OWBS York/Stroudsburg PA/Morristown NJ, October 22-24 Options

[crazy1]

Live's Ed Kowalczyk is now solo, and the tour's acoustic

October 18, 2009
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Shaven-headed singer Ed Kowalczyk is known for delivering impassioned rock music as lead singer of his band Live, which in the mid-1990s had hits such as ''Lightning Crashes.''

And Kowalczyk -- who's on the phone from an Austin, Texas, recording studio -- says the solo album he's putting together while the band takes a break will be ''definitely in the rock vein.''

So what is Kowalczyk doing playing songs -- including Live hits -- in a small-theater, solo acoustic tour with Sixpence None the Richer singer Leigh Nash and Everclear singer Art Alexakis? The Open Wings Broken Strings tour stops Friday at Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg.

The idea for a tour came out of a series of small shows Kowalczyk did in April with just an acoustic guitar.

''I was really just for the first time -- really ever -- connecting with people at this incredible, intimate, yet visceral level in these smaller shows with the acoustic guitar,'' he says.

''And I thought, 'This is really inspiring because this is where the songs come from,' and it's almost like inviting people into that space where the songs initially are born. And it's a really powerful experience for the fans and for me.''

Kowalczyk says of the new album: ''It's going to be a rock record, as opposed to something that's really stripped down. There are going to be, of course, moments in it that are very intimate. But the main tenor and the arc of the album is definitely rock.

''But then I was also writing the record in the midst of it,'' he says, laughing. ''And some people knew I was doing it, so they were a little bit like, 'Oh, well, what kind of record is it going to be?' But no, it's definitely rock. The acoustic thing has been throwing people off a little bit because it's something I'm really enjoying doing.''

Kowalczyk, 38, has the opportunity to do the solo album and tour because Live, after more than 20 years together, announced in June it would take a two-year hiatus.

Live, which Kowalczyk formed in his native York, has sold more than 12 million copies of its eight albums, including 1994's ''Throwing Copper.'' That release went eight times platinum, had five Top 15 Modern Rock singles and kept one song, ''Lightning Crashes,'' on Billboard's Rock Album Track chart for 10 weeks.

But this spring, Kowalczyk did a series of acoustic shows at small theaters, began to write solo material and created his own Web site, http://www.eddieklive.com .

''I just got to the point -- I think all of us did -- where we said it's time to branch out and do some different things,'' he says. ''I wanted to explore this acoustic dimension, because it was invigorating me as an artist in such a way that I was surprised, actually, when I went in this direction. And that became the songwriting process for a solo record, then became me being in Austin. ... [It] just sort of became pretty obvious where, OK, this is the moment where, it's been a long time, let's spread our wings a little bit.''

Kowalczyk played one of those solo shows in Phoenix with Alexakis, whom he had met several times over the years. Alexakis has been the only constant member in the 17-year history of Everclear. But he had recorded several albums and toured solo, and was doing acoustic shows similar to Kowalczyk's.

''I watched his show and then he watched mine and we thought, 'Well, we're on the same page here,''' Kowalczyk says. ''And so it just made sense when I had this idea for Open Wings Broken Strings to reach out to Art and ask him if he would like to come, and he said he would love to.''

Kowalczyk added Nash to the bill because, even though they had never met, he admired her work with Sixpence -- whose biggest hits were 1999's ''Kiss Me'' and ''There She Goes.''

''She's just an amazing singer and songwriter,'' he says. ''I'm just a big fan of hers and we reached out to her and said, 'Hey, we're doing this thing.' And she jumped at the chance, too. So everybody's really excited to do it.''

Before the tour, which starts Thursday, Kowalczyk holed himself up in the Austin studio to work on his solo album, which he hopes to release in spring.

He worked through each song he had written, ''saying, 'OK, this is a rocker, this isn't, this I'll want to be more ethereal in.' ... I think it's a sound that people will be really happy with. I think the most important thing is they're going to get the emotional impact of the music in a way that's very refreshing.''

