SCHOOLTREE – MARCH 4TH
Schooltree will be performing on the Steve Katsos show on Tuesday, March 4th. We will be livestreaming at 7:30pm and rockin’ out your TV’s!
KRISTEN FORD BAND – MARCH 16th & 23rd
The Kristen Ford Band will be performing at Sally O’Brien’s on Sunday, March 16th (St. Patty’s Day Eve!) and then a week later at Beat Hotel (Harvard Square) on Sunday, March 23rd.
YouTubes!
I’m resurrecting “Ask Brendan” and bringing it to YouTube. Check it out my first video in this series:
The Number Nines
3rian King has put together an all-star band for Jade Sylvan’s ALL YOU NEED IS MYTH - An Immersive Journey through the Mythology of the Beatles on Sunday, February 9th at the Somerville Theatre. I’m honored to be in the band alongside 3rian, Dennis Monagle, Joe Cardoza, Renne Dupuis, Chelsea Berry, Chuck Chuck & Meff. We’ll be playing a few choice Beatles tunes and enjoying the show with the rest of you! Tickets available here
Kristen Ford Band will be at Toad on Valentine’s Day. After your fancy V-Day Dinner, swing on over to Toad for free music and good beer. We will be playing at 10pm on Friday, February 14th.
The Kristen Ford Band will also be at the Midway (in JP!) on Tuesday, February 25th. KFO will be sharing the bill with Schooltree & Kid Gulliver. It’s going to be fun night of musician sharing as I think Derek & I are playing in two bands that evening!
In other KFO news, the new album has been mastered and is getting ready for printing. It will be called “Dinosaur” and will be released on May 24th at the Middle East Upstairs. Mark your calendahs!
G-CAL
And! If you haven’t noticed already, there’s now a CALENDAR section to BB.com. Feel free to add this to your own Google Calendar or embed on your desktop, or add it as a favorite to your phone. This is the place to get all your info on Brendan Burns’ next performance!
KRISTEN FORD BAND
The Kristen Ford Band returns the first Saturday of the New Year at Sally O’Brien’s in Union Square, Cambridge. We will be performing music from the upcoming album as well as old favorites on January 4th @ 10pm.
FB Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1435541889991432
The new album is moving along nicely in post-production. Expect to hear some new tunes soon!
Later in the month, we’ll also be at the Raddison Hotel on January 31st. Stay tuned to the performance page for more details and late additions to the calendar.
SCHOOLTREE
Schooltree takes the stage at T.T. The Bear’s on Monday, January 27th. We’ve been working on some new tunes for our upcoming rock opera. Find out more the show on the FB page: https://www.facebook.com/events/641105092603031
NEWS
Ariel & I are wrapping up post-production on Will Dick’s album, and I’m starting pre-pre-production for Phil Berman’s debut album. Both are going to be amazing and wonderful for your ears!
This month is rehearsal month for an all-star band I’ll be playing guitar in, led by 3rian King for ALL YOU NEED IS MYTH – February 9th at the Somerville Theatre. More info at FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/257457224404740/
The Music Of Indiscreet Discretion is now available online! Click here to download from BandCamp.
Thank you to all who came for the CD Release at the LilyPad last month. It was pleasure and delight to share that performance with you <3
Upcoming Performances
KFO
In other exciting news, the Kristen Ford Band recorded an album last month. We spent four days at Dimension Sound Studio and laid down the foundations for 13 new tunes. Stay tuned for more info!
DR STRINGS
Finally, I’m pleased to announce that I’m endorsed by DR Strings! I’ve been using DR Strings for years and honored to be one of their artists.
Brendan Burns Presents!
November marks the third month of my residency at the LilyPad. On Sunday November 24th at 5:30pm, come celebrate the CD Release of The Music Of Silvia Graziano’s INDISCREET DISCRETION (originally presented by Fort Point Theatre Channel), as well as a feature set by Burns & Webb.
Both of these projects have great meaning to me and my artistic development.
