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Danika and The Jeb
March 31, 2018

Claire and Paul were so pleased and excited to welcome Danika and The Jeb – vocalist Danika (prounounced DuhNEEkuh) Holmes and guitarist Jeb Hart – in their first HubCityMusic.com house concert appearance on March 31, 2018.

You may have heard Danika on Sirius XM’s Coffee House station or on one of 150 radio stations around the US spinning her tunes.  Or maybe you saw her opening for acts such as Dierks Bentley and Phil Vassar.  Or in theaters, wineries, clubs and living rooms around the US, UK and Europe in one of over 400 shows since 2010 when she decided to pursue music full time.

Danika joined forces with guitarist Jeb Hart, a phenomenal player who’s not afraid of shredding on an acoustic guitar.  Who ever heard an acoustic guitar sound like a Les Paul electric?  Jeb does that, among his many guitar stylings.  Jeb’s clean and sophisticated playing, paired with Danika’s smooth and soulful vocals, has created a magical combination.

Check out this short video with a few samples of their music and accolades: https://youtu.be/QVpD6D0uA3k

With all the Sirius XM exposure, and so much radio station play, Danika and Jeb are on their way to bigger places in the music business, while sharing their talent and music in our intimate, personal venue along the way.  Don’t miss this opportunity to catch these rising stars!

Here’s a cool YouTube version of their version of While My Guitar Gently Weeps: https://youtu.be/5HUydnUB6Dk

Visit their website: www.DanikaandJeb.com

Looking forward to seeing you here!

UPDATE 

Dear friends,
Danika asked me to forward this personal message to you from her.
Thanks!
– Paul & Claire

Hello friends and patrons of HubCityMusic.com House Concerts!

Thanks for letting us take 2 minutes of your time today. If you don’t know me, I’d like to change that. I make up half of the acoustic duo that performed a concert at Paul and Claire’s home on March 31, 2018. (Danika & The Jeb).

We’ve played many concerts around the United States and Europe and this was our FIRST TIME EVER in Lubbock, TX! That’s why we wanted to reach out and introduce ourselves…

So, this is the part where we’re supposed to impress you with our accomplishments, music samples, and quotes from “important people” letting you know why you should come. But, we wanted to just send you a personal note, direct from us instead. All the “meant to impress” stuff is out there and available if that’s what you want, but what we really wanted to say is this…

We realize that TIME is your most precious resource, and it’s limited. And we want to thank you for spending your time with us.

You can always expect to leave one of our concerts feeling good. We make that our point. We keep things upbeat and uplifting, but aren’t afraid of tackling real life issues that we all deal with. You might laugh at times, and maybe even shed a tear… regardless, we hope that you’ll leave having felt something through our music that is real. A true, genuine connection… that’s what we’re hoping to achieve. After all, that’s the entire reason we’ve devoted our lives to writing, touring, and performing meaningful music. You’ll be hearing our own original music, stories, and a few carefully selected cover songs as well (from the Beatles and Stevie Wonder to name a few!) Also, you can expect some phenomenal guitar playing from Jeb. Fine, you can call me biased… but I’m willing to bet that once you see Jeb play, you’ll agree with me.

My personal email is danika@danikaholmes.com. Feel free to drop me a line if you have any questions, or just want to say hello and that you got this email.

If you’d like to listen to music, see photos, videos, read a bio, etc… that’s can all be found at our website here: http://www.danikaholmes.com

We really appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule’s to come to the show and enjoy some music! We also really appreciate Paul and Claire with HubCityMusic.com House Concerts for inviting us for a concert and letting us reach out to you directly. We so enjoyed meeting you all!

All the best!
– Danika

Joe Jencks
January 14, 2018

Joe Jencks is an international touring musician, award-winning songwriter and celebrated vocalist, known for his performances of musical beauty, social consciousness and spiritual exploration. Having penned several #1 Folk-songs including the ever relevant Lady of The Harbor, Jencks has become a fan favorite throughout North America. Joe is the co-founder of the Folk trio Brother Sun, which has previously played to a sold-out HubCityMusic audience.

