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A new release from Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart!
Some songs just make you feel - Coldplay's epic ballad "Fix You" is one of them. We have all been through disappointment & rejection, & have also all seen people we love deal with tough times & wanted to help them, and "Fix You" captures the emotions that go with those times so well.
We have once again teamed up with producer/multi-instrumentalist/creative genius Steven Courtney, this time to record our own orchestral folk take on this classic tune. It's the first of a series of singles that we plan to release over the coming months.
Click the image below or the link to listen to "Fix You" on Spotify. Please enjoy & share!
http://bit.ly/mwvhfixyou
4/17/19
My Spring Canadian Tour kicks off soon in London (Ontario, that is)!
Thursday, 4/18: Sofar Sounds London, Ontario
Friday, 4/19: Matt Wheeler Live at #Hashtag Gallery Toronto, ON
Saturday, 4/20: House Concert, Stratford, ON
#mwspringcanadiantour
#ocanada🇨🇦
1/7/19
Have about 3 minutes & want to help Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart win an award (or two)? Please click the image to vote for us for the Kindred Ministries Music Awards for FOLK/INDIE GROUP OF THE YEAR and ORIGINAL LOVE SONG (for "First Dance") categories. Thank you so much in advance!
1/1/192018 brought some many musical adventures! From sharing the stage with Great Lake Swimmers & Gaelynn Lea to 7 Sofar Sounds shows, to my Musikfest & NERFA debuts to my 4 different forays into Canada - I am very grateful to get to share my stories & songs, & I truly appreciate your support. Whether you attended a show, bought a CD/vinyl record/shirt, gave me a place to stay when I was touring, or sent along an encouraging word - I just want to say - THANK YOU!
Search the #yearinshows2018 hashtags on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to see posts about Matt's 32 favorite shows of 2018.
11/23/18
Making a Christmas music playlist? For your consideration:
“King of Light” by Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart.
Search "King of Light" on Spotify & add the song to your Christmas playlist.11/4/18Would you like a custom-made audio Polaroid of one of my songs - any song from my catalog, or even a couple of covers - with a shout-out to you built in? I'm taking preorders on just such a project now!
Click the link or image to order your very own one-of-a-kind record from my Leesta Vall Sound Recordings Direct-to-Vinyl session in Brooklyn this Friday.
It makes a great Christmas present, too! Pre-orders will be set to ship in the week to two weeks after the recording on Friday.
https://leestavall.com/products/mattwheeler
6/23/18
Matt recently sat down with Hannah & Sam from the Flat Nickel podcast to chat about Sofar Sounds, touring, and road eats. Click here to check it out, or listen on Apple Podcasts!4/12/18
4/7/18
April seven, you’re waking up
To the brighter side if what’s making up your
Little world
In honor of Charity & my wedding anniversary - as noted in “Avalanche” - pick up a free download of “Avalanche” today, from my special “On the Hill” solo session with Kettle Pot Tracks. Enjoy!
3/10/18We’re now officially an award-winning band. Many thanks to the Kindred Awards for the nomination, & to all of you who voted online to help us win the Best Original Christmas Song for “King of Light”!
#thankYouGod
#irealizethereisanextratheinthetitlebutstill
#only290daysuntilChristmas
3/5/18On this day last year, Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart played the album release party for our our self-titled album at Tellus360 along our friends Vulcans & The Band of Rivals!
And you can download the album free at www.mattwheeleronline.com/mwandvh, or stream it on Spotify, Apple Music, or any other streaming platform.
1/18/18
Back in March 2017, Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart visited the ABC27 News studio & performed “Safer”. What you didn’t see then is that we were asked to play another song, too, which aired today. Check out our full-band performance of “Cedars”!
1/2/18A tiny (but meaningful) favor to ask: Could you please take 2 minutes and vote for Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart for the two Kindred Awards for which we have been nominated? It's easy, with no registration required. Simply click the image below, then vote for us in the CONTEMPORARY GROUP OF THE YEAR category & the ORIGINAL CHRISTMAS SONG category for our song "King of Light". Voting lasts through January 14. Please vote & share. A big thank you in advance!
(the link: http://www.sjchristianevents.com/kindred-awards/)
1/2/182017 was an AMAZING year for Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart! A new album, 98 shows, touring spanning St. Louis to New England, Chicago to Atlanta, 6 Sofar Sounds shows, & so many new friends. Many thanks to each of you to have supported us and come along on our journey. Here’s to an even better year in 2018!
Check out the #yearinshows2017 hashtag on Instagram, Twitter, & Facebook for a recap of 31 of our shows from 2017.
12/28/17We have two fantastic shows coming up - click the graphics below for details:
- Sunday, 12/31/17 - First Night CarlisleFriday, 1/5/18 - The Abbey Bar at Appalachian Brewing Company
12/24/17A special "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" mad lib, with word contributions from my family & 32 of my Facebook friends, plus a live performance of my original Christmas song "King of Light". Enjoy, & merry Christmas to you!11/23/17Matt collaborated with Steven Courtney in producing the original Christmas song "King of Light", and it's now available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, and other streaming services. Click the image below to find "King of Light" on Spotify, and please add it to your Christmas playlist so that you can enjoy it alongside all of your Christmas favorites.
