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SOLD OUT! Tori Vasquez
Nationwide Fall Tour Sendoff!
Saturday August 10, 2013

Tori VasquezSOLD OUT!  This was Tori’s only Lubbock concert in quite some time (before or after), and it was officially sold out 10 days prior to the concert date.

And Tori brought her “A” game with her!  Everyone who attended was treated to the very best Tori has to offer – the best of her amazing performance abilities, the best of her new songs, and yes, even a few of the best of her previously released songs.  In addition, Tori brought an intimate, engaging stage presence that shows just how comfortable she has become in her own skin.  It was a solo performance by a woman who clearly knows how to engage an audience without leaning on anyone else.  She was both inspired and inspiring!

The purpose of this concert was to give her Lubbock fans a unique opportunity to send Tori Vasquez on a Nationwide Tour of virtually every major city in the US!  And it all starts right here in Lubbock, back in Tori’s home town.

Tori has been given the opportunity to open for Blue October in a nationwide tour! East coast, West coast, you name the major city, and this tour will hit it – New York, Boston, Philly, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco Los Angeles – just to name a few!  From September 4th through late October (plus a final date of November 30th), Tori will be taking her music across the USA!

And it involves a big responsibility – as well as a big risk – for Tori, because she has sole responsibility for every aspect of her participation in this tour!  From putting together and paying her own touring band, to providing transportation, to hotels and meals, and everything else that goes in to a huge undertaking like this.  It all falls on Tori’s shoulders, including the financial responsibility.  This concert was Lubbock’s opportunity to help share that responsibility, and Lubbock stepped up to the plate, with donations above and beyond the cost of admission, including donations from some people who were not even able to attend!

This tour is in perfect timing with her new CD release, which will help her music find its way into the hearts and minds of literally thousands of new Tori Vasquez fans across the nation. But none of it will be possible without some kind of underwriting, and Tori needs our help to make it financially feasible.  It’s a small investment that each of us can make in someone we all believe in, which will pay huge dividends down the road. So many people brought more than the $20 admission, and 100% of all revenue goes directly to Tori in support of this tour.  Each of those who helped Tori through this concert have also helped the world discover her incredible talent that we all know and love so well.

Remember, this was more than just another house concert – it was Lubbock’s opportunity to say “We are behind you, Tori!  We love you, we support what you are doing, and we believe in you!”  And, believe it, Tori received that message, with gratitude and joy!

Tori’s new CD will be out soon.  Read more about her new CD and her new music in an interview with Tori below.

Be sure to check out Tori’s website at www.ToriVasquez.com

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.

Jenni Dale Lord
Saturday April 20, 2013

Jenni Dale Lord brought two awesome sets of her own original music to our HubCityMusic.com house concert on Saturday April 20th!  19 original songs – 6 from the soon-to-be-recorded new release from the Jenni Dale Lord Band, along with an intimate look at the stories behind the songs.  She was accompanied by Tony Garcia and Kevin Long.  It was such an intimate evening, and you really missed something special if you weren’t here.
Jenni Dale Lord

What a pleasure to host Jenni Dale Lord for this concert!
After rocking the ‘live music capital of the world,’ Austin, Texas, for over a decade, Jenni Dale Lord has returned to her roots in Lubbock to claim her place in the West Texas music scene where she first began her career, and she has really made a name for herself in the music world.

It has recently been revealed that one of her songs, “All Along” (from her self-titled debut CD), is under consideration by a music publishing / licensing company run by a TV music supervisor.   Every one of the songs on this CD is written by Jenni Dale, and each of these songs contains a lyrical and musical sensibility that is extraordinary.  The lyrics are tight, concise, and never forced, being at the same time credible and emotionally involving.  The music is accessible and familiar, without being derivative.  Songwriting talent like this does not go unnoticed, and when the right people notice, you will see big things happen fast for Jenni Dale Lord.

There is an element of pure country in Jenni Dale’s music, but her songwriting and performances are an amalgam of country, rock, blues, folk, and more, making her style unique and all her own.  Click the “play” arrow on each of the songs below to hear a few cuts from her debut CD “Jenni Dale Lord”. Each of these songs is completely different, and gives you an inkling of her versatility and musical range.

[wpaudio url=”http://hubcitymusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/All-Along.mp3″ text=” ‘All Along’ by Jenni Dale Lord” dl=”0″ autoplay=”0″]

[wpaudio url=”http://hubcitymusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Willie.mp3″ text=” ‘Willie’ by Jenni Dale Lord” dl=”0″ autoplay=”0″]

[wpaudio url=”http://hubcitymusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Smile.mp3″ text=” ‘Smile’ by Jenni Dale Lord” dl=”0″ autoplay=”0″]

Be sure to “Like” Jenni Dale’s Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/JDLmusic

See Jenni Dale’s website at www.jennidalelord.com

There’s a nice story and interview with her at http://theoutlanderproject.com/post/44652795516/sami-vox-outlander-artist-jenni-dale-lord

Karleigh Porterfield
Friday March 22, 2013

Thanks for your overwhelming response to Karleigh Porterfield’s HubCityMusic.com house concert!  We had a great audience to hear an outstanding performance by Karleigh, accompanied by fine guitarist Adam Urbanczyk, with the incomparable Cary Banks on keyboards and vocal harmonies.

KarleighPorterfield-400x236

 

Cary Banks put it best as he commented between songs that we were watching a “coming-out” of an outstanding vocal talent, and would look back on this evening some day and say “I saw her when she was just starting out.”

Karleigh Porterfield is currently attending the renowned Music Performance program at South Plains College in Levelland, the program that has been the foundation of many notable careers, including Natalie Maines.

You have probably never heard a voice like Karleigh’s in person.  Seriously unique, with a range you will not believe.  One listen to Karleigh, and you will immediately appreciate the fact that a voice like hers will not be contained, and you will see the potential for a similar music career trajectory as many other talented SPC students have attained.

We will post a video of one of her songs here within the next couple weeks, so be sure to check back and see what you missed!

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:

Christopher Williams
Friday January 25, 2013

We were blessed to again host Nashville singer/songwriter Christopher Williams on January 25th!
It was an awesome concert, probably one of the most flawless live performances we’ve ever seen!  Christopher was in top form, and his musicianship was only matched by his personable demeanor.  He drew us in with stories of his parents, his son and wife, and his life, and how all these relate to the songs that he brought to life that evening.

Here is a video of his new original song, “Good Thing”, from this concert.  This is a new song and is not on any of Christopher’s CDs yet.  It’s an awesome song!  Enjoy!

 

Christopher WilliamsAfter hosting our very first Harvest Moon concert as a “test run”, we decided to begin hosting a regular monthly series of house concerts, and Christopher Williams was the first musician we booked for this series.  So this concert began our third year of house concerts with a  return visit from the guy who helped get all this started.

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, releasing a total of 11 CDs, to great fan and critical acclaim.  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, you will feel like you know CW personally, and you have become his friend.

Click this link to learn more about CW and listen to his music at:
www.christopherw.com

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

Third Annual Harvest Moon Concert
September 29, 2012 with The Hat Trick
Mike Pritchard, Mark Wallney & Mike Boyd

It’s our 3rd Annual Harvest Moon party!

3rd Annual Harvest Moon House ConcertWhat an amazing sold-out concert!  Scroll down to see a video of the “theme song”, Harvest Moon.

This concert is our 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 The Hat Trick performs 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 by Mark Wallney, Mike Pritchard and Mike Boyd.

The Hat Trick needs no introduction to Lubbock music fans, as these guys are literally musical legends in Lubbock. All three have musical chops and talent that anyone can appreciate, a point well-proven recently when none other than the legendary Graham Nash (of Crosby, Stills, and Nash and The Hollies) joined The Hat Trick onstage to perform with them! As Mike Pritchard would later say, “It was surreal performing “Bus Stop” with they guy who wrote it!” Mark Wallney added “Wow, we are still excited about the show and honestly fulfilled one of our childhood dreams, playing with one of our greatest music heroes. Most of you know that CSN is one of our biggest influences that even got the Hat Trick started in the first place.”

“Harvest Moon” video from our HubCityMusic.com annual Harvest Moon house concert on 9/29/2012:

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.