From Festivals like Falcon Ridge, Kerrville, Mariposa, and Old Songs, to venues like Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, Joe Jencks has enthralled diverse audiences with his approachable style. Joe is noted for his unique merging of musical beauty, social consciousness, and spiritual exploration. Blending well-crafted instrumentals and vivid songwriting, Jencks serves it all up with a rich and unique baritone voice that retains a distinctive edgy richness.  Joe’s is one of those voices that, once you’ve heard him sing, you will instantly recognize his voice anytime you hear him again.

Joe’s music is story-based Folk in the vein of artists like Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, early Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, and the Kingston Trio (to name a few), although while managing to tell the story as well as any of the aforementioned, Joe’s melodies and tone are more melodic and musical than many of those. And you will definitely hear some of the Celtic influence of Joe’s Irish roots.

Joe’s newest Solo CD – Poets, Philosophers, Workers, & Wanderers – was released May 1st, 2017 to critical acclaim. The CD has spent several weeks at #1 on Sirius XM’s Americana Chart, and was also the #1 CD on the Folk DJ Chart for May, 2017 – with 4 songs in the top 10.

This was definitely a don’t-miss concert, and did not disappoint!  It was one of the few times most of us will have an opportunity to hear him live, particularly in a small-venue environment, and Joe was at the top of his game. That voice! Oh, what a voice! And his lyrics are incisive and on point. This was a wonderful evening!

 

Visit Joe Jencks’ website at www.joejencks.com

Wendy Colonna
August 11, 2017

HubCityMusic.com house concerts was excited to again host Wendy Colonna in an intimate house concert on Friday August 11, 2017!  The weather was perfect for a backyard concert, as the entire yard was in the shade by the time the concert started.

Wendy opened strong with the song featured on her newest video release, “Girls Like Me”. (view video HERE)  The song selection was perfect for the entire concert, as Wendy played a great mix of her newest songs from “No Moment But Now” interspersed with a great selection of the strongest songs in her now-vast repertoire.  It was a perfect concert on a perfect evening, and a great reminder why we love this amazing singer/songwriter.

Wendy Colonna is enjoying the success of back-to-back critically acclaimed album releases, and as significant as that would be for anyone else, it’s just the tip of Wendy’s Good News iceberg!

Last summer she married the love of her life, Ryan Doty, and just a few weeks ago they welcomed their new son, Charlie into the world!  And between those two blessed dates, she created her newest, and most acclaimed album, “No Moment But Now”, all the while continuing to perform for enthusiastic audiences in multiple locations, including the 2017 Kerrville Folk Festival.  To say Wendy has been busy would be an understatement of the highest order, just as it would be to say she has been blessed on a personal and professional level.  She is beyond blessed!

“No Moment But Now”, has songs simultaneously featured on Apple Music’s “Hot Tracks” and “Breaking Singer Songwriter Playlist”, as well as Spotify’s “Fresh Folk” playlist.  Wendy is garnering critical acclaim from multiple outlets including the New York Times (describing her music as “ethereal”), and she was selected as a 2017 Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk Finalist.  The Austin American-Statesman long ago recognized Wendy as “Austin’s Best Singer/Songwriter”, and that word is now out around the nation.

Expect more great news and great music from Wendy in the near future, but right now, enjoy her intimate and personal house concert while you can, because big things are on the way for this extraordinarily gifted songwriter and performer!

Visit Wendy’s website: http://www.wendycolonna.com/

Sarah McQuaid
Friday October 23rd

Sarah McQuaidClick here for more information or to RSVP

International performer Sarah McQuaid makes a rare Lubbock appearance on Friday October 23rd in an intimate HubCityMusic.com house concert.  All the way from England, Sarah has found a broad audience in the United States, and is in the midst of a nationwide CD release tour, introducing her fourth solo CD.  Entitled “Walking into White”, this newest release is receiving rave reviews.  Here are a few samples of the response this CD is receiving:

“Luminous … a soft but forceful record whose urgency is sometimes masked by the music’s acoustic serenity.” —The Boston Globe

“The more we spin this one, the better it sounds.” —BabySue

“Jaw-droppingly beautiful … tender and gorgeous.” —Invisible Ink Music Blog

We are extremely fortunate and grateful that Sarah’s schedule makes this concert possible.

Sarah’s voice has been likened to malt whiskey, melted chocolate and “honey poured into wine”. Her new album Walking Into White (2015) is her most honest and adventurous work to date, with a depth and texture of soundscape that are reflected in her beautifully crafted live shows. A captivating performer, she seduces her audience with cheeky banter and stories from the road, as well as with stunning musicianship; in her hands, the guitar becomes much more than merely an accompanying instrument.