9/4/17
The entire Matt Wheeler/Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart discography is available for free download through the end of Labor Day! Click the link below to help yourself.
9/3/17
Matt's solo southern tour was a ton of fun - check out the #summersoutherntour hashtag on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook to check out the pictures and videos documenting the trip!8/24/17Our Philadelphia Folk Fest debut was fantastic! Thank you, Philadelphia Folksong Society, for having us. Hope to see you at Fest next year!
7/26/17
Matt will be returning to Philadelphia's World Cafe Live for a solo set in support of Asheville, NC's Fireside Collective. Find tickets & details by clicking here.5/14/17WITF put together a wonderful Spotify playlist for you to enjoy this summer, including music from their featured acts, including The Jayplayers, Vulcans, Tht Grl, Shawan And The Wonton, Olds and the Absolution, & many more! Click here to listen.
5/4/17
The Hook Journal recently published a very positive review of the new self-titled Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart album. They especially loved the cello. Read the review here!
4/11/17
Matt was recently a guest on WCHE's SoundStage radio show! Listen to the podcast form by clicking here.3/11/17The new self-titled Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart album is out now! Check out the links below to find it on...
CD Baby (purchase CD or download)
SoundCloud (stream)
Look for it on Spotify, iTunes, & Amazon soon!
Enjoy, & drop us a line with your thoughts on the new songs.
1/28/17
On this, the 5th anniversary of Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart, I want to gift you with the EP that came out of the collaboration that grew into the current version of my orchestral folk band. Click the link below to download a free copy of the 3-song Strings EP, now through Tuesday, 1/31. Enjoy & share!
A bit of background: one beautiful spring evening in April 2012, I collaborated with my friends Andrew, Caleb, & Ben to do a live recording of 3 of my songs in one of my favorite arrangements--with strings. Violin & cello make you just feel something, and I think that these three tracks captured that emotion as well as the excellent acoustics of The Community Room on Prince.
Songs:
1. "Paperthin"
2. "Avalanche"
3. "Repairs"
Recorded & mixed by Ben Young
https://mattwheeler.bandcamp.com/album/strings-ep
1/7/17
Could you please help Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart in an easy but meaningful way? Please click the link below & click the FOLLOW button on our artist page on Spotify. Whether you use Spotify much or not, your follow means a lot to us, since we need 250 followers to verify our account & be able to control it (as of this writing, we are at 74 followers). Please follow & share. Many thanks, everyone!
9/15/16
The Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart PledgeMusic campaign has now launched! Pledge to pre-order our new self-titled album, get access to updates & exclusives, & to just generally show us some support & love. Click the button below to watch the intro video & see details at the campaign page. And PLEASE share to spread the word. We can't wait to get this project out to you!
8/28/16
Look for news in the coming days about a PledgeMusic campaign to let you be a part of making our new full-length album happen! More to come shortly.
7/5/16
The free deal on my whole catalog is over, BUT you can still pick up my newest release, the "On the Hill" solo EP, for free at NoiseTradeor at Bandcamp. Thank you for listening!7/2/16
Through July 4, pick up Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart's entire discography FREE! Click the image above to pick up your free music now.6/1/16Matt will be sharing the stage with one of his favorite songwriters, Denison Witmer, as part of the Hans Herr House Music in the Orchard Series on July 23. For details, click here, & click here to RSVP on Facebook.4/26/16WXPN's The Key blog recently posted a nice write-up about Matt's new solo EP. Click here to read it!
4/15/16
Matt's new solo EP, "On the Hill", releases today! Recorded with Kettle Pot Tracks in Philadelphia, the 5-song set includes two new songs: "Cedars" & "Lexington". You can stream it on Spotify, or download it FREE here:
2/25/16
Four big shows this weekend:
Fr, 2/26:Ten Thousand Villages, Ephrata, PA (full band show)
Sa, 2/27: Pgh/WV Solo Tour - acousticSongs LIVE (click here to tune in live at 12 pm), Washington, PA
Sa, 2/27: Pgh/WV Solo Tour - The Park House, Pittsburgh, PA
Su, 2/28: Pgh/WV Solo Tour - The Purple Fiddle, Thomas, PA
2/2/16Matt played four songs for John Paul Decker's Old Bear Sessions, & the performance of his newest song, "Safer", was submitted for NPR's Tiny Desk Contest. Check it out here!
12/23/15Matt recorded a new Christmas song for the WJTL Kids Cookie Break Christmas album that recently released! Pick up his original song "King of Light" for free by clicking here.
10/18/15MyRuralRadio.com Fall Fest 7 was incredible! You can check out the video from our performance of our new song "Safer" here.
