tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:/blogs/news?p=7
News
2024-02-18T22:58:09-05:00
Andrew McKnight
false
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/7350440
2024-02-18T22:58:09-05:00
2024-03-17T11:11:24-04:00
5 Ways to Help Your Favorite Artist(s) in 2024 (and four of them cost $0!)
<p>These are definitely some of the most challenging times many of us artists have faced. I have always been able to “read the tea leaves” sufficiently to plan my own individual course over the coming 1 to 3 years. Along that journey I've been fortunate to have attracted a small but enthusiastic cadre of supporters who've made my life in music be my livelihood for nearly 30 years. </p><p>A sober assessment of the current climate for independent music must consider the impacts of the pandemic on smaller sized performing arts venues and audiences, and how streaming changed recorded music from something you own into something you essentially rent.<span> </span>And for the first time, my tea leaves aren't revealing much about where things are going in the near future.</p><p>Most of us don't pursue this life in the creative performing arts solely because we crave the spotlight, and certainly not for illusions of riches and fame. I know personally I do it because I can't NOT do it. Although it is my calling, I am also a small business, and I have always looked at other successful small businesses locally and farther afield for insights and ideas.</p><p>One key thing I've observed is that thriving small businesses often do so because of the personality and style of their public figures. Over the last decade, my friends built a boutique distillery from a local industrial park garage into a downtown anchor with international distribution, in large part due to how social media allowed you to get to know them, their philosophy about the craft, and in turn help grow their brand and reach enthusiastic new customers.<span> </span></p><p>People who have gotten to know me through my work know that my musical journey overlaps with a variety of interests. Most fans of artists in my "folk/roots" genre know that our business has changed a lot in the past few years, and it hasn't been great for a lot of us. Many of “my people” have been happy to help me bring projects to life, in some way little or large that fits with their own lives and values.<span> </span></p><p>For me, "giving up" simply isn't an option, so 2024's mantra must be “Let's find a way.” That starts with understanding the lay of the land.</p><h3>Where We've Been</h3><p>I came of age during what I think of as the “Golden Era of DIY” (Do It Yourself), where artists could make their own recordings, collect their royalties, and sell directly to their fans. My northwestern Virginia home is within a day's drive of nearly 120 million people, from New England to Chicago and much of the southeast. I made a healthy living performing and selling recordings over a week or two of touring several times a year in different directions, and building an email list of people who were enthusiastic about the experience they'd just enjoyed.<span> </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/391975/9894022dbf28383ad565b619bcb08093e8d3798f/original/cd-display-transparent-1000p-at-300dpi.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="562" width="1000" /><p>About a quarter of my income was album sales - primarily directly to people at performances. I wasn't getting rich, but it was reward for dedicating myself to the calling of a performing songwriter. </p><p>For many of us, the mechanics of building an audience in a new town have changed completely in the last 2 decades. Where a day-of-the-show radio interview and an article or two in the local paper could fill a sizable percentage of the seats, now it is a smattering from many directions; a couple saw it in the paper, a few are on the artist's mailing list or social feed, a couple others saw a flyer, another saw it on Facebook, and so on. As many of us are essentially one-person operations, this means a whole lot more work to do for a less reliable outcome. And since our income for a show often is tied to attendance, we have a lot at stake in the success of our outreach.</p><h3>Where Did All the Shows Go?</h3><p>Many performing artists have made their livelihood in some similar fashion as me, but since the pandemic we are finding that "the scene" has changed considerably.<span> </span>The intimate listening rooms, small theaters and house concert series that have been staples of that scene were hard hit during the pandemic and many of those that survived have been slow to return to capacity. Largely because the audience numbers continue to lag, many artists who filled bigger venues "in the Before Times" have been downsizing, and this in turn reduces bookings for artists who played those smaller venues.<span> </span></p><p>Understandably, many presenters and concert hosts have been discouraged by these struggles.<span> </span>Several mainstay folk and roots music festivals have gone on hiatus, pared down, or called it quits completely. Yet despite these daunting market forces, the supply of talented artists remains far in surplus of existing venue and festival opportunities.</p><h3><span>About the Music</span></h3><p>Music streaming obviously changed the recording world. From a corporate business standpoint, the jury is still considering if that model can be sufficiently profitable for the long term. Spotify laying off 17% of its workforce in a cost-cutting move in late 2023 was notable in many ways, including that severance packages were orders of magnitude greater than the royalties they would pay out to most of us indie musicians over many years. </p><p>Thoughtful music fans have rightly been concerned about the impact of streaming, especially on their favorite bands at the local and regional level. As the table below of early 2023 data indicates, it takes thousands of streams to earn royalties equivalent to a single CD or album download sale, which obviously doesn't easily make up for several hundred dollars in recording sales at a single concert.<span> </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/391975/6042d5b329084b42120cb86a6a133830762c7ac8/original/stream-royalties-vs-sales.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" width="250" /><p>Industry experts will tell you that merchandise is the way for artists to make up that lost revenue. For artists with younger fanbases and legacy bands from decades ago that may well be true. </p><p>"My people" tend to be of the “mature” demographic, with enough disposable income to seek out and enjoy experiences more than acquiring things. Maybe this is the time for me to lead one of those fantastic-looking music tours to Ireland or Scotland!</p><h3>What Does Music Mean to Us Now?</h3><p>But maybe there is a bigger question to consider. If our Alexa or Google home is serving up music as the soundtrack to whatever other things we're doing, <strong>are we even </strong><i><strong>listening</strong></i><strong> the same way?</strong> Do we still form deep connections with songs that speak to us? Can a playlist replace the mix tape that we labored over to be the soundtrack of that part of our lives? </p><p>I like albums, and I love MAKING albums. Is there any place anymore for a collection of songs bundled with artwork, images and words to read, or are we permanently going to be dissociated from the essence of the creative work?</p><h3> </h3><h3>What We Can Do About It</h3><p>While these are some of the present challenges I face along with many of my friends and fellow performers, I have to believe that there are still ways to move forward. We remain a people of stories, and my whisky-making friends built a hugely successful international brand around their story. I'd like to think music still brings you into an artist's story, even as we share other stories with you through our melodies, beats and lyrics. </p><p>In 2024 an “independent artist” is more than ever completely dependent on our supporters. It is inescapable that money does make the music world go round, but that's far from the only way you can lend a hand. Here are FIVE ways where you can make a difference - maybe a sizable impact - and four of them require little beyond your enthusiasm and a few moments of your time.</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/391975/26ad22366efdec4f1e3bab4d2a975e262a615258/original/1-subscribe-follow.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><h4>1. Join their EMAIL LIST (and follow on social media).</h4><p>The Number One Thing for us artists is being able to get the vitals about shows and new projects directly to you. Social media is great for lots of things, but it's become less reliable as a primary conduit to your eyes and ears. An artist's email list is really the most direct way for us to communicate with you, even though email may be less relevant than texting for a lot of people now. Maybe I'm old school, but mass texting feels intrusive when I get one. With email, all we have to do is get past spam filters - and stand out enough in your crowded inbox to be read<span>.</span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/391975/1d2a897afb88919993d39a0bd892c67db477eae2/original/2-word-of-mouth.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><h4>2. "Word of Mouth" - like, share, favorite, comment, review. </h4><p>It's really simple; tell your friends about artists you like. Your friend groups online and "in the real world" include people who trust your judgement and share some overlapping values or tastes. It only takes a few moments to comment on a social media post, or write a nice review of a song, album or show on Amazon, Apple Music, etc. Your words might inspire someone to press the play button and hear me for the first time.</p><p>Music discovery is the main reason most artists encourage people to stream our music; we hope that driving the numbers up will convince the algorithms to let more people hear us, and in turn new listeners want to learn more about us. You help even more when you create and share playlists, recommend songs or suggest our music to other playlist curators. </p><p>Which is another reason why you matter - your voice! <span> </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/391975/16f4396e38a3a3206195ffe8a602b1029796428f/original/3-encouragement.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><h4>3. Encourage Your Favorite Artists! </h4><p>Even if I don't get to answer every comment, email or social media message, they matter too! It is so easy to literally be isolated with our work for long stretches away from that precious audience feedback, especially in the wake of the pandemic shutdown. </p><p>The good vibes that come from your kind words are the stuff that gets us through those dark periods of self-doubt or economic struggle, and man, they are a fantastic life raft indeed.</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/391975/ac31e8ab00ed10a40d1be1f474053e0263f92dcb/original/4-participate.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><h4>4. Participate</h4><p>You can be an important advocate for your favorite artists! Your enthusiasm may be contagious with your friends, but it is also in a group of people. If music is medicine for the soul, then write yourself a bigger prescription and come catch a show or livestream. For me and my fellow artists, that also means going out to support our music community whenever we can - a rising tide indeed will float more of our boats, and a healthy local music scene is partly our responsibility too.</p><p>Different people do different things - some show up every time I come through their town, some buy each new recording, still others tune in for most every livestream. Many wonderful things happened because someone introduced my music to a local venue or possible concert host, or put me in touch with someone at their local school or library to do a program.<span> </span></p><p>It's not all the same people doing ALL of those things, but the common denominator is that they've grown to know me as a person a bit (that infamous “branding”), and they want to see me continuing to make my particular music (may every artist be so lucky!). </p><p>Sharing your concert photos, surveys to get audience feedback, volunteering when there's an opportunity; these are some ways that help me while showing how you value my work (that helps with #3 above too).</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/391975/f7b74fdbe2d3573a802605df3dd6c347296d7877/original/5-contribute.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><h4>
<br> 5. Contribute When You Can</h4><p>The upshot of the last ten years is that the modern indie music business resembles medieval times, where artists were patronized by the support of some noble king or duke to create art on their behalf. Now in addition to helping us reach new listeners via the previous four items, crowdsourcing and crowdfunding harness the financial support of a hopefully sizable group of enthusiastic fans to bring the next project to life, through companies like Kickstarter and IndieGoGo. Some fans chip in because they like you and want to help, while others like helping to make a piece of art they can own too.</p><p>There are many ways to donate a little or a lot; direct monthly support through entities like Patreon or Venmo, helping to fund a specific project campaign, buying music or show tickets for yourself and friends. Consider hiring us directly to do a special event (house concerts are fabulous!), create a video as part of a campaign or cause, or even write a song for a special someone. Every bit helps, and every bit is appreciated.<span> </span></p><h3><span>Now is the Best Time!</span></h3><p>Now really is the best time to lend a hand, and there's a lot you can do with just a few moments of your time. I intend to update this document as needed to when new opportunities arise. My big goal is helping music fans and listeners appreciate their importance to us; your emotional investment in us matters now more than ever! I've got stories yet to find, and stories yet to tell. </p><p>Thanks for caring enough to read this far, and thanks a ton for your support of me and my work.</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/7349289
2024-02-09T17:45:00-05:00
2024-03-15T22:55:21-04:00
Guitar Mini-Documentary "Sound of Home" to be Released April 3rd
<p> It's been nine years since we finished the filming and had the premiere event for <a class="no-pjax" href="https://andrewmcknight.net/blogs/news/posts/6177358/a-fairbuilt-guitar-endorsing-artist-sound-of-home" data-link-type="url">our mini-documentary “<strong>Sound of Home</strong>”</a>. The film follows luthier <a class="no-pjax" href="http://www.fairbuilt.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Martin Fair at Fairbuilt Guitar Company</a> through designing and building a custom guitar for Andrew from local native wood. The production team was in the process of making final edits a few weeks later when an inadvertant software update disassembled the film timeline, and the work was shelved. The members of the team got involved in other projects, and so it sat in virtual mothballs.</p><p>Thankfully, filmmaker Sarah Huntington rediscovered the rough cut of the film a couple weeks ago, and we've decided to go ahead and send it into the world. Please join us for a <strong>special online release event on YouTube Wednesday April 3rd at 7:30pm EDT</strong> through the link below.</p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6WJrHxJbyJo?si=Y08EdcG2lmk3GEg_" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><p> </p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/391975/2377fdbf2e58704c289545a9fc4c80ecb627c185/original/sound-of-home-team-at-artspace.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;"><i>At the Premiere Event at the Herndon Arts Center, L to R: Martin Fair, Andrew, Sarah Huntington and Dave Kiser.</i></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/7349272
2024-02-02T16:40:00-05:00
2024-02-10T17:29:43-05:00
Follow our #MusicalMondays on Social Media
<p>Since we got a lot of great footage from Andrew's November 1st concert at Franklin Park Arts Center (Purcellville VA), we have been trickling out single song videos on our <a class="no-pjax" href="http://youtube.com/andrewmcknightdotnet" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><strong>YouTube</strong></a><strong> and </strong><a class="no-pjax" href="http://Facebook.com/AndrewMcKnight.Musician" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><strong>Facebook</strong></a><strong> most Mondays</strong> with hashtag #MusicalMondays. Here's some direct links to get you caught up;</p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;">
<li>
<a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/V_IjQpreU4A" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">“Whiteface/Cold Frosty Morning”</a> (oldtime Appalachian tunes featuring Andrew's daughter Madi on fiddle)</li>
<li>
<a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/bZzgntZfeUk" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">“Hour of Darkness”</a> </li>
<li>
<a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/leiBqxEfd5s" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">“Life I Choose”</a> (one of the cowrites with veterans through Music Therapy of the Rockies retreats)</li>
<li>
<a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/mhgqohzeBgs" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">“Long Ago and Far Away”</a> (Andrew vocal only with Madi on fiddle)</li>
<li><a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/Nd97FyQxPL8%20" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">“Anniversary (2,000 Years Ago)” </a></li>
<li>
<a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/-8E-jXdvuNg" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">“Web of Mystery”</a> </li>
</ul><p>Please come follow our social media accounts! We're grateful for the likes, comments and shares - the digital version of word of mouth - so thanks for opening yours.</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/7349311
2024-01-15T19:15:00-05:00
2024-02-10T19:13:40-05:00
"Rock Time in Your Town" Planned for Spring Release
<p>The second of Andrew's pandemic projects is nearly done; the mini-rockumentary <strong>“Rock Time in Your Town”</strong> about the final show of his <a class="no-pjax" href="http://noreaster.rocks" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">original hard rock quartet <strong>Nor'easter</strong></a> back in 1987. The film editing was essentially finished for a couple of preview events last spring, but the rapid advances in AI technology to help improve the quality of the concert footage (shot on one of the earliest 4-head VHS cameras) convinced Andrew and Producer Dustin Delage to try some additional improvements before releasing the film. They are now hard at work on the final details of production to submit the 34-minute film to video streaming services, like closed captioning, music cue sheets and a couple dozen similar tasks.</p><p>They will likely do one more online showing before the film goes to the various pay-for-play services, so stay tuned for more on that. Meanwhile, here is the trailer video and a teaser clip from the film to enjoy for now. And if you missed the first pandemic project, the restoration from 8-track reels and digital archives of Nor'easter's only album <i>Calm Before the Storm</i>, check out the Bandcamp player below as well.</p><p> </p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9KDE09HX5XA?si=V9d9STuueMyyd-Au" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><p> </p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lHbUT5VejGQ?si=ZkhayMpjK_vtGM0q" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><p> </p><p><iframe style="border-width:0;height:472px;width:400px;" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3376807206/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/artwork=small/transparent=true/" seamless=""><a href="https://noreasterrocks.bandcamp.com/album/calm-before-the-storm">Calm Before the Storm by Nor'easter</a></iframe></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/7299744
2023-11-03T09:00:00-04:00
2023-11-10T13:41:55-05:00
A Rare Live Performance Video
<p>Andrew returned to his hometown theater, the Franklin Park Arts Center in Purcellville VA, for a solo concert November 1st, 2023 with a very special guest in tow. His now 16-year old fiddling daughter Madeleine joined him for several songs, including a very rare performance of <strong>“Long Ago and Far Away”</strong> from <a class="no-pjax" href="/treasures" target="_blank" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Treasures"><i>Treasures in My Chest</i></a>. In Andrew's words:</p><p><i>"Today is All Soul's Day, a day when we remember our ancestors and our beloved dead. Many cultures around the northern hemisphere have some version of a holiday now, at a time when we often describe the "thinning of the veil" between this world and whatever lies beyond.</i></p><p><i>Having spent a considerable portion of the last few years in some form of thrall to my ancestors writing the songs and pages that became Treasures in My Chest, I am now keenly aware that one day WE will be the ancestors. This short piece from the album encapsulates that in less than two minutes, but the symbolism stretches considerably longer. As she did four years ago in the studio, the now 16-year old "held me up" with her fiddle for me to sing over it. Complete and total trust in her to take the mantle; the next generation in music and in life.</i></p><p><i>So with gratitude to my ancestors, and those that made magical you, and especially to my beloved kid for stepping out on stage into it, we hope you enjoy it."</i></p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mhgqohzeBgs?si=OCnboCvC2Y4AKP6y" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/7301824
2023-10-13T13:00:00-04:00
2023-11-10T13:41:55-05:00
Virginia Performing Grant Renewed for 2024-25
<p>We are thrilled to receive notice that for the 15th consecutive year, the Virginia Commission for the Arts has awarded Andrew a Touring Assistance Grant and a place in their prestigious touring artist directory. <a class="no-pjax" href="/vca" target="_blank" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="VCA">Eligible presenters (municipalities, schools, churches, non-profit organizations, etc) in the Commonwealth can get reimbursed for up to 50% of Andrew's fees</a> for concerts, workshops and other programs. In just these past few years this grant money has gotten Andrew to nearly every corner of Virginia, and we are eager for him to visit more.</p><p>If you live here in Virginia and know some organization that might be interested in bringing Andrew in for a performance or program, please do get in touch and we'll help walk you through the simple application process.</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/7269560
2023-09-01T19:20:00-04:00
2023-11-06T21:30:54-05:00
More from the Musical McKnights
<p><i>From Andrew's Facebook post, August 5, 2023</i></p><p>"I HAVE to out my little sister's pandemic project because it's just too good not to share! Of course we come from the same musical family, although our particular backgrounds and pathways are quite different. I've been around a lot of traditional Appalachian and Celtic music for most of my adult life; to the point where it's hard to imagine that it's not pervasive everywhere else. My daughter Madi's deep dive into Celtic and oldtime fiddling these last couple years just feels like one of the natural and normal pathways a young musician might take living here in Virginia.</p><p>But, my sister is the one with the classical training, mad sight-reading skills and all of that. She sang the lead in “Pirates of Penzance” in high school, and currently is one of the flutists for their local Bangor Band (and has a ball doing it).</p><p>Over the last couple years she started doing some cool video projects of traditional folk songs with a friend and neighbor in Maine who happens to be a displaced Appalachian fiddler and multi-instrumentalist from east Kentucky. While I know there is a lot of traditional music in northern Maine (hello Quebecois!), I imagine that he's really happy to be able to share some of his repertoire with someone locally. They've done a lot of different kinds of traditional tunes together. And I've been quietly cheering her on because she is NOT one who seeks the spotlight about anything, but she's clearly been having fun and of course, her musicianship shines through in any setting.</p><p>I'm mighty glad she gets to play music with Neil Caudill, and they've already made lots of fun - and brilliant - art together. On the first tune Aly plays a penny whistle duet and the flute as well as unleashing that lovely voice, and the second one is a pair of New England dance tunes that are very similar to the oldtime fiddle tunes we play here in our house. OK, she's revved up because she makes her debut playing spoons. Classical training has many uses!</p><p>I finally can't contain myself any longer, so at the risk of getting one of THOSE messages, this here's my sis."</p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xRTqtJ20ujA?si=EVDH16u1a6oiA5Di" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><p> </p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kRycevdvj9c?si=mbz8YB7MZQ_h5OLG" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/7269557
2023-08-28T10:00:00-04:00
2023-09-06T19:23:30-04:00
Relive "Global Play Music on the Porch Day"
<p>Andrew and his fiddling daughter Madi, plus several bandmates and friends, gathered on the front porch on Saturday August 26th to participate in the global grassroots phenomena known as <a class="no-pjax" href="https://playmusicontheporchday.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">“Play Music on the Porch Day.”</a> Since they livestreamed it to Facebook, you can hear them play a variety of original and traditional songs for roughly an hour.</p><p><iframe style="border-style:none;overflow:hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fandrewmcknightmusic%2Fvideos%2F1443702519534368%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=135" width="560" height="429" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></p><p> </p><p><i>Andrew's Caveat - This is NOT a professional video setup, just an iPhone livestreaming through our wifi and from a distance from the porch too. But, you can get a feel of the kind of mischief we make musically when no one else is around too. Hope you enjoy it!</i></p><p>The cast L to R - Michael Rohrer (bass), Rachel Taylor (cello), Madi McKnight (fiddle), Andrew, Stephanie Thompson, Les Thompson with stage L cameo from Lisa Taylor.</p><p>The setlist:</p><ol>
<li>My Little Town</li>
<li>The Spotted Pony (oldtime)</li>
<li>White Face (oldtime)</li>
<li>Cold Frosty Morning (oldtime)</li>
<li>Swallowtail Jig/The Road to Lisdoonvarna (Celtic)</li>
<li>Big Sciote (oldtime)</li>
<li>Sittin' On Top of the World (yes, that's <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/les.thompson.9022?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZXxEcbvIn83-dQbmTw1_vWdz8KX1nbVCyc-8F7CzS3pU-ZXxO_wyDs933NSdRc3e76VLv8B28gr83XhVfkbqKsYBDvzD26O1R0QTicfdwOyyo2pbUkQugJZR9D05Hi3Ap6pVYOhGPHpBguZC_HyROeNl5WQZaAk0r46Fv56SrbVWZB8-TlTnuwmQpuTmzI5O32448gfoDi3vtXs7SNU8Pc1&__tn__=-%5DK-R"><span style="color:#dca10d;">Les Thompson</span></a> from the NGDB and John McEuen's String Wizards Circle Band)</li>
<li>Hey Alligator<span> (Stephanie Thompson)</span>
</li>
<li>Ashokan Farewell<span> (Jay Ungar and Molly Mason)</span>
</li>
<li>Count Your Blessings (written by/with my friend John Rickard, credit where it's due!)</li>
<li>Soldier's Joy (oldtime)</li>
<li>E1: Arkansas Traveler (oldtime)</li>
<li>E2: June Apple (oldtime)</li>
</ol><p>And look at all the porches on the participants map!</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/391975/eb14028aeacdf8f00faec297218e7cee58f5697a/original/music-on-porch-locations.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/7249687
2023-07-30T20:15:22-04:00
2023-08-04T09:43:44-04:00
NEW VIDEO: "My Little Town"
<p>A visual love letter to this little place where I hang my heart. While I often share songs, stories and images collected over nearly a million miles of touring, this time I'd like to show you around home through the eyes of people who live here and love it.</p><p>With thanks to my neighbors and friends Sarah Huntington, Stirling Rasmussen, Christi Porter, Mouncey Ferguson, Douglas Graham and Carol Dukes for the use of their photos and videos - and a few from my personal stash too. Lincoln is a mostly quiet little place where I like to say that, thanks to our three cemeteries, the dead outnumber the living here by about 10 to 1. A lot of history, a lot of families that have deep roots here - some since the beginning back in the 1730s.</p><p>Lincoln is also a special place. There are a lot of scenes here that may or may not be as meaningful to folks who aren't from here, but I hope that you like it too. For my neighbors, there are a few familiar and beloved faces who are no longer with us, and this is my small but heartfelt tribute to them too.</p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MimbDlEflPo" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/7251937
2023-07-27T09:00:00-04:00
2023-08-04T09:43:44-04:00
Second Co-Write with Veteran to Be on Compilation CD
<p><i>July 27, 2023</i></p><p>We are thrilled to learn that another song Andrew co-wrote with a veteran at the Music Therapy of the Rockies retreats has been selected for a compilation CD. MToR founder and Executive Director Mack Bailey is hard at work pulling together <i>Stories and Songs from the Farm, Volume 2</i> to help publicize the amazing healing work the veterans are doing and to continue raising private donations that are helping to bring more retreats to more places, including training more music therapists to help run the retreats.</p><p>Andrew helped Stephanie write “<strong>I've Earned My Wings</strong>” at the May retreat near Raleigh NC. Both are thrilled that more people will be hearing Stephanie's song and story in 2024! For more about the amazing work that Mack is leading at MToR and how you can help, please visit <a class="no-pjax" href="https://musictherapyoftherockies.org" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">https://musictherapyoftherockies.org</a>.</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/7217826
2023-05-29T10:00:00-04:00
2023-05-31T19:15:02-04:00
NEW: "Aretas Culver" Concert Video
<p>Just in time for Memorial Day, here's the first video released from the <i>Treasures in My Chest</i> release celebration, March 6, 2020 at Franklin Park Arts Center in Purcellville VA. "Aretas Culver" is the story of Andrew's doomed 3x great grandfather from Bristol CT who suffered disaster at Antietam, siege at Plymouth NC and the horrors of the notorious Confederate prisoner of war camp at Andersonville GA that ultimately cost him his life. Sadly the pandemic shut down the world the following week, so we never got a chance to tour the show. But, we do have video and audio to process from the show, and no better time than the present, so here's hoping you enjoy it.</p><p>On stage: Jeff Arey (mandolin), Lisa Taylor (drums & harmony vocals), Rachel Taylor (cello), Michael Rohrer (bass), Stephanie Thompson and Tony Denikos (harmony vocals) and Andrew on guitar and lead vocals. Film footage and editing courtesy of Mike Pugh for Goose Creek Music and Entertainment. Audio recording by Les Thompson for Franklin Park Arts Center. </p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7w4OLEbBn8M" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/7218121
2023-05-09T22:00:00-04:00
2023-05-31T19:15:02-04:00
Back to Helping Veterans Heal Through Songwriting
<p><i>May 9, 2023</i></p><p>I'm also thrilled to resume my work with the wonderful <a class="no-pjax" href="https://musictherapyoftherockies.org" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Music Therapy of the Rockies</a> songwriting with veterans retreats for the first time in nearly four years. Many of you have heard the songs and the stories, and know that I consider it sacred work to help our vets find musical tools to help reframe their trauma. Six pairs of songwriters and veterans brought amazing newborn songs into the world last weekend in North Carolina in front of an affirming audience of family and friends.</p><p>I'm looking forward to sharing my latest collaboration with y'all in <a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtube.com/live/g6YOsgz6kV8" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">my next livestream June 1st</a>. And I love looking at this end of retreat group photo and seeing the weight lifted from these veterans shoulders.</p><p> </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/391975/cf110c5cbc804f0f5e8a0b24bdb6b9b9de664bd0/original/230507-mtor-retreat-group-nc.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p><span class="text-small"><i>Photo © Ginger Van Hattem, used by permission</i></span></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/7136441