Indiscreet Discretion was my first collaboration with Silvia Graziano. She wrote a beautiful script that I fell in love with instantly. Her use of tension and subtext inspired music from me that evoked the challenging and sometimes tortured feelings of unconscious desire. The location of Fort Point Theatre Channel also had a big influence on this music. It’s large and open concrete, brick and wooden room generated bright and harsh sounds. That coupled with trucks loudly rumbling down the street made a magic mixture for the music for Indiscreet Discretion.
Originally performed as duets with Kirsten Lamb (Upright Bass), Kathy Olson (Baritone Sax) and Tony Leva (Upright Bass), I recorded The Music Of ID with Kirsten & Kathy this past spring with Ariel Bernstein. On Sunday, the 24th we will bring Tony back and share this music in quartet form!
I feel very grateful to have composed and recorded this music. These are sounds that I was challenged to make and now are part of my language. Thank you to Fort Point Theatre Channel & Silvia Graziano for the opportunity.
There will be small number of physical CDs at the LilyPad on the 24th, and a simultaneous Digital Release on BandCamp.
Burns & Webb is another project dear to my creative heart. Karin Webb & I have been working and exploring dance/music improvisation since 2011 and it’s been an incredible journey. Similar to ID, this project requires me to create music that tells a story, holds tension or snowballs out of control. Inspired by each other, we spontaneously create sounds and movement that are informed and communicating with each other. It’s really wild stuff. Be sure to check it out.
You can find more about my residency on Facebook.
Kristen Ford Band
Kristen Ford is back! She spent 6 weeks in Montana and has 22 new tunes to prove it!
On Tuesday, November 5th, Kristen & I will be trying out some new material and old favorites in duet form at Tavern At The End Of The World (108 Cambridge St, Charlestown, MA 02129). FB Event Link
Later in the month, the full band will be recording a new album at Dimension Sound with Dan Cardinal and produced by Jesse Ciarmataro.
Schooltree
Schooltree will be down in Providence, RI on Friday, November 8th at FETE with Sun of Sound, The Shills & Collector. FB Event Link
Squirrel
Squirrel Stole My Underpants is headed to NYC! We’ll be performing two shows at La MaMa in Manhatten on Sat./Sun. Nov. 16th & 17th @ 2:30pm
Isabella Stewart Gardner
Finally, I’ll be the featured artist in Lee Mingwei’s Living Room Series at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum on Friday, November 8th. Feel free to stop by between 1-3pm to see my collection of metronomes.
Schooltree @ Middle East – Friday, October 4th (Cambridge)
Schooltree is delighted to be playing on a great bill with Strange Changes, Bent Knee & Supervolcano this coming Friday at the Middle East (Upstairs). Schooltree’s on first. Doors are 8pm. $10 cover. Facebook Invite.
Guitober Open Mic – Sunday, Guitober 20th @ Cafe Nicholas (Brookline)
This Guitober, Brookline Music School will be celebrating every Sunday at Cafe Nicholas in Washington Sq., Brookline with an Open Mic Night from 6-8pm featuring different GuiFaculty members every night.
Schooltree @ Ralph’s – Saturday, October 26th (Worcester)
Later in the month Schooltree’s adventuring out to Worcester to the legendary Ralph’s Rock Diner. We are putting together a great show for you. Be sure to check it out.
Brendan Burns Presents – Sunday, October 27th @ LilyPad (Inman Sq.)
I’m excited to be showcasing Sam Reid & Phil Berman at my next residency slot at the LilyPad. We will all be presenting new material of our own and collaborating with each other for some new sounds. Last month was a lot of fun. Come join us for an early show on Sunday – 5:30pm! Facebook Invite
Brendan Burns Presents! 9/22
I’m very pleased to announce that I will be curating a monthly series at the Lilypad (Inman Sq.) on every 4th Sunday from 5:30-7:30pm. Each month will feature new and original music by yours truly and some of my awesome colleagues. On September 22nd, we will be starting off the series with the Free Quartet and the Brendan Burns Trio.