8/17/15
Andrew & Matt had the honor of being featured on Eric Tsurumoto's Philadelphia-based podcast/blog Paper Box Sessions! Check out the podcast here, & click here for the video performance of "Lexington", "Indigo", & "Manhattan".7/17/15
Our friends at Kettle Pot Tracks have posted the solo acoustic session that Matt did with them back in February - check out the "Watch" tab to listen, & click here to peruse the other fine artists featured in their reputable On the Hill series!
7/10/15
Mr. Peter Winter Lee of the band Seasons asked me to participate in his All the Day Sounds blog's Top 5 Fridays column, & I happily obliged. Click this link to see my top five recent favorite albums!6/17/15Last month, we were part of the Bob Dylan Birthday Bash at Tellus360, & LNP invited me to record one of the songs I played at the event. Click here to see my performance of the Dylan classic "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right".
5/8/15
May brings a couple of festivals to the Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart concert schedule: Rocky Knob Folky Fest& FlavorFest. Click here or on the "Shows" tab at the top of this webpage for details!
4/22/15
We're returning to LAUNCH Music Conference in Lancaster for two sets: Th, 4/23 at 8 pm at Tellus360 & Fr, 4/24 at 11:15 pm at Federal Taphouse. Come on out to a show!
3.22.15
Tonight - Sunday, 3/22/15 - I will be playing a special free online show through Concert Window. Click the Concert Window logo below to tune in! And if you can't make this show, check out "Shows" page for upcoming concerts where you can catch us.
3.4.15
Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart has been named MyRuralRadio.com's March 2015 Artist of the Month! Check out their feature page for us, & give a listen to MMR's extensive collection of good local & regional music.
2.24.15
The third & last installment in our series of videos from our Tiny Desk Concert live from The Candy Factory in Lancaster, PA is now up for viewing! Click below to see it, & click here to view the playlist of all three videos together. Enjoy!
2.2.15
The second song from our Tiny Desk Concert at The Candy Factory is now up & available to view! Catch our live version of our song "Gold" below.
1.24.15
Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart made a video for NPR Music's Tiny Desk Contest - check out the video below!
1.5.15
Matt was on Fox 43's Music Monday today - catch both segments through this link!
12.31.14
Happy new year, everyone! Enjoy this quick cover of the Counting Crows classic song "A Long December" to ring in 2015. My 5-year-old son even makes an appearance.
12.21.14
Matt is playing a special solo Christmas online Concert Window show tonight at 8 pm! Click here to tune in.
11.23.14
Fine Living Lancaster magazine's latest features us in an article called "(Really) Listening to Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart"! See the online portion of the interview here.
11.15.14
We will be making our first appearance in New York City tomorrow at 5 pm, at the reputable Rockwood Music Hall in Manhattan! Details here.
10.15.14
Fellow musicians, please take a moment to check out this blog post from our friend Joy Ike's Grassrootsy blog, a post about what types of shows to play & why. Enjoy!
9.13.14
Ken Templeton of whatbreesees.com did an excellent write-up of my show with Max Garcia Conover at Blue - check it out here!
9.9.14
Matt's New England solo tour was fantastic - thank you to everyone who was a part of it. Click here to see the photo journal from the trip!
9.3.14
I kick off my New England solo tour on Th, 9/4! The stops on this short tour:
- Th, 9/4 - Blue, Portland, ME wMax García Conover
- Fr, 9/5 - Stay Tuned Radio Show live in-studio appearance, Portsmouth, NH
- Fr, 9/5 - House concert, Portland, ME w/Max Garcia Conover & Sammie Francis-Taylor
- Sa, 9/6 - Goodnight Blue Moon, Matt Wheeler, Max Garcia Conover @ Cafe Nine, New Haven, CT
New England, here I come!
9.1.14
David Gerz of Tri State Indie had this to say about our performance at Tellus360 in Lancaster on 8.23.14: "It was a night of all around fantastic musical performances at Tellus 360 last Saturday. The show kicked off with a set from local musician Matt Wheeler who was accompanied by violinist, Caleb Brown. I have seen Matt play a few times now and every time I’m amazed by the emotion Matt is able to convey through his performance. When you watch Matt Wheeler play his music, it feels as though you are having a conversation with him and really getting a glimpse into his life." Thank you, David!
8.30.14
Sunday, 8/31, at 8 pm, you can catch a special online concert that Matt is playing solo through Concert Window. Watch from the comfort of your own home, & interact through the chat feature! Click here for details, &here for the Facebook invite.
8.10.14
I was on ABC27's Good Day PA! show on August 7, talking about our music video project, playing Gettysburg Rocks/benefiting the Four Diamonds Fund, & was joined by violinist Taylor Brandt in playing "River (A Dark Chase)" live on air.
8.1.14
Julia Hatmaker from PennLive.com had these kind words to say: "Wheeler is a Lancaster treasure. The folk-rock songwriter incorporates violin, harmonica and cello into his songs, giving the genre a classical feel that never fails to captivate." Thank you for the excellent write-up! Check out the whole article, which includes the rest of Julia's August concerts to catch, here.