But that doesn't mean it will be drastically different from Live.

''As the songwriter and, of course, singer and melodist in Live, it's obviously got that thread running through it,'' he says. ''That'll be very familiar to people. The songwriting style, the lyrics are very searching and, I think, really passionate, and have spirituality in them that I'm known for. So that's going to be something people recognize right away.''

While Kowalczyk undertakes his solo projects, Live's other members -- guitarist Chad Taylor, bassist Patrick Dahlheimer and drummer Chad Gracey -- teamed with Kevin Martin and Sean Hennessy of Candlebox to form The Gracious Few. They reportedly are preparing to record an album with Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads as producer, also for spring release.

Even if his solo projects are successful, Kowalczyk says Live intends to resume at some point. But he says he can't promise it'll be in two years.

''At this point, being the kind of person and artist that I am, I like to put myself 150 percent into everything,'' he says. ''So as much we may have said a few months ago 'a two-year break,' or a break with a definitive time, I'm also going to put my heart and soul into this for awhile and it's going to be what it is.

''I'm following my heart on this, and wherever it leads, really.''

john.moser@mcall.com

610-820-6722
http://www.mcall.com/entertainment/music/a...0,1360303.story

[zmanpga]

so which of you MFers are coming to SHERMAN in Stroudsburg to party with EDDIEKLIVE??
...make sure and say hello...see me up front and backstage

this thread is fuked up as its posted up top...yet I just posted the thing???

This post has been edited by zmanpga: Jun 20 2002, 2:44 pm

[SJN1279]

Found this on Leigh Nash's Myspace:

This upcoming Fall/Winter Leigh, Art Alexakis from Everclear, and Eddie Kowalczyk of LIVE will be hitting the road for an amazing acoustic tour.

More details to come shortly, but pre-sale for the shows start TOMORROW!

Dates so far:

Sep 25 2009 8:00P
4th and B San Diego, California
Sep 26 2009 8:00P
Riverwalk Center Breckinridge, Colorado
Oct 23 2009 8:00P
Sherman Theatre Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Oct 24 2009 8:00P
Community Theatre at Mayo Center for the Performing Arts Morristown, New Jersey

[Badman]

Sep 25 2009 8:00P
4th and B San Diego, California
Sep 26 2009 8:00P
Riverwalk Center Breckinridge, Colorado
Oct 23 2009 8:00P
Sherman Theatre Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Oct 24 2009 8:00P
Community Theatre at Mayo Center for the Performing Arts Morristown, New Jersey

I just LOVE living in Texas, I save so much money because no one tours down here!

[brianblank]

Very cool. That is a great venue in Breckenridge. It looks like only the NJ is on sale now.

[zmanpga]

I bought the 1st "4" tickets for Stroudsburg..front row middle!

[SJN1279]

I bought the 1st "4" tickets for Stroudsburg..front row middle!

I could have had first row in NJ, but they didn't have any aisle seats. I'm in row 4.

[brianblank]

Blast email from Ed about the tour:

Open Wings - Broken Strings Tour Announcement!!!

Featuring acoustic performances by:

Eddie Kowalczyk of Live
Art Alexakis of Everclear
Leigh Nash of Six Pence None The Richer


About the tour:
As a songwriter and a singer in a successful rock band, I have had the good fortune of being surrounded by incredible musicians, lots of wonderful production on both record and onstage and plenty of VOLUME! But did you know that the story of your favorite songs often originates in a much different environment? Open Wings-Broken Strings is an opportunity for you to get to the heart of your favorite artists and their songs in a unique and compelling way. Stripped down, intimate and acoustic, you’ll hear the strings on the guitar vibrate and buzz, the vocal chords hum and pulsate as the songs you love come to life like you never knew they could. In this intimate environment, the rockstar steps out from behind the layers of decibel and drama to greet you with the essence, the story, and the song. Quiet, just might be the new loud.
-Eddie Kowalczyk

This special tour is rolling into the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg, PA on Friday, October 23rd. For tickets click HERE.