2023-01-09T10:25:00-05:00
2023-01-11T10:33:47-05:00
Youth Songwriting Workshops Featured in Article
<p>Since 2018 Andrew has led a series of songwriting workshops for middle and high-school students in Frederick County, Maryland as part of the <strong><a contents="Chords of Courage" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://chordsofcourage.org" target="_blank">Chords of Courage</a> Step Up! songwriting contest</strong>. The <em>Frederick News-Post</em> came to the first of the 2023 workshops to interview participants and share both their exciting work and this unique contest - <a contents="read it here at their website" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.fredericknewspost.com/news/arts_and_entertainment/music/frederick-students-attend-workshop-to-learn-about-songwriting/article_4b5c05e6-ca25-5be7-a173-668b0d39e6dd.html" target="_blank">read it here at their website</a>.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.fredericknewspost.com/news/arts_and_entertainment/music/frederick-students-attend-workshop-to-learn-about-songwriting/article_4b5c05e6-ca25-5be7-a173-668b0d39e6dd.html" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/a6fdc4337233e51e18c39216473dd6a2d59603cd/original/cofc-workshop-fred-news-post.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/7136444
2023-01-02T10:00:00-05:00
2023-01-11T10:33:47-05:00
Filling Some Potholes in the Road
<p>2023 arrives with some road trips where we have 1 show booked, and we'd love to be able to add 1 or 2 more. Small house concerts or church fellowship hall shows are infinitely better than doing nothing - for you and for Andrew - and we've got tools and resources to help make that easy to do! Here are the quandaries:</p>
<ul> <li>
<strong>Sat./Sun. FEB. 4 or 5</strong> - Reading PA; could hit Philly, Harrisburg or most anything reasonably in between!</li> <li>
<strong>Fri./Sat. MAR. 10-11</strong> - southwest VA, east TN or western NC; may we dance? Have a show in beautiful Independence VA Sunday afternoon</li> <li>
<strong>LAST FEW DAYS OF APRIL</strong> - New England here I come! I've got Bristol and Plainfield CT on the radar already, but would love to make it into a longer trip.</li> <li>
<strong>Fri. MAY 5</strong> - the Triangle area of NC</li>
</ul>
<p>If you'd like to introduce Andrew's work to a friend with a big heart and a cool house, <a contents="please send them this page for an overview https://andrewmcknight.net/presskit" data-link-label="Presskit" data-link-type="page" href="/presskit">please send them this page for an overview https://andrewmcknight.net/presskit</a>.</p>
<p>Thanks in advance for helping us lay some pavement - the return to the road is happening; even if it's baby steps in fits & starts!</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/7120152
2022-12-08T10:25:00-05:00
2022-12-08T23:03:48-05:00
Hear Andrew's Podcast Interviews about Nor'easter
<p>The year that Andrew's hard rocking youth roared back to life has been full of surprises and treasures. As the <a contents="Nor'easter Calm Before the Storm" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://noreaster.rocks" style="" target="_blank">Nor'easter <em>Calm Before the Storm</em></a> album has found its way to radio and podcast hosts around the world this autumn, Andrew together with singer Chris Gursky have been doing Zoom interviews about the band, the music, the history and more - most of which will be completely new to longtime fans of Andrew as singer/songwriter.</p>
<p>The interviews are a fun and engaging look back at their shared musical and family roots, and each podcast host has done a great job drawing out different parts of the story. Chris and Andrew have been best of friends since their early teens, stood in at each other's weddings, and the year of restoring the album they made together in 1989 has given them both a great deal to talk about - including of course, the legacy and absence of drummer Matt Bouley since his tragic death in 2002.</p>
<p>For a nice deep dive into the songs as well as the story, check out Fearghal Traynor's <strong>Feckin' Metal </strong>podcast from Dublin, Ireland. Stream <strong>Episode 65</strong> by <a contents="finding FM on your favorite podcast platform here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://linktr.ee/feckinmetal" target="_blank">finding FM on your favorite podcast platform here</a>, or stream it straight from Spotify:</p>
<p><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="152" loading="lazy" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/0W2m7onMCmTpoxYgzJyOo6?utm_source=generator" style="border-radius:12px" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p>Their first interview back in October was a shorter overview of the album restoration itself, plus some fun banter with hosts Randy and Troy on episode 287 of <strong>Ouch, You're On My Hair</strong> Metal Podcast. Andrew and Chris are on for about 20 minutes in the first hour.</p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="208" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://podomatic.com/embed/html5/episode/10411328?autoplay=false" width="504"></iframe></p>
<p>We'll continue adding to these as some of the recent interviews drop - meanwhile, here's hoping you enjoy the stories!</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/7118176
2022-12-05T09:40:00-05:00
2022-12-05T19:38:28-05:00
Let the Holiday Shopping Begin - Music, Experiences and More
<p>First <strong>the music and the merch</strong> - save 25% on anything and everything through our Bandcamp store with the code XMAS22, through <strong>midnight EST on Monday December 12th</strong>. Order now, and get music and more on the way in plenty of time for gift-giving. </p>
<p><strong>Guitar and songwriting lessons/coaching</strong>, anywhere in North America! In person here in northwestern Virginia or via Zoom, <strong>buy 4 lessons and get one free for new students only</strong>; no strings attached, no contract required, gift certificate available to put in an envelope on the tree (<strong><em>offer expires at midnight Eastern Thursday December 22nd</em></strong>). Adults on down to 8-year olds, all abilities welcome. Andrew has been teaching guitar and songwriting one on one in private practice for nearly 25 years. You choose what you want to learn, and Andrew will help you achieve your goals with encouragement, specialized teaching and most of all inspiration. <a contents="How can he help you?" data-link-label="" data-link-type="email" href="mailto:info@andrewmcknight.net">How can he help you?</a></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/7117728
2022-12-04T21:00:00-05:00
2022-12-05T19:38:28-05:00
Bandmate Les Thompson Honored in Nashville
<p>Andrew's long time friend and Beyond Borders bandmate <strong>Les Thompson</strong> was part of a very special celebration of his role in music history this past weekend, as the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville hosted the founding members of the <strong>Nitty Gritty Dirt Band</strong> and friends for two nights commemorating the 50th anniversary of their legendary <em>Will The Circle Be Unbroken</em> album. In the spirit of the original sessions, the celebration concerts included some of Nashville’s finest including Shawn Camp, Carlene Carter, Charlie Cushman, Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, Jaime Hanna, Trey Hensley, Ross Holmes, Mike Bub, and many more.</p>
<p>Released in late 1972, the 3-disc set featured the band with country music legends like Doc Watson, Mother Maybelle Carter, Roy Acuff, Earl Scruggs and Merle Travis. In addition to two Grammy awards and platinum record status, the album remains highly regarded as one of the top 10 route music albums of all time. Les played mandolin on every cut. The celebration has been going on all year, including earning NGDB the International Bluegrass Music Association's Distinguished Achievement Award back in September. </p>
<p>It is wonderful to see the <em>Circle</em> legacy celebrated as the music remains vibrant right through the latest generation of bluegrass and country musicians.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/e5b129ebb80c42802c7f9571107cfe95ddaf965d/original/les-circle-tribute-cma.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><em>Photo © Nathan McEuen.</em></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/7117587
2022-12-02T10:00:00-05:00
2022-12-05T10:58:05-05:00
New Album Featuring Young Songwriters Honoring Heroes
<p>Since 2018, Andrew has led several songwriting workshops for high school and middle school students interested in songwriting as part of the annual <strong><a contents="Chords of Courage" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://chordsofcourage.org" target="_blank">Chords of Courage</a> songwriting contest</strong> in Frederick County MD. The project honors both famous and every day heroes who made huge sacrifice to make the world better for others in someway. Andrew's friends <strong>Heather Aubrey Lloyd, Rob Hinkal and Kristen Jones</strong> of the award-winning band <a contents="ilyAIMY" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.ilyaimy.com" target="_blank"><strong>ilyAIMY</strong></a> took seven of the 2022 contest winning entries and did a magnificent job arranging and recording them, and the resulting album <a contents="Chords of Courage Vol. 1 dropped today at Bandcamp" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://ilyaimy.bandcamp.com/album/chords-of-courage-volume-one" target="_blank"><em>Chords of Courage Vol. 1</em> dropped today at Bandcamp</a>.</p>
<p>If you'd like to hear their work and support a great program helping aspiring young songwriters, please go listen and make a contribution. Proceeds from album and song sales will help fund other opportunities for this year's students, and beyond.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/094551a4439ca76ef6a4efb84157e0af05f88fa2/original/chord-courage-vol1.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/7117598
2022-11-23T10:00:00-05:00
2022-12-05T10:58:05-05:00
A Month of Reunions Continues - Nor'easter at Cabin Studios
<p>Thirty five years ago; the final time Andrew's original hard rock band <strong>Nor'easter</strong> stepped on stage together. The three surviving members chatted briefly at drummer Matt Bouley's funeral in 2002, but other than that sad occasion, singer Chris Gursky, bassist Paul St. Amour and Andrew had not been together since. </p>
<p>So on the heels of Andrew and Beyond Borders reunion show five days previous, the reunion at Cabin Studios near Leesburg VA the weekend before Thanksgiving was mighty special indeed. The three have been connected a lot over the miles this past year during the restoration and release of Nor'easter's one and only album, <em>Calm Before the Storm</em>. The discovery of some VHS film footage from their final show inspired Andrew and Producer/Engineer Dustin DeLage to envision a mini-"rockumentary" - telling their chapter of an "everyband story."</p>
<p>Weeks of planning with fingers crossed about weather, vehicles and avoiding Covid came to fruition as Paul drove up from central Tennessee and Chris from southern New Hampshire. They filmed interview segments and took some time to play together again, while enjoying each other's company reminiscing and celebrating their missing bandmate as well as the ongoing excitement about <em>Calm</em> being heard on various radio and podcasts around the world. Much to be grateful for indeed!</p>
<p><em>Rock Time in Your Town</em> is in production now for a 2023 release, and the band is planning a crowdfunding campaign right after the holidays to help bring it to some film festivals.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/9e0f5eb53de5cc4f3dbbd557bbf5174e7177735d/original/clean-30.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/f541de6d35abbe66763704a0bb92368efba37cb5/original/gursky-clapboard.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/7303993f011025dd6c41d00020d6ca386f7d028a/original/paul-clapboard.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/176d394a2dc2008f37f1595b503c497364aa0c1f/original/clean-06.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/a812d5309f6464b3816f97b0013b085fdae83cd3/original/foursome-salute-pspic.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><em>Photos © William McFadden</em></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/7083590
2022-11-15T09:00:00-05:00
2022-12-05T10:38:48-05:00
Beyond Borders Reunited On Stage - and In Studio!
<p>After a fun and successful reunion set at the 2022 Mountville Folk Festival, <a contents="Andrew and Beyond Borders bandmates Les Thompson, Lisa Taylor and Stephanie Thompson" data-link-label="Andrew McKnight & Beyond Borders" data-link-type="page" href="/andrew-mcknight-beyond-borders">Andrew and Beyond Borders bandmates Les Thompson, Lisa Taylor and Stephanie Thompson</a> did their first full concert together in over three years in <strong>Winchester VA, Sunday November 13th</strong>. Everyone was healthy and sounding peak, Les has been playing banjo pain-free for the first time in a long time, and as they have been reheared for the show, they also laid down some basic tracks for "Hey Alligator" and "Til the Well Runs Dry."</p>
<p>That recording is planned to continue through the winter, at last capturing the album's worth of songs they created together from 2012 to 2018. House engineer <strong>Dustin Delage</strong> is again at the recording desk, and while no release date is planned for a while, there is talk of livestreaming a show from the studio sometime this winter as the songs round into form. </p>
<p>That's a lot of energy and excitement that we are thrilled about indeed! Meanwhile, here are a few mementos from the show.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/7d54df508fe2e689d2b3486eb6208519ced4da59/original/221113-ambb-720p.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/ee2a15a1eb5fdc6ccda6b1cd31ec69d94a6e11c2/original/band-close-stager.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/ac52f270751b52c868ee07d65516070a28db34d8/original/les-bouzouki.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/54d54633fe3d08feee177b58320081bc2a6cde36/original/drew-slide-lisa-washboard.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/f2327e46f26f8e22973a9173f92c16e72b95bb0f/original/drew-strat-closeup.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><em>Photos © Danielle Lissak.</em></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/7075692
2022-09-30T11:00:00-04:00
2022-10-06T20:26:56-04:00
What's Next?
<p>It's no secret Andrew has been anxious to get back on stages across America - as has every other performing artist and ensemble. Covid continues to be a pesky adversary, causing artists to interrupt tours and venues to cancel shows. Many artists have been without "normal" performing revenue - income - for so long; our resources are thin, savings stretched and that's not addressing anything about emotional and physical health of having careers and livelihoods sidelined. Artists are chomping at the bit, but are also understandably cautious about the expense of being marooned far from home by Covid for any length of time too.</p>
<p><strong>So, what's the plan? Great question!</strong> The plan has several parts,<strong> first and foremost in booking weekends worth of shows again within a day's drive of home</strong>. That means the Carolinas and east Tennessee, PA/NY/NJ, and of course New England. Michigan, Ohio, eastern Indiana. The cost of travel pretty much necessitates having at least two shows on those weekends, and safe places to stay (never been a problem in the past, but also assumes people are still willing to have a house guest for a night!). The easiest thing to do is host a house concert, as most venue and festival schedules are overflowing with talent with that same wealth of eager artists out vying for the same spots, and there are considerably less of those to go around post-pandemic. We're open to some combination of concerts, <a contents="programs and workshops" data-link-label="Programs" data-link-type="page" href="/programs">programs and workshops</a> (check out <a contents='"The Gifts in My Genes"' data-link-label="workshop Gifts Genes" data-link-type="page" href="/workshop-gifts-genes">"The Gifts in My Genes"</a> for your local library or historical society!), and <a contents="Sunday services for spiritual communities" data-link-label="SpecialMusicServices" data-link-type="page" href="/specialmusicservices">Sunday services for spiritual communities</a> like UU and Unity. If you want to help by introducing Andrew's work to presenters in your community, <strong>please share the <a contents="Press Kit page" data-link-label="Presskit" data-link-type="page" href="/presskit" target="_blank">Press Kit page</a></strong> here.</p>
<p>There are other plans of course too. Over the winter Andrew will continue doing a livestream concert from home monthly, and at least one will be on a Europe-friendly schedule. And there is work in the studio too - <a contents="Andrew and his Beyond Borders bandmates" data-link-label="Andrew McKnight & Beyond Borders" data-link-type="page" href="/andrew-mcknight-beyond-borders">Andrew and his Beyond Borders bandmates</a> are starting to record the batch of songs they wrote together over the last ten years. He's been writing songs for hire for people - a great holiday gift idea! And of course, there is the ongoing publicity work with <a contents="the Nor'easter&nbsp;legacy project" data-link-label="Nor'easter" data-link-type="page" href="/nor-easter" style="">the <strong>Nor'easter</strong> legacy project</a>, and maybe too a related film project.</p>
<p>What we'd welcome most of all is help making any pieces of this plan come to life - little or large! <a contents="We still have some Virginia Commission for the Arts funding available" data-link-label="VCA" data-link-type="page" href="/vca" style="">We still have some <strong>Virginia Commission for the Arts</strong> funding available</a> to help defray costs for eligible performances here in the Commonwealth. Thanks to the technology and skills we've developed during the pandemic, Andrew can do broadcast-quality presentations and concerts in all sorts of virtual settings.</p>
<p>So if you'd like to help, thank you and welcome aboard! </p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/7055884
2022-09-01T11:00:00-04:00
2022-09-08T12:34:26-04:00
Andrew's Interview with Loudoun Now; "Ghosts, Miracles & the Calm Before the Storm"
<p>In August Andrew sat for another interview with writer Jan Mercker for the local independent <a contents="Loudoun Now" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.loudounnow.com/2022/08/18/ghosts-miracles-and-the-calm-before-the-storm/" target="_blank"><em>Loudoun Now</em></a> to talk about the <a contents="Nor'easter project" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://noreaster.rocks" target="_blank"><strong>Nor'easter</strong> project</a>. Three years ago Jan had done a lovely feature story on Andrew's <a contents="Treasures in My Chest album and book" data-link-label="Treasures" data-link-type="page" href="/treasures"><em>Treasures in My Chest</em> album and book</a> in advance of the release concert at Franklin Park Arts Center, so he was thrilled to reconnect with her to talk about his pandemic project. And we are all thrilled at her work here, for she clearly connected the human threads that run through Andrew's work, even back in his "wild and wayward youth" of the Nor'easter days.</p>
<p>Managing Editor Renss Greene made a visit to <a contents="Cabin Studios " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.cabinstudios.com" target="_blank">Cabin Studios </a>to get some shots of Andrew and Engineer/Producer <strong>Dustin Delage</strong> at work at the mixing desk. You can read the article and see the photos at <a contents="https://www.loudounnow.com/2022/08/18/ghosts-miracles-and-the-calm-before-the-storm/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.loudounnow.com/2022/08/18/ghosts-miracles-and-the-calm-before-the-storm/" target="_blank">https://www.loudounnow.com/2022/08/18/ghosts-miracles-and-the-calm-before-the-storm/</a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/657dfe0e90caea7bf665017feb888238edffb217/original/220818-loudoun-now-interview.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/7055916
2022-08-29T13:15:00-04:00
2022-09-08T12:34:26-04:00
New Video: "When My Time Comes"
<p>This is the first concert video we have of <strong>"When My Time Comes"</strong> from <a contents="Treasures in My Chest" data-link-label="Treasures" data-link-type="page" href="/treasures"><em>Treasures in My Chest</em></a>. A big thanks to <a contents="Andrew McKnight &amp; Beyond Borders bandmate Les Thompson" data-link-label="Andrew McKnight & Beyond Borders" data-link-type="page" href="/andrew-mcknight-beyond-borders" style="" target="_blank">Andrew McKnight & Beyond Borders bandmate <strong>Les Thompson</strong></a> who is also the Technical Director at our local <strong>Franklin Park Arts Center</strong>. To be able to capture video like this in-house was impossible before the pandemic, and they've worked hard to bring some high-quality broadcast ability to our hometown's showcase venue.</p>
<p>In addition to a little slidey mischief, this one includes a lovely tribute at the beginning of interest to friends and dear ones of the late <strong>Chris King</strong>, and anyone whose been in that sacred building now owned and beloved by the <a contents="Unitarian Universalist Church of Loudoun" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.uuloudoun.org" target="_blank">Unitarian Universalist Church of Loudoun</a>.</p>
<p>Andrew wrote this on Facebook; "I miss Chris King - a hell of a human being, and a friend for many years. Whatever Great Beyond he flew to, I am sure that his dear Dene is there with him. I'm glad to have been there in 2019 at his memorial, and grateful that he inspired this song too. There's a bit more to the story, and I'm happy to have it captured on film told reasonably well. My slide was a little shaky after that, but I think in the grand scheme of things, a little extra emotion to it is just fine."</p>
<p><em>Filmed live at the Franklin Park Arts Center in Purcellville VA, 7/19/22. The song starts around 4:20; first few minutes is tribute to the late Chris King, his friend who inspired the song, and who was the ticket office person at Franklin Park for many years.</em></p>
<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wf35DE63FyM" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6942818
2022-07-14T11:00:00-04:00
2022-07-26T03:38:44-04:00
Nor'easter Album Arrives After 33-Year Journey
<p>While we're excited about getting back on the road for solo shows and more performances with <a contents="Beyond Borders" data-link-label="Andrew McKnight & Beyond Borders" data-link-type="page" href="/andrew-mcknight-beyond-borders" target="_blank">Beyond Borders</a>, Andrew's pandemic "legacy project" is finished. After nearly a year of restoration and production with his longtime engineer and co-producer <strong>Dustin Delage</strong>, <a contents="Nor'easter's one and only album&nbsp;Calm Before the Storm" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://noreaster.rocks" target="_blank"><strong>Nor'easter</strong>'s one and only album <strong><em>Calm Before the Storm</em></strong></a> is ready for the world.</p>
<p>In late 1984 Andrew founded Nor'easter along with two of his dearest friends, drummer Matt Bouley and singer Christopher A. Gursky. Over two and a half years, they created an album's worth of their own intricate and memorable hard rock songs, which they recorded in 1989 - two years after their final show. That the recordings survived - from 4-track cassette and 8-track reels in the late 80s, through a variety of digital transfers, is nothing short of miraculous. At a couple points over the last 33 years, all seemed lost.</p>
<p>Thanks to Dustin's incredible technology talents, last year they were able at last to import the original tracks into the modern digital studio. For the last year, Dustin and Andrew have painstakingly worked to restore, refine and polish <em>Calm</em> into a properly produced album. Nor'easter's music is sonically right at home in the hard rock of the 80s, with one foot in the "commercial metal" of their contemporaries and the other in the footsteps of their 70s rock influences like Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and Rush.</p>
<p><a contents="While Matt passed away nearly twenty years ago" data-link-label="Matt" data-link-type="page" href="/matt" style="" target="_blank">Since Matt passed away nearly twenty years ago</a>, there likely won't be any future shows. The surviving members have been hard at work creating new experiences to share with fans - and have a lot of great things in the works including a mini-documentary, <em>Rock Time in Your Town</em>, along with their last concert bassist Paul St. Amour and based on their final concert with some recently discovered video. </p>
<p>The band is currently sharing a song and its backstory every day over the next couple weeks at their Facebook page. Other milestones coming up include a series of Friday drops:</p>
<ul> <li>
<strong>July 22nd</strong> - <strong>Video premiere</strong> for a collaboration with artist Manderley Swain on the title cut at the<a contents=" Nor'easter YouTube channel" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzmN3fjU2dPQAdABWeQHyAw" target="_blank"> Nor'easter YouTube channel</a>.</li> <li>
<strong>August 5th</strong> - <a contents="Album pre-sales start at Apple Music" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://music.apple.com/us/artist/noreaster/1615194970" target="_blank">Album pre-sales start at Apple Music</a>
</li> <li>
<strong>August 12th</strong> - the official release date, and shipping date for the CDs</li> <li>
<strong>August 19th</strong> - <em>Calm Before the Storm</em> launches on all the streaming platforms including <a contents="Apple Music" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://music.apple.com/us/artist/noreaster/1615194970" target="_blank">Apple Music</a> and <a contents="Spotify" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/0QHD1KAnoThgZ59xREoahg?si=RBjxdMrKSCCKjCOx7Nnelg" target="_blank">Spotify</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>To follow the journey directly</strong>, <a contents="please visit http://noreaster.rocks" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://noreaster.rocks" target="_blank">please visit http://noreaster.rocks</a>.</p>
<p>And to hear the music that survived that 33-year journey, or buy the download and/or disc, here you go!</p>
<p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3376807206/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=63b2cc/artwork=small/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; width: 500px; height: 472px;"></iframe></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/7014709
2022-07-12T16:00:00-04:00
2022-07-14T12:16:56-04:00
First Midwest Trip in Three Years
<p>So much has changed since the last time Andrew headed west with guitars in tow. But, here we are, and making one's livelihood as a touring artist means <em>touring</em> as well as artist, so next month he'll load up the van for a short run out to Hudson MI (Thursday Aug. 11th) for the "Celebrate Hudson" weekly outdoor concert series, and Cincinnati OH (either Friday or Saturday 8/12-13). If you are in southeast Michigan or the Cincy area, remember that live music is as necessary for your body and soul as food and water - come catch a show! <a contents="We'll update the Tour page" data-link-label="Tour" data-link-type="page" href="/tour">We'll update the Tour page</a> and this new item as soon as we have plans set for the weekend.</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6985055
2022-06-02T11:30:10-04:00
2022-06-02T11:32:15-04:00
The Rumors Are True - The Beyond Borders Reunion June 18th
<p>We are thrilled that for the first time in three years, Andrew and his Beyond Borders bandmates - founding Nitty Gritty Dirt Band member Les Thompson, Stephanie Thompson and Lisa Taylor - will take the stage again to close out the 28th annual Mountville Folk Festival in Aldie, VA on Saturday June 18th. While the pandemic continues to be a nuisance for rehearsing as well as performing, the band have been enjoying making music together and are eager to share it with a live audience again.</p>
<p>If you live within a reasonable drive of northern Virginia (and/or have a tent and like the late night song circles and campfire jams), you'll want to be at this lovely "house concert festival" at a private home on the slopes of Bull Run Mountain. <a contents="Click here to email the hosts" data-link-label="" data-link-type="email" href="mailto:mountvillefolkfestival@comcast.net" target="_blank">Click here to email the hosts</a> for an invite, and mark it off on your calendars!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/a5f111f2712e9b33585b6285d4b3ebefd0d2f020/original/ambb-behindcar-10x7-300dpi-withlogo.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/7014704
2022-05-31T09:00:00-04:00
2022-07-14T12:06:10-04:00
Hear the Nor'easter Album Preview
<p>Those who have been following the rather remarkable story of Andrew's pandemic "legacy project" might be interested in hearing the music - and for the first time, you can indeed hear <strong>Nor'easter's <em>Calm Before the Storm</em></strong> in its entirety. (<a contents="Take a moment to catch up here" data-link-label="Nor'easter" data-link-type="page" href="/nor-easter" target="_blank">Take a moment to catch up here</a> if you are hearing about this time capsule from Andrew's hard rocking youth for the first time).</p>
<p>Andrew and producer/engineer <strong>Dustin Delage</strong> along with Nor'easter vocalist <strong>Chris Gursky</strong> from New Hampshire and bassist <strong>Paul St. Amour</strong> from Tennessee hosted an <strong>Advance Preview listening party</strong> on the Nor'easter YouTube channel on May 23rd - the birthday of Nor'easter's late drummer <a contents="Matt Bouley" data-link-label="Matt" data-link-type="page" href="/matt" target="_blank">Matt Bouley</a>. They played the album end to end while visiting with a host of friends and fans from across the country in the Live Chat. The video is now indexed so that you can go directly to hear any of the 11 tracks.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, we're expecting to have a limited number of CDs in hand as well as downloads at the beginning of August - stay tuned!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W-n_Dssjs0M" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6942807
2022-04-07T14:10:00-04:00
2022-04-29T08:07:26-04:00
Two Solo Concert Videos Up
<p>Back in February Andrew did a concert at the lovely Garth Newel Music Center in the remote mountains of western Virginia. While primarily home to a world-class chamber music center and festival, they occasionally have non-classical shows in the off season, and their 4 camera broadcast capability is a wonderful thing to be able to share with you now.</p>
<p>The first video here is "<strong>New Mission</strong>," one of Andrew's collaborations with combat veterans using songwriting as a tool to help them reframe and rewire their traumatic experiences through an incredible program run by Mack Bailey and his <a contents="Music Therapy of the Rockies" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://musictherapyoftherockies.org" target="_blank">Music Therapy of the Rockies</a>. We are thrilled that of the many dozens of songs written with dozens of professional songwriters across the country in the last few years, "New Mission" is one of 12 chosen for their first fundraising CD <em>Songs and Stories from the Farm</em>. <a contents="Learn more about this amazing program and how you can help at their website" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://musictherapyoftherockies.org" target="_blank">Learn more about this amazing program and how you can help at their website</a>.</p>
<p>The other song here is "<strong>My Little Town</strong>," written about Andrew's home village of Lincoln VA and recorded on <a contents="Treasures in My Chest" data-link-label="Treasures" data-link-type="page" href="/treasures" target="_blank"><em>Treasures in My Chest</em></a>.</p>
<p>We may add another video or two in the coming weeks, so please stay tuned!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l6hyGQLuInI" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1ynoGM0_GT4" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6933188
2022-03-26T11:15:00-04:00
2022-04-07T13:23:03-04:00
Hear Nor'easter's "The Chemical Zone"
<p><a contents="The Nor'easter project" data-link-label="Nor'easter" data-link-type="page" href="/nor-easter" target="_blank">The Nor'easter project</a> hit a big release milestone with the April 4th release of the first single <strong>"The Chemical Zone"</strong> to streaming platforms. You can see the lyric video and hear the whole song down below - Andrew plays bass as well as guitar on the album version.</p>