7.24.14
A friend in Colorado shared this cool story about one of our songs: "Here's a little something I thought you'd enjoy: I was talking with one of my housemates yesterday and she said 'Don't forget in the darkness what you found in the light.' INSTANTLY (!) my mind went straight to The Light & The Sea and needless to say, after sharing your song with my housemate, you now have a new fan in Colorado." Thank you for sharing, Janel!
6.30.14
The Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart song "River (A Dark Chase)" was featured on the 105.7 The X Under the Radar show! You can hear the episode by clicking here ("River: comes on around 4:42). Also, you can pick up a copy of the song here. Also, look for information on a short film based on "River" soon!
6.13.14
Fresh off our debut performance as part of a central PA showcase at World Cafe Live Philadelphia, we are pleased to announce that we will be part of Make Music Philly, a city-wide free music festival on Saturday, June 21! We will be playing sets at Hard Rock Cafe, Fleisher Art Memorial, & Julian Abele Park. For more details, check outwww.makemusicphilly.org, and read Philly360's article about the event (& many thanks to them for mentioning us by name!).
5.11.14
The Boston-based music blog RedLine Roots recently reviewed our single "Indigo" in its "First Listen" section. Check it out here! This is one of my favorite quotes from it:
"Matt really has a way with words. He puts poetry to music really rather than simply writing songs. Very beautiful writing throughout this one track and the greater record."
Thank you for the kind words!
5.3.14
Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart just added a slew of new show listings, & we have some good ones coming up, including a bit of travelling (Stay Tuned Radio in NH, a gig with my friend Max García Conover in ME, and a show at Ebenezers Coffeehouse in DC), a show at Hard Rock Cafe Philadelphia for Make Music Philly, and, of course, plenty of quality shows in Lancaster, including our first appearance at The Lancaster Dispensing Company. Click www.mattwheeleronline.com/shows.html for more details!
4.13.14
We're playing one of our biggest shows of the year on Saturday, 4/19 - our LAUNCH Music Conference showcase at Tellus360 at 10:45 pm. If you're local or going to be in town, we would love to see you there! Many other excellent shows recently posted - see the "Shows" tab for more.
3.27.14
This Saturday, 3/29, I will be sharing the stage at the first Lancaster Transplant Songwriters' Round with Canyon., Claire Anthony, & Rick McVicker! My friend & frequent collaborator Andrew Berg will be joining me on cello for some of my songs. Click the graphic to the left for more details!
3.23.14
Now through 4/7, you can pick up the "Strings EP" version of "Avalanche" (as heard on WXPN) for FREE in honor of my wife & my wedding anniversary on April 7. Click here to pick it up. Enjoy!
3.12.14
Two shows coming up this Friday, 3/14: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Ten Thousand Villages Ephrata, then 9:30 pm to 10 pm with Canyon. & Friends at Commonwealth on Queen in Lancaster. Hope to see you!
2.24.14
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
Sunday's Concert Window online show was a success! Check out Concert Window's excellent lineup of performers atconcertwindow.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
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!
12.8.13The 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 fromDerek 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
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 PAshow today! Check out the interview & performance here:
abc27 WHTM
11.4.13
I contributed a guest blog to Jocelyn Park's new websiteLancaster 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 video); 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!
9.3.13Want 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 atwww.bradcolemusic.com. I suggest starting with his song "Pilgrimage" or "So About Goodbye".
6.14.13
Fig Lancastermagazine recently featured Matt
Wheeler & Vintage Heart in its WXPNVoices section! Head over towww.figlancaster.comand 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!
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 athttp://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 outhttp://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 outwww.launchmusicconference.com for details - and come be part of it! And to build a personalized Launch schedule, go tohttp://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 outwww.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 outwww.markderosemusic.com for more! You can also get to know Mark & his annual Rootenanny festival over athttp://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 athttp://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 atwww.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 athttps://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 if 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 towww.ourobros.com and catching up from the first comic strip. Also, check out a Lancast interview with the guys over athttp://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 athttp://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 outwww.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 atwww.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 behind Iheartlancity, 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.
Some songs just make you feel - Coldplay's epic ballad "Fix You" is one of them. We have all been through disappointment & rejection, & have also all seen people we love deal with tough times & wanted to help them, and "Fix You" captures the emotions that go with those times so well.
We have once again teamed up with producer/multi-instrumentalist/creative genius Steven Courtney, this time to record our own orchestral folk take on this classic tune. It's the first of a series of singles that we plan to release over the coming months.
Click the image below or the link to listen to "Fix You" on Spotify. Please enjoy & share!
http://bit.ly/mwvhfixyou
4/17/19
My Spring Canadian Tour kicks off soon in London (Ontario, that is)!
