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Brother Sun
Sunday Nov.10th 2013

BrotherSunLogo238x182One thing I’ve learned about house concerts is that if you don’t ask, you will not receive.  I figured it was a long shot that we would ever get these headline performers from New York, Chicago, and Boston to come to our living room in Lubbock, but I asked anyway.  And guess what?  They were doing a concert in Austin in November, and were able to stop in Lubbock along the way!  Wow!

After main stage performances with standing ovations at both Kerrville and Falcon Ridge Folk Festivals in 2011 and sold out concerts throughout the US, this summer they earned not only return invitations to Kerrville and Falcon Ridge but also invitations to Old Songs Festival, Philadelphia Folk Festival and Kerrville Wine & Music Festival.

So, what an opportune time to come to Lubbock – right on the heels of the 2nd annual Lubbock Folk Festival.  And what a concert they put on, in what might be considered the crowning finale of a weekend of great music!  They were in fine form for an extremely appreciative and attentive audience.
The beautiful and creative Melissa Grimes, whose own Rockin’ Box 33 house concerts have served as a model for how to do house concerts right, was in attendance, and I must say I’ve never seen her more enthusiastic about a performance!  Now that’s a great compliment to these performers!

BrotherSun2-300x200This trio weaves three-part harmonies as well as Peter Paul and Mary or Crosby Stills and Nash, and they are each amazing songwriters as well.  The result is an astounding blend of music and message.  Fusing folk, Americana, blues, pop, jazz, rock, and a cappella singing, Brother Sun is an explosion of musical diversity and harmony, in the finest of male singing traditions.  Joe Jencks, Greg Greenway and Pat Wictor celebrate the amazing power of singing together, their rich voices blending on a well-crafted foundation of guitar, slide guitar, bouzouki and piano.

Brother Sun’s self titled album debuted at No. 2 on the Folk DJ Charts (it stayed on the charts for 8 months) and was named the No. 8 album of 2011 on FOLK-DJ, and their newest CD, “Some Part of the Truth” has just been released to rave reviews in 2013.

If the compilation of Brother Sun song samples didn’t play automatically when you came to this page, you can hear samples here:
[wpaudio url=”http://hubcitymusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/BrotherSunCompilation.mp3″ text=” Brother Sun samples compilation” dl=”0″ autoplay=”0″]

Visit Brother Sun’s website: http://www.brothersunmusic.com/

Date: Sunday November 10, 2013

Wendy Colonna
Friday June 21, 2013

Wendy Colonna

Wendy Colonna – voted Austin’s “Best Singer Songwriter” (Austin American Statesman)

Wendy Colonna combines the heart and soul of her Louisiana roots with the funky refinement of her current Austin domicile, and the result is a sophisticated, sexy, soulful sound that is all her own, yet remains accessible and inviting.  A masterful songwriter, her poetic lyrics have an interesting edge that connote meaning beyond words, and her delivery – which can vary between melodic and gritty – brings them home with soulful style. 

A multi-year regular at the Buddy Holly Summer Showcase, Wendy has performed two annual HubCityMusic.com house concerts at Paul Johnson’s house, each time sharing the kind of intimate evening that can only occur in the eye-contact environment that is unique to the house concert format.

Here is a video of a wonderful song, “Vacancy”, from Wendy’s recent concert:

This is a video from Wendy’s HubCityMusic.com house concert last year:

A review of this song on Amazon.com:
Wendy Colonna is one of those artists that must be seen live to really appreciate the depth of the soul she brings to her music. “Shine” is a great example – you haven’t experienced this song until you hear it live. There are a few versions of it on YouTube, each different from the others, based on who she has accompanying her at any given time. But any version of a great song is still great, and that is certainly true with “Shine”. It has a rocking, rolling, rhythm & blues fundamental that is spiced up with some of Wendy’s back-home Louisiana influence.

Beyond the pure musical appeal of this song is a message that is worth hearing. This song was inspired by a quote from Turkish poet and activist Nazim Hikmet: If I do not burn If you do not burn If we do not burn How will darkness come to light?

Certainly a message we can all take to heart – If we do not spend ourselves burning brightly, how else will darkness disappear?

This level of excellence in both music and message is compelling, and makes this song a worthwhile addition to your musical and philosophical libraries.

Visit Wendy’s website at www.WendyColonna.com

Washuntara III
Saturday June 1st, 2013

Washuntara IIIOne of the best things about hosting these house concerts is all the friendships that have been born and strengthened through this experience.

This includes each of you who have attended these concerts and become either new friends or closer friends, and it also includes those musicians who have shared our time and space and food and drink, along with their music and personalities.

Our friend Washuntara is one of those special relationships.  So when he completed his last concert of this tour and it was time to head back to California, he decided to take a little detour along the way to spend some time with us in Lubbock. This visit was not for the purpose of a concert, but since he was here anyway, he wanted to share our time and space by hosting an impromptu HubCityMusic.com house concert for all his friends and fans in Lubbock.

