Davey O.

Thursday greetings from the woods....

As I started up the road this morning to begin my walk, the old adage, "a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" came to mind. Conversely, each of these morning walks that take me over the much more manageable journey of two-three miles, also begin with a single step.

So I found myself mindful of the discipline involved in embarking on this daily ritual, carrying on since our dog Addie passed away four years ago. Those morning walks with her were nothing like the ones I take now, but it was still good to get out every morning with her. I think about her every day, especially with all of the canines I have come to know over this time. When you have a dog(s) - you're "in the club".

There are certainly days when I do not want to take that first step, mostly in part due to whatever the weather is dishing out on a particular morning. I usually skip my walk when there's heavy rains, or high winds, in the winter I tend to stay in if there's single digit temps with below zero wind chills. Otherwise - I'm good to go - sometimes a little earlier, sometimes a little later. Sometimes there's a little bit of a warming up until things get loose and I can move at a brisker pace. Age reminds you of old injuries and, well .... that you're getting older.

I think that "beginning with a single step" can apply to a lot of things, and relative to music, taking that first step to embark on a tour, to plan a new recording, etc... requires a similar discipline to maintaining a daily exercise routine. The same could be said for being part of the audience. Taking that first step out of the comfortable confines of home, making the drive, buying a ticket and attending a show, also requires a certain discipline of possessing the willingness to take all of the steps out the door.

I know from my experience of touring, how fear, uncertainty, the knowledge that I'm going to miss home - all could easily keep me firmly planted in a regular rotation of a roster of local gigs. But getting out there, making the journey, meeting people, and making connection bears similarities to the daily walk.

Whether I'm performing locally, regionally within NYS, or on an extended run of dates that take me away for several days, I find myself getting called to keep taking the first step.

I hope that you will too when I perform around WNY this weekend -

Friday, 7/10 - Gallo Coal-Fire Kitchen, Lewiston, NY - 7-10 pm

Saturday, 7/11 - Silver Lake Brewing Project, Perry, NY - 4-7 pm

Sunday, 7/12 - Dwyers Irish Pub, N.Tonawanda, NY - 4-7 pm

Have a great day friends! Wishing you ✌️ ❤️ and great 🎶

Happy to share with my friends in Central PA that tickets are now available for the show that kicks off my September tour on the 2nd!

Book Your Davey O Event With Pine Grove Hall on Resy Americana storytelling...

I don't want to put the proverbial "cart in front of the horse", but ...... just an observation.....

When wearing the "booking agent hat" of my career over the past month or so, I've been focusing my efforts on sending out inquiries to more house concert, listening room, and performing arts centers. It's something I feel that need to do for myself; to play more places where the music comes first, as opposed to ones where they just "happen to have music". Places where I can perform my songs, and tell my stories to a listening audience, and in doing so, perhaps weave another strand in the web. Connection. Purpose. Meaningful events. As much as possible, in between the bar and restaurant dates, and hopefully at a ratio that is equal to, or slightly ahead of the amount of bar gigs I book.

I have to say - I have felt a marked difference in my mindset, by simply engaging in the act of sending out booking emails with that as my focus. And while it's not like my calendar for next year if filling up rapidly, I have received positive replies of interest from several venues with discussion about putting together a show (I still encounter being ghosted, but I guess that always comes with the job), as well as to already confirm a few dates for next year.

Doing the work of being my own booking agent feels a little less like a job when there's an intent that goes beyond chasing income. I may fall completely flat on my face, but the option of not trying is to never know, and that's not something I want to have on my conscience.

If anyone out there reading this happens to be a talent buyer or the booking contact for a listening room venue or a house concert host - DM me if you're interested in discussing a date for 2027.

Send a message to learn more

Truth tales from a performing songwriter - road diary edition....

I just arrived at Bright Leaf Vineyard in King Ferry, NY, greeted warmly by the owner and members of the staff. He made me a wonderful Margherita pizza with fresh tomatoes and basil. I always look forward to performing here. ❤️

What began as a rainy day in a diner in New Jersey, turned out to be a beautiful drive, and a beautiful vista for today's show here.

In my time of doing this, I've always loved the view of big sky and clouds through my windshield. I never felt like going on the road had anything to do with running away from the music scene back home, but rather a feeling of chasing something that can be very elusive - trying to build a base and make a connection as a songwriter. I'm not sure if I've accomplished anything, but it's been an incredible journey trying....