania, Virginia http://www.thehoneydewdrops.com/

June 19 -- "Un Mundo" House Concert in Hartwood, Virginia

July 31 -- "World Jam Club" House Concert in Hartwood, Virginia

August (date to be announced) -- band tba

September (date to be announced) -- "The Taters" House Concert in Hartwood, Virginia

The Fall dates are being negotiated as I write; it's a great year for music!

Stay in touch! If you'd like to be put on my concert mailing list, drop me a line at RAGwoman1@aol.com!

Video of David and Adrian Mowry/Beaucoup Blue

2009-12-06T11:00:00.005-05:00

Beaucoup Blue: David and Adrian Mowry

2009-12-06T10:51:00.004-05:00

Well, just when I thought they couldn't possibly get any better, musically or lyrically, they come in and knock my socks off! Thanks, David and Adrian, for a fabulous show from a very enthusiastic audience.

BEAUCOUP BLUE IS BACK IN TOWN!

2009-11-29T17:00:00.003-05:00

"House About Tonight" Productions is very pleased to announce that December's concert guest will be

BEAUCOUP BLUE -- DAVID AND ADRIAN MOWRY,

who will be joining us from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as part of their southeastern tour. Please check them out here: www.beaucoupblue.com

Saturday, December 5, 2009
Social Hour: 6:30pm
Music: 7:30pm

6191 Plank Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22407

$15 donation per adult
(all monies collected go directly to the musician)

Beverages will be provided; please bring a dish to share for the buffet table

For more info: please respond to RAGwoman1@aol.com

BY THE WAY: On Saturday, January 30, Fredericksburg's own Stony Man (Stuart Whitford, Kent Ippolito, and Henry Hubbard) will be joining us for a concert back in Spotsylvania. Mark Your Calendars!

Kevin Montgomery House Concert

2009-11-24T03:01:00.001-05:00

2 Days Away! Kevin Montgomery/Kaci Bolls House Concert

2009-11-21T11:07:00.002-05:00

"House About Tonight" Productions is very pleased to announce that November's concert guest will be

KEVIN MONTGOMERY,

who will be joining us from Nashville, Tennessee, as part of his very ambitious 50 concerts in 50 states tour! Special guest will be Kaci Bolls who can be heard here: http://www.myspace.com/kacibolls

Please read (and LISTEN!) more about Kevin here:
http://www.myspace.com/kevinmontgomery2

Monday, November 23, 2009
Social Hour: 6:30pm
Music: 7:30pm

96 Longview Lane
Spotsylvania, Virginia 22553

$15 donation per adult
(all monies collected go directly to the musician)

Beverages will be provided; please bring a dish to share for the buffet table

For more info: please respond to RAGwoman1@aol.com

BY THE WAY: The schedule through the end of the year and into 2010 is December 5, Philadelphia's Beaucoup Blue (David and Adrian Mowry), and Saturday, January 30, Fredericksburg's own Stony Man (Stuart Whitford, Kent Ippolito, and Henry Hubbard). Mark Your Calendars!

Pat Wictor House Concert

2009-10-27T10:45:00.007-04:00

Kevin Montgomery House Concert

2009-10-19T21:35:00.003-04:00

"House About Tonight" Productions is very pleased to announce that November's concert guest will be

KEVIN MONTGOMERY,

who will be joining us from Nashville, Tennessee, as part of his very ambitious 50 concerts in 50 states tour! Special guest will be Kaci Bolls who can be heard here: http://www.myspace.com/kacibolls

Please read (and LISTEN!) more about Kevin here:
http://www.myspace.com/kevinmontgomery2

Monday, November 23, 2009
Doors: 6:30pm
Music: 7:30pm

96 Longview Lane
Spotsylvania, Virginia 22553

$15 donation per adult
(all monies collected go directly to the musician)

Beverages will be provided; please bring a dish to share for the buffet table

For more info: please respond to RAGwoman1@aol.com

BY THE WAY: The schedule through the end of the year and into 2010 is December 5, Philadelphia's Beaucoup Blue (David and Adrian Mowry), and Saturday, January 30, Fredericksburg's own Stony Man (Stuart Whitford, Kent Ippolito, and Henry Hubbard). Mark Your Calendars!