Thursday, 4/18: Sofar Sounds London, Ontario
Friday, 4/19: Matt Wheeler Live at #Hashtag Gallery Toronto, ON
Saturday, 4/20: House Concert, Stratford, ON
#mwspringcanadiantour
#ocanada🇨🇦
1/7/19
Have about 3 minutes & want to help Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart win an award (or two)? Please click the image to vote for us for the Kindred Ministries Music Awards for FOLK/INDIE GROUP OF THE YEAR and ORIGINAL LOVE SONG (for "First Dance") categories. Thank you so much in advance!
1/1/192018 brought some many musical adventures! From sharing the stage with Great Lake Swimmers & Gaelynn Lea to 7 Sofar Sounds shows, to my Musikfest & NERFA debuts to my 4 different forays into Canada - I am very grateful to get to share my stories & songs, & I truly appreciate your support. Whether you attended a show, bought a CD/vinyl record/shirt, gave me a place to stay when I was touring, or sent along an encouraging word - I just want to say - THANK YOU!
Search the #yearinshows2018 hashtags on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to see posts about Matt's 32 favorite shows of 2018.
11/23/18
Making a Christmas music playlist? For your consideration:
“King of Light” by Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart.
Search "King of Light" on Spotify & add the song to your Christmas playlist.11/4/18Would you like a custom-made audio Polaroid of one of my songs - any song from my catalog, or even a couple of covers - with a shout-out to you built in? I'm taking preorders on just such a project now!
Click the link or image to order your very own one-of-a-kind record from my Leesta Vall Sound Recordings Direct-to-Vinyl session in Brooklyn this Friday.
It makes a great Christmas present, too! Pre-orders will be set to ship in the week to two weeks after the recording on Friday.
https://leestavall.com/products/mattwheeler
6/23/18
Matt recently sat down with Hannah & Sam from the Flat Nickel podcast to chat about Sofar Sounds, touring, and road eats. Click here to check it out, or listen on Apple Podcasts!4/12/18
4/7/18
April seven, you’re waking up
To the brighter side if what’s making up your
Little world
In honor of Charity & my wedding anniversary - as noted in “Avalanche” - pick up a free download of “Avalanche” today, from my special “On the Hill” solo session with Kettle Pot Tracks. Enjoy!
3/10/18We’re now officially an award-winning band. Many thanks to the Kindred Awards for the nomination, & to all of you who voted online to help us win the Best Original Christmas Song for “King of Light”!
#thankYouGod
#irealizethereisanextratheinthetitlebutstill
#only290daysuntilChristmas
3/5/18On this day last year, Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart played the album release party for our our self-titled album at Tellus360 along our friends Vulcans & The Band of Rivals!
And you can download the album free at www.mattwheeleronline.com/mwandvh, or stream it on Spotify, Apple Music, or any other streaming platform.
1/18/18
Back in March 2017, Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart visited the ABC27 News studio & performed “Safer”. What you didn’t see then is that we were asked to play another song, too, which aired today. Check out our full-band performance of “Cedars”!
1/2/18A tiny (but meaningful) favor to ask: Could you please take 2 minutes and vote for Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart for the two Kindred Awards for which we have been nominated? It's easy, with no registration required. Simply click the image below, then vote for us in the CONTEMPORARY GROUP OF THE YEAR category & the ORIGINAL CHRISTMAS SONG category for our song "King of Light". Voting lasts through January 14. Please vote & share. A big thank you in advance!
(the link: http://www.sjchristianevents.com/kindred-awards/)
1/2/182017 was an AMAZING year for Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart! A new album, 98 shows, touring spanning St. Louis to New England, Chicago to Atlanta, 6 Sofar Sounds shows, & so many new friends. Many thanks to each of you to have supported us and come along on our journey. Here’s to an even better year in 2018!
Check out the #yearinshows2017 hashtag on Instagram, Twitter, & Facebook for a recap of 31 of our shows from 2017.
12/28/17We have two fantastic shows coming up - click the graphics below for details:
- Sunday, 12/31/17 - First Night CarlisleFriday, 1/5/18 - The Abbey Bar at Appalachian Brewing Company
12/24/17A special "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" mad lib, with word contributions from my family & 32 of my Facebook friends, plus a live performance of my original Christmas song "King of Light". Enjoy, & merry Christmas to you!11/23/17Matt collaborated with Steven Courtney in producing the original Christmas song "King of Light", and it's now available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, and other streaming services. Click the image below to find "King of Light" on Spotify, and please add it to your Christmas playlist so that you can enjoy it alongside all of your Christmas favorites.
9/4/17
The entire Matt Wheeler/Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart discography is available for free download through the end of Labor Day! Click the link below to help yourself.
9/3/17
Matt's solo southern tour was a ton of fun - check out the #summersoutherntour hashtag on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook to check out the pictures and videos documenting the trip!8/24/17Our Philadelphia Folk Fest debut was fantastic! Thank you, Philadelphia Folksong Society, for having us. Hope to see you at Fest next year!
