“Matt’s Strings EP caught my attention, especially the violin & cello on the song “Avalanche”. Now with the help of his fans he has released his debut album showcasing his warm sound & heartfelt lyrics. If you are a fan of Josh Ritter give a
listen to Matt!”-  Helen Leicht, WXPN Philadelphia

NEWS

2.24.14

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I am honored to have been interviewed for Jason Mundok's excellent Around the Wood Stove podcast!  Check out the episode here.

2.18.14

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Sunday's Concert Window online show was a success!  Check out Concert Window's excellent lineup of performers at concertwindow.com. Stay tuned for news on another show in the future.  (Photo by Nate Miller)

1.22.14

Thank you to Ink in Stereo for having me on as their guest for this week's episode! Check it out at this link or on iTunes!

1.13.14

The Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era was kind enough to feature me in the Entertainment section of their newspaper this past Friday!  Check out the online edition here.

1.8.14

If you are any kind of aspiring independent musician, you should check out the Grassrootsy blog. It's chock full of intelligent, nuts-&-bolts advice on how to succeed as an independent musician.http://www.grassrootsy.com/

12.25.13

Want one more round of Christmas tunes?  You're in luck - I was honored to record a Christmas special with my friends from the excellent Lancaster, PA-based podcast The Lancast.  I present to you..."A Very Matt Wheeler Christmas".

12.16.13

Our new "Indigo" EP is out now, & you can pick it up from this site or just about any digital platform you can imagine - including iTunes!

12.10.13

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Our new "Indigo" EP releases TODAY!  Click the image to the left or the player to the left to hear it & purchase your very own copy of the album. We hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed making it!

12.8.13

The Indigo Album Release Party yesterday was amazing!  We truly appreciate the support of so many friends & fans.  Look for pictures posted soon.  In the meantime, check out the excellent review that our new "Indigo" EP got from Derek Jordan of Congruent Culture by clicking here (scroll down to the third review).  Digital release of the EP is on Tuesday, 12/10!

11.23.13

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We are pleased to announce the release of our "Indigo" EP!  The official release is on Tu, 12/10, with the CD release party happening on 12/7 in downtown Lancaster!  Click the image to the right to RSVP through Facebook. Much respect to our friend Brad Fuhrman of The Pig Merchants for the sweet poster artwork.

11.7.13

Matt made his live TV debut with ABC27's Good Day PA show today!  Check out the interview & performance here:

11.4.13

I contributed a guest blog to Jocelyn Park's new website Lancaster Transplant.  Check it out here!

10.23.13

Two really cool opportunities we've had recently: first, check out a live performance of "Indigo" as featured on Andy & Patrick (we're on around 9:35 into the videod); second, a solo performance of "Ash Wednesday"...at night...on railroad tracks!  Both have also been added to the "Watch" tab.

10.7.13

On Tuesday, check out www.andyandpatrick.com to see a live performance (complete with audience backing vocals) of our song "Indigo" featured, alongside a performance from our friend Leticia Joy, on the latest episode of The Andy & Patrick Show!  If you live in Lancaster County, you can catch the premiere of the episode at 8 pm on LCTV 66!

10.2.13

This Friday, Matt is playing a special solo show at The Ware Center as part of Lancaster's First Friday!  RSVP here.

9.22.13

A bit of iPhone video by our  Jen Rhine from an amazing show at an amazing venue, The Barn in Columbia, PA.  Our billmates Jake Lewis & The Clergy and The Districts were incredible, too!

9.15.13

Big show coming up next weekend: Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart are splitting a bill with The Districts and Jake Lewis & The Clergy at The Barn, near Columbia, PA.  Click here to get details & RSVP to the show!

9.3.13

Want to hear an early version of a track from our upcoming "Indigo" EP?  Click here to hear (and download) one of the tracks, "Gold", in its developing form!

8.31.13

Monday, September 2 is my 34th birthday, & I've decided to turn things around & give YOU a gift!  For Labor Day Weekend (Friday, 8/3 through Monday, 9/2), you can pick up our debut full-length album, "Strings & Wires", totally FREE!   Click the link below to pick up
your digital copy.  Please share it, too!
http://mattwheeler.bandcamp.com/album/strings-wires

8.29.13

Exciting news!  Lancaster, PA-based WJTL will be playing our song "Arrows" from "Strings & Wires" during their "New Tunes At 9" show starting this evening!  You can listen live at http://wjtl.com/listen/listen-live/.