The Taters

2009-09-13T22:53:00.003-04:00

Susan Greenbaum, August House Concert Guest!

2009-08-02T22:56:00.004-04:00

"House About Tonight" Productions is excited and happy to welcome Susan Greenbaum, who is coming to play for us on a hot August night!

Usually, I like to go hear a musician first before booking them to see how they sound live and how they interact with an audience. All of this was not necessary with Susan; a friend gave me a sampler CD and I was hooked immediately!

I am sure you will enjoy her music as much as I do; she's been a regular performer in Richmond for some time, but has made appearances in our town at Bob Gramann's music gatherings!

Please read more about her here: http://www.susangreenbaum.com/Content/bio.html

Saturday, August 15, 2009
Doors: 6:30pm
Music: 7:30pm

Field of Dreams B&B
32 Manse Road
Fredericksburg, VA 22406

$15 donation per adult; children 17 and under admitted free with donating adult

Beverages will be provided; please bring a dish to share for the buffet table

Chairs and/or blankets for sitting outside are also recommended

http://www.myspace.com/houseabouttonight
http://www.houseabouttonight.blogspot.com

For more info: please call Ruth at 540.846.2380 or respond to this invitation

SEPTEMBER: The Taters!!!!!!

World Jam Club -- July 2009

2009-07-13T00:30:00.002-04:00

Ruthie and the Wranglers

2009-06-03T21:33:00.004-04:00

Azalea City Recordings' artist, Ruthie and the Wranglers, play high-energy roots music also known as fun! They've garnered more than 25 Washington Area Music Awards including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year. Their new CD, AMERICANA EXPRESS, has received rave reviews from The Washington Post, 3rd Coast Music and No Depression. WAMU 88.5 FM's Metro Connection show recently featured the band and their timely financial crisis anthem "Repo Man" and the album is climbing the Americana Radio chart now #67 and already #12 on the FAR Chart—that's the Freeform American Roots radio chart, which is based on Americana DJs reporting their favorite CDs. Ruthie and the Wranglers are ready to celebrate with you! If you like clever lyrics, tight harmonies, fast paced guitar pickin', jumpin' piano and loads of fun, Ruthie and her band are sure to satisfy. Don't miss this rare opportunity to see the band in this private house concert setting. You're invited!
"...songwriting flair... nothing short of brilliant" —Billboard

"HOUSE ABOUT TONIGHT" HOUSE CONCERT
Ruthie and the Wranglers "Americana Express" Celebration
Saturday, June 13, 2009, Doors: 7pm Music: 8pm
Fredericksburg, VA (just 6 miles off I-95, exit 133B, Rte 17)
$15 donation, bring a bottle of wine or a dish to share!

TO RSVP: RAGwoman1@aol.com or 540.846.2380

Music Coming Out of My Ears

2009-05-20T23:17:00.010-04:00

Last week's house concert with Andra Faye and the Mighty Good Men was just perfect. Rainstorms were predicted and we set the band up in the covered porch just in case we got the downpours, but the day turned out perfectly fine. Warm, nice breeze, some sun. And what a house and yard! Perfect for entertaining. You could be out in the open with friends or tucked away somewhere for a private conversation.

Many thanks to Cheryl and Dot for opening their home to us and thanks for having so many of your family members and friends come out, too. They made us feel right at home.

I sincerely hope we can throw another concert there sometime soon. (Sometimes I wish I could do a concert every week, but that might just make me crazy--but I'd go down laughing!!)

So, on June 13, I am very happy to welcome "Ruthie and the Wranglers" as our opening act for the summer series out at Bill's Hartwood Farm, which is soon to be known as the "Field of Dreams B&B." This lovely pastoral home is perfect for the summer series because it boasts not only land, but lightening bugs in the summer and, if we're lucky, a full moon to light our way.