You won’t want to miss her unique vocals and accompanying guitar, as well as the sound magic that accompanying sound technician Martin Stansbury brings to the room.  It will be an amazing performance!

Visit Sarah’s website here: www.SarahMcQuaid.com

Click here for more information or to RSVP

Admission is $20/person, with 100% going to our guest musician.
Concert information:
Sara McQuaid at Paul Johnson’s house
Friday October 23rd, 2015 from 7:15pm till 10pm (doors open at 6:30)
Location: Paul Johnson’s house (RSVP to receive directions)
BYOB
Complimentary snacks and bottled water will be provided

Click here for more information or to RSVP

 

6th Annual Harvest Moon concert
Friday September 25th 2015

3rd Annual Harvest Moon House ConcertThe RSVP/Invitations to our 6th Annual Harvest Moon concert will go out about mid-day on Monday August 31st.

It’s finally here!

Our 6th Annual Harvest Moon house concert, featuring Mike Pritchard and Mark Wallney, will be Friday September 25th at 7:15pm.

This concert is our 6th annual celebration of life, love, and friends, at the time of each fall’s Harvest moon, the full moon closest to the Autumnal equinox. Often, the harvest moon seems to be bigger or brighter or more colorful than other full moons, so it’s a great time to enjoy a romantic concert. And it marks the beginning of the change of seasons, reminding us of the passing of time, and how important it is to share our time with those we love.

The inspiration for this extra-special house concert is taken from Neil Young’s song “Harvest Moon”, which Mike and Mark perform better than ‘ol Neil himself.

No disrespect to Neil Young, but let’s face it, Mike Pritchard’s voice is so much smoother and stronger than Neil’s warbly falsetto, and Mark Wallney’s guitar mastery is similarly superior. Their performance of this romantic and seasonally appropriate song sets the stage for a relaxing evening of undeniable musical and vocal talent.

The ONLY way to receive an invitation is to be on our email list.  If you would like to receive an invitation, please sign up using the email form at the right side of this page.

This concert always sells out in less than 24 hours, so be watching for the invitation, and please respond quickly!

We appreciate the fact that so many people want to come to this concert, and to be fair to everyone, we are unable to take RSVPs in advance of that date.

We are looking forward to another wonderful Harvest Moon!  See you then!

John Batdorf
Wednesday March 4, 2015
(with Junior Vasquez opening)

P1060923-Adjusted - 300x230In 1975 John Batdorf headlined a concert as Batdorf & Rodney in the Lubbock Municipal Coliseum. Opening for them that night was Junior Vasquez and Peyote. Many of you were at that concert. If you loved the Eagles, Crosby Stills & Nash, and America, you should know that Batdorf and Rodney were part of that whole music scene.

Now 40 years later, history has repeated itself, as John Batdorf again headlined a Lubbock concert, which again was opened by Junior Vasquez. These two great musicians have each evolved over the years, but their music remains as complimentary as ever.

This is the first HubCityMusic.com house concert to ever have an opening act.

The weather outside was frightful – snow and freezing sleet all afternoon the day of the show.  But the fans braved the weather and showed up anyway, and John and Junior provided a magical evening of music and conversation.  For Junior Vasquez, this was a rare opportunity to perform all original songs, and he showed that his songwriting ability is as polished and professional as his singing and guitar work.

And when John Batdorf took the stage he demonstrated a commitment to excellence in vocals and guitar play that is second to none.  Seriously, you won’t hear a more flawless performance than John delivered on that snowy night in the warmth of our living room.

Watch this page for videos from this concert, to be posted soon.

Wednesday March 4, 2015
at Paul Johnson’s house

Click here to see our previous post about John Batdorf.

Visit John’s website and Facebook page:
www.JohnBatdorfMusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/John-Batdorf-Music/279578037051
https://www.facebook.com/Soundtrax2Recovery

Visit Junior’s website and Facebook page:
www.myspace.com/therealjuniorvasquez
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Junior-Vasquez/80815053180

Watch John’s newest video on YouTube:

 

John Batdorf
Wednesday October 15, 2014

John Batdorf retro - 240x306

If you loved America, Crosby Stills & Nash, Dan Fogelberg, Loggins & Messina, and the Eagles in the 1970’s, chances are you also heard a group called Batdorf and Rodney. Great songwriters, with a sound very much like the above groups, Batdorf and Rodney had two very successful albums in the 1970’s before going their separate ways.