In subsequent months, I’ll be showcasing new work of my own as well as from artists that I admire dearly. It’s going to be a chance to check out some fresh music by brilliant performers. And it’s an early, all-ages show on a Sunday night! Suggested donation: $10
Schooltree @ RADIO – 9/12
Schooltree had such a fun time on the radio at WMFO 91.5 (TUFTS) in May, and we are please be asked to play on the WMFO showcase AT RADIO (Union Sq.) on September 9th. Come out and celebrate local music! (FB Invite)
August Digest
I’ve been laying down tons of really cool guitar overdubs for the Will Dick Project. We are just about ready for the mixing stage and hope to have it ready for an early 2014 release.
The Music of Indiscreet Discretion is also almost ready. It will be a 30min digital release and there may be small release party. More deets soon!
Phil Berman and I have been meeting regularly and arrangements are shaping up. Expect a fall preview or two as we try out a few different ensembles.
Kristen Ford Kickstarted her next album – thanks to you! She’s disappearing for a few weeks to write new material and then the band goes into the studio early winter record!
Squirrel Stole My Underpants returns to the Puppet Showplace Theatre for eight more shows! Our initial run (back in January) completely SOLD OUT, and as of August 1st, half of these current shows are nearly sold out. Therefore, get your tickets in advance!!!
Squirrel Stole My Underpants will be running at the Puppet Showplace Theatre Thursday, August 7th through Saturday, August 10th with 10:30am & 1pm shows each day (Buy Tix).
PRESS: Squirrel Stole My Underpants in The Boston Globe.
In the forrest…
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POST PRODUCTION
August’s other adventures include post-production for The Music From Indiscreet Discretion & overdubs for Will Dick’s new album. I’m working with Ariel Bernstein on both projects. Expect Indiscreet Discretion music by September and more updates on Will Dick’s music by the end of the year.
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SUMMER BREAK
August is also a great time for family vacation, day trips to Walden Pond, sunny-day picnics & summer-night adventures. Enjoy the rest of your summer. I know I will!
Saturday, July 6th
@ Precinct in Union Square, Somerville. 21+, $10, 8:30 doors
RSVP to the facebook event here
Please join Schooltree for a night of red-glaring sky rockets in flight and majestic purple mountain hopping. You’ll hear something new with The Burners, a unique Gypsy Americana band from Portland, ME (with our bassist Derek Van Wormer guesting). Virtuosic rhythms on acoustic guitar, mandolin and upright bass are complimented by cafe accordion, hot violin, and harmonized vocals. These folks are known for their captivating lyrics, burning tempos, and diverse instrumentation and are sure to be appreciated by fans of Schooltree’s music.
Also on the bill are our friends Endation, fresh off an amazing performance at the 2013 Boston Rock’n'Roll Rumble, who will rock you with their stripped down and raw power. Their music is heavy with bombastic rhythms, a fusion of complex and simple while also melodic, serene and emotional.
Schooltree will be bridging the dynamics gap between the two bands with our rock-operatic sound. We have a couple of new tunes, Brendan has a new amp, and I have a new axe that will be on her maiden voyage this show. So keep your drinks off the stage, you drunkards.
Bonnie Duncan’s Squirrel Stole My Underpants travels to Long Island Children’s Museum from July 15th-17th. Tony Leva & I will be joining her to play our original score live for 6 performances and 3 workshops.
Squirrel Stole My Underpants is also featured at Outside The Box on Saturday, July 20th at 12pm. Tony & I will also be playing this free show.
Schooltree travels to the Parkside Lounge in NYC on Saturday, July 27th (317 E Houston St). Tell your Manhattanite friends!
Kristen Ford has launched a Kickstarter for her new full-length album! I’m very excited to be involved in this project. Please support us making new music for you:
We have a new design here at BrendanBurns.com. Because a lot of my formatting was for the previous theme there may be some wonky things here and there. If you see anything of worthy of correction, please drop me a line.
Derek Van Wormer, Chris Anderson & I have been busy rehearsing and working on tunes with Will Dick for his new album. We will be tracking with Dan Cardinal at Dimension Studios and then doing overdubs with Ariel Bernstein this month.
Ariel & I are working on mixing/mastering the music from Indiscreet Discretion. I imagine we will have something up on BandCamp by next month
Here two performance videos from last month.
Schooltree’s performing Let’s Dance on WMFO 91.5:
Burns & Webb at Kick Ass Party for THE ONE FUND: