#iFEEDuFEEDme Dinner Tours

By committing as a host, you become the venue, promoter, and event co-planner.

The venue is your home.  Putting some thought into where you'd like me to perform definitely helps.  My preference is to perform inside.  That's mainly because of weather and acoustics.  Weather can sometimes take a toll on instruments.  Since I usually perform with no microphones or sound system, being inside helps with projection too.   I typically spend the night with hosts if I’m far from Dallas, but if hosts aren't comfortable with that, I totally understand and can make other arrangements.

You promote by communicating information and inviting your family & friends.  My goal for each house concert is to have at least 20 adults in attendance.  Hosts are expected to let their guests know that the focus of the night will be a musical and story-telling experience.  It is not a house party vibe.  Once the performance begins, being a respectful listener is key.  Also, please encourage your people to grab some merch.  For independent artists, it goes a long way and helps us continue creating.

The co-planning involves mainly what to provide for food.  Some hosts like to treat their guests to an entire meal, while some choose to do a pot luck dinner where guests bring something small to contribute (no burgers or hot dogs please).

WHO SHOULD I INVITE?

Family & friends that have an appreciation for music and songwriting.  Well-behaved kids are welcome, but only if they are disciplined enough to sit quietly throughout the duration of my set.

WHAT EXACTLY WILL HAPPEN?

A musical story-telling performance.  There's absolutely nothing complicated about it.  You're basically inviting me over for dinner, then I play songs and tell stories about my life with an acoustic guitar.  It is helpful for the host to introduce me and tell a little bit about how you know me, right before I begin my set.  Remind them that they're getting a meal and a performance for free, so be loving to the tip jar and merch table.  The expectation is that guests will sit quietly and respectfully during my performance.

WHEN?

Usually between May and the very beginning of August.  After you show interest, we decide on a date.  When I'm planning, routing can be tricky, so I may only be in your area during specific dates only.  Keep in mind that there are only 2 weekend nights per week and I have to fill in weekdays too.  I recommend doing an early evening dinner.  The entire time span could be 3 to 4 hours, but it just depends on what you want the night to be.

Here's a time line that I suggest...

6 pm - Time to tell everyone to begin showing up

6:30 pm - Food Served

7 pm - Performance

8:30 to 9:15 pm - Hang Out

WHERE?

In the privacy of your home.  Sometimes it's a casual cook-out in the backyard.  Sometimes it's a formal occasion at your dinner table, then we sit in your living room during the performance.  I've performed in houses, apartments, trailers, rented venues, parks, garages, driveways, and on street corners.  You make it what you want it to be.  My preference is being inside, away from the heat of summer.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO DO THIS?

To live.  As easy as that sounds, all of us get stuck in routines and go on autopilot.  Comfort is the thief of experience.  I want to make the best of my time here.

To personally reconnect with my guitar, which is my first love.  I've focused on lyrics and vocals for so long, have gotten away from it.

To strip myself of exterior production.  Wanted to perform with no instrumentals - just the human voice and a single instrument.

To cut money out of the picture for a moment.  I've become so obsessed with creating a business from art that I've strayed away from the very reasons I do music in the first place.

To focus on individual connections with people, that's one of the main reasons I perform.

When you push yourself out of your comfort zone, amazing things happen.

HOW CAN THIS WORK?

Since I'm a teacher, my summers free up.  It allows me to travel and share my music with humans that are genuinely interested in the art-form of songwriting.  Is it a sacrifice?  Absolutely.  Can it be stressful & taxing?  Yes.  But I crave sharing my music with you.  Venues are fun, but the most meaningful experiences happen in house concerts.

MY NEEDS

(for the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex)

• At least 20 music-loving adults that respect the craft of songwriting
• Designated area for merch display and tip jar all night in a visible place
• An inside area to perform with places to sit for your guests
• Homemade Meal (no burgers or hot dogs please)
• Recipe of your favorite dish from dinner

MY NEEDS

(if I'm staying the night)

• At least 20 music-loving adults that respect the craft of songwriting
• Designated area for merch display and tip jar all night in a visible place
• An inside area to perform with places to sit for your guests
• Homemade Meal (no burgers or hot dogs please)
• If you're feeling extra generous, breakfast the next morning would be amazing
• Recipe of your favorite dish from dinner
• 6 pack of your favorite local beer
• 6 pack of water bottles
• Space in fridge and freezer (to temporarily hold food/drinks from my ice chest)
• Place to crash (bed or couch, away from animals)
• Wifi access
• Shower and towel for the next morning