8.25.13

Tracking is almost complete for our upcoming "Indigo" EP!   In the meantime, check out the "Shows" tab above & see where you can check us out live.

7.29.13

Curious where we're playing next?  Click the "Shows" tab (or go to www.mattwheeleronline.com/shows.html) to find out!  We sincerely hope to see you at a show soon.

7.24.13

Work is about to commence on the "Indigo" EP, our follow-up to "Strings & Wires"!  Tracks include, in no particular order: "Gold", "Indigo", "Heliotropism (Leaning Toward the Light)", & "River (A Dark Chase)".  Look for a fall '13 release - more news coming soon.

7.18.13

This Friday, I'm playing World Café Live at The Queen in Wilmington, Delaware for the first time!  Click here to RSVP to the event.

7.4.13

Independence Day is about freedom.  Seems like a good time to give away the Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart album "Strings & Wires" for FREE! 
Today only, click "download" in the album player to the right.  Where it says "Name your price", type in "0".  Enjoy, and happy 4th!

6.24.13

Notes from Boston, #2: Brad Cole.  I shared the stage with Brad, who hails from Chicago most recently, at Club Passim.  He is a veteran singer-songwriter whose songs are melodic & accessible.  many of his songs deal with life on the road, & his real experience with that makes his songs that much more honest & credible.  Check out his music at www.bradcolemusic.com.  I suggest starting with his song "Pilgrimage" or "So About Goodbye".

6.14.13

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Fig Lancaster magazine recently featured Matt
Wheeler & Vintage Heart in its WXPN Voices section!  Head over to www.figlancaster.com and check out pages 68-69 to check out the feature.  Thank you also to Helen Leicht, the WXPN DJ who selected us & had this to say: “Matt’s Strings EP caught my attention, especially the violin & cello on the song “Avalanche”. Now with the help of his fans he has released his debut album showcasing his warm sound and heartfelt lyrics. If you are a fan of Josh Ritter give a listen to Matt!”

6.10.13

Notes from Boston, #1: Max García Conover.  Hailing from Portland, Maine, Max's lush fingerstyle guitar arrangements provide a foundation for his abstract & beautiful poetry.  Think Jose Gonzalez playing, with vocals by a more accessible The Tallest Man On Earth - it very much works.  And, if you're in the Lancaster area, check him out on 7/3, as I co-bill with him at a house show! www.maxgarciaconover.com  Also, check out this video for my favorite Max Garcia Conover song, "The Wedding Line": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHjD3OXlsVo

6.8.13

We have just posted all of our summer shows to date!  Check out the "Shows" tab to find out where we will be playing. We would love to see you at one of our concerts!

5.20.13

Locals You Should Know, #47: Marla, Jenn, & Laniesh Kipp and Kitschy Kitchen.  Marla, Jenn, & Laniesh dreamed of opening a café - one where people could pay what they want, and those who couldn't pay as much for an excellent meal could still have one.  Enter their venture Kitschy Kitchen, held every Thursday evening in Neffsville.  Click here to check it out!

5.1.13

4.30.13

Today is the day that our new album, "Strings & Wires", releases!  Check it out at the "Listen" tab on this site or at http://mattwheeler.bandcamp.com/album/strings-wires!  Look for the album to be up on iTunes and other digital sites soon.  Want a CD copy?  Check out http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mattwheelervintageheart1 or catch me at a live show.

4.29.13

Locals You Should Know, #44: Douglas Thomas.  In case you didn't catch either of his sets at the Ware Center or hear his song "Pebbles" on XPN Local last Tuesday, well...check out http://douglasthomasmusic.bandcamp.com/ now - you won't be sorry.

4.24.13

Our new album "Strings & Wires" releases this Tuesday, 4/30!  You can stream it in its entirety over at www.mattwheeler.bandcamp.com.  Enjoy, and pick up the album from our Bandcamp site, iTunes, Amazonmp3, or at a live show.

4.22.13

Locals You Should Know, #43: Rick Gadd & LAUNCH Music Conference.  Lancaster's already rich music scene gets a charge as our fair city becomes the site of a mini South-By-Southwest-style festival.  The excellent bands playing this year are too numerous to tag here; check out www.launchmusicconference.com for details - and come be part of it!  And to build a personalized Launch schedule, go to http://launch2013.sched.org/.