We were blessed to have this opportunity to host a rare mid-week house concert featuring John Batdorf of Batdorf and Rodney.
John has continued to write, play, and record since those early days, and his music is better than ever.  And even if you’ve never heard of him, trust me, John is an amazing musician and songwriter.  If you missed this HubCityMusic.com house concert, you missed one of the best-ever concerts we’ve had the pleasure to host!

P1060923-Adjusted - 300x230

 

Some notable background – In 1975, John Batdorf visited Lubbock when Batdorf and Rodney played a concert at the (then) Lubbock Municipal Coliseum (now City Bank Coliseum), and shared the stage with opening act Peyote, headed by local music legend Junior Vasquez.

John & Junior - 300x225

So in a full-circle sort of coincidence, John and Junior once again shared the stage, this time to close out John’s house concert, performing an impromptu duet of “For What It’s Worth”.  What an incredible experience it was to see those two on the same stage together almost 40 years later!

Watch for a video of John Batdorf and Junior Vasquez performing “For What It’s Worth”, on this page in a week or two.

Visit John Batdorf’s website:  http://johnbatdorfmusic.com/soundtraxlyric.html
Find him on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/John-Batdorf-Music/279578037051

Christopher Williams
April 24, 2014

Christopher WilliamsNashville singer/songwriter/recording artist Christopher Williams added a last-minute HubCityMusic.com house concert to his current tour, and an appreciative audience was treated to a host of new songs.  These newest songs are among the best CW has written, and has us waiting with great anticipation for a new CD!  Although no firm plans have been made for that new CD yet, it is surely highly anticipated.  In the meantime, we will post videos from this concert at the end of this entry.  It may take a week or two to get them produced, so check back every few days.

Christopher first performed in Lubbock more than 15 years ago, at Durham’s Coffee House, and since that time has gone on to become a prolific songwriter and performer, releasing a total of 11 CDs, to great fan and critical acclaim. An in-demand performer, Christopher has toured all over the U.S., opening for, and playing with noted performers such as Jars of Clay, Arlo Guthrie, Phil Keaggy, David Wilcox, Bebo Norman, and many other well-know performers.

It is an honor to have someone of CW’s stature perform in the warm, intimate environment of our HubCityMusic.com living room. Although he remains as down-to-earth and accessible as ever, Christopher is no stranger to celebrity and success.

Christopher earned accolades as the Southeast Regional Round winner for the 2011 Mountain Stage NewSong contest, and in 2010 his song “Anything But Fail” won the Independent Music Award for Best New Contemporary Christian Song, at the same time as his live CD “Something As Simple” was nominated for Best Live Recording in the Independent Music Awards.

But it is his direct connection with his audience that makes Christopher such a compelling performer. By the end of the evening, each person in the audience felt a personal connection to CW.

Here is the first of several videos we will post from this concert, a song he just finished (but started 15 years ago!) called “Know of Love”.  Beautiful!  (Watch full-screen in HD if possible, and be sure to turn the volume up.)

Here is the song that followed “Know of Love” in this concert, a song he wrote for his son called “Stone Water Wood Light”.  Watch full-screen in HD if possible, and be sure to turn the volume up.  Listen carefully for his quiet remarks after the applause.

This song is the most relaxing, reassuring song I can imagine.  Christopher’s newest, and for now his favorite, “Everything You Need”.  Relax and enjoy!

Here is a video of Christopher’s original “Good Thing” from a previous HubCityMusic.com house concert.

Visit Christopher’s website: www.ChristopherW.com

Kelley McRae Duo
Saturday March 8, 2014

(to toggle music preview on/off, click the “compilation” at the upper right) —>

Kelley McRae DuoIn the last 2 years, the Kelley McRae duo has played over 300 shows coast to coast and traveled over 75,000 miles in their VW van. Along the way they encountered the people and places that inspired the songs on their recently released third album, BRIGHTER THAN THE BLUES.

