September 3rd, 2010 Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

AUSTIN, TX - It’s funny - I’ve been out of school for quite awhile now, but every time September rolls around, I realize how very much I’m still affected by the ebb and flow of semesters and breaks.
Though my summer “break” began with a great tour through the East Coast, it culminated into a great effort to simply slow down, take inventory, spend time with family, and focus on my other musical jobs and projects that had been wanting attention. Now, fall approaches, and my daughter is now the one who’s in school (albeit of the nursery variety), but, like clock-work, I feel the need to get moving, to update, to polish the summer grit of my guitar, and to lean into what’s coming. I may even buy a new backpack. You may feel the same way. I guess the school cycle resonates simply because it reflects how we’re made - to work and to rest - and that semesters and breaks and seasons call for different balances of both. Here’s to the balancing act…
Touring, though certainly hard work, can sometimes, at least, feel like a nice balance - and so I’m looking forward to hitting the road (or air) in a few weeks for my 6th UK tour. The wind begins to change, and, Poppins-like, I head for Old Blighty, as they say. But first, a couple of nice solo “send-off” shows:
HILL HOUSE CONCERT IN AUSTIN, FRIDAY 9/17…
All Saints Presbyterian Church and Hill House are teaming up to host a monthly series of Friday house concerts this fall in the intimate, historic Hill House in West Campus. In my last show before the UK, I’ll kickoff the series joined by friend, author, and highly-regarded songwriter and story-teller, Dennis Welch, on Friday, September 17th at 8pm. A wine reception begins at 7:30pm, followed by the concert. Limited seating available; so please reply to this email indicating that you’d like to come and how many will be in your group.
DFW-AREA STUDIO TAPING AND HOUSE CONCERT, Sat. 11 Sept…
Dallas area friends, please join me for the highly-regarded dinner and house concert, “In the Music Room”, next Saturday in Waxahachie! 6:30pm potluck dinner, 7:30pm opener, 8:30pm show. Click HERE for a pdf poster with full details and directions. Limited seating; so I’d advise making a reservation.
ON THE HORIZON…
9/24-10/13: BIG TOP UK TOUR (see SHOWS page for confirmed dates)
Thursday, 11/4: Anderson Fair, Houston, TX - Hosted by TX folk legend, Ken Gaines
Friday, 11/5: The Bugle Boy, La Grange, TX - I’ll be performing a short solo set and then judging their famed Friday showcases.
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BIG TOP NEWS…
I’ve been honored this year to not only receive a Texas Music Award for Big Top but also to receive continuing encouraging words from music writers and fans, alike, regarding the album. The following were published just recently. If you like what you read, consider buying a copy through my online store…
“A soulful acoustic singer-songwriter, Lutes was recently in the UK - he hails from North America - giving a live version of this set. His soaring, yearning voice is complemented on this set by a great backing band and intelligent lyrics. The catchy, atmospheric ‘Be Reasonable’ - ‘my drug of choice was Hank Williams tunes’ - and the melodic ‘Love In The Hard Times’ are my own personal faves but all 15 cuts here cut pretty deep. They come complete with a lush, fold-out sleeve and a 20 page lyric booklet. Quality stuff. 8/10″
- Phil Strongman, Hot Gossip UK
Click HERE for a recent Fan Review on Amazon. Thanks to Casey Pons, Portland, OR
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(If you’ve read this far, marked your calendar, entertained my musings, and purchased 10 copies of Big Top, I thank you. Points are being tallied…)
Sometimes, thank God, simple things like “balance” just grab hold. That’s probably why I write songs - I need constant reminding (preferably in rhyme) not forget the simple things.
As always, stop back by for the very latest. And, feel free to drop me a line and share your thoughts, too…the simpler, the better.
Thanks for your continued support,
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David