4.15.13

Locals You Should Know, #42: Dr. Eric Bierker.  Eric, a school counselor, recently released his first book, "On The Edge: Transitioning Imaginatively to College".  He "has worked with high school and college students for 25 years and shares imaginative stories and inspirational ideas about the college transition where every step matters and every day is destiny. Book is for high school seniors and juniors, adults who work with such students (high school counselors/teachers and youth workers), and parents. A great discussion starter."  Check it out here: http://www.amazon.com/The-Edge-Transitioning-Imaginatively-ebook/dp/B00BXT2IP2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365998461&sr=8-1&keywords=eric+bierker

4.14.13

21 hours to go on the Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart Kickstarter campaign!  You can still jump on board and become a backer and reap the sweet rewards.  Check it out here: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1101633399/matt-wheeler-and-vintage-hearts-strings-and-wires  Our debut full-length album "Strings & Wires" releases on Tu, 4/30

4.8.13

Locals You Should Know, #41: Tom Becker & The Row House.  Their mission?  "To winsomely engage culture-shapers, our neighbors, and our friends with a demonstration of God's restoration of all things in Jesus Christ.  We showcase modest expressions of faith with profound impact.  We create a civic dialogue about livability that is civil."  They host a forum on the third Saturday of each month at 7 pm and host concerts
occasionally, as well.  Check out www.therowhouse.org to find out more.  Also, here's the link to a conversation that Tom had with they guys from The Lancast: http://www.thelancast.com/row-house/

4.1.13

Locals You Should Know, #40: Chet Roy, Garrity Powers, & Chetroy Productions.  Chet & Garrity have come a long way since they met caddies on the golf course.  They currently run an innovative video & production house that handles business, commercial & art projects.  Want to see what exactly they do?  Check out www.chetroyproductions.com and watch their demo reel.  And prepare to be impressed.  Also, catch an interview their recently did with The Lancast: http://www.thelancast.com/chetroy-productions/

3.25.13

Locals You Should Know, #39: The Pig Merchants - Adam Rohrer & Brad Fuhrman.  A typo on Brad's iPhone may have named the band, but their tight, upbeat, easy-to-like sound is no mistake.  Check out their YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/philodean),
their website (www.thepigmerchants.com), and their upcoming pair of benefit shows for a young girl who was diagnosed with
cancer ( For Nina:  A two-night event featuring the music of Jake Lewis & The Clergy, Leticia Joy, Canyon, Ben Rothermel, and The Pig Merchants )!

3.21.13

The Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart Kickstarter campaign is now live!  You can find out how you can help make the album happen by visiting http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1101633399/matt-wheeler-and-vintage-hearts-strings-and-wires.  Thank you in advance for your help!

3.18.13

Locals You Should Know, #38: Jennifer Sensenig & North Star
Initiative.  Awareness of the massive injustice of human trafficking is starting to be better known, and organizations like the locally-based NSI are committed to the freedom and restoration of victims of human trafficking, in all its forms.  Check out www.northstarinitiative.org to find out how you can get involved and help.

3.11.13

Locals You Should Know, #37: Dave Lefever.  That old-time music/Americana thing that's really big right now?  Dave & The Cultivators have been doing it for years.  And later this week, Dave heads out on tour with Jake Lewis, Thomas Roue, & Widad.  Get to know Dave a bit through Linda Davis' "Music Makers of Lancaster" series.  http://www.flickr.com/photos/ljdavisdesignllc/6944205905/ 
And pick up Dave's 2012 release "Everywhere You Come From" here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/davelefever.

3.4.13

Locals You Should Know, #36: Spencer Brossman & Complete in Box.  Spencer & his staff have put together something special at Complete In Box, a video game store in Ephrata.  Yes, they do carry new games, but more importantly, they carry retro games, all the way back to Atari!  Plus, they have arcade machines that are free to play.  And a mini-museum of video game history.  Basically, if you have every enjoyed a video game, you can enjoy Complete In Box.  Check out www.completeinbox.com for more details.  You can also get to know Spencer & the Complete In Box story from this interview
with The Lancast: http://www.thelancast.com/complete-in-box/

2.25.13

Locals You Should Know, #35: York's Mark DeRose.  Mark's upbeat style of rock is, well, feel-good music.  His latest musical project, The Dreadnaught Brigade (featuring Steven Courtney, Jason Mundok, & Aaron Gagné), has an album coming out soon.  Check out www.markderosemusic.com for more!  You can also get to know Mark & his annual Rootenanny festival over at http://www.woodstovehouse.com/atws-podcast-72-3rd-annual-rootenanny/.