<p><strong>"The Chemical Zone"</strong> is an excellent introduction to the many stylistic flavors of Nor'easter, drawing on their 70s rock influences like Zeppelin as well as their mid-80s metal contemporaries. Opening with Chris' haunting vocals over a delicate harmonic tapped guitar, the message of environmental disaster shifts and builds into a pulsating and persistent groove, which abruptly transitions into Andrew's soaring cut time solo. Following Chris' final powerful "why isn't there anybody left here?", the swirling chaos of Matt's "Bonzoesque" outro drum solo fades into an apocalyptic soundscape. Presented with the most challenging mix on the album, engineer and producer Dustin Delage has done a masterful crafting and polishing the original recording.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QEqCSVB-ItI" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6878049
2022-01-23T20:00:00-05:00
2022-01-24T09:54:55-05:00
WATCH: Nor'easter Cover Reveal Video
<p>The pandemic project from Andrew's rock and roll past is nearing completion! Thanks to the beautiful acrylic on canvas original art by Rachel McFadden and the digital art and graphic design of Kathlene Sage, the cover for the <a contents="Nor'easter legacy album Calm Before the Storm" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://noreaster.rocks" target="_blank">Nor'easter legacy album <em>Calm Before the Storm</em></a> has arrived. Andrew writes:</p>
<blockquote>" 'Fare Thee Well' may have been the first studio recording I did on acoustic guitar, and almost certainly the first time I layered tracks. I believe I was 22, and we were recording in a semi-working barn at Daystar Farms down in Preston CT. It's beyond cool to see the cover art come together with that soundtrack!"</blockquote>
<p>And here it is, coming to life. That menacing electric guitar swell at the end of this 1-minute cover reveal video is that very same <a contents="1976 Fender Stratocaster Andrew has used since he was 14" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://andrewmcknight.net/blogs/blog/posts/strawberry-fields-forever-essay" target="_blank">1976 Fender Stratocaster Andrew has used since he was 14</a>, painted in exquisite detail by Rachel.</p>
<p>.<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ywdkTpg9yhU" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6837932
2021-12-11T20:13:29-05:00
2023-12-10T11:51:52-05:00
New Lyric Video: "A Dram to the Holidays"
<p>Just in time for the winter holidays and solstice, our first lyric video production. We hope you enjoy Andrew's photography as well as words and music, and thanks for sharing <a contents='"A Dram to the Holidays"' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/4zjap3Jzw7w" target="_blank">"A Dram to the Holidays"</a> with your family and friends.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4zjap3Jzw7w" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6811421
2021-11-15T12:00:00-05:00
2021-11-16T11:44:57-05:00
Homegrown Holiday Sales for All
<p>As of November 15th, <strong>our best sale in years is happening now</strong> on <a contents="downloads and physical products at our Bandcamp store" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://andrewmcknight.bandcamp.com" target="_blank">downloads and physical products at our Bandcamp store</a>, and we're ready to fill your orders right through to '22, with nothing but the US Post Office in between our doorstep and yours. </p>
<ul> <li>
<a contents="Album downloads just $6" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://andrewmcknight.bandcamp.com" target="_blank"><strong>Album downloads just $6</strong></a> - each comes with cover art, lyrics and liner notes too.</li> <li>
<a contents="CDs $9" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://andrewmcknight.bandcamp.com" target="_blank"><strong>CDs $9</strong></a> (plus shipping)</li> <li>Andrew's entire <strong>9-album digital discography for just $42.75</strong>
</li>
</ul>
<p>And our best sale on last year's <a contents="Treasures in My Chest&nbsp;album &amp; book" data-link-label="Treasures" data-link-type="page" href="/treasures"><em>Treasures in My Chest</em> album & book</a> inspired by Andrew's journey into family history - just $13 download (MP3s and PDF) or $18 for the CD & paperback (plus shipping). </p>
<p>These prices are good through midnight on 12/31. Music with meaning makes great personalized gifts for your family & friends direct from the artist.</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6742439
2021-11-01T10:00:00-04:00
2021-11-16T13:42:06-05:00
Next Nor'easter First Listen Party Set for Sun. Nov. 28th
<p>We are thrilled to share our second preview from the long-awaited <em>Calm Before the Storm</em> album, recorded in 1989 by the three founding members of Nor'easter - including Andrew on guitar and bass. We'll be <a contents="live on the Nor'easter YouTube channel " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/pRnhnTXgNVs" target="_blank">live on the Nor'easter YouTube channel </a>at <strong>7:30 pm Sunday Nov. 28th</strong>. While you're there, <a contents="please do subscribe" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzmN3fjU2dPQAdABWeQHyAw" target="_blank"><em><strong>please do subscribe</strong></em></a> - thank you!</p>
<p>This will be a listening party live from Cabin Studio, hosted by Andrew and producer/engineer Dustin Delage. It's another behind the scenes look at a fascinating story and "forensic engineering" project, as well as be the first to hear two more songs from the album. The first listening party on October 3rd marked 19 years since drummer Matthew Bouley passed away, and the world heard the first mixes of "The Chemical Zone" and "Cosmic Metalhead." </p>
<p>We hope you'll join us! You'll want to hook up some good speakers for listening. The event is free and open to all, and will probably last 45-60 minutes. Andrew and Dustin will likely take some questions in the chat too, as the album moves closer and closer to a finish line 32 years in the making.....</p>
<p>PS <strong>Please do follow Nor'easter's pages</strong> at <a contents="Facebook" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/Noreasterrocks" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a contents="Bandcamp" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://noreasterrocks.bandcamp.com" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a> (where the album will be sold) and <a contents="ReverbNation" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://reverbnation.com/noreasterrocks" target="_blank">ReverbNation</a>.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/2eccb862576274e743df5d0903189349c982ba11/original/211128-event-webcard.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6742441
2021-11-01T08:00:00-04:00
2021-11-16T11:45:35-05:00
"Sacrifice," a Compilation CD of Work with Veterans
<p>We are excited to announce that one of the songs Andrew helped write with veterans has been selected for <strong><em>Sacrifice</em></strong>, the <a contents="Music Therapy of the Rockies" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://musictherapyoftherockies.org" target="_blank">Music Therapy of the Rockies</a> first compilation CD. "New Mission" is a collaboration with Alex, who worked in Mortuary Affairs during the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. Founded and run by legendary songwriter and folk artist Mack Bailey, MTR's program addresses the needs of veterans and other at-risk populations through evidenced-based research and techniques - particularly using songwriting as a tool to help veterans reframe their PTSD experiences.</p>
<p>Andrew says, "I'm really proud of the song, but that pales in comparison to my gratitude for the opportunity to help in some small way in this sacred and healing work." There will be some amazing songs on this record, and we'll post updates as the project moves towards a public release.</p>
<p>See Andrew perform all four songs he wrote during the retreats during his recent Veteran's Day Eve livestream:</p>
<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RJnTxihulgE" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6742173
2021-10-15T18:00:00-04:00
2021-12-09T22:42:55-05:00
VCA Performing Arts Festival Airing Weekly
<p>For the past several months, Andrew has served on a committee with the <a contents="Virginia Commission for the Arts" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.arts.virginia.gov" target="_blank">Virginia Commission for the Arts</a> to develop and present an online festival of the Commonwealth's rich performing arts talent. Virginia is home to so much great music of all genres, from the mountain music and the Crooked Road of the southwest to the cosmopolitan cultural brew of northern Virginia, and everything in between. </p>
<p>After nearly a year of planning and production, <em>VCA Presents: A Virtual Artist Showcase</em> is being broadcast over several weeks this autumn on the <strong><a contents="VCA's YouTube channel" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHfnenDLKiyu3-8admw4xAg" target="_blank">VCA's YouTube channel</a></strong>, and marks the first time that the Commission has been involved with marketing artists and their work directly to the public, as opposed to grantees and presenters. The VCA has worked tirelessly on a number of fronts to help support arts venues and performing artists during the pandemic, including this first-ever online festival. They have partnered with Virginia Public Media, the state's Tourism Council and a variety of other entities to bring our art to a global audience.</p>
<p>Each week's showcase is drawn from a region of the Commonwealth, and spotlights a rich diversity of music, dance and theatre (click the link to see previous showcases). with a statewide <strong>Grand Finale on Wednesday December 8th</strong>. Each link connects to the YouTube as each performance goes live.</p>
<p>October 21, 2021 - <a contents="Southwest Virginia" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/6KhTniL7vwE" target="_blank">Southwest Virginia</a> </p>
<p>November 3, 2021 - <a contents="Coastal Virginia" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/Ga5GSiEPRqc" target="_blank">Coastal Virginia</a> </p>
<p>November 10, 2021 - <a contents="Northern Virginia, Part 1" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/4EMgb5KLmAg" target="_blank">Northern Virginia, Part 1</a> </p>
<p>November 17, 2021 - <a contents="Northern Virginia, Part 2" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmGGjUSzhug" target="_blank">Northern Virginia, Part 2</a> </p>
<p>November 24, 2021 - <a contents="Shenandoah Valley/Blue Ridge" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/-m54KvVVWZ8" target="_blank">Shenandoah Valley/Blue Ridge</a> </p>
<p>December 1, 2021 - <a contents="Central Virginia - Capital Region" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbsgkMmlcFE">Central Virginia - Capital Region</a> </p>
<p>December 8, 2021 - <a contents="Finale (featuring performers and venues from all across the Commonwealth)" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i47IZArmoLk" target="_blank">Finale (featuring performers and venues from all across the Commonwealth)</a> includes "Aretas Culver" at the Franklin Park Arts Center.</p>
<p>Come in from the cold, and join us for the <em>VCA Presents: Virtual Artist Showcase</em>. Wherever you live, thanks for supporting your local artists and venues, and we hope you'll come see some of the tremendous arts and cultural offerings in regions all across Virginia next time you're here.</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6748390
2021-08-25T08:00:00-04:00
2021-09-16T08:40:44-04:00
Announcing "Long Nights Livestream Series"
<p>As the pandemic has surged again in late summer and autumn, most of Andrew's in person dates have been postponed or cancelled outright. While we are hopeful that we'll be back on the road at some point, we've enjoyed connecting with people around the world via livestreaming. Now that the seasons in the Northern Hemisphere are turning towards cold weather and long nights, we're planning some entertainment to help get you through should you find yourself with relatively few live music options.</p>
<p>We're happy to announce the <strong>"Long Nights Livestream Series,"</strong> an irregular schedule of at least one livestream a month through March. Some we'll host here on our own channels, while others will be held in conjunction with other presenters. Some will be free with donations gratefully accepted, and others will be ticketed. In general, most will be on an "off" night like Thursday or Sunday, so as not to detract from live performance opportunities in your own neighborhood, and at least one or two will be at a Europe-friendly time. </p>
<p>All of the livestreams will be clearly indicated on the <a contents="Tour schedule" data-link-label="Tour" data-link-type="page" href="/tour">Tour schedule</a>, so you can plan accordingly and add things to your own calendar.</p>
<p>The series kicks off here at home via our <a contents="YouTube Channel on Thurs. Sept. 16th at 7:30pm EDT" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/5ZrGuUmcaF4" target="_blank">YouTube Channel on <strong>Thurs. Sept. 16th at 7:30pm EDT</strong></a>, with other shows already scheduled:</p>
<ul> <li>
<strong>Sun. Oct. 24th</strong>, 7:30pm EDT <a contents=""Michelle's Birthday Concert"" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/tq7uPf-0CHg" target="_blank">"Michelle's Birthday Concert"</a>
</li> <li>
<strong>Sun. Dec. 12th</strong>, 7:30pm <a contents="12th Annual Winter Holiday Vidcast" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/DWlDki0SQAA" target="_blank">12th Annual Winter Holiday Vidcast</a>
</li> <li>
<strong>Sat. Jan. 8th 2022</strong>, 7:30pm <a contents="FOCUS Music presents Andrew McKnight" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://focusmusic.org" target="_blank">FOCUS Music presents Andrew McKnight</a>
</li>
</ul>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6742440
2021-08-01T17:00:00-04:00
2022-04-27T01:57:17-04:00
Horse and Writer
<p>Part of a very busy in-person July has been bringing Justin Haefner, one of my longtime guitar students, into the studio to record one of his songs for a very special project in his horse training business. In addition to being a fine young guitarist and songwriter, he is a gifted horse trainer. </p>
<p>Justin is participating in a rather amazing equine rescue project, the <a contents="Appalachian Trainer Face Off" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://appalachiantrainerfaceoff.com" target="_blank">Appalachian Trainer Face Off</a>. These horses are all untrained and most are feral by all practical measures. The trainers get 100 days to get them trained so that they might be adopted to a forever home. The end of the competition they show their horses and hopefully each horse goes home with a new owner. The trainers put in the work to build the rapport with the horses, and develop the routines for the contest. </p>
<p>Justin's horse Scotty is spirited to say the least - with a fight or flight reflex that could easily get someone killed. I never doubted Justin would find a way to get through to him, but it sure hasn't been easy. Rather than using someone else's music for their ring routine, Justin decided to write a song telling their story. Over the last few weeks, we've Zoomed chords and lyric writing sessions back and forth, fussing over the details even as the outcome of the story remained very much in limbo! </p>
<p>Friday we went into my "office" at Cabin Studios with my trusted engineer and friend Dustin Delage to record the song, even as we were still polishing the lyrics and melody. With my old bandmate Lisa Taylor on drums and Wayne Estes (founder of The Catoctin School of Music) on bass, we laid down the basic tracks and a song was born. </p>
<p>While I am always thrilled when one of my students has the opportunity to basically do a college capstone seminar - from the song idea to the finished product is an incredible learning experience - what gives me the most joy is helping Justin bring their story to the world, especially to the audience that will see them work together in person in West Virginia in just a couple weeks. It's a fine song, and while a few lyrics will tug on some tear ducts, the chorus will still be rolling in your ears long after. </p>
<p>After the competition we'll share the song in a separate post, perhaps even with some video. I encourage you to follow Justin Haefner here and read his thoughtful and eloquent blogs about the project on FB, or in <a contents="The Chronicle Of The Horse" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.chronofhorse.com/article/appalachian-trainer-face-off-the-competition-arrives" target="_blank"><em>The Chronicle Of The Horse</em></a>. </p>
<p>And yeah, I'm a lucky dude who gets to do some really cool and eclectic stuff as part of my life's work.</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6651994
2021-05-29T18:00:00-04:00
2022-03-02T09:35:44-05:00
New Videos Coming Soon
<p>A bit of news to share this Saturday evening. We're thrilled to be working with Mike Pugh and <a contents="Goose Creek Music and Entertainment" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://goosecreekmusic.com" target="_blank">Goose Creek Music and Entertainment</a> editing some video from the last big concert; the <a contents="Treasures in My Chest" data-link-label="Treasures" data-link-type="page" href="/treasures"><em>Treasures in My Chest</em></a> release concert at our hometown <a contents="Franklin Park Arts Center" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.franklinparkartscenter.org" target="_blank">Franklin Park Arts Center</a> on March 6th, 2020. We've heard from a lot of people for whom that was the last time they'd been out for a concert or public event before everything shut down. </p>
<p>So needless to say, it's kind of emotional looking back at that concert, and thinking about everything that's transpired since. And yet, I'm so glad we captured it, and as we're able to begin doing things again in "the real world", it's fabulous that we have so much from that concert and will be able to share some with you soon. We're hugely grateful to Mike for all the hard work he's putting into that concert footage, and especially to all of you who were there that night. It has certainly been a long road from there to here.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/9f835c17d77788423d21bb1d33b759479e6c697e/original/aretas-video-screenshot.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6651995
2021-05-26T09:10:00-04:00
2021-06-07T15:01:16-04:00
The Beginning of Returning: Live Shows Announced
<p>Real shows in the real world in real life. Three in person shows on the calendar, beginning July 7th in nearby Upperville VA, a shared bill with my dear pal Tony Denikos. That means I get to play some electric guitar on his songs as well as playing some of mine. </p>
<p>If you'd like to host a show, in person or as a Zoom event with farflung family and friends complete with picture show along with a whole bunch of songs and stories done live, let's do it. My first road trip at this point is Sept 25 & 26 to Capon Bridge WV and Marietta OH, but I'm happy to plan some other directions too. I'm ready if you are and I can't wait to see you. </p>
<p>But one of the good things that has happened in these past 14 months is the ability to entertain and connect with you from our respective homes wherever we are. As I age, I know that my time on the road is finite, and that the economic realities of touring weren't great before the pandemic. For older folks, people who live in rural areas in other parts of the country where I rarely visit, for families with young children, or with mobility challenges - the world has come to you in many ways over this last year if you have good internet service. So I intend to continue doing my various livestream concerts from home too, in addition to but not as a replacement for touring, and I'd love your thoughts as I consider scheduling frequency, timing, platform, etc.</p>
<p>Tour dates and livestream concerts added as confirmed here on<a contents=" the Tour calendar" data-link-label="Tour" data-link-type="page" href="/tour"> the <strong>Tour calenda</strong>r</a>.</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6652009
2021-05-23T08:00:00-04:00
2021-06-07T16:30:47-04:00
The Nor'easter Recording Project
<p>Thanks to what could be best described a series of miracles, or narrowly-averted disasters, Andrew's first original recording with his hard rock ensemble Nor'easter is in our hands and in our computers. Recorded in 1989 to 8-track reel tape, <em>Calm Before the Storm</em> is a full album project that was never finished in production. As summer kicks off Andrew and engineer Dustin Delage are painstakingly bringing this album to life, 32 years later. For much more, <a contents="visit the Nor'easter page here" data-link-label="Nor'easter" data-link-type="page" href="/nor-easter">visit the Nor'easter page here</a>.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/6a657678f07592f6b734b972097229379771afb3/original/noreaster-at-ocean-opt.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJjb250ZW50LnNpdGV6b29nbGUuY29tIn0=/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6571974
2021-03-12T13:01:21-05:00
2021-03-12T13:01:21-05:00
A Sale for St. Patrick's Day
<p>You don't have to be one of the 32 million Americans who claim Irish ancestry to enjoy a treat this St. Patrick's Day. From now through midnight Friday 3/19, you can get the companion set of <a contents="Treasures in My Chest album and book" data-link-label="Treasures" data-link-type="page" href="/treasures" target="_blank"><em>Treasures in My Chest</em> album and book</a> from right here for a total of just <a contents="$20 via our Venmo (please add your mailing address when you do it!)" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://venmo.com/AndrewMcKnightMusic" target="_blank"><strong>$20 via our Venmo</strong> (please add your mailing address when you do it!)</a>. You can order as many copies as you like, with different recipients even if you'd like to buy gifts.</p>
<p>If you prefer, use your <strong>credit card securely through our Square</strong> here for $22.50 (and again, please include shipping address!):</p>
<div style="overflow: auto;"><a href="https://checkout.square.site/merchant/514P5B1B9P3TA/checkout/3QTADMU7Q6GCJYB2RVVBK3SS?src=embed" style="
display: inline-block;
font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;
font-size: 18px;
line-height: 48px;
height: 48px;
padding-left: 48px;
padding-right: 48px;
color: #ffffff;
min-width: 165px;
background-color: #000000;
border-radius: 4px;
text-align: center;
box-shadow: 0 0 0 1px rgba(0,0,0,.1) inset;
" target="_blank">Buy now</a></div>
<p>We'd be delighted to help you find your stories, wherever your ancestors once called home. And you are certainly invited to join Andrew <a contents="Thursday night March 18 for a freewill concert, 7:30pm Eastern" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/Rt6MGzd3UaA" target="_blank">Thursday night March 18 for a freewill concert, 7:30pm Eastern</a>. We can raise a Guinness or a glass of whatever you favor to a better year to follow.</p>
<p><em>Sadly, this sale is only good in the continental United States.</em></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6571920
2021-03-11T11:00:00-05:00
2021-03-12T13:01:56-05:00
Planning 2021-22
<p><em>March 12, 2021</em></p>
<p>While we will be processing and unpacking the effects of "the lost year" for a long time to come, the time has also come to plan forward in some fashion. It is likely Andrew will do some outdoor solo performances around the mid-Atlantic this summer, but we're cautiously looking at autumn for a limited return to the road - most likely to the northeast, but perhaps also across the Rust Belt. Whatever we wish to do for indoor, listening room performances like we did in the past, their viability will depend on the willingness of audiences to attend. Health concerns may still be a critical factor, though in theory the vaccines should be making it safe to resume attending small theaters and house concerts by then.</p>
<p>What is clear is that <strong>livestream performances are here to stay</strong>, and that is a good thing. There will always be downsides to interactive broadcast versus in-person energy, but live-streaming changes the bottom line for artists simply by taking travel largely out of the equation for at least that show. So whatever else happens, we will continue doing at least one livestream concert a month - some will be free with donations gratefully accepted, and others will be ticketed. We learned a lot about doing it well in 2020 and got some critical tools, but most importantly the world learned how to participate. For older people who don't like to drive at night, the homebound, and the geographically far removed, this has been a deep and powerful source of connection for artist and audience.</p>
<p>We are planning to market some <strong>prerecorded livestreams, both keynote presentations and library programs</strong>. For eligible Virginia-based presenters, these can also take advantage of our <a contents="Virginia Commission for the Arts funding" data-link-label="VCA" data-link-type="page" href="/vca" target="_blank">Virginia Commission for the Arts funding</a> for reimbursement of up to 50% of the performance fee. </p>
<p>All of that said, we are starting to think about the physical touring too, and we'd love your input. Might you be ready to <a contents="host a house concert" data-link-label="House Concerts" data-link-type="page" href="/house-concerts" target="_blank">host a house concert</a>? Is your local small theater or library thinking about programming in-person adult events this upcoming autumn? Please do reach out to them; just connecting the dots with an email introduction between us is greatly appreciated and often the key to making an event happen in your community.</p>
<p>Whatever is coming, it's coming sooner than later. We are ready to make the most of it, to meet you where you are comfortable, and to bring the songs, stories and projects to new listeners. Thanks for helping us build "the Phoenix"!</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6572047
2021-03-01T09:00:00-05:00
2021-03-12T14:16:53-05:00
VCA Awards Funding for Virtual Performances
<p>We are thrilled, grateful and relieved to again be a part of the Virginia Commission for the Arts Touring Roster, which means that eligible presenters anywhere in the Commonwealth can get up to 50% of Andrew's performance and workshop fees reimbursed. What is new is that 1) virtual performances are now eligible for funding as long as they include an interactive component, and 2) the 30-mile exclusion zone is waived, meaning that local Loudoun, Clarke and Fairfax County presenters can take advantage as well. The money isn't usually available for long, but with so much live performing in limbo, we are hoping to spread Andrew's concerts and programs to every corner of Virginia.</p>
<p>If your community organization, school, library or theater are interested, <a contents="visit the VCA website here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.arts.virginia.gov/grants_performing.html" target="_blank">visit the VCA website here</a> and scroll down to the section for Presenters.</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6496251
2020-12-10T13:55:31-05:00
2020-12-10T14:48:00-05:00
Save 30% on Discs & Downloads
<p>It's our best sale of the year, and an opportunity for you to directly support my work AND get unique gifts - signed and shipped by me the next mailing day after your order. <a contents="Save 30% - full album downloads just $5.60, discs for $8.39, and live concert downloads for just $7. Treasures in My Chest paperback book and album for just $17.50." data-link-label="Music" data-link-type="page" href="/music" target="_blank">Save 30% - full album downloads just $5.60, discs for $8.39, and live concert downloads for just $7. <em>Treasures in My Chest</em> paperback book and album for just $17.50.</a> Or <strong>download the entire discography</strong> - 6 studio albums, 2 full solo concerts plus the <em>One Virginia Night</em> album recorded live with Andrew McKnight & Beyond Borders - 9 recordings for less than $41!</p>
<p>Use code <strong>wh2020</strong> at checkout <a contents="at the music page" data-link-label="Music" data-link-type="page" href="/music" target="_blank">at the music page</a> (powered by <a contents="our Bandcamp store" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://andrewmcknight.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">our Bandcamp store</a>) thru 12/14, and stuff your stockings as well as the music lovers and family historians on your shopping list too. </p>
<p><em>Offer valid anywhere for downloads, but good only in US for discs & books. Shipping charges not included in discount. No limits; offer expires 11:59 UTC on 12/14/2020.</em></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/be375874c708de489cac323aaecef6cbee59e46c/original/2020-sale30.gif/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6485101
2020-12-01T16:25:00-05:00
2020-12-10T16:24:00-05:00
Holiday Shopping - Unique Gifts While Supporting Artists Directly
<p>We don't need Black Friday or Small Business Saturday to help you deliver some great and unique musical gifts to your family. Sure there's <a contents="Treasures in My Chest " data-link-label="Treasures" data-link-type="page" href="/treasures"><em>Treasures in My Chest </em></a>for the family history buff, or <a contents="CDs and downloads " data-link-label="Music" data-link-type="page" href="/music">CDs and downloads </a>for the music enthusiast, but how about a custom one-of-a-kind like a <strong>special song video dedication</strong>, a video guitar or songwriting lesson or three, a set of <a contents='"Good things matter" thank you notes' data-link-label="Merch" data-link-type="page" href="/merch">"Good things matter" thank you notes</a>, or something else?</p>
<p>Have an idea? <a contents="Get in touch and let's plan the perfect gift " data-link-label="" data-link-type="email" href="mailto:info@andrewmcknight.net">Get in touch and let's plan the perfect gift </a>in time to be waiting under the Christmas tree.</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6485152
2020-11-30T07:55:00-05:00
2020-11-30T08:00:07-05:00
11th Annual Winter Holiday Vidcast
<p>I've been video webcasting (livestreaming) a Winter Holiday evening from home for over a decade now - but I had no idea last Christmas that a global plague in 2020 would make livestreaming my primary live performance venue. Nonetheless, we'll keep the tradition now more than ever - to bring cheer to the season, joy to your heart and gifts to your hearth with the benefit of all the broadcasting tech and techniques we've learned this year. It's a full concert taking a few requests as well as bringing a few surprises. And per usual, there will be special one night only sales, the chat room will be open and the Christmas tree trimmed and lit.</p>
<p>Please join us <strong>Sunday December 13th at 7pm EST</strong> at <a contents="my YouTube channel" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/gocvIykG9WI" target="_blank">my YouTube channel</a>. TIPS are gratefully accepted via <a contents="http://venmo.com/andrewmcknightmusic" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://venmo.com/andrewmcknightmusic" target="_blank">http://venmo.com/andrewmcknightmusic</a> or <a contents="https://paypal.me/andrewmcknightmusic" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://paypal.me/andrewmcknightmusic" target="_blank">https://paypal.me/andrewmcknightmusic</a> - thank you for helping keep the bills paid and this crazy journey going!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/d9073dca687a23bc3244f281d163d12d6fcd8543/original/2020-holiday-youtube.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6485161
2020-11-28T09:15:00-05:00
2020-11-28T09:20:08-05:00
A Special Spiritual Musical Offering November 29th
<p><a contents="Please join me Sunday November 29th at 7pm EST" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/4EpgsvpuqR8" target="_blank">Please join me <strong>Sunday November 29th at 7pm EST</strong></a> for this short informal interfaith gathering and musical meditation of remembrance and gratitude; a non-religious "time out" to rest your weary spirit with words and music. In addition to a few musical pieces, I've brought together some poetry and prose that brings me comfort and inspiration in these long nights between All Soul's Day and the New Year.</p>