It is also stopping in Morristown, NJ on Saturday, October 24th at the Community Theatre at Mayo Center for the Perfomring Arts. Tickets for this event go on sale to the general public on Friday (8/14), but we have set up a presale for all fans that begins today (8/12). To purchase tickets during this presale click HERE.

There are more dates coming...stay tuned!

I called the venue in Breckenridge, they didn't have any specifics about the show or on sale date, but did confirm that 9/26 is on hold for an outside promoter. Breckenridge in September should be gorgeous, if you're in the area or are contemplating a visit to CO, it should be a great weekend.

[SJN1279]

Looks like they are trying to turn this into a full tour:

An Intimate Acoustic Tour featuring Eddie Kowalczyk of Live, Art Alexakis of Everclear and Leigh Nash of Six Pence None The Richer

Hutch Entertainment is extremely excited to announce that we are working directly with management on this tour and is actively looking to book a Fall/Winter Tour. This show runs over two hours and is full of major singles. Please email me back if your interested in bringing this amazing show to your venue. You can contact me at TODD@HUTCHENTERTAINMENT.COM

I wish I had a venue!

[+Ed+]

Does it mean they only wanna tour the US, or outside as well? If so, I could spread the word through some nice venues in the country, where drunken bears walk through the streets playing balalaikas.

[dangum]

Nash talks famiy, music, and Sixpence
By: Ryan Doyle
Posted: 10/8/09
Recently I had a chance to speak with Leigh Nash, former lead singer of Sixpence None The Richer.

Sixpence enjoyed great success in the late 90's with hit songs such as "Kiss Me," "There She Goes," and "Breathe Your Name." After breaking up in 2004, Nash went on to record two solo albums.

Nash will be performing locally at the Sherman Theater on Main Street on Oct. 23. There, she will be opening for Ed Kowalczyk of Live and Art Alexakis of Everclear as part of the Open Wings Broken Strings Tour. Stroudsburg is one of only four tour stops.

Here's what Nash had to say about what to expect when the tour comes to town, the status of Sixpence None The Richer, and her newly found stage fright.

Ryan Doyle: What should local music fans look forward to during the Open Wings Broken Strings Tour?

Leigh Nash: As far as my performance goes, I'll just be doing between 5 and 6 songs. I'll probably play a couple of Sixpence songs that people are familiar with and then songs from my solo album.

RD: Have you thought specifically about your set list or how much time you'll be on stage for?

LN: It might be like 20 to 30 minutes. I need to look at what my assignment is. I don't know exactly what they want from me. I'm going to do what Art and Ed want me to do.

RD: How did you get involved with this? Do you have any history with either of these guys?

LN: No, actually I've never met the guy from Live. But Art, I've met before. He's super nice and I was just really flattered that they thought of me and I'm just really excited to do these shows. I hope it's a good mix of music. I think it'll be perfect.

RD: Have you ever been in the Poconos before? Do you know anything about this area?

LN: Yes, I do. I know that it's beautiful. I look forward to seeing it.

RD: Are you going to make a vacation out of it?

LN: I think I'm just going to come in and play the show, but I do have a friend up there, so maybe I'll stay with her.

RD: What is the status of Sixpence None The Richer?

LN: We are back together. We got back together about two years ago and we are about to record our first full-length album for EMI. We're thinking [it] will come out in April.

RD: Is it all the original band members?

LN: Yes.

RD: Over the past year or so a lot of '90s bands have done reunion tours very successfully. How do you feel about that? And what do you think the future holds for your band as far as that's concerned?