2.18.13

Locals You Should Know, #34: Adam Blessing.  I can
relate to a lot of Adam's story - early 30's husband & father doing his best to write quality songs and share them with others.  And Adam is indeed writing some quality songs.  His music has a laid-back, easy-to-like vibe and a sense of humor (listen to "No. 9" aka The Shark Song to see what I mean). Check out some of his music  on iTunes and at http://www.reverbnation.com/adamblessing and his Around the Wood Stove interview here at http://www.woodstovehouse.com/podcast-95-adam-blessing/.  And you really should check out his excellent cover of Tears for Fears' "Everybody Wants To Rule The World". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iwywHiH7IU

2.11.13

Locals You Should Know, #33: Marty Hulse & BUiLDiNG CHARACTER.  Marty's BUiLDiNG CHARACTER is a fascinating place to browse - there is just so much to look at.  They give space to numerous local vendors, featuring everything
from vintage doors, windows, & chairs to antiques to clothing (StyleGuy Men's Shop at Building Character, for instance).  Did I mention that it is also an occasional music venue?  Definitely a place to stop as you stop downtown.  http://www.buildingcharacter.biz/

2.4.13

Locals You Should Know, #32: The Districts.  There has recently been a lot of buzz surrounding Rob Grote & his bandmates, and hearing them live once will help you understand why.  They are at once raw, retro, and compelling with their brand of blues rock.  Check them out over at www.thedistricts.bandcamp.com.  Also, catch their session with WXPN's The Key Studio Sessions (http://thekey.xpn.org/2012/10/10/the-key-studio-sessions-the-districts/) and as part of Around the Wood Stove's Young  Lancaster Music Scene episode  (http://www.woodstovehouse.com/podcast-93-young-music-scene/). 

1.31.13

Locals You Should Know, Day #31: It's the last day of this month-long series, and I want to highlight several people who haven't been featured yet: Macy Keefer (http://macy-k.bandcamp.com/album/covers), Darry Miller (www.darrymillermusic.com), Dana Alexandra (www.danaalexandra.com), Doreen Landis/Chestnut Hill Café (www.chestnuthillcafe.com). Thank you for the great response on this series, everyone!  Figure to see it on a weekly basis from here.

1.30.13

Locals You Should Know, Day #30: The Bodhi Tree.  Many bands would call their sound unique, but The Bodhi Tree's is actually there.  Specializing in experimental, instrumental music, their live show is a transporting experience.  While their newest album, "Miksang", wasn't something that I could find online, you can get a taste of their music over at www.myspace.com/thebodhitreemusic. 
You can also read an interview they did with the York Daily Record/Sunday News here: http://www.flipsidepa.com/musicdirectory/ci_17610537.

1.29.13

Locals You Should Know, Day #29: Kim Blackwell- Zimmerman & City Gate Prayer Room.  Most of us want to do something to help those less fortunate than ourselves, but Kim @ City Gate are putting some feet on that idea in downtown Lancaster.  They offer a weekly Free Lunch for homeless folks, offer hope through prayer and, on occasion, music.  They are accepting personal items (toothpaste, deodorant, etc.) and winter wear to distribute this winter.  Find them over at https://www.facebook.com/pages/City-Gate-Prayer-Room/193597570917?fref=ts or stop by their 218 N. Duke Street location.

1.28.13

Locals You Should Know, Day #28: The Stray Birds.  Americana doesn't come much cleaner & better than The Stray Birds' tunes, & people locally & beyond are taking notice.  NPR rated their 2012 album in its top 10 Americana/Folk albums of the year.  See what the talk is about over at www.thestraybirds.com.  Catch their interview with Jason Mundok here: http://www.woodstovehouse.com/podcast-92-john-modern-linda-davis-and-the-stray-birds/.

1.27.13

Locals You Should Know, Day #27: The Historic.  What is The Wallflowers had a dose of The Decemberists' literary lyricisms?  It might sound a bit like The Historic, who are both melodic and thought-provoking.  Catch some of their music over at http://www.reverbnation.com/thehistoric.  Also, listen to them on The Lancast at http://www.thelancast.com/the-historic/. 
Wanna catch them live?  RSVP to a house show in Ephrata here: https://www.facebook.com/events/431107916957649/?fref=ts.