<p>In the northern hemisphere, these shortening days from the falling of the leaves to the glint of sun on snow can be hard under the best circumstances. We are heading into a winter unlike any that we have experienced in our lifetimes. Our first responders and front-line health care and other essential workers have been emotionally exhausted for months, while millions of our fellow citizens are facing economic crises, including food insecurity and even evictions.</p>
<p>While this pandemic has taken so much from so many, this singer/songwriter humbly hopes to give comfort and medicine for the aching soul - those working to save lives, those struggling to serve the needs of their communities, and those who ache for normal human contact and the routines we never knew we'd miss so much.</p>
<p>If you are so moved, we invite you to help us feed our less-fortunate neighbors through <a contents="https://www.feedingamerica.org/ways-to-give" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.feedingamerica.org/ways-to-give" target="_blank">https://www.feedingamerica.org/ways-to-give</a>. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/3b1d20801dafb1149e064a28e25657c4489267f6/original/201129-in-thanks-for-giving-webcard.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6485104
2020-11-24T22:00:00-05:00
2020-11-24T22:00:08-05:00
November 28th House Concert - via Zoom
<p>Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend is often a lovely time for a concert. Guests visiting from out of town, everyone ready to get out of the house and have an entertaining evening, and....</p>
<p>Well, we aren't doing much of the holiday traditions this year, but that means that we can be creative about how we stay connected even in our physical isolation. House concerts are among the best community art experiences one can have, where you can meet new friends while breaking bread and perhaps enjoying a libation while experiencing the power of song and story up close and personal. A mini-Carnegie Hall, in someone's unique living room!</p>
<p>Thanks to the world learning how to use Zoom, we're going to use it for a <strong>house concert Saturday night November 28th</strong>. While Andrew has done many livestream concerts this year, Zoom is an interactive video platform that allows the artist to see the audience - and that cycle of energy between artist and audience is what makes a concert magical. So live "from" Susan and Brian Giblin's lovely log home in the fallow fields of western Loudoun County, Virginia, and Andrew's living room in Lincoln, to your living room - a holiday treat for all of us!</p>
<p>So come to western Loudoun County for Thanksgiving - it's a free will donation concert, with time to visit and meet people before the show. All you have to do is <a contents="email the Giblins to RSVP and get the link" data-link-label="" data-link-type="email" href="mailto:smandelgiblin@peoplepc.com">email the Giblins to RSVP and get the link</a>, and clear your schedule for 7pm Saturday November 28th.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/69d5a8c768f27202b50ce079469225ea997eca9c/original/201128-zoom-concert.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6341055
2020-06-05T07:30:00-04:00
2020-06-05T07:40:21-04:00
Events for Family History Day June 13-14
<p>To help commemorate National Family History Day June 14th, Andrew has a busy weekend of activities planned.</p>
<p>• Saturday June 13th at 11am, he'll offer a free <a contents='one-hour workshop "The Gifts in Our Genes" on his YouTube channel' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/cpmJxdt0n2I" target="_blank">one-hour workshop "The Gifts in Our Genes" on his YouTube channel</a>.</p>
<p>• Sunday June 14th at 8pm EDT, join him for a full-length concert including a wealth of songs and stories from Treasures in My Chest. Get your tickets now at the Tour page - you won't want to miss an entertaining evening in your own living room!</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6310410
2020-05-09T12:38:22-04:00
2020-06-03T16:53:19-04:00
New Treasures Family History Video Series
<p>On National DNA Day, Andrew kicked off a new series of <em>Treasures</em> "<strong>Livestreaminars</strong>" - part DIY family history, woven together with music and stories from <em><a contents="Treasures in My Chest" data-link-label="treasures" data-link-type="page" href="/treasures" target="_blank"><strong>Treasures in My Chest</strong></a>.</em> The series is free through <a contents="his YouTube channel" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://youtube.com/andrewmcknightdotnet" target="_blank">his YouTube channel,</a> and each one offers a tip on family research and using DNA evidence. While each episode is loosely connected to the book, those starting into family research will certainly learn something useful from each video.</p>
<p><strong>NEXT UP</strong>: <a contents='June 6th, 2020 at 11am EDT, "Our Ancestors Who Gave All, Part II."' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/uzIGiFEcIZE" target="_blank">June 6th, 2020 at 11am EDT, "Our Ancestors Who Gave All, Part II."</a> In honor of D-Day, I'll share some stories and tips on researching our 20th century ancestors who served in the World Wars and Korea. I'll play a song or two from the new project, share a little advice from what I learned, and take a few questions too. It's free at my YouTube channel.</p>
<p><strong>Mark your calendar</strong> - join me for a special hour-long workshop, <a contents='"The Gifts in Our Genes" on Saturday June 13th from 11am-noon EDT' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/cpmJxdt0n2I" target="_blank"><strong>"The Gifts in Our Genes" on Saturday June 13th from 11am-noon EDT</strong></a>. I'll share some case studies from my own work, using DNA evidence and records searches to help illuminate some amazing stories in my family, and write some new ones too. It's part of a weekend celebrating <strong>Family History Day</strong> June 14th, and I'll be doing a concert that evening (Sunday) at 8pm EDT.</p>
<p><strong>ARCHIVED EPISODES</strong>:</p>
<p><a contents="April 25, 2020 - National DNA Day" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/IyM4bUjjhIM" target="_blank">April 25, 2020 - <strong>National DNA Day</strong></a>. The first episode offers an unusual silver lining of "Life in the time of corona" for aspiring family historians, some tips on grouping your DNA matches around each of your four grandparents, and a live performance of "Web of Mystery." April 25th is National DNA Day loosely because of the publication of the actual structure of DNA in 1953 and completion of sequencing the human genome in 2003.</p>
<p><a contents='May 9, 2020 - "Tracing Our Mothers Back in Time"&nbsp;' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/rdmIUrxSHyo" target="_blank">May 9, 2020 - "<strong>Tracing Our Mothers Back in Time</strong>" </a> focused on our ancestral line of mothers - the matrilineal line. Some useful tips and advice from what I've learned researching my "Hourglass Women and Miracle Threads," and a live performance of "Anniversary (2,000 Years Ago)." </p>
<p><a contents="May 23, 2020 at 11am EDT" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/DLGd1tYoHi4" target="_blank">May 23, 2020 - "<strong>Our Ancestors Who Gave All, Part I</strong>"</a>. Honoring the fallen on Memorial Day weekend, find out how to learn about our Revolutionary patriots and Civil War ancestors from the National Archives, how DNA testing can help in that quest, plus hear "Aretas Culver" about my 3G grandfather who was thrown int battle at Antietam, and who died from his ill treatment as a POW at Andersonville.</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6277204
2020-04-09T11:34:49-04:00
2020-04-09T11:34:49-04:00
Treasures in Top Ten on the Radio Charts
<p>It's been exciting here to see <em>Treasures in My Chest</em> on folk and acoustic radio playlists from around the world these past couple of months! It charted at #7 for February on the Folk Radio charts maintained by the Folk Alliance International, and #11 for the month of March. We're grateful to the DJs and programmers who've been kind enough to share it with their audiences. The most-played songs from the album have been "Aretas Culver," "My Little Town," "When My Time Comes," and the title cut.</p>
<p>Many thanks to Erik and the good folks at Hudson Harding Music who've done a splendid job servicing the folk radio community.</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6272397
2020-04-03T09:35:00-04:00
2020-04-05T09:31:20-04:00
New Interviews and Articles
<p>In early April, Andrew had a chat with Michelle Murillo at Washington DC news/traffic/weather radio giant <strong>WTOP</strong> about the many challenges for performing artists in the time of pandemic - <a contents="read it here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://wtop.com/loudoun-county/2020/04/how-a-loudoun-county-musician-is-adjusting-to-online-performances/" target="_blank"><strong>read it here</strong></a>.</p>
<p>He also sat with Jan Mercker of <em>Loudoun Now</em> for an in-depth discussion about <a contents="Treasures in My Chest" data-link-label="treasures" data-link-type="page" href="/treasures"><em>Treasures in My Chest</em></a> in advance of the Album and Book release concert here in Virginia. <a contents="It includes video - read and listen here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://loudounnow.com/2020/03/05/songs-from-the-family-tree-mcknight-explores-his-roots-in-treasures-in-my-chest/" target="_blank">It includes video - read and listen here</a>.</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6272392
2020-04-01T09:20:00-04:00
2020-05-09T12:39:24-04:00
2020 Tour Update: Everything Changed - And Still Is
<p>Like every touring artist in the world here in the spring of 2020, Andrew's live performance schedule is in a state of suspended animation while the global pandemic is "in charge." There's a lot to say about the artistic, emotional and personal elements of these times - Andrew is keeping active on the blog and social media.</p>
<p>Thankfully we are well prepared in two ways for these times.<br>1) Andrew has been <a contents="vidcasting from home" data-link-label="Vidcast" data-link-type="page" href="/vidcast" target="_blank">vidcasting from home</a> several times a year for over a decade, and now the world is getting used to connecting with performances via "live-streaming." In addition to short free performances through social media and other channels, Andrew is scheduling at least one ticketed online concert monthly to try to offset some of the lost revenue (he's also continuing teaching guitar and songwriting lessons via Skype/FaceTime/Zoom). </p>
<p>2) At a time when many of us are under Stay at Home orders through most or all of the spring, Andrew has <a contents="a new book and album for your enjoyment! Treasures in My Chest is here" data-link-label="treasures" data-link-type="page" href="/treasures" target="_blank"><strong>a new book and album</strong> for your enjoyment! <em>Treasures in My Chest</em> is here</a> when you may find a little extra time for reading pleasures, and perhaps a little extra time for exploring your own family treasures. Andrew can help get you started with the book and personal consulting on your family research too.</p>
<p>As with pretty much everything right now, it's all subject to uncertainty and change. We will do our best going forward making music part of your life, and staying connected as best we can. Our monthly <em>A Storytender's Journey</em> E-Zine will be an even more vital connection going forward, so please subscribe or update your subscription on the home page.</p>
<p>Most of all take care of yourself and those around you. These unprecedented times demand first and foremost that we be gentle with ourselves as we learn our way forward. No one has all the answers, or written a manual for how to live essentially at home sequestered with people we love but don't always like. We'll do our best to bring meaningful entertainment and inspiration to you through the amazing technology of the internet and video.</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6220231
2020-02-19T11:30:38-05:00
2020-02-19T11:30:38-05:00
Join Us - The Treasures Celebration Concerts
<p>March 24th marks the official release of <em>Treasures in My Chest</em> when the book drops to Amazon, Barnes and Noble etc. The album hits Spotify, iTunes and the other digital services on February 28th. But we'd love to have you at one of the celebration concerts in person!</p>
<p>The hometown show is at our <a contents="Franklin Park Arts Center in Purcellville VA" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.franklinparkartscenter.org" target="_blank">Franklin Park Arts Center in Purcellville VA</a> on <strong>Friday March 6th</strong>, complete with the recording band! Andrew will be joined by longtime friend and Beyond Borders bandmate Lisa Taylor on drums, Lincoln neighbor Michael Rohrer on bass, former Dang Varmints! bandmate Jeff Arey on mandolin and guitar, Lisa's daughter Rachel on cello plus some other very special guests.<strong> <a contents="Advance tickets are highly recommended - on sale now at Eventbrite and general admission only" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/andrew-mcknight-cdbook-release-concert-tickets-92269391233" target="_blank">Advance tickets are highly recommended</a></strong><a contents="Advance tickets are highly recommended - on sale now at Eventbrite and general admission only" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/andrew-mcknight-cdbook-release-concert-tickets-92269391233" target="_blank"> - on sale now at Eventbrite and general admission only</a>. Whatever seats are left will be available at the Box Office before the show - theater doors open at 7pm and the show is at 7:30.</p>
<p>We also are excited for the Baltimore/central Maryland concert at <a contents="Baldwin's Station in Sykesville" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://uptownconcerts.com/baldwins-station/" target="_blank">Baldwin's Station in Sykesville</a> on <strong>Thursday March 19th</strong>. Andrew will be solo for this show, and Baldwin's has delicious food and an intimate charm. Showtime is 7:30pm. Get your tickets now by phone only - 410/795-1041.</p>
3:26
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6220195
2020-02-15T11:00:00-05:00
2020-03-04T11:24:42-05:00
Music Week at the Mountain
<p>Join the fun during Music Week, "Mind, Body and Spirit in Harmony" from April 12-17th at the beautiful Mountain Retreat and Learning Center in Highlands NC. Andrew is honored to be joining fellow singer/songwriters <a contents="Tret Fure" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.tretfure.com" target="_blank">Tret Fure</a> and <a contents="Friction Farm" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.frictionfarm.com" target="_blank">Friction Farm</a> to help you learn more about music and your abilities to make music. You’ll learn new music and techniques in a gorgeous setting in the southern Appalachians of western North Carolina. Focus will be on voice as well as instruments. Bring your dulcimers, flutes, drums, guitars and instruments of your own. Enjoy evening concerts, morning and afternoon learning sessions and sense of harmony as we enjoy nature, friendship, and each other's talents.</p>
<p>Registration is limited, so please visit <a contents="https://www.themountainrlc.org/musicweek" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.themountainrlc.org/musicweek" target="_blank">https://www.themountainrlc.org/musicweek</a> soon - see you on The Mountain!</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6220193
2020-02-01T08:55:00-05:00
2020-02-19T10:57:39-05:00
More Songwriting Workshops for Young Writers
<p>Andrew is thrilled to return for a 3rd year of teaching songwriting workshops for middle and high school students as part of the <a contents="Chords of Courage Step Up! Songwriting Contest" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://chordsofcourage.org/songwriting-contest/" target="_blank">Chords of Courage Step Up! Songwriting Contest</a>. Open to any students from 6th to 12th grade attending school in Frederick County, Maryland, the contest "encourages them to use their creativity to write dynamic and powerful songs about people of particular courage." Andrew's workshops help students to break down "writer's block," develop lyrical structure and use elements of basic music theory to create songs with powerful messages and hooks.</p>
<p>If you live anywhere near Frederick MD, we encourage you to come support and enjoy a night of the award-winning songs, performed live with a terrific house band, on <strong>Saturday March 28 at 7:30 pm</strong>. The Awards Concert will be held at the JBK Theater, Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike in Frederick MD.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/6a45376949a45f0a86ad73a4f3befdc08be85828/original/class-conversation.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Animated conversations about the elements of a good song.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/8ffc46790319ba93a8528f36b148e2282b7b2340/original/one-on-one.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Working one on one with a 2019 contest honoree on another song for this year's contest.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/ce068c4a708067faf21ca5edd61d46e114f7e5cb/original/class-photo.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6198163
2020-01-31T07:53:09-05:00
2021-10-19T16:57:37-04:00
New Website and E-Zine Host
<p>January 30th we migrated the website from its old host to its new home at <strong>Bandzoogle</strong>. As with most website migrations, not everything is perfect so you may find broken links and missing images here and there during your visit, and we greatly appreciate you letting us know what you find missing as well as how the new site works for you! We may well "re-skin" the website with new look sometime in the late winter/early spring, but our focus for the next few weeks is getting <a contents="Treasures in My Chest" data-link-label="treasures" data-link-type="page" href="/treasures"><em>Treasures in My Chest</em></a> into production and out to the world!</p>
<p>One feature that we're excited about is getting our monthly E-Zine back in house! As Bandzoogle provides that service along with their web hosting, <a contents=""A Storytender's Journey"" data-link-label="E-Zine Archives" data-link-type="page" href="/e-zine-archives" target="_blank">"A Storytender's Journey"</a> returns home to the fold starting with the February 2020 issue.</p>
<p>In these times of rapid technological development, nothing stays the same for too long. We are grateful to HostBaby for a decade of reliable website hosting, a rare constant in a sea of change. Here's hoping that we won't be migrating the website again for another decade!</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177425
2019-12-16T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-20T00:59:23-05:00
Hear Treasures in My Chest Now!
<p>While the companion book won't be published until late February, we have an advance download release of the album available now! <strong><em>Treasures in My Chest</em></strong> is a 15-song, 50 minute musical journey you won't soon forget - inspired by Andrew's incredible experiences and discoveries as he explored his family's history.</p>
<p>Own the album download for $12 right now from our Bandcamp webstore below, or get the download while pre-ordering the book too! When you click the Buy link on the player, simply set the amount at $25 to pre-order the e-reader/Kindle version, or $40 to get the paperback with free shipping - signed and sent as soon as we have them. <strong>Preorders/donations over $25 before January 1st also gets you the download of Andrew's <em>Live: Bound for Glory</em> concert recording</strong> as a thank you. We handle all the Bandcamp orders from here, so we'll let you know we got it, when we have the book ready to send to you, and a final check in to make sure you got it and are able to enjoy it!</p>
<p><iframe height="240" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=196963818/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/artwork=small/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; width: 400px; height: 472px;" width="320"></iframe></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177422
2019-12-11T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-12T13:52:24-05:00
Winter Holiday Vidcast on YouTube Live!
<p>The <strong>Winter Holiday Vidcast</strong> lives on! Join me in my living room on <strong>Tuesday December 17th at 8:30pm EST</strong> at <a href="https://youtu.be/hH0cIs3YFtM" target="_blank" data-imported="1">my YouTube channel</a> - for more come to <a href="/vidcast" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">the Vidcast page</a>.</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177423
2019-12-08T19:00:00-05:00
2019-12-12T13:56:59-05:00
Celebrating a Pillar of the DC Folk Scene
<p>I had the privilege Saturday night of being part of an awards ceremony and concert for my friend <strong>Scott Moore</strong>, one of the founding members of <a href="https://focusmusic.org" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Focus Music</a> here in the DMV. He was honored with the Vic Heyman Award for his longtime work and dedication to the folk and acoustic singer/songwriter community here - well deserved and hard earned by Scott and his wife Paula.</p>
<p>It was an incredible show hosted at Positano's Italian Restaurant in Bethesda MD. For me it was a reunion with some friends not seen in way too long like Kipyn Martin, Brad Yoder and Jerry Bresee as well as delightful hang time with Tony Denikos, Cletus Kennelly and Lea. (Also glad I got to meet and hear Allison Shapira!). Two songs apiece meant everyone brought their A game for such a special occasion.</p>
<p>I do believe that night's version of "Western Skies" with the amazing LEA and Brad was the first time it was accompanied on cajon and glockenspiel. Never stop daring to explore, my friends....</p>
<p><img src="https://andrewmcknightnet.hostbaby.com/img/News/Scott_speech.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="246" width="375" /></p>
<p><em>Scott Moore shares a few thoughts upon being named the inaugural recipient of the Vic Heyman Award. (Photo credit Andrew McKnight).</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="https://andrewmcknightnet.hostbaby.com/img/News/me_and_Tony_ScottMoore.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="400" /></p>
<p><em>Andrew helps Tony Denikos kick off an amazing night of music. (Photo - Scott Moore).</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><em><img src="https://andrewmcknightnet.hostbaby.com/img/News/me_Lea_Brad_Yoder_RonGoad.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="400" /></em></p>
<p><em>"Western Skies" with Lea on cajon and Brad Yoder on glockenspiel. (Photo - Ron Goad).</em></p>
<p><em> </em> </p>
<p><img src="https://andrewmcknightnet.hostbaby.com/img/News/me_Jerry_Brad_JayKeating.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="400" /></p>
<p><em>Jerry Bresee did double duty as MC and performer, joined here by Andrew and Brad Yoder, but this picture really captures the lovely concert room at Positano's! <em>(Photo - Jay Keating)</em></em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><img src="https://andrewmcknightnet.hostbaby.com/img/News/dobro_Kipyn_Brad_Lea_JayKeating.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="258" width="400" /></p>
<p><em>Andrew, Kipyn Martin and Lea join Brad Yoder for a lovely "sing us home" finale. (Photo - Jay Keating).</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177421
2019-11-30T19:00:00-05:00
2022-04-27T14:00:32-04:00
My Use of Social Media for 2020
<p>I am grateful for the possibilities of connection that social media offers in between in person visits. Although I use those tools frequently out of necessity, I remain disenchanted with many of the limitations. In 2020, the focus of my social media energy as well as my monthly E-Zine is going to be primarily in driving traffic back to my website for more content and context.</p>
<p>That said, it is time for a quick update on what I use and how, so you can decide what you might see and what is worth your time. If it's not listed here, I don't use it, and if you see activity as me someplace other than here, thanks for letting me know so I can make sure I haven't been cloned, spoofed, hacked, phished or any other particularly egregious identity mangling :)</p>
<p><strong>Facebook</strong>. I have a profile and a <a href="http://Facebook.com/AndrewMcKnight.Musician" target="_blank" data-imported="1">music page</a>, and FB's algorithms make them less relevant with each passing month. With the demise of Concert Window, Facebook Live is the only live video streaming option currently available, and that alone makes my music page necessary for the foreseeable future. But FB throttles the business page to make money, so there are limits to who sees those posts. On my profile I primarily share posts of my own personal interest mixed with music news and outreach, often trying to reach people that aren't seeing the posts from my music page.</p>
<p><strong>YouTube</strong> will continue as my <a href="http://youtube.com/andrewmcknightdotnet" target="_blank" data-imported="1">official video server</a> for the foreseeable future. I haven't tried a live stream from YouTube - maybe 1st quarter in 2020.</p>
<p><strong>Instagram</strong>. I used the photo sharing service mostly to share snapshots of life between stages. On the road or at home, this is context for those who enjoy the medium. I'm pretty sporadic about it - sometimes two or three posts in a day, sometimes a week between postings. I'm @andrewmcknightmusic.</p>
<p><strong>Twitter</strong>. I use it some, and am trying to use it more (<a href="http://Twitter.com/andrewmcknight%20" target="_blank" data-imported="1">I'm @andrewmcknight</a>). Tweets and I aren't particularly compatible philosophically , and I don't seem to get a lot of engagement when I do. But I'm trying to be more consistent and see if it might be valuable in the next few months as the book and album release events happen. Jury's out!</p>
<p>Whatever way you choose to allow us to stay connected, thank you! And whenever you are motivated to share my music and content with your friends and circles, it is hugely helpful in making more art possible. I am grateful for the many hands, eyes and ears that continue supporting me in this crazy life.</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177420
2019-11-11T09:00:00-05:00
2021-02-27T21:33:45-05:00
Aretas Culver Headstone Ceremony and Concert
<p><em>November 12, 2019</em></p>
<p>A personal journey of sorts that began at Christmas 2014 came to a close on Veteran's Day weekend in Bristol, Connecticut. Andrew first met his 3 times great grandfather Aretas Culver "face to face" by chance when he stumbled over a six-month old <a data-imported="1" href="https://www.wnpr.org/post/behind-stockade-andersonville-prison" target="_blank">Connecticut Public Radio web story about an exhibition at the CT State Library</a>. The exhibition featured photographs of the state's Civil War veterans who'd had the misfortune of being imprisoned at Andersonville, the notorious Confederate POW camp in Georgia in 1864. The story's featured image was Aretas Culver.</p>
<p>Subsequent research led to a letter written by Aretas five days after the Battle of Antietam, where his regiment - the Connecticut 16th Volunteer Infantry - had been routed from the field in the critical last phase of the battle, ending the bloodiest day in American history in a stalemate. Their unit's unusual history and record of failure attracted the attention of Dr. Lesley Gordon, who published <a data-imported="1" href="https://www.amazon.com/Broken-Regiment-Connecticuts-Conflicting-Dimensions/dp/0807157309/ref=sr_1_1" target="_blank">her book <strong>A Broken Regiment: The 16th Connecticut's Civil War</strong> </a>, a scant five weeks before Andrew's discovery.</p>
<p>In the years since, Andrew has connected with other descendants of Aretas Culver, <a data-imported="1" href="https://www.andrewmcknight.net/blog/in_the_footsteps_of_ghosts/">walked his unit's footsteps at Antietam</a>, and written a song about him for his family history-inspired album and book, <a contents="Treasures in My Chest" data-link-label="Treasures" data-link-type="page" href="/treasures" target="_blank"><em>Treasures in My Chest</em></a>. During the last year, his young cousin found Aretas Culver's final resting place marked a broken stone, within sight of the majestic hilltop monument to Bristol's fallen Civil War veterans. Inspired by his cousin's passion to properly honor their ancestor, Andrew with the help of local <a data-imported="1" href="https://www.vetstronginc.org" target="_blank">Veterans Strong Community Center</a> coordinator Donna Dognin applied for and received a proper memorial headstone from the Veteran's Administration.</p>
<p>On <strong>Sunday November 10, 2019</strong> - Veteran's Day weekend - family, friends and veterans gathered at 1pm at West Cemetery in Bristol for a dedication ceremony with an honor guard and speakers to give historical context to Culver's life and sacrifice. Read the front page article from the next day's <a data-imported="1" href="http://www.bristolpress.com/BP-Bristol+News/361404/honoring-a-pow-civil-warera-bristol-native-remembered" target="_blank"><em>Bristol Press</em> </a> here.</p>
<p>Andrew's grandmother Madeleine, a lifelong Bristol resident and founding member of the city's Historical Society volunteer, would doubtless have been thrilled to see her great-grandfather's sacrifice recognized and properly acknowledged. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/1b793b34b91e4f31d159d754f21ced19a9f99e95/original/bristol-press-aretas-ceremony.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="Bristol Press newspaper front page story with headline text, Honoring a POW" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/d764d2afe1d4924498711204f7093ef5fdd3b279/original/191110-culver-family-and-speakers.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="Aretas Culver descendants and speakers from the Bristol Historical Society flank Veterans Strong Director Donna Dognin behind the new Culver headstone." /></p>
<p>Aretas Culver descendants and speakers from the Bristol Historical Society flank Veterans Strong Director Donna Dognin behind the new Culver headstone.</p>
<p>Hear <a contents="Andrew's song "Aretas Culver"" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://andrewmcknight.bandcamp.com/track/aretas-culver" target="_blank">Andrew's song "Aretas Culver"</a> from <em>Treasures in My Chest</em>:</p>
<p><img src="https://andrewmcknightnet.hostbaby.com/img/News/Aretas_Culver_program.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="461" width="323" /></p>
<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WyeSsvxdQl0" width="560"></iframe></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177419
2019-10-16T20:00:00-04:00
2019-10-17T07:02:32-04:00
Once Again Lending Pen and Heart Helping Wounded Warriors
<p>Andrew is thrilled and honored to return to the beautiful <a href="http://madisonfields.org" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Madison Fields farm</a> in central Maryland October 19th and 20th, working with renowned singer/songwriter and music therapist <strong>Mack Bailey</strong> and his <a href="https://musictherapyoftherockies.org" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Music Therapy of the Rockies program</a>. Since 2014 Mack has been helping veterans using music and mindfulness in dealing with their PTS/PTSD (post-traumatic stress) by helping reframe their stories, learning how to rewire brains, and in doing so, saving lives. </p>
<p>The veterans will meet with Mack, two music therapists and fellow songwriters Jen & Scott Smith (Naked Blue), Tom Prasada-Rao, Lea, and Michelle Swan during the weekend retreat in partnership with Madison Fields and the Wounded Warrior Project. Each songwriter will work one on one with two veterans for a pair of 2-hour sessions to hear their stories, and to help them in reframing their experiences into songs, which they will perform together at the end of the retreat on Sunday. Each of the veterans receives a Breedlove guitar and some group lessons during the weekend so that they can utilize some of the powerful tools they learn over the weekend.</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177418
2019-09-30T20:00:00-04:00
2019-10-17T05:27:17-04:00
VCA Award Supports Virginia Performances
<p>We're pleased to have our touring assistance grant renewed, and again be included in the <a href="http://www.arts.virginia.gov/" target="_blank" data-cke-saved-href="http://www.arts.virginia.gov/" data-imported="1">Virginia Commission for the Arts</a> prestigious <strong>Touring Artist Directory</strong>. Eligible presenters within the Commonwealth may be reimbursed up to 50% of the cost for performances and workshops, solo or with <a href="/andrew-mcknight-beyond-borders" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">Andrew McKnight & Beyond Borders</a>. We hope that more new presenters will take advantage of our funding and help bring Andrew's music to new parts of our Commonwealth, particularly his new program <a href="/workshop-gifts-genes" target="_blank" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">"The Gifts in Our Genes"</a> to go along with the new album and book <em>Treasures in My Chest</em> in 2020.</p>