It was short notice, but all our friends who attended can attest that this was perhaps Washuntara’s best HubCityMusic.com house concert yet.  Although a bit weary from his recent tour, he ended this chapter on a high note, literally , as his voice soared with an edge honed sharp from all the recent concerts, and his guitar work reflected a precision perfected by practice.

Having written literally hundreds of songs, Washuntara was able to pull out fresh material that we have never heard, as well as a few familiar favorites.  And we were treated to the first-ever performance of a new song that he just wrote, ” Step Into The Sun”.   Click the link below to see this awesome new song!

The result was an engaging performance that was decidedly low key and intimate, and yet full of energy.  Here is what one attendee, Terry Johnston, wrote on her Facebook wall about this concert:   “What an AWESOME Concert I went to last night!!   WASHUNTARA did a house concert for HubCityMusic.com at Paul Johnson’s house.  Washuntara is an Australian Singer/Songwriter and he is one of the BEST I’ve ever heard!”  All we can add to that is a hearty “Amen!”

Listen to Washuntara’s brand-new original song, “Step Into the Sun”:
(be sure to change to HD if you have a fast connection)

 

We will post other new videos from this concert soon.

Click here to see more videos of Washuntara, and read the review of his previous HubCityMusic.com house concert.

Washuntara – An Encore Performance!
Saturday February 23, 2013

Washuntara returned for an encore HubCityMusic.com house concert on Saturday February 23rd, and an appreciative audience fell in love with both his music and his message.

WashuntaraHaving written literally hundreds of songs, there was no lack of material to choose from, and Washuntara played a completely different set for this encore performance.  Remaining consistent, though, was his high energy and positive message.

This Australian has shared the stage with the likes of Paul McCartney, the Eagles, the Moody Blues, and many more.  Well-known in Australia and Europe, Washuntara is making a name for himself stateside as well, particularly for his song-writing ability.

His song “She’s Tough”, performed at this concert, is playing in the background.
(or if not, can be heard by clicking   at the upper-right of this page).

Here is what one of our guests had to say after Washuntara’s previous concert:
“Last night Jack, Dusti, Chad, and I attended the most amazing concert I’ve EVER seen!!  Washuntara performed a house concert at Paul Johnson’s that  completely blew me away. His message of peace, love, and kindness is SO powerful and it touched me so deeply I just have to share it with you guys! Go to his website at washuntara.com and listen to his music and message! You’ll be hooked, too! Peace and Love to All Ya’ll!”  – Marti Dillon

(watch a video below, from his previous concert)

Return to our website in the next few weeks for links to some video from this concert.  In the meantime, enjoy some of the links below.

For more information about Washuntara (and more videos), go to our previous Washuntara page (http://hubcitymusic.com/?p=700), or visit www.Washuntara.com

Here’s a video of Washuntara performing his original “I Could Be Persuaded” at his previous concert:

Washuntara – November 17, 2012

“He’s rockin’- a definite two thumbs up!” – Sir Paul McCartney

If you missed Washuntara in his HubCityMusic.com house concert on Nov.17th, you missed a great time!

But don’t despair – We have an opportunity to bring Washuntara back for an encore concert on Saturday February 23rd!  

Washuntara has enjoyed phenomenal success in his home country of Australia, with a #2 hit, as well as critical and popular acclaim in Europe and Asia.  He has shared the stage with Paul McCartney, The Eagles, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Moody Blues, and many more.  Now he is bringing his music and philosophy to the United States, and we are amazed and honored that he would want to bless us with a private concert in our own living room here in Lubbock.

More than just a musician, Washuntara brings a message of love, peace, hope, caring, and sharing, through music, poetry, and philosophy.  His is not a religious message, but you cannot help but be influenced to be a better person by his contagious enthusiasm for all things good and true.

All expectations were exceeded as Washuntara was a great storyteller, as well as personally engaging everyone who was there.  By the end of the evening, we were all hooked on Washuntara’s loving personality!  Here’s what one concert-attendee wrote afterward: “Last night Jack, Dusti, Chad, and I attended the most amazing concert I’ve EVER seen!!  Washuntara performed a house concert at Paul Johnson’s that  completely blew me away. His message of peace, love, and kindness is SO powerful and it touched me so deeply I just have to share it with you guys! Go to his website at washuntara.com and listen to his music and message! You’ll be hooked, too! Peace and Love to All Ya’ll!”  – Marti Dillon

So go to his website, or browse the links below.  We are sure you will want love Washuntara’s music and his message.

“Introducing Washuntara” video:

Here’s a poem and a new song from his “September Gift” video:

Here is his October video update, mentioning his upcoming HubCityMusic.com house concert, along with a sneak preview of his newest song, “I Will Not Be Silenced”:

Here’s the first song of Washuntara’s that I ever heard.  This is the song that prompted me to invite him to come to Lubbock.

For more information, go to Washuntara’s website: http://www.washuntara.com

Cary Cooper house concert
Tuesday August 14, 2012

We teamed up with Van Shaw, who has another House Concert venue here in Lubbock called Uncle Bill’s Music Barn, to host this concert.  What a great venue!  Van and his wife Leslie have created a musician’s paradise, with a stage, lighting, and professional sound system, as well as a great venue for the audience.