7/26/17
Matt will be returning to Philadelphia's World Cafe Live for a solo set in support of Asheville, NC's Fireside Collective. Find tickets & details by clicking here.5/14/17WITF put together a wonderful Spotify playlist for you to enjoy this summer, including music from their featured acts, including The Jayplayers, Vulcans, Tht Grl, Shawan And The Wonton, Olds and the Absolution, & many more! Click here to listen.
5/4/17
The Hook Journal recently published a very positive review of the new self-titled Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart album. They especially loved the cello. Read the review here!
4/11/17
Matt was recently a guest on WCHE's SoundStage radio show! Listen to the podcast form by clicking here.3/11/17The new self-titled Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart album is out now! Check out the links below to find it on...
CD Baby (purchase CD or download)
SoundCloud (stream)
Look for it on Spotify, iTunes, & Amazon soon!
Enjoy, & drop us a line with your thoughts on the new songs.
1/28/17
On this, the 5th anniversary of Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart, I want to gift you with the EP that came out of the collaboration that grew into the current version of my orchestral folk band. Click the link below to download a free copy of the 3-song Strings EP, now through Tuesday, 1/31. Enjoy & share!
A bit of background: one beautiful spring evening in April 2012, I collaborated with my friends Andrew, Caleb, & Ben to do a live recording of 3 of my songs in one of my favorite arrangements--with strings. Violin & cello make you just feel something, and I think that these three tracks captured that emotion as well as the excellent acoustics of The Community Room on Prince.
Songs:
1. "Paperthin"
2. "Avalanche"
3. "Repairs"
Recorded & mixed by Ben Young
https://mattwheeler.bandcamp.com/album/strings-ep
1/7/17
Could you please help Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart in an easy but meaningful way? Please click the link below & click the FOLLOW button on our artist page on Spotify. Whether you use Spotify much or not, your follow means a lot to us, since we need 250 followers to verify our account & be able to control it (as of this writing, we are at 74 followers). Please follow & share. Many thanks, everyone!
9/15/16
The Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart PledgeMusic campaign has now launched! Pledge to pre-order our new self-titled album, get access to updates & exclusives, & to just generally show us some support & love. Click the button below to watch the intro video & see details at the campaign page. And PLEASE share to spread the word. We can't wait to get this project out to you!
8/28/16
Look for news in the coming days about a PledgeMusic campaign to let you be a part of making our new full-length album happen! More to come shortly.
7/5/16
The free deal on my whole catalog is over, BUT you can still pick up my newest release, the "On the Hill" solo EP, for free at NoiseTradeor at Bandcamp. Thank you for listening!7/2/16
Through July 4, pick up Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart's entire discography FREE! Click the image above to pick up your free music now.6/1/16Matt will be sharing the stage with one of his favorite songwriters, Denison Witmer, as part of the Hans Herr House Music in the Orchard Series on July 23. For details, click here, & click here to RSVP on Facebook.4/26/16WXPN's The Key blog recently posted a nice write-up about Matt's new solo EP. Click here to read it!
4/15/16
Matt's new solo EP, "On the Hill", releases today! Recorded with Kettle Pot Tracks in Philadelphia, the 5-song set includes two new songs: "Cedars" & "Lexington". You can stream it on Spotify, or download it FREE here:
2/25/16
Four big shows this weekend:
Fr, 2/26:Ten Thousand Villages, Ephrata, PA (full band show)
Sa, 2/27: Pgh/WV Solo Tour - acousticSongs LIVE (click here to tune in live at 12 pm), Washington, PA
Sa, 2/27: Pgh/WV Solo Tour - The Park House, Pittsburgh, PA
Su, 2/28: Pgh/WV Solo Tour - The Purple Fiddle, Thomas, PA
2/2/16Matt played four songs for John Paul Decker's Old Bear Sessions, & the performance of his newest song, "Safer", was submitted for NPR's Tiny Desk Contest. Check it out here!
12/23/15Matt recorded a new Christmas song for the WJTL Kids Cookie Break Christmas album that recently released! Pick up his original song "King of Light" for free by clicking here.
10/18/15MyRuralRadio.com Fall Fest 7 was incredible! You can check out the video from our performance of our new song "Safer" here.
8/17/15
Andrew & Matt had the honor of being featured on Eric Tsurumoto's Philadelphia-based podcast/blog Paper Box Sessions! Check out the podcast here, & click here for the video performance of "Lexington", "Indigo", & "Manhattan".7/17/15
Our friends at Kettle Pot Tracks have posted the solo acoustic session that Matt did with them back in February - check out the "Watch" tab to listen, & click here to peruse the other fine artists featured in their reputable On the Hill series!
7/10/15
Mr. Peter Winter Lee of the band Seasons asked me to participate in his All the Day Sounds blog's Top 5 Fridays column, & I happily obliged. Click this link to see my top five recent favorite albums!6/17/15Last month, we were part of the Bob Dylan Birthday Bash at Tellus360, & LNP invited me to record one of the songs I played at the event. Click here to see my performance of the Dylan classic "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right".
