Tommy Emmanuel (Photo by Alysse Gafkjen)
Tommy Emmanuel, the acclaimed and Grammy-nominated acoustic guitarist, singer, and songwriter, hosts two livestream events with a portion of the proceeds benefiting two prominent independent venues in America. The first event on Saturday, Aug. 15, benefits The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia.
“Without some support, we are in danger of losing some of the independent venues that are a part of our culture and our local communities,” Tommy said.
The first event, Saturday, August 15, at 8pm ET, benefits The Birchmere with Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley supporting. The second event, Saturday, August 29, at 9pm, benefits The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, California, with Andy McKee supporting. The Coach House is notably where Chet Atkins, legendary music icon and Tommy’s idol, performed many times. Tommy is one of five artists ever named a Certified Guitar Player by Atkins.
For both events, TOMMY performs live from Tunesmith Studio outside of Nashville.
Watch the official music video for “Song for a Rainy Morning” by Tommy Emmanuel on YouTube:
Said Tommy, “Without some support, we are in danger of losing some of the independent venues that are a part of our culture and our local communities. Most people don’t realize how many people the touring industry supports. It’s so much more than an artist onstage. In the venues alone, there are stagehands, security guards, concession staff, box office staff, ushers, runners, medical staff, merchandise sellers, custodial staff, and much more. There’s also the artist’s agent, manager, and crew who are not really seeing much income right now either.
“When this pandemic started, music venues were one of the first to close, and they will most likely be one of the last to reopen. When we do get back to touring, I want to make sure some of these places are still around for me to play, so I’ve tried to figure out a way to help these independent venues, especially the ones that have supported me throughout the years. We also wanted to create some sort of normality to the industry right now. That’s why we are going to have opening acts on these live streams and that I’m going to pay my team just like any other show. It takes a team to make it all happen, and it’s going to take a whole lot of teamwork and community support to get through this pandemic. I hope other artists can help whoever needs it in their own respective communities,” he added.
Said Michael Jaworek of The Birchmere, “The Birchmere is honored to be the first venue to have Tommy Emmanuel do a streaming concert for us. Tommy has been one of our favorite and most valued artists to perform at the club in its 54-year existence. Tommy’s musical prowess as performer and composer is only exceeded by his kind and generous spirit. He brings that to our stage and audiences, every time he is here. Though we may not be together in body for this special show, we are certainly together again in spirit; now and for the future.”
Said Gary Folgner of The Coach House, “We love having Tommy Emmanuel at The Coach House. Until the next time that will be, we are excited to announce he is performing from home to fans everywhere. In these unprecedented times it’s comforting to have a friend like Tommy who’s using his time and talent to help support our venue.”
Tommy Emmanuel
Benefit for The Birchmere
Tunesmith Studio Livestream
Saturday, Aug. 15
Show @ 8pm
$15 Advance/ $20 Day of Show
All ages
Tommy Emmanuel
Benefit for The Coach House
Tunesmith Studio Livestream
Saturday, Aug. 29
Show @ 9pm
$15 Advance/ $20 Day of Show
All ages