Cary CooperCary Cooper was in top form, and the audience appreciated hearing not only selections from her CDs, but a number of new songs as well.  This concert was planned in conjunction with Cary’s travel to the Rocky Mountain Folk Festival in Lyons, Colorado, and Cary introduced two new songs that she is entering in the prestigious Songwriters contest at the festival.  (I think both have a great shot at winning!)

Thanks for blessing us with a wonderful evening of music and stories, Cary!

Recently cast in the TV show, “Troubadour, TX”, Cary Cooper sings of life from the perspective of a lover, a mother, a daughter and a friend. Her songs will make you laugh, cry, think, and most of all celebrate your place in the world.

In early 2011, Cary was spotted by the producers of Troubadour, TX, a new TV docu-drama that premiered in September 2011 on the CW network. Along with several other Texas songwriters (including her husband, Tom Prasada-Rao), Cary was cast on the show. Part of her appeal is the unique songs she’s been writing on her cute little pineapple ukulele. Cary picked up the uke in the summer of 2010 and it blew open the door to a brand new batch of songs that are featured on her newest CD, “Pink Umbrella”, which was released in the fall of 2011 coinciding with her main stage set at the Kerrville Wine & Music Festival and the debut of Troubadour, TX.

A multi-dimensional artist, Cary brings honesty and clarity to her music, and subsequently to your heart.

See more about Cary and listen to samples of her music at www.CaryCooper.com

For more information about Troubadour, TX and Cary Cooper, go to http://troubadourtx.com/artists/carycooper/

For more information about Uncle Bill’s Music Barn visit www.unclebillsmusic.com.

Austin’s Wendy Colonna
Friday June 22, 2012

Wendy Colonna
Wendy Colonna – voted Austin’s “Best Singer Songwriter” (Austin American Statesman)

What an awesome concert!  Wendy Colonna brought keyboardist extraordinaire (and amazing musician in his own right) Dave Madden with her and rocked the house with soulful, bluesy rock!  Some have said this was the best HubCityMusic.com house concert yet!  And it was truly an amazing concert.

A young woman who has decidedly come into her own, the dark-eyed Colonna fills her musical space with a throaty voice, deep-down retro roots and soul. Indeed, Colonna’s seriously strong pipes and songwriting prove that age does foster wisdom and practice does, indeed, make perfect. “My writing is influenced most by songwriters whose work is so nerve-strikingly personal and universally accessible. . . Jackson Browne, Carole King, Marvin Gaye, Randy Newman, Willie Dixon, Leonard Cohen, Ray LaMontagne and countless others. They touch your soul and let you bring your own stories and characters to the music.”

Learn more about Wendy and hear her music at www.WendyColonna.com

Brandon Gwinn with Mark Morgan
Friday April 6, 2012

Brandon Gwinn worship leader at Experience LifeOn April 6th friends of HubCityMusic.com were blessed by a performance by well-known musician and worship leader Brandon Gwinn, who was joined by accomplished guitarist Mark Morgan, who also plays with popular Christian band “A Road Less Traveled”.

They performed a mix of original worship songs and secular covers.  Many of the worship songs were originals written by Brandon, including several new songs he has recently written.

Brandon is well-known to Lubbock music fans from his appearances at the Cactus Theater,  and also as worship leader with the Experience Life worship band.  Mark is also a member of the eLife worship band.

Brandon’s versatility as a musician is completely across the spectrum. As a regular cast member of the Cactus Theater, Brandon has performed shows based on the music of the ’40s, ’60s, and ’70s, plus various “Tribute” shows. (He has said in another interview that his favorite Cactus show, as a performer, was a tribute to The Eagles.)

But what really has Brandon’s full attention now is his role as worship leader at Experience Life church.  Brandon has been leading worship over the last 13 years in both Lubbock and San Antonio. Brandon has been with Experience Life since the official launch of the church on September 9, 2007.

God has definitely grown Brandon in every way over the past few years. Having spent much of his ministry career in smaller congregations, the explosive growth of Experience Life has meant constant challenges and a deepened dependence on the grace of God. Brandon’s heart for worship ministry is centered around encouraging others to grow in their relationship with Him. He spends much time coaching, encouraging, challenging and discipling his praise team members to new levels of intimacy with God. He can also be found at local coffee shops and restaurants playing and singing a mix of original worship songs and popular secular covers.
No matter what the venue, for Brandon, the magic is in the message, and connecting with the audience through the message in the music.

Mark Morgan is an accomplished guitarist and has playing with the Experience Life Worship band for the past couple of years. He is also the lead guitarist for a popular local christian band called “A Road Less Traveled”. Mark spends his days teaching guitar lessons and gigging nights with several different local bands.

HubCityMusic.com made video and audio recordings of the concert, and this concert will be offered on DVD when the video and audio are mixed and produced.  Watch this space for an announcement of the availability of the DVD in perhaps about June!