5/8/15
May brings a couple of festivals to the Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart concert schedule: Rocky Knob Folky Fest& FlavorFest. Click here or on the "Shows" tab at the top of this webpage for details!
4/22/15
We're returning to LAUNCH Music Conference in Lancaster for two sets: Th, 4/23 at 8 pm at Tellus360 & Fr, 4/24 at 11:15 pm at Federal Taphouse. Come on out to a show!
3.22.15
Tonight - Sunday, 3/22/15 - I will be playing a special free online show through Concert Window. Click the Concert Window logo below to tune in! And if you can't make this show, check out "Shows" page for upcoming concerts where you can catch us.
3.4.15
Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart has been named MyRuralRadio.com's March 2015 Artist of the Month! Check out their feature page for us, & give a listen to MMR's extensive collection of good local & regional music.
2.24.15
The third & last installment in our series of videos from our Tiny Desk Concert live from The Candy Factory in Lancaster, PA is now up for viewing! Click below to see it, & click here to view the playlist of all three videos together. Enjoy!
2.2.15
The second song from our Tiny Desk Concert at The Candy Factory is now up & available to view! Catch our live version of our song "Gold" below.
1.24.15
Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart made a video for NPR Music's Tiny Desk Contest - check out the video below!
1.5.15
Matt was on Fox 43's Music Monday today - catch both segments through this link!
12.31.14
Happy new year, everyone! Enjoy this quick cover of the Counting Crows classic song "A Long December" to ring in 2015. My 5-year-old son even makes an appearance.
12.21.14
Matt is playing a special solo Christmas online Concert Window show tonight at 8 pm! Click here to tune in.
11.23.14
Fine Living Lancaster magazine's latest features us in an article called "(Really) Listening to Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart"! See the online portion of the interview here.
11.15.14
We will be making our first appearance in New York City tomorrow at 5 pm, at the reputable Rockwood Music Hall in Manhattan! Details here.
10.15.14
Fellow musicians, please take a moment to check out this blog post from our friend Joy Ike's Grassrootsy blog, a post about what types of shows to play & why. Enjoy!
9.13.14
Ken Templeton of whatbreesees.com did an excellent write-up of my show with Max Garcia Conover at Blue - check it out here!
9.9.14
Matt's New England solo tour was fantastic - thank you to everyone who was a part of it. Click here to see the photo journal from the trip!
9.3.14
I kick off my New England solo tour on Th, 9/4! The stops on this short tour:
- Th, 9/4 - Blue, Portland, ME wMax García Conover
- Fr, 9/5 - Stay Tuned Radio Show live in-studio appearance, Portsmouth, NH
- Fr, 9/5 - House concert, Portland, ME w/Max Garcia Conover & Sammie Francis-Taylor
- Sa, 9/6 - Goodnight Blue Moon, Matt Wheeler, Max Garcia Conover @ Cafe Nine, New Haven, CT
New England, here I come!
9.1.14
David Gerz of Tri State Indie had this to say about our performance at Tellus360 in Lancaster on 8.23.14: "It was a night of all around fantastic musical performances at Tellus 360 last Saturday. The show kicked off with a set from local musician Matt Wheeler who was accompanied by violinist, Caleb Brown. I have seen Matt play a few times now and every time I’m amazed by the emotion Matt is able to convey through his performance. When you watch Matt Wheeler play his music, it feels as though you are having a conversation with him and really getting a glimpse into his life." Thank you, David!
8.30.14
Sunday, 8/31, at 8 pm, you can catch a special online concert that Matt is playing solo through Concert Window. Watch from the comfort of your own home, & interact through the chat feature! Click here for details, &here for the Facebook invite.
8.10.14
I was on ABC27's Good Day PA! show on August 7, talking about our music video project, playing Gettysburg Rocks/benefiting the Four Diamonds Fund, & was joined by violinist Taylor Brandt in playing "River (A Dark Chase)" live on air.
8.1.14
Julia Hatmaker from PennLive.com had these kind words to say: "Wheeler is a Lancaster treasure. The folk-rock songwriter incorporates violin, harmonica and cello into his songs, giving the genre a classical feel that never fails to captivate." Thank you for the excellent write-up! Check out the whole article, which includes the rest of Julia's August concerts to catch, here.
7.24.14
A friend in Colorado shared this cool story about one of our songs: "Here's a little something I thought you'd enjoy: I was talking with one of my housemates yesterday and she said 'Don't forget in the darkness what you found in the light.' INSTANTLY (!) my mind went straight to The Light & The Sea and needless to say, after sharing your song with my housemate, you now have a new fan in Colorado." Thank you for sharing, Janel!
6.30.14
The Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart song "River (A Dark Chase)" was featured on the 105.7 The X Under the Radar show! You can hear the episode by clicking here ("River: comes on around 4:42). Also, you can pick up a copy of the song here. Also, look for information on a short film based on "River" soon!