LN: I think it's great. It's really nice when your favorite bands get back together to do tours. What Sixpence is hoping to do is continue to make records like we used to. Before when we were together it always seemed like business problems were getting in the way of us having a regular release schedule. We're just trying to do it right this time. I was fourteen or fifteen when we began making records so we were still really young. Now we just want to get the band together and keep making music.

RD: When do you think Sixpence was at its' peak?

LN: During the late '90s is when we had our biggest success when "Kiss Me" came out. That's when we were enjoying the top of our wave. Before that we were together since '92 and we were just in vans, and trailers, and cars and going to shows and playing. It's been up and down for everybody. '99 was when "Kiss Me" came out and the band got really big, and then we broke up in 2004.

RD: Being that you're from Texas and you live in Nashville, it surprises me that your music doesn't have more of a country feel to it. Is there a reason for that?

LN: I think Matt, who has always written most of the songs, has a very strong pop and rock background [because] that's what he grew up listening to. I grew up listening to old country music like George Jones, Patsy Cline, and Willie Nelson, so if there is any country lent to the music, it's because of that. That's just the way I sing because that's the kind of music that I really love. I'm from Texas and so is Matt so we both have some South Texas roots. I guess a little bit just sort of comes through somehow.

RD: You released your first album with Sixpence at the age of 16 and now you're 33. Why is Leigh Nash a better artist now than she was at the age of 16?

LN: Life, man. I've been through a lot in the last 16 years or however many years that is. Just like anybody would from 16 to 33. I had a ten-year marriage and a 5-year-old son and I've been divorced for three years and my father died two years ago. When I sing now, there's just a lot more to draw from. I'm happy to be 33 and to have experienced so much life. But I'm definitely looking for things to calm down a little bit.

RD: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

LN: My son will be 15 so that sounds pretty exciting. I'd like to have a few more kids and have a lot more music under my belt and still be singing and just be really, really happy. Maybe have a couple of dogs.

RD: I see that you launched your own record label, One Son Records. What inspired you to do that?

LN: Well, it all seemed like a good idea when I put out "Blue on Blue." I was going to have my own imprint and put out my own records on that label, but that record didn't do well at all. Basically, I'm still paying for it. If I ever pay it all back, I will make another record and put it out on that imprint (laughter). It happens. It's the music business, just like any business.

RD: What is it like to be in a public place, such as a grocery store, and hear one of your songs play on the radio?

LN: It's cool. It's funny now being with my son. He doesn't realize or really care that much that that's mommy on the radio but when I tell him he gets a big smile on his face. Half the time I don't say anything but he does recognize my voice and he likes it. He's the one I care about impressing these days, and he's not that impressed.

RD: Are you happier when you are writing and recording songs or when you are touring and playing live shows?

LN: I think I'm the happiest when I'm in the studio. I really love recording and I really love performing in front of audiences, but now that I've had such a long break I'm kind of dealing with some stage fright that I didn't used to have. It's going to take some warming up to that again. I really love all of it. It's in my blood. I miss it when it's not happening.

RD: When was the last time you played a show?

LN: Well I got to sing with Mindy Smith the other night. She had a record release show here in Nashville and she was amazing. I sang a song with her and I just about peed my pants, so that was the last time I was on stage and I was terrified (laughter).

RD: That'll get you ready for the bright lights of Stroudsburg!

LN: I'll be ready by the end of October!

Leigh Nash will perform at the Open Wings Broken Strings tour. You can purchase tickets at the Sherman Theater box office or online at www.shermantheater.com. Tickets are $25.

e-mail Ryan Doyle at: rwd2078@esu.edu
http://media.www.stroudcourier.com/media/s...e-3796047.shtml

[dangum]

Bump

[zmanpga]

one more day!

[zmanpga]

well?? how was 1st night??? I am curious as too how many people will actually be @ SHITTOWN(Stroudsburg)??

[SecretInsomnia]

Video of Ed backstage, just before his first show of the Open Wings-Broken Strings Tour

http://www.twitvid.com/EF1DA