SOURCE: Seth Cohen PR
Hest to Perform at Democratic National Convention
Ari Hest's song “The Weight" appeared as a LISTEN UP MUSIC PICK in Tuesday's edition of USA TODAY. Hest's home-studio-recorded, indie track was in impressive company...other Picks included superstars Peter Gabriel, Louis Armstrong, Joan Osborne, Fleetwood Mac and Isaac Hayes, among others.
“The Weight" is one of many highlights of Hest's ambitious “52" project, during which he is writing, recording, producing and releasing 52 songs in 52 weeks.
USA TODAY writer Elysa Gardner praised:
The Weight - Ari Hest: “One of 52 songs Hest is unveiling to subscribers via email on a weekly basis is this simple, poignant acoustic reverie." USA TODAY also included a clickable link to watch Ari performing “The Weight."
In other news, Ari Hest is confirmed to perform at the Democratic National Convention, as part of the 'Get On The Bus' Tour. Hest will perform at events on August 26th and 27th.
Ari Hest's ambitious '52' project began this past January as an experiment, and has emerged as an artistic and entrepreneurial triumph. The diversity of Hest's songwriting, which has stretched the boundaries of his past work, has delivered him to a new terrain frequented by the likes of Marc Cohn, Aimee Mann, Patty Griffin and Damien Rice. In fact, under constant pressure to create, Hest has delivered a surprisingly strong body of music thus far, finding a home somewhere on the path where Elliot Smith meets Peter Gabriel. And there's much more to come, as Hest moves beyond the midway-point of this '52 Songs in 52 Weeks' gauntlet.
Critics agree that Hest is on to something special. BILLBOARD said: “Hest scores with subscription-based package." And BLENDER Magazine, which recently profiled Ari Hest 'In The Studio', described the '52' project as follows: “Home recording technology, Internet distribution and a mobilized fan base merge with Ari Hest's 52, a “concept album" with an intriguing concept: an album determined by online voting. Every week, the New York City songwriter is releasing a new song via online subscription, and at the end of 52 weeks, subscribers will decide which...songs will comprise his next full-length record. He's just crossed the halfway point, and unlike Rick Wakeman's medieval rock opera on ice, the concept seems to be working."
The Newark Star Ledger said that Hest impresses with “the simple eloquence of his songwriting." Cleveland Free Times noted: “Although he may be a few decades too late to be called a beatnik, with his rejection of a major label, long hair and songs about chasing miracles, Hest would make Kerouac proud." Las Vegas Review Journal observed: “He's an established musician with a pair of major label albums under his belt, looking for a new business model that takes advantage of the current state of the music industry, where home recording technology and the Internet are enabling artists and consumers to wrest the power away from the major labels."
Once '52' is complete, Hest will invite fans to choose their 12 favorite tracks...those songs will then be remastered and released as Ari Hest's next studio CD, in early '09.
Until then, Hest continues writing, touring and creating new music. In addition, he has composed the score for “DreamRiders," a documentary set to air on the Travel Channel later this year.
ARI HEST ON TOUR:
Aug 22, 2008 Kessler House Concert Series Indianapolis, IN $15
Aug 24, 2008 Ginos Place Danville, IL 21+ $10
Sep 2, 2008 Cactus Caf Austin, TX $12
Sep 3, 2008 The Blue Door Oklahoma City, OK $20
Sep 4 & 5, 2008 Bend Studio Dallas, TX $18
Sep 6, 2008 Bend Studio Houston, TX $18
Sep 7, 2008 Callaghan's Mobile, AL $10
Sep 9, 2008 Evening Muse Charlotte, NC $8
Sep 11, 2008 Rhythm and Brews Chattanooga, TN $8
Sep 13, 2008 Eddie's Attic Atlanta, GA $15
Co-Headlining with Basia Bulat
Sep 14, 2008 Exit Inn Nashville, TN
Sep 15, 2008 Workplay Birmingham, AL $12
Sep 17, 2008 The Grey Eagle Asheville, NC $10
Sep 18, 2008 Local 506 Chapel Hill, NC
Sep 19, 2008 The Pour House Raleigh, NC $8
Sep 20, 2008 Music On Maxwell Greenville, SC $20
Sep 21, 2008 Village Tavern Mt Pleasant, SC $8
Sep 22, 2008 Jack Rabbits Jacksonville, FL $10
Sep 26, 27, 28, 2008 Deep Roots Music Festival Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada
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