1.26.13

Locals You Should Know, Day #26: The Beggar Folk (Josh & Trista Lamb).  Folky, beautiful music, plain & simple.  The Beggar Folk are one of the best locals live acts, as well, featuring their offbeat and heartfelt stage banter.  Check out www.thebeggarfolk.com and catch them live if you get the chance.  You can get to know a bit of their story over at http://www.woodstovehouse.com/atws-17-the-beggar-folk/, too.

1.25.13

Locals You Should Know, Day #25: Justin Rule/Heads Up Lancaster.  Justin leads Heads Up, an organization with a mission to use urban arts to release vision in the lives of youth that transcends circumstances.  Working with urban schools, Artist Mentors teach students break dance, murals, cooking, junkyard drumming, photography, fashion and more. More importantly, students are encouraged to discover their unique God-given gifts and talents and are released with vision for their lives.  It's very cool stuff. Find out more over at  www.headsuplancaster.org.  And catch a flash mob that they did in downtown Lancaster in '11 here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjKZEDQPF58

1.24.13

Locals You Should Know, Day #24: Karin Meacham/ Art & Glassworks.  Karin runs a store on the delightfully quirky 300 Block of North Queen Street in Downtown Lancaster that you could spend hours browsing - so much to see, particularly many stained glass works.  Plus, in warmer weather, Art & Glassworks hosts live music in their beautiful courtyard in back of the store. 
Check it out! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Art-Glassworks/79147551052

1.23.13

Locals You Should Know, Day #23: Books Day! Lancaster & the surrounding area is home to numerous authors, publishers, or book dealers that you should know about.  Here are a few.

1. Keith D. Wilson, author of "Geillan: A Prisoner's Tale" - http://vahatrilogy.com/
2. Eric Bierker, author of "On The Edge: Transitioning Imaginatively to College" -
https://sites.google.com/site/ontheedgebook/our-company
(and also his insightful blog, www.bierkergaard.blogspot.com/)
3. Melody Williams & Winding Way Books at Gallery Row, book dealer
4. Deb Brandt & Fig Lancaster Magazine - www.figlancaster.com
5. Mark Pontz & Fine Living Lancaster Magazine - www.fllmag.com

1.22.13

Locals You Should Know, Day #22: Anne Kirby & The Candy Factory.  The Candy Factory is a co-working space, but it's more than that - it's a community.  Plus, it also hosts music & art events (and is an excellent venue).  Jennifer Dunn helps organize the events, which are free to the musicians/artists.  And yes, the building used to be a place where candy was made.  Check out http://www.candyissweet.com/ to learn more.  And click here for a podcast interview in which Anne discusses the creative community aspect of The Candy Factory.

1.21.13

Locals You Should Know, Day #21: Nick Francis & Mosaic Presents.  Nick and the Mosaic team offers a stage and a community where artisans share and celebrate their creative life and work. Primarily through music, but tapping into visual arts, dance, poetry and more, Mosaic is a community which operates on a human economy. In this economy, artists of various disciplines come together to enrich one another and the vibrant and exploding arts scene in the city of Lancaster.  Find out more over at http://mosaicpresents.com/

1.20.13

Locals You Should Know, Day #20: Photographer's Day! Here are some Lancaster-area photographers of note.  Click their names to link to their work:

1. John-Mark Burkholder
2. Matthew Lester
3. Chet Roy, Kathy Roy, & Garrity Powers/Chetroy Productions
4. Christopher Tress
5. Kent Mast
6. Bryan Bouder
7. Matt Kirkley
8. Kristi Eckman/Nevaeh Grace Photography
9. Musically Pink Photography
10. Chad Warner
11. Darren Landis
12. Michelle Johnsen
13. Lori Stahl
14. Jacob Keeler

1.19.13

Locals You Should Know, Day #19: Jeff Burkholder, Jeremy Bentley, and The Ouro Bros & The Neverending Tour webcomic.  Jeff & Jeremy have had Stan & Bal, the title duo, out on tour for nearly 3 years, and their adventures are just getting better.  I recommend heading over to www.ourobros.com and catching up from the first comic strip.  Also, check out a Lancast interview with the guys over at http://www.thelancast.com/the-ouro-bros.

