I am honored to announce my election to the Board of Directors of Godfrey Daniels. If you’re not familiar with Godfrey’s, to us locals it is the premier listening room of Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley. But in reality, Godfrey’s is an internationally known non-profit music venue that hosts intimate concerts with some of the best songwriters and performers on the circuit.
duende’s final show at Godfrey Daniels
ART’s CD Release party for Jewels & Tinware
Although Godfrey’s is esteemed enough to attract big time artists, since its 1976 founding, Godfrey’s has remained true to another vision: encouraging aspiring regional talent and supporting our local performing arts community. I’ve personally benefitted from Godfrey’s commitment to locally grown music. My last band, duende, performed its final show at Godfrey’s – a fitting farewell. And the Alex Radus Trio released its first CD there. Both are unforgettable evenings for me.
Truth be told, my affiliation with Godfrey’s began before I even picked up a guitar. My uncle, Doug Anderson, was a founding member of the Razzy Dazzy Spasm Band, a Bethlehem, PA staple that included John Gorka, Richard Shindell and Russ Rentler. Most kids grew up hearing about the Beatles at Shea Stadium. I grew up hearing about my uncle and his friends at Godfrey Daniels.
Which goes to show that Godfrey’s is something unique – it’s local, it’s global, it’s personal, it’s generational. Godfrey’s provides us with something essential to the musical experience: the opportunity for musicians and music lovers to connect across a few feet of empty air. That connection is why we play. And it is why we listen. And you won’t get that at Shea Stadium.
I’m proud to be a part of the history and the future of Godfrey Daniels. We’re always here at 7 East 4th Street in Bethlehem, PA. Please come connect with us sometime. http://www.godfreydaniels.org
ART is thrilled to return to Godfrey Daniels, home of one of our Jewels & Tinware CD release parties back in September. Godfreys is the Lehigh Valley’s premiere listening room, with a rich history stretching back to its 1976 opening. Godfreys is consistently hailed by ART listeners as one of the best places to see our live show…which makes sense. Our songs are all about the subtleties – hearing the lyrics and music in Godfreys’ “pin drop” atmosphere takes it to the next level.
So, if you’re like me, and prefer your live music served without the barroom din, Godfreys is the place for you. Plus, the BYO keeps the atmosphere festive and easy on the wallet. Don’t be deterred by Godfreys ticket prices – it’s well worth it for the unique atmosphere andwill actually be cheaper than a night at a bar.
We’d love to see you there. Playing Godfreys is like coming home. Let’s have a house party.
It’s cliche, but I’m honored just to be nominated. These ceremonies aren’t about individual players; they’re about celebrating the great music in the Lehigh Valley and Philly/Delaware areas. I feel incredibly lucky that there are such vibrant and innovative music scenes in my backyard. And of course, it’s nice to feel the love from time to time too!
Thanks LVMA and Homey Awards – and thanks to all of you for casting your ballots!
For all you lovers out there…stay little Valentine stay…
My Funny Valentine (Rodgers & Hart). From the album Jewels & Tinware. Performed by the Alex Radus Trio. Dan Manchester on upright bass; Charlie Heim on drums; Produced by Brian Herman and Alex Radus; Mixed by Brian Herman