<p><strong>For any interested in-state presenters</strong>, all the details including links to download the application form are at <a href="/vca" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">http://andrewmcknight.net/vca</a>. This funding cycle is for performances between July 1, 2020 and June 15, 2021. We are thrilled that we have received this wonderful and critical support for over a decade, and to play a small part in bringing performing arts to Virginia's communities large and small.</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177417
2019-08-26T20:00:00-04:00
2019-08-27T03:30:48-04:00
Farewell to Concert Window
<p>After a good run of six years or so, our vidcasting platform Concert Window is going away September 16th. It has been a wonderful vehicle for Andrew to stay connected with friends and fans around the world, and to be compensated for the performance in some fashion too. Unfortunately as with many things in the arts in the streaming era, these models struggle to keep up with "free" outlets like Facebook Live, and so Concert Window will shut their doors for good on September 16th. We are actively seeking another platform to do performances and share them with the world, while at least giving viewers an easy way to financially support the artist in so doing. Concert Window was far from perfect, but on the whole it was a valuable part of our toolbox here.</p>
<p>So one last show, to say thanks, to spread the word, to give updates on the new record <em>Treasures in My Chest</em> and much more! Please j<a href="https://www.concertwindow.com/andrewmcknight" target="_blank" data-imported="1">oin us on <strong>Thursday September 5th at 9pm Eastern</strong> for our final curtain Concert Window show</a>. Perhaps by then we'll have some idea of how we will continue video performance outreach around the world for the future.</p>
<p> </p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177416
2019-08-04T20:00:00-04:00
2019-08-09T14:32:34-04:00
Recording Update
<p>Hardly a month in, and most of the songs for <em>Treasures in My Chest</em> have been recorded already! Since work began at Cabin Studios on July 5th, eleven pieces have been recorded with four more to go in the next few weeks. Some of them feature Andrew with a full band, while there are also several solo pieces as warm and intimate as anything he's previously recorded. For guitar fans keeping score, thus far the Lowden (beautiful gift guitar from Ireland), the Fairbuilt and the Gretsch resonator as well as Andrew's trusty 76' Fender Stratocaster have all played a big part. His trusty Martin MC-68 is scheduled for to make its appearance soon too. Andrew has written a couple of songs during the recording that will be on <em>Treasures</em> as well.</p>
<p>Some of what we've recorded so far: "Web of Mystery," "Aretas Culver," "Sons & Fathers," "Left Behind," "When My Time Comes," "A Dram to the Holidays," "Anniversary (2,000 Years Ago)," the traditional song "Fathers Now Our Meeting is Over," and of course the title cut. <em>Treasures</em> is a sonic and thematic adventure, and in some ways it may even evoke the style of a Pink Floyd or late era Beatles album in how the pieces flow together.</p>
<p>Engineer and co-producer Dustin Delage has been busy capturing the best sound of each instrument and shaping the tracks before mixing begins in earnest. It's hard to describe the quality of sound with written words, but soon we'll have some teasers to share with you. Stay tuned!</p>
<p>We do have pictures though! (<strong>And if you'd like to help us make this project,</strong> and help it successfully reach some new audiences, we'd be glad and grateful to have you aboard - <a href="/campaign" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">here's how</a>.)</p>
<p>And as to the book, the content writing continues at a good clip with new ideas and new sections if not chapters continue to develop. It is fascinating to see how much our knowledge of our ancestors and their stories informs so much of our own lives, including parenting and being a bridge between older and younger generations. Andrew met with one of his trusted editorial resources recently to start laying out that content and begin organizing the flow. The plan is for the final draft to be finished in mid-November, so hopefully we'll have some excerpts to share with you around that time.</p>
<p><img src="https://andrewmcknightnet.hostbaby.com/img/News/Drew_with_Grammy_opt.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="300" /></p>
<address>Recording at Cabin Studios means that you have a Platinum and Gold record hanging on the wall to inspire your best creativity and performance!</address>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="https://andrewmcknightnet.hostbaby.com/img/News/taylors_and_drew_in_studio_opt.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="400" /></p>
<address>Lisa Taylor on drums and her daughter Rachel on cello recording the basic tracks with Andrew.</address>
<address> </address>
<p><img src="https://andrewmcknightnet.hostbaby.com/img/News/Dustin_at_board.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="400" /></p>
<address>While the magic happens in the recording room, there's a lot of wizardry going on in the control room when Dustin Delage is in charge!</address>
<address> </address>
<p><img src="https://andrewmcknightnet.hostbaby.com/img/News/Michael_electric_bass_opt.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="533" width="400" /></p>
<address>Michael Rohrer is a man of many talents - principal bassist with the Loudoun Symphony and bassist for Americana band The Bitter Liberals among them. He's also Andrew's neighbor, just a short walk through the Mt. Olive Church cemetery away.</address>
<address> </address>
<p><img src="https://andrewmcknightnet.hostbaby.com/img/News/Rachel_opt.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="400" /></p>
<address>Rachel Taylor is a brilliant cellist, and will be beginning her time at the prestigious Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore this semester.</address>
<address> </address>
<p><img src="https://andrewmcknightnet.hostbaby.com/img/News/Rachel_Drew_listening_opt.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="400" /></p>
<address>Rachel and Andrew listening to some tracks, and pretty happy with the result!</address>
<address> </address>
<p><img src="https://andrewmcknightnet.hostbaby.com/img/News/rehearsing_sons_fathers_opt.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="400" /></p>
<address>Michael, Andrew and Lisa run through "Sons & Fathers" before recording.</address>
<address> </address>
<p><img src="https://andrewmcknightnet.hostbaby.com/img/News/strat_studio_couch.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="318" width="400" /></p>
<address>Andrew's trusty Strat is a big part of <em><strong>Treasures</strong></em>! (For more about his treasured electric guitar that helped put him through college and grad school, read his <a href="/blog/strawberry_fields_forever_essay/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">biog post "Strawberry Fields Forever"</a>).</address>
<address> </address>
<p><img src="https://andrewmcknightnet.hostbaby.com/img/News/author_on_porch.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="400" /></p>
<address>And in between recording sessions, there is a book to be written too!</address>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177414
2019-07-29T20:00:00-04:00
2019-09-19T06:12:13-04:00
It Begins - Treasures in My Chest Is Underway
<p>We are excited to announce that the work has begun on Andrew's latest project, <em>Treasures in My Chest</em> - a full-length studio recording and companion book!</p>
<p><strong>The album is a song cycle</strong> drawn from the connections between Andrew's musical DNA and many discoveries of his McKnight family heritage, while exploring the greater age-old human questions of "who am I?" and "how did I get here?". </p>
<p><em>Treasures</em> will be released to radio and crowdfunding backers late in 2019, and the book and album in both print and digital form will be officially released in mid-January 2020. In addition to intimate concert performances through most of the continental US in 2020, we are developing an inspirational and entertaining <em>Treasures</em> keynote presentation for professional conferences. </p>
<p><a href="/campaign" target="_blank" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page"><strong>How you can help us bring <em>Treasures</em> to life!</strong> </a></p>
<p>Discovering a song written and published in 1906 by his Scottish great grandfather (also named Andrew McKnight) awakened his interest in understanding the genetic sources of his own musical gifts. Following his ancestor's footsteps, from leaving home to landing in a nation shaped by immigrants, unveiled rich details in the risks, hardships and dangers of those uprooting from birth community for new life in an unfamiliar land.</p>
<p>Using the powerful tools of modern genealogy led him to some extraordinary discoveries about music in his heritage; how his great-grandfather's American descendants had endured difficult childhoods and pursued music in many forms, largely unaware of each other. While Andrew himself grew up in a musical household, it was only through his research that he connected with other descendants and their common musical ground. And as he explored the connections and stories in each of his parents heritage, he encountered fascinating discoveries about fortunes lost on the Titanic, ancestors falling on the battlefields of the Civil War, and impoverished immigrants braving weeks on the stormy Atlantic in the hope of a new life and a better start. Along the way he has been constantly attended by the spirit of his grandmother Madeleine Warner McKnight, who imbued him with a fascination of history as a child and was the keeper of many of the family's letters and photos.</p>
<p><strong>The <em>Treasures in My Chest</em> book</strong> is an outgrowth of a new reality; how to convey the liner notes and context of a recording with no "container" in the era of streaming and downloads. The freedom to not have to fit artwork and information in a booklet for a CD jewel box first encouraged Andrew to plan an easy to read pamphlet. It was only a handful of days before the "I've always hoped you would write a book" voices grew to a chorus, and so he is hard at work on what will eventually likely be 200-250 pages and 20 or so chapters, in paperback and eventually audiobook too.</p>
<p>Andrew says, "It's the culmination and coalescing of things I love doing - music, history, science, geography - all coming together to help shine light and shadow on human stories. It feels like I am meant to do this now, and that this is an opportunity to bring my work to a far larger audience than I've enjoyed for any of my previous work."</p>
<p>From placing you in the footsteps of his doomed Civil War ancestor Aretas Culver, to finding sparks of hope in the long winter nights on the shores of mid-1800s County Down, his vision, voice and pen have created a mesmerizing sweet spot deeply familiar to anyone who's wondered, "who am I and where did I come from?" Andrew has already been sharing several of the pieces crafted for <em>Treasures</em> in concert, and many of the stories and perspectives draw gasps of joy and astonishment from audience members, who in turn are eager to share their own experiences with him after the show.</p>
<p>Andrew returned to Cabin Studios on nearby Hogback Mountain in early July to record with engineer and co-producer Dustin Delage, with plans for a late autumn private prerelease. The book is well underway already, but the final chapter won't be finished until the dedication of a new Civil War era headstone for Aretas Culver's grave in his hometown of Bristol CT this upcoming Veteran's Day.</p>
<p>He has already been presenting some of the songs in educational, performance and even spiritual settings to great enthusiasm. <em>Treasures</em> is already helping to share not just the "how" (yes, you too can do this), but the richness of the "why" - the amazing gifts of deeper connections with the present as well as the past.</p>
<p><em>See Andrew performing "Web of Mystery" at a recent concert, along with a little insight into the "why" of his journey:</em></p>
<p></p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E1_oArg8CY4" width="560" allowfullscreen="" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177415
2019-06-05T20:00:00-04:00
2019-06-06T06:55:34-04:00
Writing Songs with Wounded Warriors
<p>Andrew was honored to lend a hand and a pen last weekend at the beautiful <a href="http://madisonfields.org" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Madison Fields farm</a> in central Maryland, working with renowned singer/songwriter and music therapist <strong>Mack Bailey</strong> and his <a href="https://musictherapyoftherockies.org" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Music Therapy of the Rockies program</a>. Since 2014 Mack has been helping veterans using music and mindfulness in dealing with their PTS/PTSD (post-traumatic stress) by helping reframe their stories, learning how to rewire brains, and in doing so, saving lives. </p>
<p>Ten veterans met with Mack, two music therapists and fellow songwriters Tony Denikos, Jen & Scott Smith (Naked Blue), and Owen Danoff during the weekend retreat in partnership with Madison Fields and the Wounded Warrior Project. Andrew was connected one on one with two veterans for a pair of 2-hour sessions to hear their stories, and to help them in reframing their experiences. Together they wrote a pair of powerful and inspiring songs, "<strong>This Bridge</strong>" and "<strong>New Mission Now</strong>". Perhaps even more importantly, they bonded as fellow human beings in an incredible shared experience culminating in a concert performance for their families and friends. While Andrew felt blessed and honored to help convey their stories and get to know two wonderful humans, at the end they "coined him" - one of the highest honors bestowed on a civilian for helping a wounded warrior, and a treasured memento of a truly unforgettable and life-changing experience.</p>
<p><strong>Join us for the grand unveiling on <a href="http://Facebook.com/AndrewMcKnight.Musician" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Facebook Live Monday June 10th at 8pm Eastern</a>! </strong>You can hear their songs and the stories that inspired them.</p>
<p>Music Therapy of the Rockies addresses the symptoms of PTSD through evidence-based music therapy techniques. The program also focuses on the neurological aspect of PTSD with the goal of making lifelong changes. The program is run by a Board-Certified Music Therapist and incorporates mindfulness and active listening, self-expression and therapeutic songwriting with professional songwriters, and the gift of a guitar to learn new coping skills. Each of these parts of the retreat combine to help the veterans reframe their military experience.</p>
<p><img src="https://andrewmcknightnet.hostbaby.com/img/News/the_coin.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="400" /></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177413
2019-05-08T20:00:00-04:00
2019-05-10T07:46:28-04:00
Mountville Turns 25
<p>For those who attended the first <strong>Mountville Folk Festival</strong> back in 1994, there was no way to imagine what that seed would grow into over the quarter century. This little gathering that started in Andrew's backyard as an excuse for singer/songwriter friends to spend time together sharing each other's work among the local music community, now annually draws 200-300 people to the slopes of Bull Run Mountain near Aldie VA.</p>
<p>This year's 25th annual Mountville will include an extra night of music in celebration. Andrew will be busy - a rare set with Beyond Borders Saturday night, plus a solo set featuring his upcoming recording <em>Treasures in My Chest</em> to kick off Saturday afternoon, hosting a songwriter roundrobin or two, and maybe more mischief too!</p>
<p>Come Friday afternoon! Camp or hit a local B&B for the June 21-22 weekend, and help celebrate a most delightful milestone with some lovely people and an awesome musical lineup. <a href="mailto:mountvillefolkfestival@comcast.net" target="_blank" data-imported="1">RSVP to mountvillefolkfestival@comcast.net</a> to get directions (like a house concert) and to get all the info emails. And to get a sense of the Mountville experience, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MountvilleFolkFestival" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Like and Follow their Facebook page here</a>!</p>
<p><img src="https://andrewmcknightnet.hostbaby.com/img/Temp/AMBBfiddler_2017MFF_CUP.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="267" width="400" /></p>
<p><em>Andrew & Beyond Borders wrapping up the 2017 Mountville Folk Festival with a little help on the fiddle!</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="https://andrewmcknightnet.hostbaby.com/img/News/DrewLisa1995.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Andrew McKnight accompanying Lisa Taylor at the 1995 Mountville Folk Festival" height="329" width="400" /></p>
<p><em>Andrew accompanies Lisa Taylor during her set at the 1995 Mountville Folk Festival!</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="https://andrewmcknightnet.hostbaby.com/img/News/MFF25.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="221" width="400" /></p>
<p><em>Katie Crotzer has been attending Mountville since she was a teenager, well over a decade ago. Now she is Mountville's Operations Manager, and she updated a favorite festival logo from 1998 to help celebrate the anniversary. Thanks to her, there will be T-shirts and perhaps other merchandise too!</em></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177412
2019-04-30T20:00:00-04:00
2019-05-10T06:58:27-04:00
NEW VIDEO: Web of Mystery
<p>Here it is, fresh tracks indeed. I wrote "Web of Mystery" in October and I've been performing it at most shows since, so it's closer to "road tight" in this version. I haven't really thought much about how we'll arrange it with Dustin Delage in the studio in July yet, but likely there will be more than just me and my guitar :)</p>
<p>My dad Warren filmed it with his digital camcorder and a Shure SM-94 mic he rigged with a wireless. The audio is a bit hissy, but, you're there in the audience :)</p>
<p>And if you've ever wondered WHY I got interested in my family history, you'll get some answers to that too. I hope you like it, and please do share it freely. The lyrics are included as well.</p>
<p>Most of all, as always, thanks for listening and for the support family and friends alike!</p>
<p></p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E1_oArg8CY4" width="560" allowfullscreen="" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177409
2019-03-02T19:00:00-05:00
2019-03-10T12:45:05-04:00
An Amazing Night of Love and Healing
<p>Last night Andrew was honored to be part of a very special benefit concert for a cherished and revered songwriter friend <a href="https://www.tomprasadarao.com/" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><strong>Tom Prasada-Rao</strong></a>. TPR was originally scheduled to play this show presented by <a href="https://www.focusmusic.org/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">FOCUS Music concert series</a> and hosted by the Community Lutheran Church in Sterling, but a recent diagnosis of a life-threatening tumor and surgery will keep him on the sidelines recovering for several months. However, the great folks at FOCUS decided to invite a bunch of Tom's talented friends to play the show for him, drawing folks from Boston, Nashville, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia as well as around the "DMV". Each performed songs from either Tom’s recordings or his list of 62 favorite songs.</p>
<p>Headed up by FOCUS's Sterling coordinator <strong>Jerry Bresee</strong>, and joined by our <strong>Beyond Borders bandmate Lisa Taylor</strong>, Andrew's frequent collaborator in mischief <strong><a href="https://www.tonydenikos.com/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Tony Denikos</a></strong>, and Tom's sisters Patty and Polly Prasada-Rao, the lineup also included Pat Wictor, Eric Schwartz, Debi Smith of the Four Bitchin' Babes, Nancy Moran and Fett, LEA, Brad Yoder, Carey Creed, Matt Holsen, Cletus Kennelly, Lisabeth Weber, and Doug Alan Wilcox. Each performed a song, but there was much collaborating and harmonizing throughout the show. And best of all, Tom was able to attend with his family! The mostly <em>a cappella</em> finale of Tom's "Out of the Darkness" with two hundred plus singing along in the audience was like surfing on a near-infinite wave of sound<br><br>It was an exquisite and uplifting evening doing what music does best - bringing people together and healing. The concert was filmed and recorded, and hopefully there will be some clips to share soon. Thanks to the exquisite photography of Branko Hodzic, here are a couple of visual mementos.</p>
<p><img src="https://andrewmcknightnet.hostbaby.com/img/News/190302_tonyD_BW_Hodzic.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="266" width="400" /></p>
<p><em>Tony Denikos joined L-R by Brad Yoder, Andrew, and Lisa Taylor.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="https://andrewmcknightnet.hostbaby.com/img/News/190302_finale_Branko_Hodzic.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="266" width="400" /></p>
<p><em>The amazing finale featured everyone!</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="https://andrewmcknightnet.hostbaby.com/img/News/190302_tpr_with_ensemble_Hodzic.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="266" width="400" /></p>
<p><em>A magic moment getting to be with Tom onstage at the end.</em></p>
<p>And a couple taken by Andrew's daughter Madeleine during his opening performance of TPR's "Incoming"</p>
<p><img src="https://andrewmcknightnet.hostbaby.com/img/News/190302_am_audience_view_mm.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="272" width="400" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="https://andrewmcknightnet.hostbaby.com/img/News/190302_am_one_leg_up_mm.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="610" width="400" /></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177410
2019-02-25T19:00:00-05:00
2019-03-10T13:22:21-04:00
Thanks for Helping Celebrate Mom's Milestone
<p>A heartfelt thanks again to everyone who turned out for mom's online birthday party concert! She had a blast, and I'm sure she was glowing even though I couldn't see her 450 miles away - only her comments in the chat during the show. I am grateful for the technology that allows us to connect this way in celebration and community, and to share music, all from our own homes from coast to coast and anywhere else! If you've not caught one of my live from my living room sessions, please do follow me at <a href="https://www.concertwindow.com/andrewmcknight" target="_blank" data-imported="1">my Concert Window vidcasting page</a> so you'll get a head up (next one will be April or May sometime).</p>
<p>Of course, we did manage to sneak in a surprise party celebration the weekend before her birthday, well-surrounded and completely surprised by family and friends, including her nearly 97-year old aunt! So we managed to check off all the boxes. For one, I am mighty grateful that both of my parents are healthy and hale now that they've both flipped 80 on the odometer, and I'm sure they are grateful that they each had lovely celebrations specially tuned for them :). Next up, their 60th anniversary this August - wow!<br><br>If you missed the vidcast - including the newest song - here's roughly how it went down. They were pretty much all mom's requests.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><br><strong>Mom's 80th Birthday Vidcast, 2/25/19</strong><br><br>Atchafalaya<br>Surveillance<br>Chemical Voodoo<br>Rust on My Halo<br>When the Maples Turn<br>Happy Birthday to Mom (and to her sister Marj, 2/26!)<br>Anniversary (2000 Years Ago)<br>Web of Mystery<br>Treasures in My Chest<br>The Road to Appomattox<br>Alchemy<br>Guitar Man<br>Count Your Blessings (©John Rickard & AMcK)</p>
<p>Meanwhile, may your next birthday include such a rich tapestry of family and friends as mom's surprise party did - even if it was a few days early :)</p>
<p><img src="https://andrewmcknightnet.hostbaby.com/img/News/mom_80th.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="156" width="400" /></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177408
2019-02-14T19:00:00-05:00
2019-03-15T04:10:35-04:00
More Songwriting with Middle & High School Students
<p><img src="https://andrewmcknightnet.hostbaby.com/img/News/2019_chords_class.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="A group of eager young writers at one of the Chords of Courage workshops" height="148" style=" margin: 5px 10px;" width="200" />Andrew enjoyed a second year leading three free songwriting workshops for aspiring middle and high school songwriters in Frederick County, Maryland as part of the <a href="https://chordsofcourage.org/songwriting-contest/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Chords of Courage Student Songwriting Contest</a>. He worked with over a dozen young writers teaching and discussing the craft of songwriting, while offering one on one help with their submissions.<br><br><strong>Chords of Courage</strong> is dedicated to changing the conversation from the demoralizing and cynical to the hopeful and inspirational – one song at a time. This contest is the first of its kind in the world, open to Frederick County (Maryland) middle and high school age students, to encourage young writers to use their creativity to write dynamic and powerful songs about people of particular courage.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="https://andrewmcknightnet.hostbaby.com/img/News/2019_chords_writing.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="Young students hard at work on a writing exercise" height="150" style=" margin: 10px;" width="200" /></p>
<p>You can come and hear the award winning writers and their creations, arranged by Tomy Wright and the house band, at the <strong>STEP UP! Awards Concert on Saturday, April 13</strong> at 7:45PM in the JBK Theater, Frederick Community College. <a href="https://www.ticketor.com/stepupfrederick/default" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Purchase your tickets here</a>.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, enjoy this highlight reel video from last year's inaugural contest and the incredible awards ceremony concert!</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p></p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-EeLHUOYD2A" width="560" allowfullscreen="" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
<p> </p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177407
2019-02-05T19:00:00-05:00
2019-02-06T13:07:04-05:00
Interview "Looking Back, Moving Forward"
<p>Ahead of his upcoming return to the <strong><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/songs-stories-gas-money-andrew-mcknight-tickets-53122177864" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Songs, Stories and Gas Money</a> concert series</strong> near his western Loudoun home, Andrew sat down for an <a href="http://getoutloudoun.com/2019/02/06/andrew-mcknight-looking-back-moving-forward/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">in-depth interview with the local media</a> for the first time in several years. Thanks to Janann Mercker for her fine writing, and our friend <a href="https://americasroutes.com/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Doug Graham</a> for use of his fabulous photography, and to <a href="http://loudounnow.com/" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><em>Loudoun Now</em></a> for its vigorous support of the local arts scene and steadfast commitment to community journalism.</p>
<p>Read it here - http://getoutloudoun.com/2019/02/06/andrew-mcknight-looking-back-moving-forward/</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177411
2019-01-17T19:00:00-05:00
2019-04-08T13:59:04-04:00
A Final Standing O
<p>We bid a sad and grateful farewell to the <strong>Standing "O" Project</strong>, a great idea to connect supportive fans with artists creating new music. It is a bit disheartening to see how much the music streaming era has depleted the value of collecting and owning music. Kudos to John and Viv of the "<a href="https://artofthesong.org/about/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Art of the Song</a>" NPR and community radio show for all the heart, hard work and capital they put into this project these last few years.</p>
<p>In addition to continuing their work with Art of the Song (now in its 15th year), Vivian & John are tackling social justice issues by performing Si Kahn’s musical <a href="https://motherjonesinheaven.com/" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><em>Mother Jones in Heaven</em></a> in theaters and music venues across North America and Europe.</p>
<p>It was an honor to be a part of it, and we wish them the very best going forward!</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177406
2019-01-14T19:00:00-05:00
2019-01-28T02:25:39-05:00
NPR Acoustic Interludes Podcast
<p>National Public Radio (NPR) is presenting "<strong>Acoustic Interludes</strong>" podcasts, hosted and produced by <strong>John Macdonell from </strong><a href="http://www.wuwf.org" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><strong>WUWF</strong> in Pensacola FL</a>. Andrew's interview was recorded several years ago, but it aired the week of November 11th, 2018. <a href="http://www.npr.org/podcasts/643527376/acoustic-interlude-sessions" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Hear it at http://www.npr.org/podcasts/643527376/acoustic-interlude-sessions</a></p>
<p><br>"Acoustic Interlude" presents interview and performance sessions featuring outstanding songwriters from throughout the southeast and the nation. John Macdonell hosts from WUWF's Studio-A and remote locations including the 30A Songwriters Festival. Each segment is approximately 20 minutes in length. Other recent podcasts include John Gorka, Shawn Mullins, Amy Ray (Indigo Girls) and Peter Mulvey. </p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177400
2018-12-31T19:00:00-05:00
2020-01-27T12:40:57-05:00
Update: How to Get my Monthly E-Zine
<p>We started sending the new E-Zine, <strong><em>A Storytender's Journey</em></strong>, to our 3200+ email subscribers in November using our new mailing service, <strong>Your Mailing List Provider</strong> <strong>(YMLP)</strong>. While we are sure that over the years lots of email addresses were abandoned in place and never updated, we were alarmed that only about a quarter of our emails reached their intended subscribers. Longtime recipients reported that they did not receive anything even in Spam filters, but YMLP showed status as "Delivered" nonetheless. We have found New Subscriber emails, and direct emails from YMLP in our spam filters days after they were sent. To say that our first experience was unsatisfactory would put it mildly. December's E-Zine went a little better, but we're still not succeeding at staying in touch with a vast chunk of our email subscribers!</p>
<p>If you're willing, if and when you receive it, please do drop a quick reply to let us know you received it ok. Meanwhile, you can <strong><a href="http://www.andrewmcknight.net/e_zine_archives/the_inaugural_a_storytenders_journey/" data-imported="1">read the November issue here</a></strong> to see what you missed! We'll post each issue in the E-Zine Archive (under the News tab on the website).</p>
<p>What else can you do? Make sure <strong>e-zine at andrewmcknight.net is on your Whitelist</strong> for acceptable senders, and if you can manage it, create a Mailing List Rule to always take that address into your inbox instead of Spam. It doesn't help if it never even reaches you, but at least you improve your odds a little bit.</p>
<p><strong>ORIGINAL POST (10/5/18)</strong> We were disappointed that our webhosts discontinued their Listbaby email service at the end of September. The hunt is on for an affordable email newsletter service so we can continue staying connected to over 3,000 subscribers. Thanks for your patience as we work through whatever other unanticipated wrinkles might come along as we transition email services.</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177404
2018-12-06T19:00:00-05:00
2018-12-07T05:58:50-05:00
Our Best Holiday Sale Ever!