6.13.14
Fresh off our debut performance as part of a central PA showcase at World Cafe Live Philadelphia, we are pleased to announce that we will be part of Make Music Philly, a city-wide free music festival on Saturday, June 21! We will be playing sets at Hard Rock Cafe, Fleisher Art Memorial, & Julian Abele Park. For more details, check outwww.makemusicphilly.org, and read Philly360's article about the event (& many thanks to them for mentioning us by name!).
5.11.14
The Boston-based music blog RedLine Roots recently reviewed our single "Indigo" in its "First Listen" section. Check it out here! This is one of my favorite quotes from it:
"Matt really has a way with words. He puts poetry to music really rather than simply writing songs. Very beautiful writing throughout this one track and the greater record."
Thank you for the kind words!
5.3.14
Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart just added a slew of new show listings, & we have some good ones coming up, including a bit of travelling (Stay Tuned Radio in NH, a gig with my friend Max García Conover in ME, and a show at Ebenezers Coffeehouse in DC), a show at Hard Rock Cafe Philadelphia for Make Music Philly, and, of course, plenty of quality shows in Lancaster, including our first appearance at The Lancaster Dispensing Company. Click www.mattwheeleronline.com/shows.html for more details!
4.13.14
We're playing one of our biggest shows of the year on Saturday, 4/19 - our LAUNCH Music Conference showcase at Tellus360 at 10:45 pm. If you're local or going to be in town, we would love to see you there! Many other excellent shows recently posted - see the "Shows" tab for more.
3.27.14
This Saturday, 3/29, I will be sharing the stage at the first Lancaster Transplant Songwriters' Round with Canyon., Claire Anthony, & Rick McVicker! My friend & frequent collaborator Andrew Berg will be joining me on cello for some of my songs. Click the graphic to the left for more details!
3.23.14
Now through 4/7, you can pick up the "Strings EP" version of "Avalanche" (as heard on WXPN) for FREE in honor of my wife & my wedding anniversary on April 7. Click here to pick it up. Enjoy!
3.12.14
Two shows coming up this Friday, 3/14: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Ten Thousand Villages Ephrata, then 9:30 pm to 10 pm with Canyon. & Friends at Commonwealth on Queen in Lancaster. Hope to see you!
2.24.14
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
Sunday's Concert Window online show was a success! Check out Concert Window's excellent lineup of performers atconcertwindow.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
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!
12.8.13The 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 fromDerek 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
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 PAshow today! Check out the interview & performance here:
abc27 WHTM
11.4.13
I contributed a guest blog to Jocelyn Park's new websiteLancaster 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 video); 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!
9.3.13Want 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 atwww.bradcolemusic.com. I suggest starting with his song "Pilgrimage" or "So About Goodbye".
6.14.13
Fig Lancastermagazine recently featured Matt
Wheeler & Vintage Heart in its WXPNVoices section! Head over towww.figlancaster.comand 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!
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 athttp://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 outhttp://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 outwww.launchmusicconference.com for details - and come be part of it! And to build a personalized Launch schedule, go tohttp://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 outwww.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 outwww.markderosemusic.com for more! You can also get to know Mark & his annual Rootenanny festival over athttp://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 athttp://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 atwww.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 athttps://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 if 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 towww.ourobros.com and catching up from the first comic strip. Also, check out a Lancast interview with the guys over athttp://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 athttp://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 outwww.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 atwww.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 behind Iheartlancity, 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.
1.1.13
This month, I'll be highlighting a new Local You
Should Know each day. Day #1: Ryan Bracken & Folklore Coffee & Company in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. For nearly 3 years now, Ryan & his wife Dawn have been operating one of the best places to hang out in Lancaster County. Doesn't hurt that they serve Square One Coffee, either. Catch Denison Witmer with guest Leticia Joy there on 1/12 as they celebrate 3 years of business. www.folklorecoffee.com
P.S. A special thanks to Folklore for having us out to play A Folklorious New Year's Bash. I would add that the sound was great.
Should Know each day. Day #1: Ryan Bracken & Folklore Coffee & Company in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. For nearly 3 years now, Ryan & his wife Dawn have been operating one of the best places to hang out in Lancaster County. Doesn't hurt that they serve Square One Coffee, either. Catch Denison Witmer with guest Leticia Joy there on 1/12 as they celebrate 3 years of business. www.folklorecoffee.com
P.S. A special thanks to Folklore for having us out to play A Folklorious New Year's Bash. I would add that the sound was great.
12.17.12
What are you doing New Year's Eve? If you're near Lancaster County, PA, how about coming out to a Folklorious New Year's Bash at Folklore Coffee & Company in Elizabethtown? Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart are joined on the bill by York's Katy Glorioso and Lancaster County singer/songwriter Bobby Bradley. Click here to find out more.
11.24.12
Check out the demo form of Matt's newest song, "Gold", on the Music page here on the site. Let us know what you think over at [email protected].
11.16.12
I'm hosting the Veritas Open Mic, which this month features my friend & bandmate Brad Rhine's Juan Catorce Band. It's a free show, with free coffee to be had. Here's the Facebook event link.