When I first heard Ruthie's latest CD "Someday," I played it over and over and over, and also sang to high heaven while it was playing. She makes it so easy. Emily and I went up to hear another show and got to meet her and then in conversing with her, found out that she would be willing to do a show with us. Yay for us!

Put on your kickin' ass and taking no names boots, and listen here: http://www.ruthieandthewranglers.com

In July, we'll be welcoming back "The World Jam Club," one of my favorite all-time bands with Peter Fields, Bruno Lucini, Kevin Powell, and Danni Crespo. August's line-up is still in the works, but I'm hoping for maybe some folks from Richmond and maybe another band from Northern Virginia that I heard recently at the IOTA. September is another "Taters" extravaganza with Brad and Craig and the boys; wonder if their new CD will be out by then???

October is still not set, but I'm talking to a Nashville guy by the name of Kevin Montgomery about a November date (his pop's claim to fame is writing "Back in Baby's Arms," and his mother sang on a lot of studio cuts back in the day); very cool.

Also spoke to the manager for up-and-coming group "Chris and Thomas"; they are quite popular in LA and in the UK, but we're trying to bring the East Coast up to speed on this wonderfully harmonious duo--kind of reminds me of "Simon and Garfunkel" meets "Jack Johnson."

So, things are rolling along, keeping me hopping, and hopefully, getting you psyched about attending some of the shows. Where else can you go for a good night out with all the food you can eat, good libations, great surroundings, really cool people, and hot, hot music for a donation of $15? Let me know if you come up with a good answer; until then, hope to see you in June.

Just to Let You Know

2009-04-27T16:15:00.005-04:00

"House About Tonight" Productions will have a feature story in the May 2009 issue of "The Front Porch," our local monthly paper here in the 'burg. Please pick up a copy if you can and feel free to write the editor with your comments on our shows; the feedback sure would be appreciated!! Thank you for coming to the shows and for making us a small success in bringing music back to the people!

www.frontporchfredericksburg.com

Note from Gaye Adegbalola

2009-04-27T15:56:00.003-04:00

Wanted to share with you a very nice note received from Gaye Adegbalola after the house concert at which she and Roddy Barnes brought down the house!

"Good Morning Ruth,

Thank you so much for putting together the house concert. I love being up close and intimate like that. . . not to mention the food and vino -- a real house party with adjunct entertainment. This was just my second one and hopefully not the last. I truly had a good time and it never felt like work. I wish you good luck with all your endeavors. . . . Peace, Gaye"

Gaye Adegbalola and Roddy Barnes

2009-04-24T09:12:00.003-04:00

The house will be jumping tonight!

Gaye Adegbalola and Roddy Barnes will be bringing their music to the country tonight. Doors are at 7pm with music starting at 8pm.

As of today, I have about 42 RSVPs and if the weather is fine, the porch will be open for sitting.

If you are not able to join us tonight or if you are not on my mailing list, please contact me and I'll put you on the list to receive future announcements.

House concerts are a way to bring music back to the people, where it belongs. Be a part of a new revolution!

The Great Healer

2009-03-31T16:35:00.001-04:00

http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2009/03/music-and-its-profound-abilities-must.html

Music in the House

2009-03-28T23:20:00.006-04:00

Sam Pacetti reigned supreme tonight at Connie and Don's home in Spotsylvania. An easy night with an easy feel. As I introduced Sam tonight, I looked out on so many beautiful faces, with the best part being that there were so many new faces. That's what I'm talkin' about!

Music is an eternal healer and this community in which we gather is a healing place. We take a break from our crazy world and enter a beautiful home bearing gifts of wine and food. We meet new friends, we break bread together, we drink lots of wine!

Then the music starts and a hush falls over the room, well, except for the crazy corner in the front room. All eyes are on Sam as he opens with "Shawnee Town," and pulls us into his world of song and words. Scottish tunes, contemporary Chet Atkins, and more original songs. We are entranced by his guitar work and the words he sings.