<p><strong>Save 30% on all music - discs and downloads, through DEC. 16th at midnight EST using the code xmas18</strong>. It's our <strong>best sale of the year</strong> - get a CD AND download for the regular download only price! It's all here through the <a href="/music" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">Music page at the website</a> (or directly at <a href="https://andrewmcknight.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">our Bandcamp store</a> that feeds it).</p>
<p>Thanks to an email questioner this week, you can also get a <strong>gift certificate for any CD plus download combo, and on multiple disc sets even, for the same 30% discount</strong> - just <a href="mailto:info@andrewmcknight.net" data-imported="1">email us what you'd like to have</a> and we'll take care of it.</p>
<p>We will have a couple popup sales in the next 10 days as well - a great reason to <a href="http://Facebook.com/AndrewMcKnight.Musician" target="_blank" data-imported="1">follow our <strong>Facebook page</strong> </a> if you aren't already :). Because there are <a href="http://www.andrewmcknight.net/news/new_for_the_holidays___flash_drives_with_video/" data-imported="1">new products and new content to be had</a> .....</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177405
2018-12-05T19:00:00-05:00
2018-12-07T05:57:16-05:00
New for the Holidays - Flash Drives with Video
<p>We've long been interested in having a way to deliver audio and video content of any length, and as of Dec. 13th we indeed will! <strong>These handsome little royal blue and silver USB swing drives hold 8GB</strong>, and once you have your music, you can use them for anything you like.</p>
<p>We'll have one with Andrew's <strong>entire audio discography in high resolution and MP3 versions</strong> - 5 solo CDs, the <em>One Virginia Night</em> concert release with Andrew McKnight & Beyond Borders, plus two FULL solo concerts currently only available as website downloads (see the <a href="/music" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">Discography at the Music page</a>). You'll be able to add them to your iTunes, GooglePlay or whatever other players you use.<br><br> The other package we've planned is <strong>full-length concert videos</strong>, including this year's <a href="/videosales" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page"><strong><em>Live at Timucua</em> solo concert</strong></a>, plus some special video content not available anywhere else! <br><br> We'll unveil them at special discount prices at <strong>Thursday night's (12/13) <a href="/vidcast" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">annual Winter Holiday vidcast</a></strong> and on social media. We have a limited number available, and we'll have these at <strong>an incredible discount also through December 16th</strong> - stay tuned or email us now!</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177403
2018-10-31T20:00:00-04:00
2018-11-01T11:55:51-04:00
New Video: Beyond Borders at Spirit of the Valley Festival
<p>Thanks to an iPhone, we can share a some video from a rare <strong>Andrew McKnight & Beyond Borders</strong> trio set at last weekend's inaugural <strong><a href="https://onsunnyslopefarm.com/spirit-of-the-valley-festival/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Spirit of the Valley Festival</a></strong>. This great new festival was held on the historic <a href="https://onsunnyslopefarm.com/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">On Sunny Slope Farm</a> in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley in Harrisonburg VA, and the great lineup also included <strong><a href="http://dirtykitchenband.com/welcome" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen</a>, <a href="http://www.townmountain.net/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Town Mountain</a> and <a href="http://thehowlinbrothers.com/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">The Howlin' Brothers</a></strong>.</p>
<p>Lisa Taylor penned "<strong>Heavy on Your Lips</strong>" and though they've been performing it for the last couple years, this is their first performance of it without Les on the banjo. She could do it <em>a cappella</em> and it would still rip, but this is lots of sass and sultry fun with her on Andrew's Martin MC-68, Stephanie on the upright bass, and Andrew sliding about on the dobro.</p>
<p>Big thanks to Andrew's also superbly talented cousin Valerie Rosa for filming it :) Enjoy!</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FAndrewMcKnight.Musician%2Fvideos%2F869518586772243%2F&show_text=0&width=560" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177402
2018-10-14T20:00:00-04:00
2020-01-27T12:40:57-05:00
See/Hear Two New Songs for Ancestories Project
<p>If you'd like a look under the hood at the songwriting process, and/or have interest in family histories, or just want to hear some new music from Andrew, here you go! Not one but TWO new pieces in draft form that he unveiled at this Facebook Live session last week. We hope you enjoy "Aretas Culver" and "Web of Mystery".</p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="488" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FAndrewMcKnight.Musician%2Fvideos%2F1165649890250607%2F&width=500&show_text=true&height=488&appId" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="500" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177354
2018-10-04T20:00:00-04:00
2018-10-18T06:36:28-04:00
Virginia Commission for the Arts Award for 2019-20
<p>We're pleased to again receive a touring assistance grant and be included in the <a href="http://www.arts.virginia.gov/" target="_blank" data-cke-saved-href="http://www.arts.virginia.gov/" data-imported="1">Virginia Commission for the Arts</a> prestigious <strong>Touring Artist Directory</strong>. This means that eligible presenters within the Commonwealth may be reimbursed up to 50% of the cost for performances and workshops, solo or with <a href="/andrew-mcknight-beyond-borders" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">Andrew McKnight & Beyond Borders</a>. We hope that more new presenters will take advantage of our funding and help bring Andrew's music to new parts of our Commonwealth.</p>
<p><strong>For any interested in-state presenters</strong>, all the details including links to download the application form are at <a href="/vca" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">http://andrewmcknight.net/vca</a>. This funding cycle is for performances between July 1, 2019 and June 15, 2020. We are thrilled that for the last decade we have received this wonderful and critical support, and to play a small part in bringing performing arts to Virginia's communities large and small in these hard economic times.</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177401
2018-09-05T20:00:00-04:00
2018-09-06T05:31:30-04:00
New Ancestories Blog
<p>In conjunction with my <a href="/ancestories-consulting" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">Ancestories Consulting service</a> helping people unlock the maximum power of their DNA tests, I've started a blog to offer helpful advice and explanation of many sometimes confusing aspects. I'm working on a starter series of posts to help introduce in simple terms the basics of being a productive and accurate family historian, combining traditional records searches with the power of genetic genealogy. Over time I'll also share some of my own stories and methods that led to fascinating family stories from the past as well as the amazing experiences of connecting and bonding with living relatives.</p>
<p>Come and follow me at <a href="https://amckancestories.blogspot.com" target="_blank" data-imported="1">amckancestories.blogspot.com</a>.</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177399
2018-08-31T20:00:00-04:00
2018-09-05T07:40:26-04:00
Beyond Borders Band Update
<p>Friends and fans around the mid-Atlantic region may have noticed that Andrew McKnight & Beyond Borders have essentially been on hiatus for the last year or so. Their bandmate, founding Nitty Gritty Dirt Band member Les Thompson has essentially been touring full time with his old friend and bandmate John McEuen, bringing their multimedia retrospective <strong>Circle Revisited Tour</strong> all across North America.<br><br>Les left NGDB in 1973 after their double platinum <em>Will the Circle be Unbroke</em>n collaboration album was released. While John stayed with NGDB up to and through their 2017 50th anniversary tour, since then he's been devoting most of his touring energy to the Circle Revisited show, with Les an intergral part of the band on bass and bouzouki. It is indeed a blessing to see Les enjoying the touring and the accolades he long ago earned, once again walking out on stage with great friends night after night in front of hundreds of adoring country and bluegrass fans in beautiful theaters all across the land!<br><br>And it is certainly a far cry from how one might imagine "rock stardom"! Hauling gear through airports, scrambling from one flight to another, driving rental cars several hours after show to get to the next airport. It is vigorous activity for young men in their early 70s.<br><br>As for his BB bandmates, Lisa Stephanie and Andrew have been starting to do some trio shows when Les is unavailable. They will be doing a set at the <strong><a href="https://onsunnyslopefarm.com/spirit-of-the-valley-festival/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Spirit of the Valley Festival in Harrisonburg VA October 28</a></strong> along with newgrass greats Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen, Town Mountain and the Howlin' Brothers. We are hoping that the full band with Les will do a video webcast from the studio late this year as well. Stay tuned for that!<br><br>Meanwhile, don't miss Les and John and the band if <a href="http://www.johnmceuen.com/calendar.html" target="_blank" data-imported="1">they will be nearby (check the tour calendar)</a>! It is an amazing experience to hear those old folk songs for sure, but to see the pictures and hear outtakes from the <em>Circle</em> recording sessions along with the legends of roots music like Doc Watson, Merle Travis and Mother Maybelle Carter is an experience to which you should treat yourself.</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177370
2018-04-30T20:00:00-04:00
2018-05-24T03:00:24-04:00
Commemorating Memorial Day Vidcast May 29th
<p><strong>NEXT UP</strong>: Spending an evening virtually with you in my <strong>Commemorating Memorial Day Vidcast, Tuesday May 29th at 9pm Eastern</strong>. I'll share a few songs honoring the fallen in addition to the usual conversation, requests and musical mischief. These vidcasts are fun, but they also are a great and vital way to <strong>connect with a lot of new listeners who hopefully become fans</strong>. </p>
<p>For more details and some viewing tips, come <a href="/vidcast" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">visit my vidcast page</a> before heading to <a href="https://www.concertwindow.com/andrewmcknight" target="_blank" data-imported="1">my Concert Window portal</a> to get your tickets!</p>
<p> </p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177397
2018-04-06T20:00:00-04:00
2018-04-10T10:42:42-04:00
Songwriting Student Wins Award
<p>In February Andrew spent a couple of mornings leading workshops for aspiring middle and high school songwriters in Frederick County, Maryland as part of the <a href="https://chordsofcourage.org/songwriting-contest/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">STEP UP Frederick! Student Songwriting Contest sponsored by Chords of Courage</a>.</p>
<p>Imagine his delight to find out that one of the attendees was the Grand Prize Winner at the April 6th awards concert at the Frederick Community College theatre! This <a href="https://www.fredericknewspost.com/news/arts_and_entertainment/chords-of-courage-awards-concert-lets-frederick-county-students-step/article_b4a2f3db-b926-52ba-b183-d95c1a76c9a4.html" target="_blank" data-imported="1">article from the <em>Frederick News-Post</em></a> features Vivien Renkey, one of the students from the workshop, and her song "Land of the Free" about Harriet Tubman won 1st place in the Middle School division. </p>
<p>Chords of Courage, founded by Caron Dale, uses songwriting to shine a spotlight on the courageous among us, telling their compelling stories in an effort to transform the conversation from the demoralizing and cynical to the hopeful and inspirational one song at a time. These incredible stories inspire young and old alike to STEP UP! and make a difference in the world around us.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/574924441b7aade0db02bd949eaca5e8ee6e0cb3/original/chords-courage-workshop.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDIyNiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="226" width="400" /></p>
<p><em>Andrew working with some talented and passionate young songwriters at a workshop session at New Spire Arts, Frederick MD.</em></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/1684465af1ab8369bf6d015d1ce4bebca47f300a/original/stepup-awards-concert.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDMwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="400" /></p>
<p><em>The middle and high school winners of the Step Up! Songwriting Contest at the Awards Concert, April 6, 2018 along with host Derek McGinty (L), Chords of Courage founder Caron Dale, and the F.A.M.E. house band.</em></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177398
2018-03-10T19:00:00-05:00
2018-04-10T13:34:03-04:00
Back to School for a Week!
<p>Andrew spent a week in between weekends in Texas and southwest Virginia visiting elementary school schools in the southeast. Each year he makes a day to visit the 4th grade classes at West View Elementary School in Spartanburg SC to share his "Telling America's Story in Song" workshop. In a fast-paced interactive session, they made a timeline from the arrival at Jamestown through the Revolution and the Civil War, and wrapped up with the Great Depression and Dust Bowl with Woody Guthrie's epic "This Land is Your Land". Andrew then enjoyed lunch with the students before closing the day with a short concert including his anti-bullying anthem "Good Things Matter."</p>
<p>From there, Andrew spent 3 days on the "Rooftop of Virginia", the beautiful Grayson County and the City of Galax, the "World Capital of Mountain Music". He worked with young students in Fries, Independence and Galax and did several assemblies on <a href="/american-history" target="_blank" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">American History and Geography</a>, before doing a public concert at the historic 1908 Courthouse Friday evening to wrap up a great week.</p>
<p>So, how about a school or two in your community? From these history-focused workshops to Creative and Musical Writing, or workshops with bands and ensembles, Andrew has a whole suite of interactive and engaging programs for school students and adults too - <a href="/programs" target="_blank" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">have a look here</a> and let's talk!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/8c0254cbacbb14e6288bd6dd37dc7aab41a9261f/original/180306-westviewes.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDI4MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="280" width="400" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/4f883f8102015a47e677bbcd63905953f8eb73d1/original/180308-galaxes.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzAweDMxNiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="316" width="300" /></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177395
2018-02-05T19:00:00-05:00
2018-02-06T13:49:43-05:00
Student Songwriting Contest with Free Workshops
<p><strong>Chords of Courage</strong> is changing the conversation from the demoralizing and cynical to the hopeful and inspirational – one song at a time. They have created the first songwriting contest of its kind in the world, open to Frederick County (Maryland) middle and high school age students and encourages them to use their creativity to write dynamic and powerful songs about people of particular courage.</p>
<p>Andrew will be spending two mornings working with any eligible young writers who'd like to study the craft of songwriting, and get some help working on their submissions. He will be with Chords of Courage staff at New Spire Arts, 115 East Church Street in Frederick from 10am to 1pm on Saturday Feb. 10th and 24th.</p>
<p>Interested young writers, <a href="https://chordsofcourage.org/songwriting-contest/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">please check out the contest rules</a> and join Andrew for a workshop or two.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/2c11b7c16ef011ec271783a49ea277338a46e4f0/original/2018stepupsongcontestflyer.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDYxOCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="618" width="400" /></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177396
2018-01-29T19:00:00-05:00
2018-02-07T05:32:56-05:00
New Video Release Coming Soon!
<p>We are excited to share that we caught Andrew's performance at the wonderful and unique <strong><a href="https://timucua.com" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Timucua Arts Foundation</a></strong> concert series in Orlando January 21st. Not only did Andrew turn in a fine set, he was "accompanied" on stage by painter Chris M. Gray, who started with a blank canvas and finished a remarkable work. The 12 songs include old favorites as well as some unreleased songs, and some of his finest new stories between songs as well - and 4 different guitars! </p>
<p>So while we do some editing in preparation to release the concert download that you can own, you can enjoy this 1-minute teaser and see what you'll be getting. We'll be taking pre-sales in a couple weeks, and should have it ready for release directly and by download card at shows sometime in March. It was a special evening of art for the senses, and now you can have it to enjoy whenever you'd like!</p>
<p> </p>
<p></p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eA6YGcE5McQ?rel=0" width="560" allowfullscreen="" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
<p> </p>
<h2><em><strong>Track List</strong></em></h2>
<p>1. How High the Mountain<br> 2. Ansel Adams<br> 3. Surveillance<br> 4. Made by Hand<br> 5. These Shoes<br> 6. Catalooch (Native American flute solo)/Wishing<br> 7. By a Craftsman's Hand<br> 8. Count Your Blessings<br> 9. Anniversary (2000 Years Ago)<br> 10. The Road to Appomattox<br> 11. Guitar Man<br> Encore: Western Skies</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177388
2017-11-25T19:00:00-05:00
2017-11-26T04:09:19-05:00
Kicking off Holiday Sales on "Cerebral Sunday"
<p>With all the "Black Friday", "Small Business Saturday" etc., I thought those of us who like to offer, encourage and give thoughtful gifts need our own day to shop slowly and deliberately as we see fit! So to combat a impulse-oriented season seemingly way too driven by our "lizard brain", I kick off my holiday sales for you on what I'm calling "Cerebral Sunday".</p>
<p>Sure, I want you to have my music, and so this is definitely the year's best sale pricing on CDs, DVDs and downloads. But I'd love for you to consider guitar or songwriting lessons in person or via Skype, or a special video gift customized for your loved one. I have gift certificates that you can stick in the Christmas tree, download videos and music onto a flash drive, and plenty more. I have beautiful Thank You note card and envelope sets with "Good things matter, no matter how small" ready to go, but I can create other note card sets as well. Email us before you order and we'll get everything set so you get what you want, and/or if you want something specific not offered here. The best gifts are the ones with the personal touches, and I'd love to make your gift a special moment that won't soon be forgotten.</p>
<p><strong>CDs, DVDs & DOWNLOADS: SAVE 25%</strong> - Best online sale of the year for music - <strong>both discs and downloads at <a href="/music" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">the Music page</a></strong>. Use the code xmas17 at checkout, and boom, done.</p>
<ul>
<li>All physical CDs come with an immediate download, and discs are shipped from right here so you can get them autographed and personalized - please include a note. </li>
<li>The offer is good on any and all orders right up through midnight on New Year's Eve. </li>
<li>And please drop us a line if you want something particular as a bundled gift or multiple copies of something as a unique gift for your office or organization - happy to customize that and we'll do quantity discounts too.</li>
<li>
<strong>SPECIAL BONUS:</strong> <strong>Buy any two physical CDs, and we'll send you a link to download a free live concert recording</strong>, complete with the stories indexed separately and some songs unavailable on any CDs.</li>
</ul>
<p><em><strong>SAVE EVEN MORE</strong>: <strong>Tune in to my <a href="http://www.concertwindow.com/andrewmcknight" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Winter Holiday vidcast on Wed. December 13th at 9pm Eastern</a></strong>; we'll have a special short term code to save you a chunk more change! http://www.concertwindow.com/andrewmcknight</em></p>
<p><strong>LESSONS - BUY 4 GET 1 FREE STARTER PACK</strong>. Dive in to the magic and beauty of playing guitar or writing songs. You can get 5 lessons for the price of 4, either $120 for five 30-minute sessions, or $180 for five 55-minute sessions. It's your time to work on what you want to learn, and I gladly accept the job of helping your reach your goals. Weekly in person here near Purcellville VA, or we'll set a schedule for Skype video conferencing to meet your needs wherever you call home. No long-term commitment required, but you'll get priority to get on my regular teaching schedule as slots come available. Let's get started and have some fun with music! <strong><em><a href="mailto:info@andrewmcknight.net" data-imported="1">Email me by December 20th</a> to have a customized gift certificate ready to print</em></strong>.</p>
<p><strong>A VIDEO FOR YOU:</strong> Want to give the ultimate in personalized gifts? You pick one of my songs you like or think would be just perfect for a special someone, and you tell me what you'd like me to say, or what story you'd like me to tell along with that, and I'll make a one-of-a-kind video in front of our family Christmas tree (or not) specially for your recipient. Or perform a short mini-concert with 3-5 of your favorite songs, specifically for them! You let me know what you'd like to do, and we'll come up with a special price to make your gift come to life. <em><strong><a href="mailto:info@andrewmcknight.net" data-imported="1">Email me by December 15th</a> to guarantee having it in time for Christmas</strong></em>.</p>
<p><strong>NOTE CARDS:</strong> I have sets of my <strong>"Good things matter, no matter how small" Thank You Notes</strong> on sale for the holidays, a set of 8 for $9 plus shipping (<a href="http://www.andrewmcknight.net/merch/set_of_thank_you_notecards/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">see them here</a>). But I'd happily custom a set of note cards for other purposes, with other things I've written in song or prose, along with an appropriate photograph. What would you like to see? <em><strong><a href="mailto:info@andrewmcknight.net" data-imported="1">Email me by December 1st</a> to guarantee arrival in time for Christmas</strong></em>.</p>
<p><strong>CUSTOMIZED GIFTS:</strong> Would you like a song written for a special purpose? A concert for a charity of your choice? A special in-person or video stream workshop on songwriting, the business of art, performance or something else? <em><strong><a href="mailto:info@andrewmcknight.net" data-imported="1">Email me with your gift requests</a></strong> and we'll put it together for a good price, as well as with something to wrap for the holidays.</em></p>
<p><em><strong>Thanks for your support of this grateful "independent artist," and a very Happy Holiday and Merry Christmas to you and yours!</strong></em></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177394
2017-07-30T20:00:00-04:00
2017-08-03T02:41:55-04:00
Martin Guitar for Sale
<p>This is my 2003 Martin DC-16GTE acoustic guitar, complete with onboard pickup/preamp. It has journeyed across the U.S. and Europe gracing stages small and large, but it's time for a new home and a new journey. It's in excellent shape, though it had a side crack repaired by Martin several years ago. It has Sitka spruce top & mahogany sides, onboard pickup/preamp made by Fishman for Martin, and a lovely rich tone. New they run $1,400-1,700. Own your Martin for well under a grand! Local to northern Virginia, central MD or eastern WV preferred for in-person delivery; <a href="mailto:info@andrewmcknight.net%20" data-imported="1">email me for details</a>.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/a46049b80e7a8b0936bdffd02fab8c56ac6bd434/original/2003-martin-dc-16gte.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDMwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="400" /> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/1e97f26f0c956bab0c31cc1ee992c7cb272ef2d8/original/dc-16gte-preamp.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6Mjk2eDI5NyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="297" width="296" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/181627a6d77c8fbf20a15e8288e1837e27754295/original/playing-dc-16.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDMxNyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="317" width="400" /></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177393
2017-05-01T20:00:00-04:00
2017-05-02T04:21:23-04:00
Mayday, Mayday, Free Things for You!
<p><strong>GET A FREE CD OR DOWNLOAD! Through May 19th</strong> - help me raise some money and reduce some inventory, and I help you have some great new music in your collection.</p>
<p><strong>For the CD collectors</strong>, <a href="/music" target="_blank" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">buy any 2 CDs at the website</a> ($23.98 plus shipping) and <strong>with the first 12 orders we'll include a free out of print <em>Making Music Matter</em> compilation CD</strong> from my old Falling Mountain Music label - a $15 add on value. The 20-track CD includes music from the label's artists spanning a dizzying array of original and traditional folk roots and world music. It includes two tracks I recorded specifically for that CD, the traditional "1845" played and sung in three part harmony with the late Keith Pitzer and Randy Barrett, and a guitar duet with Michael DeLalla, an irreverently jazzy take on the Celtic staple "Red Haired Boy". <strong>When and if that runs out, the free gift will be a digital download of my currently out of print 2nd CD <em>Where This River Runs</em></strong>, featuring "Shenandoah Moon", "The Other Way" and "Big Sky Town" and including Bruce Molsky on fiddle, Terri Allard on harmony vocals and a bunch more great guests.</p>
<p><strong>For the digital downloaders</strong>, buy any 2 CD downloads (total $16) and get the full live concert download <em>Live: Bound for Glory</em> as my gift, complete with the stories between the songs indexed as separate tracks so you can listen or skip them as you desire. That's a $10 add-on value free, and a small token of gratitude for your support! We'll email you a download code for the concert when we get your order, simple as that.</p>
<p><strong>Sale ends at midnight May 19th - no special codes needed. A huge thanks for your support - <a href="/music" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">come on over for a look and listen</a>!</strong> <em>Online orders only, not valid with any other sale.</em></p>
<p><em><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/dea18a6869d138fe48d41b879dd380ff2de2fafb/original/mmm.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDQwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="400" /><br></em></p>
<p><em>Making Music Matter</em> was released in 2006 to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Falling Mountain Music label founded by virtuoso guitarist and composer <a href="http://fallingmountain.com" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Michael DeLalla</a>. The compilation includes works from the label's artists at that time, including traditional singer <a href="http://debracowan.com" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Debra Cowan</a>, dulcimer legend <a href="http://www.madelinemacneil.com" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Madeline MacNeil</a>, West Virginia folk duo Keith & Joan Pitzer, award-winning bluegrass singer/songwriter Randy Barrett, roots duo <a href="http://wildcarrot.net" target="_blank" data-imported="1">wild carrot</a>, and Michael's world music ensemble Oxymora as well as his traditional Celtic trio The Unfortunate Rakes. The 20 tracks include the title cut from Andrew's <em>Beyond Borders</em> CD and "Diary", his duet with Mary Byrd Brown from <em>Turning Pages</em>. It's an exquisite 76 minutes of music!</p>
<p> </p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177392
2017-04-24T20:00:00-04:00
2017-04-25T06:56:58-04:00
Getting the E-Zine OK? Email Troubles...