1.18.13

Locals You Should Know, Day #18: Ben Rothermel.  Ben is the quintessential singer-songwriter: he writes from the heart, about things he feels strongly, and delivers his songs with a fresh honesty and is easy to relate to.  He's heading out on tour in February with Isaac Gill Music, so if you're located south of PA, good news!  He's coming your way.  Check out his website at www.benrothermel.com.  Also find his music at http://benrothermel.bandcamp.com and an interview with Mr. Rothermel over at http://www.thelancast.com/ben-rothermel/.  And another good one here: http://www.woodstovehouse.com/atws-52-ben-rothermel/

1.17.13

Locals You Should Know, Day #17: Artists Day!  Lancaster and the surrounding area are well stocked with excellent painters, sculptors, and other visual artists.  Here are just a few - click their names to link to their artwork/sites:
 
1. Cindy Schlosser 
2. Shalom Beachy
3. Tori Hepler
4. Kris Hollingsworth (plus one more link for Kris) 
 5. J. David Seyfried Jr.

1.16.13

Locals You Should Know, Day #16: Bob Glick & Rabbit Hill Acoustic.  Bob has become a behind-the-scenes fixture in the Lancaster music scene, posting live performance videos from local artists such as Jessica Smucker, Ben Rothermel, and, well, me, and also touring acts like Joy Ike, Sarah
Blacker, & Canyon.  He also runs sound and lights, using his own equipment.  If you go to a quality concert in Lancaster, don't be surprised if Bob is involved in making it happen.  Check out his YouTube channel over at http://www.youtube.com/user/rabbithillacoustic.

1.15.13

Locals You Should Know, Day #15: Josh Gibbel & Live From the Cellar. Josh & his wife started hosting house concerts in their basement just about a year and a half ago, and already, it's turning into something really special. It has become one of the premier house concert venues in the area, hosting touring acts and local acts, often in the same show (the excellent December Denison Witmer/Kerr show comes to mind), and also incorporates local artists, who display their art as a backdrop for the show. Check out https://www.facebook.com/LiveFromTheCellar?fref=ts to learn more.  Also, check out Josh's blog here... http://gettinginsidemyhead.com/.  ...And an interview with him here: http://www.woodstovehouse.com/podcast-88-live-from-the-cellar/  And if you still can't get enough Gibbel, here's Josh on The Lancast: http://www.thelancast.com/josh-gibbel/

1.14.13

Locals You Should Know, Day #14: The Creative Works of Lancaster.  You have to hand it to these guys when it comes to offbeat ingenuity.  Whether it would be a walking art gallery (people wearing paintings - and selling them), plays in Musser Park, or sock puppet adaptations of well-known movies (Psycho, The Godfather, and a Christmas-themed Jaws), CWL pushes creativity to new levels.  Check out www.creativelancaster.com to learn more and find out when their upcoming events are happening.  And, once again, I would recommend the Around the Wood Stove interview with CWL
to learn more.  www.woodstovehouse.com/podcast-87-jaws-to-the-world/

1.13.13

Locals You Should Know, Day #13: Jesse Baker.  Jesse, while a relative newcomer to the Central PA music scene, has been sharing the stage with some big names, like Kingsfoil & Darry Miller.  He is also giving away his debut album for free over at www.jessebaker.net!  Get to know Jesse and his innovative thoughts on the music industry at www.woodstovehouse.com/atws-77-jesse-baker.

1.12.13

Locals You Should Know, Day #12: Sam Campbell & Gigspots. Sam's creation, www.gigspots.com, is "where bands, fans, and venues click". It's a simple, but very good, idea: bands and venues make profiles, so they are able to connect easily. Also, check out the Gigspots YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/Gigspots1) for some excellent local music in live video form.

1.11.13

Locals You Should Know, Day #11: Mike McMonagle.  Singer-songwriter, Features Editor for Fly Magazine, booker for music events at Tellus360.  Mike just sings with so much soul, like Bob Dylan...if Bob Dylan had a better singing voice.  Like The Tallest Man On Earth but more...normal.  The kind of songs that warm your heart, or make you cry depending on the song.  Check out mikemcmonagle.bandcamp.com and download some goodness.  Also, you can catch Mike at Central PA at World Café Live in Philly Saturday.