For those few hours in time, we are all one being; we are in a room that is reverberating with sound. All of that musical energy is affecting and changing our brains as we sit and enjoy. No one leaves the room unchanged; that would be an impossibility.

We've met someone new, made a connection, networked, relaxed, seen a little magic show (really--thanks John!) or just laughed a lot over silly jokes.

Another concert is a success, made so by ever-hospitable hosts, generous guests, and a man, Sam Pacetti, who helps us all make time stand still for just a little while.

Sam Pacetti

2009-03-20T21:32:00.002-04:00

The music goddess is taking care of me; Sam Pacetti will take the honors at the house concert on March 28.

I met Sam last year after hearing about him for a few years from a friend. Had no real expectations; I know some people are affected by others in different ways.

Well, I should have had some expectations; Sam Pacetti as a person and as a musician absolutely blows me away. His guitar work is unbelievable. His words bring me to tears. His music is calming as a summer breeze and feisty as an autumn wind.

Please check out his myspace page here and listen to a few clips: http://www.myspace.com/sampacetti

If you are interested in attending the concert, please let me know by responding to me here! Peace.

Ooops!

2009-03-17T20:13:00.003-04:00

Sometimes things do not go as planned. Found out earlier this week that my act for March 28 has to cancel due to a business trip that came up out of the blue. Oy!

It might be a challenge to fill the bill, but I'm working on a couple of leads and hoping to hear back soon whether we have a trio or a solo act. With so many talents in this town, I am sure I will find someone; wonder who that will be?

Welcome!

2009-03-16T20:39:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the blog site for "House About Tonight" Productions, a house concert promoter in Virginia. The idea for hosting house concerts was borne from my missing the "up close and personal" aspect of live music.

No longer satisfied with listening to music while sitting in stadiums with thousands of people screaming all night long with the main entertainer a mere pinprick on a stage far below, "House About Tonight" brings the music back to the people.

This is my main focus; making live music personal again for anyone who wants it. Holding concerts in private homes or on a large expanse of lawn when weather permits, allows for more focus on the musician and the music and also creates a very interactive environment where one can actually meet, talk to, or share a glass of wine with the musician.

One of the first events I organized was held at a Civil War-era home in Caroline County where a houseful of guests noshed on tasty hors d'oeuvres and enjoyed the fine music of the Potomac Guitar Quartet, which features local musician Peter Fields. This left one guest exclaiming, "Finally! A real cultured event! Fantastic!"

Since that time a few years ago, "House About Tonight" has averaged a house concert a month. The summer series is held at a farm in Hartwood, a multi-acre spread that allows for picnicking on the lawn and dancing in the moonlight. Under a tent set up especially for the series, local groups and those from out of town have provided hours of great music to regular attendees and new friends.

These events are primarily pot-luck and a donation is taken up for the musicians.

Just a few of the musicians/bands who have joined us at these wonderful events are:

Peter Fields and The World Jam Club
Sam Pacetti (by way of St. Augustine, Florida and Valdosta, Georgia)
Beaucoup Blue (Adrian and David Mowry from Philadelphia)
Emily Barker with Ed Dickerson and Elliot Curry
Megan Jean and the Klay Family Band (from New York)
The Culprits
Jon Bachman and Phil Makely
Midnight Spaghetti and the Chocolate G-Strings
The Taters (from Richmond, Virginia)
Greg Greenway (from Orleans, Massachusetts)

This year's calendar is almost full and I am happy to be presenting Gaye Adegbalola and Roddy Barnes in April, Ruthie and the Wranglers in June, World Jam Club in July, Hartwoodstock in August with several bands, and The Taters again in September.

I would hold a concert every other week if I had the venues available, but for now, they are once a month.

The purpose of this blog is informational and interaction between me, musicians, and the attendees of these events so that we can all spread the word on the importance of bringing music back to the people where it belongs.