<p>Are you subscribed and getting our monthly E-Zine ok? While we love everything else about our website hosts at HostBaby, the current email service they provide doesn't give any notification about bounced emails or automatic unsubscribes. So we're in the dark about people not getting email unless we go and manually inspect the log files. With over 3,000 subscribers, that's a lot of opportunity to miss connecting with you - and you are a vital part of the lifeline that makes continuing this work possible!</p>
<p>If you'd like to check, 2017 E-Zines went out:</p>
<ul>
<li>April 5th</li>
<li>March 2nd</li>
<li>February 8th</li>
<li>January 12th</li>
</ul>
<p>If you have unsubscribed, ListBaby won't let you or us resubscribe with the same email address unless you request it (<a href="mailto:hostbaby@hostbaby.com?Resubscribing%20to%20Andrew%20McKnight%20email%20list" target="_blank" data-imported="1">click here to send them an email</a>).</p>
<p>Thanks for letting us know if you should be receiving them and aren't, and you are welcome to share feedback on the format as well. We include a couple pictures every month as well as a few links to get to relevant emails and keep the newsletter itself shorter and more concise. You can always drop by the <a href="/blog" target="_blank" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">Blog to catch up on Essays you may have missed or enjoy re-reading</a>. And of course, if you HAVEN'T subscribed, you can do so easily right now in the left column at the <a href="http://www.andrewmcknight.net/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">home page and be enjoying 9 free downloaded songs in moments</a> :)</p>
<p>Most of all, thank you so very much for letting us stay in touch!</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177391
2017-02-03T19:00:00-05:00
2017-03-01T13:19:42-05:00
Watch Andrew's Set on "After Hours" at WinLife TV
<p>Andrew visited <strong>WINLife TV</strong> Saturday Feb. 4th for an hourlong interview/performance on "After Hours" host Eric Sandstrom at <a href="http://www.winlife.tv/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">http://www.winlife.tv</a>. Thanks to Eric and Producer David Perry for having me, and especially to everyone who tuned in.</p>
<p>The show was recorded and you can watch the archive below thanks to Livestream.com. <br>SETLIST: "Western Skies", "Company Town", "How High the Mountain", studio chat, "Catalooch"/"Wishing", "These Shoes", studio chat, "Anniversary (2000 Years Ago)", "By a Craftsman's Hand", "Made by Hand" and "Guitar Man".</p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" scrolling="no" src="http://livestream.com/accounts/13579207/events/6969136/videos/148520502/player?width=640&height=360&enableInfo=true&defaultDrawer=&autoPlay=false&mute=false" width="640" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177390
2017-01-17T19:00:00-05:00
2017-01-20T03:34:32-05:00
Andrew Visits "The Circus Life"
<p>Andrew dropped by Cue Recording Studios outside of Washington DC to visit <strong>Justin Trawick</strong> on his weekly podcast <a href="http://TheCircusLife.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" data-imported="1">"<strong>The Circus Life</strong>"</a>- on Friday the 13th no less! Episode #180 features Andrew singing 2 songs live with his Fairbuilt guitar made of local native wood while business and life coach <a href="http://laurenlemunyan.com/" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><strong>Lauren LeMunyan</strong></a> shares facts and fallacies about Friday the 13th, and helps dispel the mythology about personal coaching. Topics of conversation include $69 flights to Europe, Trump and L.L. Bean, and performing music in people's homes.</p>
<p>Listen now here <a href="http://traffic.libsyn.com/thecircuslife/The_Circus_Life_-_180.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" data-imported="1">http://traffic.libsyn.com/thecirc…/The_Circus_Life_-_180.mp3</a> or at <a href="http://TheCircusLife.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" data-imported="1">TheCircusLife.com</a> where you can downloads all the songs for free!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/6b934ab5f84f862c4be7a25737d138d1b7624344/original/170113-circus-life.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDI1NiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="256" width="400" /></p>
<p><em>Host Justin Trawick, Life and Business Coach Lauren LeMunyan, and Andrew after recording "The Circus Life" podcast at Cue Recording Studios, Falls Church VA</em></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177389
2017-01-09T19:00:00-05:00
2017-01-10T12:07:54-05:00
Featured Artist at NPR's "Art of the Song"
<p>We are thrilled to kick off 2017 finding out that Andrew is this week's <strong>Featured Artist</strong> at the syndicated radio show "<strong><a href="http://artofthesong.org/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Art of the Song</a></strong>", heard on many NPR and community radio affiliates, and at their <strong><a href="http://www.standingoproject.com" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Standing "O" Project</a></strong>. Andrew did an interview with AOTS during a Folk Alliance International Conference in Memphis several years ago - you can hear that, read more, and explore more great artists too: <a href="http://artofthesong.org/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">http://artofthesong.org</a>.</p>
<p>And for more about their partners in "fair trade streaming music" at the exciting <a href="http://www.standingoproject.com" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Standing "O" Project</a>, please visit <a href="http://www.standingoproject.com" target="_blank" data-imported="1">http://www.standingoproject.com</a>.</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177387
2016-11-21T19:00:00-05:00
2016-12-01T21:51:23-05:00
Beyond Borders Record Concert for Public Radio
<p>Andrew and his bandmates did a show last weekend for the Arts Council of the Eastern Shore on the Delmarva Paninsula. In addition to having a great and fun evening with some new tunes and old favorites, the concert was recorded for future broadcast on <strong>Delmarva Public Radio</strong> out of Salisbury MD. If all goes well, once the show is broadcast, we'll make the recording available to you as a download. Stay tuned for news on this project in early 2017.</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177386
2016-10-09T20:00:00-04:00
2016-10-19T08:13:59-04:00
Andrew on NPR's "Interfaith Voices"
<p>Back in June Andrew was invited to perform as part of a special presentation of the <strong>National Public Radio program "Interfaith Voices"</strong> at George Mason University. The panel discussion and presentation, "Is Religion a Problem or Solution?", was hosted by <strong>Maureen Fiedler</strong> and featured guests:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<strong>Father Gerry Creedon</strong>, priest and former head of Catholic Charities</li>
<li>
<strong>Reverend Alison Miller</strong>, Unitarian Universalist Minister</li>
<li>
<strong>Maria Dakake</strong>, Professor of Islamic Thought at GMU</li>
<li>
<strong>Emma Green</strong>, Senior Associate Editor of <em>The Atlantic</em>
</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>It was a lively discussion, further sparked by audience questions. Father Gerry laid it on the table. For many people, he told the audience, religion is about "legalism, fear, guilt and repression." For others, it is "a source of freedom, liberation, justice, and mercy." <a href="http://interfaithradio.org/Story_Details/Special_Live_Event__Is_Religion_a_Problem_or_Solution_" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Listen to the whole show and a great discussion via stream or downloadable podcast at their website</a>. Maureen Fiedler also wrote a synopsis of the discussion for the <a href="https://www.ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today/religion-problem-or-solution" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><strong><em>National Catholic Review</em></strong> here</a>.</p>
<p>Hear the music from the program, featuring performances from Andrew and Dragon's Head, featuring Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church minister E. Scott Sammler-Michael:</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="284" scrolling="no" src="http://interfaithradio.org/StoryAudio/Special_Live_Event__Andrew_McKnight_and_Dragons_Head" width="430"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/774ad9c4e0948ebe5fb59e17e41dddce02095b2e/original/160603-interfaith-gmu.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDI2NyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="267" width="400" /></p>
<p><em>Photo © Ashley Campbell for Interfaith Voices.</em></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177385
2016-09-25T20:00:00-04:00
2016-09-26T13:47:38-04:00
House Concert Videos with Sean Kelly
<p>It seems we've had a great wealth of video to share with you this summer and fall, and the film keeps coming! Thanks to Texas folk fan and longtime "Kerrvert" (the moniker Kerrville Folk Festival regulars give themselves) Wayne Jennings, we've got a handful of songs to share with you, filmed during Andrew's March 2015 show at <a href="http://www.arhaven.org/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Arhaven House Concerts</a> in the Texas countryside just east of Austin.</p>
<p>These videos are special because this was a rare duo show with Andrew's old friend <strong>Sean Kelly</strong> on bass and harmony vocals. And Arhaven is special because it's hosted with love and care by two other dear friends, Joe and Bev Angel. All in all, it's a "bootleg" video of a very fine afternoon between artists and audience. We hope you enjoy it, and the videos yet to come!</p>
<p> </p>
<p></p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="243" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PL33TC-DJu7kYSOJqqhd2J9t0yVUhQeDMb" width="432" allowfullscreen="" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177384
2016-09-19T20:00:00-04:00
2016-10-07T04:48:17-04:00
Fair Trade Music Streaming - What's That?
<p>Ever find great music on Spotify and think to yourself "that's really cool and I want to hear more"? Dove in and listened to a bunch more songs - sure! Did you know that we songwriters and musicians get a fraction of a penny for every one of those plays? If not, now you do! And there is a way to lend a bit more support to the artists you love without going broke, and without enriching streaming services investors at the expense of those artists.</p>
<p>Check out this great new video below from the folks at <strong>The Standing O Project</strong> and tell me what you think - try their <strong>10-day free trial</strong> and do some exploring. I've been a member almost since the beginning, and I love what they are doing - creating a new model to help support artists you love continuing to do what we love to do. I've got a lot of super talented friends here too that I'd recommend to you in a heartbeat, but let's see what happens when you explore. Take a spin by <a href="http://artofthesong.org/what-is-fair-trade-streaming/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">http://artofthesong.org/what-is-fair-trade-streaming/</a></p>
<p><em><strong>Thanks for reading, and thanks for supporting me and what I do!</strong></em></p>
<p></p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="359" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/179838203" width="640" allowfullscreen="" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177382
2016-09-05T20:00:00-04:00
2016-09-07T06:19:45-04:00
Easy Favor - Help Me Be a "Less Well-Kept Secret"!
<p>In advance of next week's vidcast, and with a thinner-than-normal autumn tour schedule, I'm devoting some extra attention to making more friends in this big old hurting world. I'd love to connect with people who might enjoy my music and words, and might be interested in helping get me into the ears and eyes of others who might like it too. I greatly enjoy the interaction with new people as well as old friends, and the vidcasts are very personal and interactive. These are crazy times in the business of making a livelihood from one's art, and I'm not complaining - just doing my best to "work smart" and enlist the best allies to help me keep doing so.</p>
<p>So, if you know someone who might enjoy my work, please let them know about the next vidcast coming up, or share <a href="/music" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">the Music page</a> here. You can <em><strong>stream any CD, or downloadable concert, in its entirety for free</strong></em> - and you can own the download or the disc if you'd like to support the artist. </p>
<p>Of course, there is also the rising sea of social media, where it is far easier to drown unnoticed then to "go viral" :) Nonetheless, if you use any of these, please do feel free to amplify it to your friends as you see fit too. We've got lots of video on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/andrewmcknightmusic" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><strong>YouTube channel</strong></a>, share tour postings and photos on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/andrewmcknightmusic/" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><strong>Instagram</strong></a> and occasionally <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/andrewmcknight" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Twitter</a></strong>, and the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AndrewMcKnight.Musician/" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><strong>Facebook music page</strong></a> too. Whatever you do, however you do it, <em><strong>thank you</strong></em> from a very grateful and ever-determined "independent" artist!</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="800" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/page.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FAndrewMcKnight.Musician%2F&tabs=timeline&width=600&height=800&small_header=false&adapt_container_width=true&hide_cover=false&show_facepile=false&appId" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="600"></iframe></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177383
2016-09-01T20:00:00-04:00
2016-09-08T01:45:38-04:00
Sale on "Turning Pages" and Save on Shipping
<p><strong>25% off on <em>Turning Pages</em></strong>. In honor of the 15th anniversary of Andrew's 3rd CD <a href="https://andrewmcknight.bandcamp.com/album/turning-pages" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><em>Turning Pages</em></a>, we are offering a great sale on the CD this month. <a href="https://andrewmcknight.bandcamp.com/album/turning-pages" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Go here and use the code</a> <strong>TP15</strong> to get it for <strong>just $8.99</strong> - <strong>including the download as well as the disc</strong>. <em>Normal shipping/tax rates apply</em>.</p>
<p><strong>Save on shipping by ordering before October 1st.</strong> The postal rates have climbed to the point where we can no longer ignore them, so shipping charges per CD will rise to $4 each on October 1st. So <strong>save a few bucks and order CDs before October 1st</strong>, and let us know who to have them autographed for as well!</p>
<p>Haven't heard <strong><em>Turning Pages</em></strong>? Here you go - enjoy all you like. You may be well familiar with "The Road to Appomattox" and "Western Skies", or perhaps the beautiful "Diary" of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings. Have an explore and listen to Track #4 "22 or #7 "Company Town". Try not to groove and sing along with the funky final track, "Riley's Life", or have a laugh at the playful bluegrass of #12 "Nothin' But a Man". Happy listening!</p>
<p><iframe height="240" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=174247309/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;" width="320"></iframe></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177381
2016-08-30T20:00:00-04:00
2020-01-27T12:40:55-05:00
Videos from the Summer
<p>This has been a busy summer, and thankfully some of the moments along the way were captured on video. All of these are courtesy of the camera persons and are credited as such - hope you enjoy them!</p>
<p>First, this beautiful version of "<strong>Company Town</strong>" recorded during the "<a href="/songs-strings" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">Global Journey in Songs & Strings</a>" concert with <a href="http://fallingmountain.com" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Michael DeLalla</a> on July 9, 2016 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Loudoun, Leesburg VA.</p>
<p></p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GjqOPyT92xk" width="400" allowfullscreen="" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
<p> </p>
<p>Here's Andrew's performance at the Montgomery College Chautauqua in Germantown MD July 8th, opening for Ernest Hemingway (ok - actually an actor doing a great job of portraying him). Includes "How High the Mountain", "These Shoes", and "Beyond Borders".</p>
<p></p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1svg0k9AR0A" width="400" allowfullscreen="" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
<p>This version of "<strong>Atchafalaya</strong>" was recorded at the Vanilla Bean Cafe in Pomfret CT during the spring 2015 tour. Andrew's dad Warren McKnight is indeed tickling the ivories on this one, which makes this a bit of rare treat :)</p>
<p></p>
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<p> </p>
<p>Speaking of Dad, he turned 80 on August 27th. A worthy occasion for a party and a jam session! Here are a couple videos from the jam in Windham CT - and a chance to hear Andrew doing something a whole lot different than the solo acoustic singer/songwriter thing you might be accustomed to experiencing :)</p>
<p>"<strong>The Breeze</strong>" (Lynyrd Skynyrd) - featuring old bandmate Darrell Sabourin on bass and lead vocals</p>
<p></p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4S_y43MmJ6w" width="400" allowfullscreen="" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
<p> </p>
<p>"<strong>Kansas City</strong>" (Brownie McGhee) - the old swingy blues classic featuring Andrew on lead vocals as well as the silky Strat</p>
<p></p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WtCj2LHTNmI" width="400" allowfullscreen="" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
<p> </p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177376
2016-07-19T20:00:00-04:00
2016-07-20T09:28:29-04:00
Andrew Helps Debut Songwriting/Recording Camp
<p>Andrew just wrapped up an exciting week with <a href="http://www.thecatoctinschoolofmusic.com" target="_blank" data-imported="1">The Catoctin School of Music in Leesburg VA</a> leading a weeklong intensive camp for kids ages 11 to 18. In tandem with CSM head and bassist extraordinaire <strong>Wayne Estes</strong>, Andrew helped lead campers through an exploration of song creation right through to recording production in state of the art studio. The group did units on applied music theory and rhythm, improvised music together, and worked together to arrange some of those musical ideas into a finished recording. Campers focused on many creative aspects including listening, lyric writing, performance, and arranging for different instruments. With occasional breaks for outdoor fun, lunch and nature walks, it was an incredibly fulfilling and exploration-packed week!</p>
<p>With the success of the inaugural offering of the camp, they plan to do it again next year as well as perhaps adding a second week for more advanced young musicians. Once again, registration will be extremely limited for this amazing opportunity and we'll announce it here sometime in May. </p>
<p><em>All photos courtesy of The Catoctin School of Music.</em></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/5d94c5ce106912f65db6f85c46fe979bd86b4695/original/csm-lead-the-way.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDIyNSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="400" /></p>
<p><em>Andrew leads the intensely focused teens through an arranging session prior to recording.</em></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/3503360ae5091d96dcb87d93490d8dbafe36ff74/original/csm-group-record.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDIyNSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="400" /></p>
<p><em>On each of the last two days of camp, the students arranged and recorded pieces that they created together. Magic!</em></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/76e397783d8634da52c564eaebeb84e3dc358d64/original/csm-mad-saw.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDIyNSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="400" /></p>
<p><em>Among the experiential highlights: everyone got to play around with new instruments, including some exotic ones like the saw!</em></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/5511a30ba9052a5dc05daa5418b74e219f71e679/original/csm-camp-portrait.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDIyNSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="400" /></p>
<p><em>Campers certainly seemed to have a great bonding experience in their time in sessions and studio, as well as a great appreciation to Wayne Estes for organizing and offering the camp!</em></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177380
2016-07-11T20:00:00-04:00
2016-07-27T07:43:29-04:00
Joining Hands to Stop Teen Suicide
<p>On July 9th in conjunction with the <a href="http://www.loudounfriends.org/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Friends of Loudoun Mental Health</a> and the <a href="http://www.ryanbartelfoundation.org/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Ryan Bartel Foundation</a>, Andrew and longtime friend and touring partner <a href="http://www.fallingmountain.com" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><strong>Michael DeLalla</strong></a> brought their "<a href="/songs-strings" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page"><em><strong>Global Journey in Songs & Strings</strong></em></a>" concert to the <a href="http://www.uuloudoun.org" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Unitarian Universalist Church of Loudoun</a> in Leesburg, Virginia for a very special evening.</p>
<p>Loudoun County has seen an epidemic of teen suicides over the past couple years, as well as some other high-profile teen mental health cases. Loudoun includes Andrew's home in Lincoln as well as most of the students in Michael's annual 2-week summer guitar workshop PAVAN (the regional governor's arts program). Both wanted to find some way that they could help bring the community together to help address the crisis.</p>
<p>A great crowd of teens and adults turned out at the historic chapel on a warm evening to be inspired by music and share in remembrance of the victims and survivors of recent teen suicides. Suzie Bartel, whose son Ryan's tragic death two autumns ago led her to found the Ryan Bartel Foundation, was the guest speaker. Using one of Ryan's favorite quotes, "we're all human", the We're All Human project is a community of students, teachers and parents who want to provide a safe haven for suicidal youth. Katrina Cole, head of FLMH, spoke about the organization's efforts to work with the Foundation to develop critical peer training for high schoolers to help make them aware of available resources as well as form support networks in-house at each of the county high schools during the upcoming school year. </p>
<p>Most every community has been touched by suicide at some point, and many of them by the tragic loss of troubled teens. In Loudoun County, hopefully the upcoming school year will be free of such tragedies, in no small part due to a group of committed people working to take care of each other.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/b798c599cadabb831acde4d760bad9bc399bc308/original/marchais-kathy-fetzer.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDMyNiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="326" width="400" /></p>
<p><em>Opening the evening with Michael's lovely fingerstyle "Marchais du Malaucene", accompanied by Andrew's jazzy vocalese.</em></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/ad86907f17f8bab260c366f4f5de1bb950a04e01/original/stage-r-mel-pine.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDI4NiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="286" width="400" /></p>
<p><em>As is standard practice during one of their "Global Journey in Songs & Strings" concerts, Michael and Andrew include some ferocious jamming.</em></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/c46963c3f8ee6c49b14f44ce085d232d49616ea1/original/md-suzie-bartel-katrina-cole-am.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDIyNSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="400" /></p>
<p>L to R: <em>Michael DeLalla, Suzie Bartel from the Ryan Bartel Foundation, Katrina Cole from Friends of Loudoun Mental Health, and Andrew McKnight.</em></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177377
2016-05-24T20:00:00-04:00
2016-06-01T08:48:11-04:00
New Concert Video: "Made by Hand"
<p>We've got some great high-definition footage from Andrew's performance on the <strong><a href="http://wdvx.com/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">WDVX "Blue Plate Special"</a> </strong>April 28th in downtown Knoxville TN. First up is this performance of "<strong>Made by Hand</strong>", which he wrote with current bandmate/founding NGDB member Les Thompson and past WV Fiddle Champion Chance McCoy from Old Crow Medicine Show. We'll have more videos in the next couple of weeks - be sure to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/andrewmcknightmusic" target="_blank" data-imported="1">subscribe to our YouTube channel</a> so you'll be the first to know!</p>
<p>The show happened the week after the CEO of now-defunct <a href="http://www.wvgazettemail.com/robert-j-byers/20160527/rob-byers-blankenships-fall-mimics-the-decline-of-coal" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Massey Energy company Don Blankenship was sentenced to one year in jail for a felony misdemeanor for his role in the Upper Big Branch mine explosion</a> that killed 29 miners in West Virginia's Coal River Valley. This area, south of Charleston and west of Beckley, has lost many of its mountains through Massey's enthusiastic practice of mountaintop removal coal mining.</p>
<p>Dedicated to the people of the Coal River Valley, and those working to bring a more sustainable way of life and opportunities to Appalachian communities trying to move beyond with the consequences of a century as a resource colony. Thanks to Mark Murray and the good people at WDVX for having Andrew join a long list of fabulous performers that have been on the <a href="http://wdvx.com/program/blue-plate-special/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Blue Plate Special - tune it in at noon</a> any weekday.</p>
<p> </p>
<p></p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ns-tPoEyvfU" width="560" allowfullscreen="" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
<p>Below is a view of the Coal River Valley in 2006 from the late Larry Gibson's property on Kayford Mountain, near Whitesville WV. Mountaintop removal essentially is the explosive removal of the top 1000 feet or so of half-billion year old mountain ranges to get at the coal seams beneath with surface mining equipment like a dragline. The rubble is pushed into the adjacent valleys and hollers, and often giant reservoirs of coal dust slurry are left behind earthen dams. Kayford was the only mountain in that immediate area that was not mountaintopped. Larry was a passionate advocate for the mountains and land that had been in his family over 200 years. He hosted more than 14,000 visitors to his property to see the devastation up close and personally.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/ddcecee6828c6f4da3c250611e6423016352a686/original/kayford-view.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDMwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="400" /></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177378
2016-05-22T20:00:00-04:00
2016-06-01T04:00:24-04:00
Facebook Live from the Living Room
<p>Andrew tried out Facebook's new Live streaming video feature for an impromptu lunch concert on May 23rd. It's very casual and a lot of folks tuned in - and unlike most of our vidcasts, this one was preserved so you can watch anytime. We hope you and your friends wherever they are in the world plan to join us for the next live vidcast on <strong>Tuesday June 7th at 9pm Eastern</strong> at http://concertwindow.com/andrewmcknight.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="535" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FAndrewMcKnight.Musician%2Fvideos%2F10153741429747998%2F&show_text=1&width=560" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177379
2016-05-19T20:00:00-04:00
2020-07-03T08:18:22-04:00
Hear Andrew on WETS Studio One
<p>Andrew visited the live interview radio show <strong>"Live at Studio One" on WETS Public Radio</strong> in Johnson City TN. The interview and performance with host Dave Carter is a very entertaining hour indeed! Stream it (audio only) while you work, and enjoy.</p>
<p>Includes several unreleased songs: "How High the Mountain", "Made by Hand", "One More Year (A Farmer's Prayer)", "By a Craftsman's Hand", "Catalooch" (flute solo)/"Wishing", "Anniversary (2000 Years Ago Today)", and "Guitar Man".</p>
<p><a href="http://ats.andrewmcknight.net/files/audio/WETS_StudioOne_160428.mp3" target="_blank" data-imported="1">WETS_StudioOne_160428.mp3</a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/5cc992214b9da128840d47d3271056f05675e40f/original/160430-wets.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDMwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="400" /> </p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177375
2016-03-29T20:00:00-04:00
2016-03-30T13:53:03-04:00
New Interview in The Virginian
<p>Andrew sat down with Michelle Mitchell from <em>The News Virginian</em> in advance of the March 25th <a href="/andrew-mcknight-beyond-borders" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">Andrew McKnight & Beyond Borders</a> show at the newly renovated and reopened <strong>Wayne Theater</strong> in Waynesboro VA. You can read that and previous <a href="/interviews-articles" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">interviews/articles here on the website</a>. Thanks Michelle for helping spread the word about the band and their music, and getting some folks in the seats enjoying it too.</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177372
2016-03-09T19:00:00-05:00
2020-11-12T10:37:18-05:00
Andrew McKnight & Beyond Borders Back in the Saddle
<p>After an autumn hiatus with each working on other projects, Andrew and his bandmates Les Thompson, Stephanie Thompson and Lisa Taylor have spent the winter in the studio writing and arranging new material for the band's first studio recording. Those new songs will be part of their upcoming short tour through western Virginia March 23-25.</p>
<p>Lisa has a beautiful new mandolin, and Les has one Cajun accordion in hand and another on the way. The rehearsals have been great, the new songs rock, and several months away from the stage seem to have brought new musical influences into their already eclectic genre-bending stew.</p>
<p>They also have been working on the mixing and production of the film footage from their last concert at Franklin Park Arts Center</p>
<p>Catch <a href="/andrew-mcknight-beyond-borders" target="_blank" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page"><strong>Andrew McKnight & Beyond Borders</strong></a> March 23rd at the historic <strong>Barter Theatre</strong> in Abingdon, the 25th at the newly renovated <strong>Wayne Theater</strong> in Waynesboro, or later this spring at shows and festivals near home in Loudoun County.</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177371
2016-02-29T19:00:00-05:00
2016-03-09T09:18:53-05:00
Welcome to the New Website
<p>It is live! After several months of careful planning and detailed work behind the scenes, we've launched the new AndrewMcKnight.net. It uses a responsive design, which means that it adapts to whatever device you are using. We're a bit overdue in making that step, but better late than never!</p>
<p>So we'd love your feedback - are you able to find what you seek easily? Find any broken links? Wish that we had some content that's not here perhaps? <a href="mailto:info@andrewmcknight.net" data-imported="1">Let's hear from you!</a></p>
<p>One note - we do use some 3rd party sites for tour dates, music, e-commerce and galleries. We're aware that iPhone/iPad users don't seem to get the photo galleries (may be a Flash issue), so we'll be migrating those to our website servers in the coming weeks.</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177373
2016-01-31T19:00:00-05:00
2016-03-11T00:32:38-05:00
Collection of Essays in the Works
<p>We're excited to announce that a collection of Andrew's essays is in the works, thanks to Sam Carman in Indiana. Andrew has written an Essay most every month since his daughter was born in May 2007, and Sam is painstakingly culling, collecting and editing. The project is in its beginning stages now, but we're hoping that we might have something ready for autumn.</p>
<p>You may have noticed that we've only kept a years worth of <a href="/blog" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">Essays here on the new website</a>, but rest assured we have them all saved and under consideration. If you have enjoyed these essays over the years, we'd love to hear from you - any favorites? <strong>Preference for an e-version or print?</strong> When the time comes, would you be willing and interested in contributing some amount little or large to help us publish it?</p>
<p>Please drop us a line or leave a comment, and huge thanks to Sam for enthusiastically initiating and tackling the project.</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177353
2015-12-31T19:00:00-05:00
2016-01-17T02:55:57-05:00
New Download "Live: Bound for Glory"
<p>We are excited to release <strong><em>Live: Bound for Glory</em></strong>, a full live audio keepsake from Andrew's <strong>Autumn 2015 tour</strong>. Now you can download, own and enjoy a great show captured during his nearly 8,000 mile odyssey in the Odyssey through 12 states, in his appearance on the venerable "<a href="http://www.wvbr.com/bfg" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><strong>Bound for Glory</strong></a>" radio concert in Ithaca NY. Producer <strong>Phil Shapiro</strong> and his crack broadcast crew caught the warmth, humor and energy of Andrew with an intimate audience in high fidelity, and we are delighted to share it with you. Whether you are a longtime fan of Andrew's work, or recently discovered him for the first time (perhaps on this tour!), you'll want to have this concert to enjoy time and time again.</p>
<p>The download is a bargain at $10, but you can pay more if you want - it all goes to help support Andrew, so thank you for whatever you are moved to contribute! As with all music from the website, we use <strong>Bandcamp.com</strong> as the vendor for all of our direct sales and downloads - the least middleman between you and Andrew (aka, the most artist-friendly vendor - thank you!)</p>
<p><em>Live: Bound for Glory</em> lasts a shade over 90 minutes, features 16 songs and numerous stories and anecdotes, some of which are captured for the first time. The download includes all of the song lyrics too. Four songs are unavailable on any of Andrew's studio recordings - "One More Year (A Farmer's Prayer"), "By a Craftsman's Hand", "Guitar Man" and the "Kindergarten Love Song (Love Makes the World go ' Round)". This is the first recording of Andrew's solo dobro version of "Chemical Voodoo", and his native American flute improvisation that segues into "Wishing" is given its own track and title for the first time - "Catalooch", a Cherokee word meaning roughly "waves of mountains without end". And for the first time, you can have live versions of "Ansel Adams", "Cedars" and "Count Your Blessings" (all from <a href="http://www.andrewmcknight.net/CD1050" data-imported="1"><em>Something Worth Standing For</em></a>). Thanks to David Rice for allowing us the use of his photos from the evening.</p>
<p>Now in it's 49th year, BFG is a weekly live concert broadcast on <strong>WVBR FM</strong> from the campus of Cornell University during the fall and spring semesters. <a href="http://www.wvbr.com/bfg" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Tune them in some Sunday school night</a> at 8:30pm Eastern for three 30-minute sets from a different great folk/roots artist.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, we hope you enjoy bringing this fine concert into your living room!</p>
<p><iframe height="240" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1403020799/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; width: 350px; height: 786px;" width="320"></iframe></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177362
2015-12-16T19:00:00-05:00
2016-01-17T13:54:06-05:00
Les with John McEuen, Sam Bush & Jerry Douglas on PBS
<p>Many roots and country music fans remember that our Beyond Borders bandmate <strong>Les Thompson</strong> was a founding member of the <strong>Nitty Gritty Dirt Band</strong>. While he left the band in 1973 after their landmark triple album <em><strong>Will The Circle Be Unbroken</strong></em>, he has remained in touch with his old friend John McEuen and done several shows with him and John Carter Cash in recent years to celebrate that album and the Carter Family legacy.</p>
<p>So last night like millions of other folks we got to watch Les help John celebrate his 70th birthday for a 2-hour live concert extravaganza on the PBS show "<strong>Music City Roots</strong>". And what an all-star band! Rhonda Vincent, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas and a whole bunch of other luminaries young and old put on a heck of a show.</p>
<p>You can watch it anytime you like - head over to <a href="http://musiccityroots.com" target="_blank" data-imported="1">http://musiccityroots.com</a>. Les actually sings and plays his beautiful <a href="http://fairbuilt.com" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Fairbuilt</a> bouzouki on the 3rd cut in the show, the traditional "Dooley".</p>
<p>We're proud of our pal and glad to see him have some fun with old friends - don't miss it!</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177374
2015-12-04T19:00:00-05:00
2016-03-11T00:58:27-05:00
Help Spread the Word Via YouTube
<p>If you'd like to do something EASY and QUICK to help spread the word about Andrew's music, <strong>please take a moment and subscribe at YouTube,</strong> http://youtube.com/andrewmcknightdotnet. <strong>If we can get 300 subscribers</strong>, the channel will be included in some hefty free promotional services that would indeed help Andrew become less of a well-kept secret. There is a lot of new concert and new song video content in the works, and this way you'll be the first to know when it's ready. Thank you!<br><br></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177355
2015-06-14T20:00:00-04:00
2017-04-13T04:58:04-04:00
"Sound of Home" Film Premiere
<p>Now that Andrew has received and starting touring with his special native wood <a href="http://fairbuilt.com" target="_blank" data-cke-saved-href="http://fairbuilt.com" data-imported="1"><strong>Fairbuilt Guitar </strong></a>made for him, he's also put in a lot of work with film editor Dave Kiser to finish the mini-documentary <strong>"Sound of Home"</strong>. Photographer and videographer <a href="http://sarahhuntington.com/" target="_blank" data-cke-saved-href="http://sarahhuntington.com/" data-imported="1">Sarah Huntington</a> filmed the story over two years, from the original brainstorming the concepts on paper and conversation at the Fairbuilt shop up til the moment Andrew walks out on stage with it for the first time. Andrew and his Beyond Borders bandmates wrote and recorded <strong>"By A Craftsman's Hand"</strong>, the soundtrack song - hear it down below.</p>
<p>The film premiered at <strong>Artspace in Herndon VA on Saturday June 13th 2015</strong>, along with an exhibit of five of the guitars built for the project and a concert featuring <strong>Andrew McKnight & Beyond Borders</strong> and Fairbuilt founder <strong>Martin Fair</strong>'s band <a href="https://www.reverbnation.com/sprucebrothers" target="_blank" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.reverbnation.com/sprucebrothers" data-imported="1"><strong>The Spruce Brothers</strong></a> (mandolinist and fellow luthier <strong>Stuart Orser</strong> also works at Fairbuilt).It was an extraordinary event celebrating the music, craftsmanship and traditions of the northern Virginia hills.<strong> Many thanks to</strong> <a href="http://artspaceherndon.org" target="_blank" data-cke-saved-href="http://artspaceherndon.org" data-imported="1">ArtspaceHerndon.org</a> and the Virginia Commission for the Arts for making this one of a kind evening happen!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/54f2a7b7f851d0bfc1422d96ceaba021ac52dc97/original/sound-of-home-team.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDMyMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="320" width="400" /></p>
<p><em>Fairbuilt guitar owner and luthier Martin Fair, Andrew McKnight, photographer/videographer Sarah Huntington and "Sound of Home" production engineer Dave Kiser pose with some of the guitars at the "Sound of Home" premiere at Artspace Herndon, June 13, 2015</em></p>
<p>Hear "<strong>By a Craftsman's Hand</strong>" from the "Sound of Home" soundtrack:</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/209503632&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177357
2015-06-08T20:00:00-04:00
2016-01-16T00:57:03-05:00
Swinging a Spirited Jingle
<p>Our corner of the northern Virginia hills are home to a lot of creative small to mid-sized "agribusinesses". Between wineries and specialty farms, plus restaurants that source much of their food locally, there is a sort of "new" rural economy and appreciation for both the land and those who coax things out of it. While they aren't farmers themselves, our good friends <strong>Scott and Becky Harris</strong> at <a href="http://catoctincreekdistilling.com" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><strong>Catoctin Creek Distilling Company</strong></a> are a big part of our local landscape. They've won a dizzying amount of national and regional awards and accolades over the past year in particular. They not only make great spirits, they do so with mostly their own energy from rooftop solar on their downtown Purcellville facility and a "waste nothing" approach that contributes to several other local enterprises, like beef cattle :)</p>
<p>So naturally, we're not only enthusiastic for their success, we wanted to contribute the "theme music" that everyone hums when they think of Catoctin Creek. And after a dinner of homemade gumbo with Scott and Becky and a few drams of their classic Roundstone Rye, this idea came to life in about three minutes. It's taken awhile to get it done the way we like, but with the expert help of jazz/klezmer clarinet virtuoso <strong>Seth Kibel </strong>and our own local treasure and high school band maestro extraordinaire <strong>Rick Reaves</strong> on the trombone, we think we've copped the Catoctin Creek vibe. We wish them continued success, are glad to occasionally have the opportunity to do great things together, and we hope you find yourself humming this swingy little ditty for the rest of your day.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/209500422&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177356
2015-05-31T20:00:00-04:00
2016-01-16T00:54:11-05:00
Continuing the Next Decade with Elixir Strings
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<p>We are thrilled and grateful that Elixir Strings has renewed our Endorsing Artist agreement through the end of 2016. Since starting as an Elixir Endorsing Artist in 2001, Andrew has been thrilled about the sound and longevity on both his Martin MC-68 acoustic and the Fender Stratocaster electric guitar, as well as the improvements made to the strings over the years. Now Andrew's bandmates in Beyond Borders are using Elixirs on many of their acoustic instruments.</p>
<p>Elixir has been busy developing some other great new products for guitarists from across the spectrum, including their new <strong>HD Light </strong>acoustic strings, blending Elixir light- and medium-gauge strings with a custom .025 gauge third string (a standard light-gauge G string is a .024; the medium is a .026). The specific gauging (.013, .017, .025, .032, .042, .053) creates an ideal tone profile across the bridge, according to Elixir engineer Justin Fogleman. The increased tension of the treble strings improves their articulation, balancing their voice within the mix, he says. The interaction of the tension profile with the soundboard also adds to the harmonic content of the bass strings, creating a warmer, fuller sound.</p>
<p>Stringed instrument players - take a tour at <a href="http://elixirstrings.com" data-imported="1">http://elixirstrings.com</a>, and please tell them we sent you.</p>
<p><img src="http://andrewmcknight.net/sites/default/files/images/2015%20Elixir%20Andrew%20McKnight_opt.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Elixir Strings Endorsing Artist Andrew McKnight" style="width: 265px; height: 388px;" /></p>
<address>Elixir Strings Endorsing Artist Andrew McKnight</address>
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Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177359
2015-04-06T20:00:00-04:00
2016-01-17T02:17:27-05:00
Miss the Dang Varmints! Reunion Shows?
