PARIS // COTUIT // KATE
I’ve been waking up early thanks to the return of my tiniest frenemy, a song sparrow I call Norman (pretty sure we've cycled through a few generations over the years but they're all Norman to me). This guy has a great set of pipes and a strong work ethic, and he sets up and plays his show in the Andromeda bush right outside the open bedroom window every day at a deeply uncivilized hour. In the purest sense I’m a fan, I love Norman’s songs and absolutely respect his gusto, but as a somewhat sleep-challenged person I do end up cursing his hame a fair amount.
This spring I’ve felt a little envious of Norman: he’s doing his show every day, the set list is dialed in, he’s 100% in his groove. It’s been a minute since I’ve been out playing every night, and I miss the flow and the singularity of purpose. I do have stacks of new songs taking up space over here, piled high on every mental surface (and sometimes showing up over on Patreon), and I’m in the process of interviewing them to see which ones want to gang up into what kind of record. Once that all shakes out, I’ll end up back on the road, and then I’ll long to be back home being yelled awake by overachieving sparrows, because that’s how it works. In the meantime I’ll be here counting my blessings every day around 4:30 AM. I trust Norman is doing the same.
PARIS // We had plans to visit friends & family in France and thought we might as well sneak in a show while we’re there, so Jeffrey Foucault and I will bring along the Ear Trumpet mic and play a duo set at the Cafe du Village, a very small neighborhood club in La Place d’Italie on April 23. Our longtime French promoter Herve was coaxed out of retirement to put this together, and for tickets or more info you can email him in just about any earthly language and he’ll help you out.
COTUIT // Meanwhile stateside, I’ll swing by Cape Cod to play the Cotuit Arts Center on April 30. I played this room for the first time last fall and really loved it, so I’m coming back with my not-so-secret weapon Kevin Barry on guitar. It’s a gorgeous place for a duo show, dark and focused, and I can’t wait to spin some plates with Kev in that room. Come out and/or send delegates to represent you if you’re too far away.
SPARKLETOWN // Last summer we lost Kate Lorenz, one of the brightest spirits you could ever hope to meet. Kate played & toured with me a bit as part of the band Rusty Belle, and I miss her voice and her laugh and the here-comes-trouble glint which she brought to every scenario. A bunch of us are gathering to celebrate her music and spirit at the Shea Theater on May 20, and I’ll be there along with The Suitcase Junket, Chris Smither, Peter Mulvey, David Goodrich, Jeffrey Foucault, Caitlin Canty, Zak Trojano, Hayward Williams, The Constellations, Mike Roberts/The Rear Defrosters & Other Friends. Presented by Signature Sounds & the Lorenz & Gupta Families, raising money for the Kate Lorenz Memorial Community Fund. More on this next month.
I hope you’re getting your spring fever on, I hope you’re singing your song for all you’re worth, I hope April is treating you well. Thanks for listening and see you out there. *kd
UPCOMING SHOWS
APRIL 23 - Le Café du Village - PARIS, FR cobill w Jeffrey Foucault Tix/info: email
APRIL 30 - Cotuit Arts Center - COTUIT, MA Tix
MAY 20 - “SPARKLETOWN,” a memorial show for Kate Lorenz - Shea Theater - TURNERS FALLS, MA Tix