1.10.13

Locals You Should Know, Day #10: David Moulton, Keith Slesser, & The Lancast.  The crew from The Lancast podcast have been doing what I'm doing with these posts- highlighting interesting people from our area, from all walks of life, in their case.  "Ordinary people, extraordinary convo", indeed.  Check them out at www.thelancast.com.  And support them by donating a few bucks to help keep 'em going, too.  ...And a special shout-out to Mr. Daniel Klotz, the co-founder and former co-host of The Lancast.  And a fellow Bearded Brother,
to boot.

1.9.13

Locals You Should Know, Day #9: Jake Lewis & Shawna Stoltzfoos Lewis.  This creative couple recently relocated to Lancaster, and we are happy to have them.  Jake is a singer-songwriter in the mold of Josh Ritter (a very good thing) - check out his album "Location, Location" over at Bandcamp.  His wife Shawna is a screen writer who  recently wrote a film called "Spaceman Wilson" (see the comments for the trailer - it looks great, with a Wes Anderson sensibility).  Check out their Around the Wood Stove interview to get to know them a bit - http://www.woodstovehouse.com/atws-podcast-83-jake-lewis-shawna-stoltzfoos/  And an EP that Jake is offering for free!  http://jakelewis.bandcamp.com

1.8.13

Locals You Should Know, #8: Fred McNaughton.  Kids' Musician, WJTL station manager & Get Up & Go Show host, and ukulele enthusiast extraordinaire.  One of the friendliest and most creative people I know.  To check out his music, and for booking, go to www.phreddcentral.com.

1.7.13

Locals You Should Know, Day #7: Joe Devoy & Tellus360. So, what is Tellus 360 exactly? It's a bit hard to explain, but it is something wonderful. The store features "economical and sustainable solutions to all aspects of living". This includes reclaimed wood furniture (& guitars!), solar panels, green roofs (the store itself has one), home decor...and Irish antiques, a nod to the very personable Joe's background. Did I mention that it has an art gallery (Gallery 360) and regularly hosts music events (such as its monthly Table Top Sessions - more on the music aspect another day)? You really have to stop in to check it out. And check out www.tellus360.com in the meantime.

1.6.13

Locals You Should Know, Day #6: Jeff McLain. He is the man behindIheartlancity, The Community Haus, and, the most recent addition, The Local Volk. Jeff is an advocate for Lancaster city itself, through organizing music events, showing people around our fair city, and helping people in need. Check out www.thecommunityhaus.com and follow him on Twitter @jeffmclain.

1.5.13

Locals You Should Know, Day #5: Ryan Braught & Veritas. Ryan is the visionary behind Veritas, a Christian faith community that gives a safe space to ask questions and is very involved in in Lancaster art & music scene, hosting art openings, poetry events, open mics, and concerts at The Community Room on Prince downtown. Find out more at www.veritaschurchpa.org.

1.4.13

Locals You Should Know, Day #4: Ken Mueller. Ken, besides knowing seemingly everyone in Lancaster, runs Inkling Media, which dishes sage advice about how businesses can manage social media and marketing wisely. Check out his blog over at www.inklingsmedia.net.

1.3.13

Locals You Should Know, Day #3: Jason Mundok & Wood Stove House.  I see Jason as one of Lancaster's foremost facilitators of the local music, art, & theater scenes.  Every week, Wood Stove House puts out the excellent Around the Wood Stove Podcast, highlighting creatives from Central PA (and those touring through).  The podcast leads off with a rundown of what is happening in the creative scene around the area.  Wood Stove House also hosts house shows and some very innovative theater events, such as The 24 Hour Plays & Play Grounds: Theater On Site.  2013 looks to hold even more good stuff from Jason & WSH.  Check out www.woodstovehouse.com and start with the ir 2012 year in review podcast to catch up a bit.

1.2.13

Locals You Should Know, Day #2: Katy Glorioso.  A singer-songwriter hailing from York, PA.  Katy's songs are  well-written, and her vocal delivery is honest and compelling.  Her Nashville-recorded debut album "Fine and Foolish" is available on Amazon.com (click to check it out).  Check out her songs at www.reverbnation.com/katyglorioso and you can get to know Katy a bit better by listening to her interview on the Around the Wood Stove podcast.  And I would be amiss if I didn't also include Katy's excellent guitarist and co-songwriter, Chris Flegal.
Catch them live the next opportunity you get.

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