Kelley’s music can be described as heartfelt Americana carrying a sense of hope and light, and she has found impressive fans: Paste Magazine gave her four stars, and WNYC’s ‘Soundcheck’ named her performance one of the year’s best.
(If samples of Kelley’s music did not start playing when you landed on this page, click “Kelley McRae compilation” at the upper right column of this page.)

Kelley McRae DuoThe duo has performed at such venues as The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, The Red Clay Theatre in Atlanta, and The Living Room in NYC, and has performed with The David Wax Museum, Kim Richey, and Rose Cousins, among others.

Previously residing in NYC, the duo is currently writing and recording new material in a cabin in the Nantahala Forest of North Carolina. In 2014 they are embarking on a seven week European Tour as well as headlining the TVFCU Stage at The Riverbend Festival in Chattanooga, TN on Friday, June 6th.

When adding our HubCityMusic.com venue to their resume, Kelley and Matt brought their “A” game, performing with incredible vocals and musicianship.  And they earned our respect in regard to their songwriting ability, as well.  Kelley and Matt are as well matched in regard to creative songwriting as they are in regard to vocals, instrumentation, and marriage.  This is one of those couples that was destined to find each other, and we are so glad they did!

Here is their HubCityMusic.com performance of their original “Brighter Than the Blues”

…and here is their HubCityMusic.com performance of their new original “Fair Weather”

Visit Kelley’s website: www.kelleymcrae.com

Kenny Maines “Magic Train”
CD Release concert
Friday January 24, 2014

KENNY MAINES PLAYS TO A SOLD-OUT AUDIENCE for his CD release house concert!

(to toggle music preview on/off, click the “Compilation” to the upper right) —>Kenny Maines

The first month of the new year has been a busy one for Kenny Maines!  Fresh on the heels of the release of his new CD, “The Magic Train“, Kenny hosted two CD release concerts.  The first of these was a sold-out, intimate solo acoustic HubCityMusic.com house concert on Friday 1/24, and the second was at the Cactus Theater on Saturday January 25th with a full band CD release concert, accompanied by the musicians who participated in the making of the CD.

Paul Johnson’s house was packed to capacity (62 people!) as Kenny delivered not only the music, but the story behind the music.  In this intimate setting Kenny had plenty of opportunity to interact with the audience and share the stories behind these new songs, and how they all fit into the “Magic Train” theme of this new CD.  Needless to say, both Kenny and the audience loved the close, personal interaction that is so characteristic of house concerts.

These concerts fall at the end of a week that included the big screen release in Lubbock of Kenny’s film debut in the leading role of the action-packed movie “The Arroyo” on Monday January 20th at Lubbock’s Premier Cinema.  The movie will remain on Lubbock screens for at least two weeks, and Kenny participated in several Q&A sessions through the week.  Conceived, co-written, and directed by Lubbock native Jeremy Danial Boreing, “The Arroyo” also features another well-known Lubbock musician (and HubCityMusic.com alum) Junior Vasquez, along with notable performances by David Armendariz and Lubbock actor Glenn Polk.  Boreing is highly complimentary of Kenny’s performance, saying “In the end, Kenny Maines made this movie happen.  I enjoyed his work ethic.  I’d have to say Maines proved he could be an honest-to-God movie star.”

Kenny Maines The Magic TrainMovie star qualities are one thing, but Kenny’s songwriting and performing talent are what brought him to our collective consciousness in the first place, and that is where Kenny’s heart remains.  He is proud of “The Magic Train“, noting that the CD weaves a musical story of love, adventure, life, death and redemption, from the first song to the last, and he is excited to share that story in these CD release concerts.  Hop on board “The Magic Train”, and (if you haven’t already) buy a copy of this new CD!  It is available on Kenny’s website (www.KennyMaines.com) and on iTunes.

Here is a video of the last song (not including encores) of the night, “The Revival”:
(if music is playing, be sure to stop it before watching the video, by clicking “Magic Train compilation” at the upper-right near the top of the page)

Click here to visit Kenny’s website

Click here to see the trailer for “The Arroyo”

Kenny Maines performs at a HubCityMusic.com CD release house concert for his new CD "The Magic Train" - 1/24/2014

Kenny Maines performs at a HubCityMusic.com CD release house concert for his new CD “The Magic Train” – 1/24/2014