<p>When they gradually went their separate ways around the end of 2003, Andrew, John Rickard and Jeff Arey - aka <strong>Dang Varmints!</strong> - never formally broke up. Jeff was a busy IT professional with two teenagers, and John was busy running his Rickard's Auctions business and living part time in Chincoteague. When the opportunity came late in 2014 to do a reunion concert, all three were eager to do it. Since then, the Varmints joined Andrew for his annual "Winter Holiday Vidcast" and did an unplugged show at Bull Run House Concerts in March 2015.</p>
<p>The three longtime friends first met at an open mic at a community center in rural Lucketts Virginia in the early 90s, all as solo performers. Their appreciation for each others music led to them doing some shows together between 1998-2003, including at the John F. Kennedy Center and the US Capitol. Unlike most bands, they really melded their talents almost like a Songwriters in the Round format, rarely playing two of one member's tunes in a row. Jeff's fiery mandolin instrumentals were a great counterpoint to John's engaging and humorous rustic country-folk songs and Andrew's melodic Appalachian influenced songs. They helped record each other's songs, but never made a recording together. A few years after they parted ways, Andrew recorded John's "Count Your Blessings" and Jeff's "The Old Hundred Road" on his <em>Something Worth Standing For</em> CD.</p>
<p>If you're sad you missed out on it, take heart! Thanks to Joleen Byrd at CU Photography, we have a few videos and a photo gallery from the Bull Run show. Further down the page is a SoundCloud audio recording of Jeff's "The Rocks Reel" from their final performance at the Shenandoah Coffeehouse Series in 2003. While no more shows are planned at present, the trio proved after 11 years, "never say never" - and maybe check the website now and again :) Meanwhile, we hope you enjoy these!</p>
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<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Pif6UzLe81E?list=PL33TC-DJu7kbIWUFtJezoTY3XfWx4Zx_k" width="400" allowfullscreen="" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
<p>Here is the photo gallery from our Facebook page.</p>
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<p>Many thanks to Joleen C U Photography for taking them and letting us share them with you!</p>
Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AndrewMcKnight.Musician" data-imported="1">Andrew McKnight</a> on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152874354652998.1073741828.16254192997&type=1" data-imported="1">March 21, 2015</a>
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<p><iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/166078246&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177360
2015-03-08T20:00:00-04:00
2016-01-26T22:08:34-05:00
New Book Offers Advice to Aspiring Musicians
<p>“What is the single most important money-making tip you would give a new singer/songwriter?” That question was asked of Featured Artists at <a href="http://standingoproject.com/artist/andrewmcknight" target="_blank" data-imported="1">The Standing "O" Project</a>, and answers from 16 of those working musicians are collected in this book; some are single sentences, others are pages long. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Killing-The-Streaming-Age-Money-Making/dp/150773932X" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline">Killing it In the Streaming Age</span></strong></a> offers a different take on what it means to have a music career in the 21st century. And what’s really surprising—virtually all of the advice is non-digital, real-world and do-able.</p>
<p>Andrew's answer focused on the "Real Money" you want to make and save; "the real “currency” that makes this business go is how you handle yourself – call it integrity if you will. The quality of your art means a lot less if people think you’re an ass...". His thoughtful essay on making a life and livelihood in the 21st century music business will likely strike a chord with veteran musicians as well as those just getting started. The book is chock full of great advice and thoughtful - and often unique - perspectives.</p>
<p>Editors John Dillon and Viv Nesbitt host <a href="http://artofthesong.org" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Art of the Song Creativity Radio</a>, a one-hour, listener-supported weekly radio program broadcast on over 150 stations across North America. They have interviewed some of the biggest names in the industry with a focus on the universal truths common to all creative expression. Together, he and Viv launched <a href="http://standingoproject.com/artist/andrewmcknight" target="_blank" data-imported="1">The Standing “O” Project</a>, a “socially responsible streaming” site dedicated to overcoming what they see as one of the biggest inequities in the music business: despite being talented creative professionals with a profound work ethic, singer/songwriters are often shortchanged professionally.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Killing-The-Streaming-Age-Money-Making/dp/150773932X" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline">Killing it In the Streaming Age</span></strong></a> is available in soft cover or Kindle edition (currently free!) from Amazon.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/13bb9e398261489eb1878c79d98795872a6c903d/original/killingitinstreamingage-cover-opt.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjczeDQzNyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="437" width="273" /></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177358
2015-03-01T19:00:00-05:00
2020-11-12T07:44:03-05:00
A Fairbuilt Guitar, Endorsing Artist & "Sound of Home
<p>Andrew has long wanted a <a href="http://fairbuilt.com/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Fairbuilt Guitar</a> handmade by local luthier Martin Fair. After a couple years of bouncing ideas around, in early winter 2012, Marty decided to design and build several identical guitars to Andrew's dimensions with slight variations in the wood, and per Andrew's wish to use local wood as much as possible.</p>
<p>And now, what a great start to 2015 - Andrew's brand new guitar is in hand and ready for the road! Per Andrew's wishes, the OM cutaway model features all native woods - a West Virginia highland red spruce top; black walnut back, sides, and neck; and a locust fingerboard and bridge - along with an LR Baggs Anthem pickup and preamp. Andrew is proud to be Fairbuilt's first Endorsing Artist and excited to share Martin Fair's fine craftsmanship and the "sound of home" with concert audiences on the road. For those who've been following the project, Andrew chose the guitar in a "blind" studio comparison playing all 6 of the instruments.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/10b5dc59af92a9133c3e284f23df9f5e6e479bc0/original/fairbuilt-backs-many-colors.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDMwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="400" /></p>
<p>Photographer and videographer Sarah Huntington of <a href="http://www.thelincolnstudios.com" target="_blank" data-imported="1">The Lincoln Studios</a> has been filming the process for a documentary film <strong>"Sound of Home"</strong>, from the original brainstorming the concepts on paper and conversation at the Fairbuilt shop up til the moment Andrew walks out on stage with it for the first time. While Andrew has no plans to permanently retire his trademark Martin MC-68 from the road, the new guitar likely will become his touring mainstay for many years to come.</p>
<p>For the guitar aficianados, here's a little more detail from Fairbuilt; "The guitars are all identical OM size bodies with Venetian cutaway. The tops and brace material are all Appalachian Red Spruce from West Virginia, all cut from the same log. The back and side material all came from near Fairbuilt's shop, including some from Marty's property. #1 Black Walnut, #2 Black Locust, #3 Soft Maple, #4 Black Cherry, #5 White Oak, #6 Sycamore. The necks are made either of Black Walnut or Black Cherry. Fingerboards and bridges are of Black Locust. They all have 2 way adjustable stainless steel truss rods with 2 pieces of carbon fiber reinforcement on either side of the trussrod which makes for a very stiff and stable neck with all the adjustment needed."</p>
<p>There will be a special event including a concert featuring Andrew McKnight & Beyond Borders along with Marty's band The Spruce Brothers, a preview showing of the film and an exhibit of the guitars for the Herndon (VA) Foundation for the Cultural Arts on June 13th 2015.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/dddc7b25b0d76bc76ec2055ef7dcd0daa0b901e4/original/fairbuilt-saw-spruce-billets.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDMwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="400" /></p>
<p><em>Marty Fair cuts into a spruce log in search of the perfect guitar top.</em></p>
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<p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" href="https://instagram.com/p/wtcTAJHype/" target="_top" data-imported="1">I have to pick one of these six guitars today to be my own. It sure feels like Christmas! Check out the project at http://AndrewMcKnight.net - Will update with pictures later today</a></p>
<p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A photo posted by Andrew McKnight (@andrewmcknightmusic) on Dec 12, 2014 at 5:47am PST</p>
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<p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" href="https://instagram.com/p/wwiSkIHynM/" target="_top" data-imported="1">Who's thrilled to be starting off 2015 as a #Fairbuilt #Guitars endorsing artist? And who couldn't be happier to have this beautiful native wood series model, nearly 2 years in the making from idea to finished instrument?</a></p>
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Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177361
2015-02-08T19:00:00-05:00
2016-01-17T02:29:10-05:00
Chance Wins a Grammy!
<p>Congratulations to our pal <strong>Chance McCoy</strong> and the <a href="http://www.crowmedicine.com/" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><strong>Old Crow Medicine Show</strong></a> for winning the 2014 Grammy Award for Best Folk Album with <em>Remedy</em>. Chance has been playing guitar and fiddle with Old Crow since 2012 and been part of their most successful years to date. <em>Remedy</em> is his first Old Crow CD, joining the band in 2012 in time for the tour to support their <em>Carry Me Back</em> CD.</p>
<p>Chance was an integral part of the band when we made <strong><em>Something Worth Standing For</em></strong>, performing at the 2008 release concerts at the <strong>Kennedy Center </strong>as well as the inaugural concert at our hometown <strong>Franklin Park Arts Center</strong> (see photos below). Among the highlights; check out the classical-sounding string quartet in the 2nd verse of "<strong>Times We're Living In</strong>", the sultry swing of his fiddle break in "<strong>Surveillance</strong>" and the hypnotic Cajun-goes-rock motif on the title cut, the playful banjo groove to the traditional tune "<strong>The Fox</strong>", and of course the brilliant cascading crosspicked mandolin on "<strong>These Shoes</strong>". (<em>Hear the whole CD below</em>)</p>
<p>In 2009 Andrew, Chance and current Beyond Borders bandmate and founding Nitty Gritty Dirt Band member Les Thompson teamed up to write and record "<strong>Made by Hand</strong>", a tribute to the coal mining communities of southern West Virginia, eastern Kentucky and southwest Virginia that have been devastated by the impacts of mountaintop removal coal mining. The song appears on the CD <strong><em>Still Moving Mountains: The Journey Home</em></strong> which also features Kathy Mattea, Blue Highway, and the Del McCoury Band. In addition to Andrew's versions solo and with Beyond Borders, popular jamband Great American Taxi have performed the song over the past few years, including around the world on the syndicated Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour. (<em>Hear the song below, including Chance's outro fiddle tag not heard anywhere else!</em>)</p>
<p>While some might raise an eyebrow at calling Old Crow's music "folk" at least in a traditional sense, Chance's roots are deep in the old time Appalachian traditions. He recorded a brilliant album of traditional music primarily from West Virginia and Kentucky at Les' Cabin Studios. Featuring 19 tracks recorded live with no overdubs, his fiery fiddling and singing leads a crack band - Danny Knicely (guitar), Adam Hurt (banjo), Ralph Gordon (bass), Mark Hellenberg (banjo ukelele), and vocals from Aimee Curl. You can <a href="http://noisetrade.com/chancemccoy/debut" target="_blank" data-imported="1">download the Chance McCoy and the Appalachian String Band CD for <strong>free</strong> at NoiseTrade.com</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Congrats Chance</strong> - an honor well-deserved for a lot of hard work and a great recording!</p>
<p><iframe height="240" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1528556671/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;" width="320"></iframe></p>
<p><iframe height="240" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/track=1736077983/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;" width="320"></iframe></p>
<p><iframe height="240" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1985746830/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=388745403/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;" width="320"></iframe></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/6de17f679ed9fcafa81385f1641cd62143c944af/original/kc-band-stager3-opt.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDMwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="400" /></p>
<p>Onstage at the Kennedy Center, March 2008 (From L - Les Thompson, Jesse Shultzaberger, Andrew McKnight, Chance McCoy, Stephanie Thompson, Lisa Taylor)</p>
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<p>Performing "Something Worth Standing For" at the Kennedy Center</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/cc64c8bf4e2670601fb256950cf6c6cc03ba3c72/original/fpac-cdrelease-wildwood-close-opt.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDI1NiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="256" width="400" /></p>
<p>Performing "Wildwood Flower/The Old Hundred Road" at the CD release concert at Franklin Park Arts Center (From L - Les Thompson, Andrew, Chance). Pick out the one of this trio who HASN'T won a Grammy!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/89e0833cef75ee271fb27a1d146deab2817c18d1/original/chance-banjo-opt.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDMwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="400" /></p>
<p>Chance McCoy and Andrew McKnight at 2007 Columbia Lakefront concert series.</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177365
2014-10-09T20:00:00-04:00
2016-01-17T15:35:03-05:00
Sidney Murray Debut CD is Out
<p>As a teacher, it is always a thrill to see your students take flight and achieve cool things in their lives. For the past two years Andrew has been working with <strong>Sidney Murray</strong> on guitar and songwriting. They recorded 4 of Sidney's songs in the summer of 2013, including "<strong>Tin Can of Blue</strong>" which wound up in an episode of <strong>NPR's "Car Talk"</strong>. They went back in the studio to work on 6 more songs this summer to finish her debut CD <em><strong>Sparks</strong></em> before she left for her freshman year at Wake Forest University.</p>
<p>And thanks to the engineering and mixing talents of Beyond Borders trusted studio hand <strong>Dustin Delage</strong>, <em>Sparks</em> is finished. Andrew plays acoustic or electric guitar on most of the cuts as well as a little electric bass and mandolin. He served as Sidney's trusted adviser through the writing and arranging of each of the tunes.</p>
<p>Hear the whole CD here, and see her video for "<strong>Carousel</strong>" below as well. Congrats to Sidney - job well done!</p>
<p><iframe height="240" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2182415529/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/artwork=small/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; width: 400px; height: 472px;" width="320"></iframe></p>
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Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177366
2014-07-03T20:00:00-04:00
2016-01-26T22:06:24-05:00
Joining the Standing "O" Project
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<p>Thanks to his visit several years ago on the syndicated "<a href="http://www.artofthesong.org/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Art of the Song Creativity Radio</a>" (National Public Radio) show, Andrew was one of the guest artists invited to be part of the <strong><a href="http://www.standingoproject.com" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Standing "O" Project</a></strong>. Standing "O" brings artists and listeners together deep into music that might be considered to have "limited commercial potential." Artists bring their music. Fans bring their support. Hosts and founders John Dillon & Vivian Nesbitt bring hundreds of hours of rare interviews (including Andrew's show).</p>
<p>In a way, <strong>Standing "O" does what your radio station used to be so good at</strong>: offering surprises and rich content that can change your day. It's a very exciting idea that could change the face of music, designed to connect singer-songwriters and music fans in original and profound ways.</p>
<p>And here’s the best part: the fans who support Standing "O" are also supporting the musicians who make it possible. Independent artists share in the membership contributions, providing a much-needed revenue stream to help them continue creating music. Basically, we’re all working together to build an artistic empire of good music, human connection and flourishing creativity for the common good.</p>
<p><strong>The Standing "O" Project also has an iPhone/Android app</strong>. If you like discovering great new music, but like to have a knowledgeable someone sift through and find lots of jewels to share with you, definitely try it out.</p>
<p>Try it FREE for 10 days, no card required. Come visit <strong><a href="http://standingoproject.com/artist/andrewmcknight" data-imported="1">http://standingoproject.com/artist/andrewmcknight</a>, and click the Start Free Trial </strong>button at the top. </p>
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Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177367
2014-04-06T20:00:00-04:00
2020-06-10T22:21:25-04:00
The Band Featured in Elan Magazine
<p>Andrew and his Beyond Borders bandmates recently sat down for an in-depth interview with writer Natalia Megas for the April 2014 edition of <a href="http://www.elanmagazine.com/" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><em>élan magazine</em></a>, a high-gloss publication dedicated to the Virginia arts scene. "In the Zone" draws on a wide-ranging conversation touching on the creative process and inspiration, each member's life connections with music, balancing work and family, as well as <a href="http://www.andrewmcknight.net/news/news-archive/recording-followup-one-virginia-night" data-imported="1">filming their upcoming DVD followup</a> to<em> <a href="http://www.andrewmcknight.net/ovn" data-imported="1">One Virginia Night</a></em>. We love the opening lines;</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">"Trying to pigeonhole Andrew McKnight & Beyond Borders is like trying to fit a cello into a violin case. It just won't happen. Their music is eclectic - fusing musical genres with innovative sounds, beautiful harmonies and timeless lyrics." </p>
<p>You can <a href="http://andrewmcknight.net/download/2014_AMBB_elanarticle.pdf" data-imported="1">read the article via this pdf file</a> linked here. Note the concert photo credit should go to Dennis Diehl. Thanks <em>élan</em>!</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177368
2013-05-30T20:00:00-04:00
2016-02-17T07:41:39-05:00
Talking Songs at Career Day
<p>Andrew was honored to be invited to spend an afternoon talking about his eclectic career in music with students at Lincoln Elementary School in Lincoln VA. Thanks to the school's guidance counselor, students came dressed up for the occupation they hoped to go into in adulthood. Andrew talked about the inspiration and perspiration involved in creating music from words and ideas, about performing, and a bit about the business of music and how it has changed so dramatically in the last 10 years.</p>
<p>The students asked great questions and sang along with Andrew on "Good Things Matter", "The Road to Appomattox" and his new "Guitar Man". He brought along some of the tools of his work to share - different instruments, the CDs and some insights into the songs and how he created them. A great time was had by all, especially Andrew!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391975/b7a5be75a8fe510e48fc39d217b9a03b566ef5f5/original/les-career-day.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDYwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Andrew sings for elementary school students at Career Day" height="600" style="margin: 10px; border: 1px solid black;" width="400" /></p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177364
2013-05-30T20:00:00-04:00
2016-01-17T14:39:16-05:00
"Appomattox" in New Maryland Civil War Exhibit
<p>The long-awaited "<strong>Musical Treasures of The Civil War</strong>" Exhibit has opened at <a href="http://www.discoverystation.org" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><strong>The Discovery Station</strong></a> (Science and History Museum), 101 West Washington St, Hagerstown MD. Singer/songwriter <strong>Jennie Avila</strong> has worked on a CD of songs inspired by letters and documents from the residents of nearby Sharpsburg MD around the epic 1862 Battle of Antietam, and the exhibit is largely inspired in part by her work. In addition to Jennie's songs and Andrew's "<strong>The Road to Appomattox</strong>", the exhibit also includes includes civil war songs, traditional and original compositions by Magpie, Kim and Reggie Harris, Anne Hills, Judy Cook and Bob Zentz.</p>
<p>Hear the original version of "The Road to Appomattox" from Andrew's 3rd CD <em>Turning Pages</em>, and see the video from the Andrew McKnight & Beyond Borders CD/DVD <em>One Virginia Night</em> below.</p>
<p><iframe height="240" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=174247309/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=510102305/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;" width="320"></iframe></p>
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Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177369
2013-02-19T19:00:00-05:00
2016-02-17T07:43:01-05:00
WAMA Award Nominations for OVN
<p>We were pleased and honored to find that <strong><em>One Virginia Night</em></strong> earned Andrew and his Beyond Borders bandmates two award nominations in the latest <strong>Washington Area Music Awards</strong>. The band was nominated for <strong>Best Contemporary Folk Duo/Group</strong>, and <em>OVN</em> for the <strong>Best Contemporary Folk Album</strong>. Andrew, Les, Stephanie and Lisa made the trip to the State Theater in Falls Church VA for the awards ceremony and concert February 17th, and greatly enjoyed catching up with many friends from around the region as well as some fabulous performances.</p>
<p>While those awards went to other deserving recipients, we are grateful and humbled by the continuing enthusiasm of many Washington area musicians and music industry pros over this last decade. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees, and thank you to WAMA for another great night celebrating the rich and diverse musical culture of our nation's Capital region.</p>
Andrew McKnight
tag:andrewmcknight.net,2005:Post/6177363
2011-11-28T19:00:00-05:00
2016-01-17T14:24:56-05:00
Great American Taxi Plays "Made by Hand" on NPR's "Woodsongs"
<p>During their recent performance on the syndicated public radio show "<a href="http://www.woodsongs.com" data-imported="1">Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour</a>", our pal <strong>Vince Herman</strong> and his bandmates in <a href="http://www.greatamericantaxi.com" data-imported="1">Great American Taxi</a> shared their rendition of "<strong>Made by Hand</strong>". Thanks a ton y'all! Vince has devoted a lot of his time and energy to ending mountaintop removal and their fans on the jamband circuit have been responding to the message, and their version of our song. You can see and hear their version in the <a href="http://www.podcast.tv/video-episodes/woodsongs-613-great-american-taxi-and-michael-hearne-14464308.html" data-imported="1">Woodsongs video podcast (episode 613)</a> - the music starts at around 44 minutes (and they give Andrew a shout out at about 42:20 :).</p>
<p>You can hear or download the original version of "Made by Hand" that Chance McCoy, Les Thompson and Andrew wrote and recorded for the <em>Still Moving Mountains </em>CD below. It also appears in two sections of the recent documentary <em><strong>Low Coal</strong></em>, produced by <strong>Jordan Freeman</strong> along with Executive Producer <strong>Mari-Lynn Evans</strong> (producer of the 3-part PBS series <em>The Appalachians</em> and <em>Coal Country</em>).</p>
<p><iframe height="240" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/track=1736077983/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;" width="320"></iframe></p>
Andrew McKnight