East Dallas House Concerts began in October 1997, with our first performance on the backyard stage under the Red Oak tree. Patrick Williams and Monica Taylor, formally known as The Farm Couple, played our inaugural concert. We've hosted them three times since. The last time they played for us, Patrick and Monica brought the ever-enjoyable, delightful Bill Erickson. That was a concert I'll never forget. Maybe even better than the time they brought the amazing Don Morris! Bill's gravel-ly, "crusty Blues" style had everyone in awe and requesting more. His sound contrasted so well with the beautiful harmonies of Patrick and Monica. Like going from a very full-bodied Cabernet to a dark, rich Guinness draught.

Concerts since our first have been performed by the master guitarist Don Conoscenti; TR Ritchie and his "Oklahoma bagpipe"; Austinite "cowboys" Ray Withers and Bo Reynolds; Nashville's songstress Cindy Kalmenson; Greg Jacobs with Rod Boutwell, of Red Dirt "Okie" fame; great songwriter Tim Bays, also of Nashville and the east coast's renown lyric crafter Richard Berman; the incomparable Utahan, Cosy Sheridan with TR Ritchie; Dallas' own glamorous "folk diva" Annie Benjamin and "guitar guru" sidekick Rene Lawrence, with "the best damn mouth harp player in Texas" Gary Sapone; Houston's venerable songwriter Ken Gaines with "picker extraordinaire" Wayne Wilkerson; and northern California's master lyricist Michael McNevin.

There's nothing like sitting beneath our oak tree with friends, listening to these awesome singer/songwriters and musicians, when the Carolina Wren lands overhead and begins exchanging "verses" with the performers. Dallas' own Bill Nash was the first to attract the mating Carolina Wren. Bill's voice is like that of a songbird.

On Saturdays, we begin at 8:00 pm. We serve food, buffet-style. There's always a huge pot of organic beans, chips and salsa. We request a donation of $15.00 per person, all going to the performers. (Price of admission donation subject to change.) Performers bring their CDs, so you can make purchases and continue hearing their wonderful music.

Most would categorize our concerts as "Folk", although I would say they are best described as a mix of Acoustic Americana, Blues, Country Blues, and Country Folk (better yet, come on out to East Dallas House Concert Series and hear it yourself, then you can describe it to your friends). Don't forget to bring your instrument for the song circle after the concert, as well as whatever refreshment you choose.

Weather permitting, we have a song circle afterward. If it's cool, we'll have a glowing fire, with some of the best local talent playing their favorites for anyone staying after the concert. These are some of the best and most memorable moments at these events.

This is truly one of the greatest ways to spend an evening or afternoon, getting to know the musicians and meeting new friends, while hearing some of the best original music you'll ever hear anywhere.

-Tom Kemper
Host of EDHSC