How to go
What: Griffin House
Where: Turner Pavilion, Veteran’s Park, Springfield
When: 8 p.m. Friday, July 8
Admission: Free
More info: 937-324-2712 or www.SpringfieldArtsCouncil.org
If it’s early July and Friday is near, it’s time for the Summer Arts Festival’s annual House party.
Coming on the strength of his recently released CD, “So On and So Forth,” Springfield-born singer-songwriter Griffin House will have lots of new music to share with the audience in his annual concert at 8 p.m. Friday, July 8, at Turner Pavilion in Veteran’s Park.
The show is presented by the Springfield Arts Council, and is admission free.
“So On and So Forth” debuted late last winter with singles such as “Yesterday Lies” and “Paris Calling (Sweet Sensation),” a song celebrating House’s trip to Paris, written before the city’s terrorist attacks in late 2015 and released early to benefit the victims.
“I will definitely be playing most of the songs from ‘So On and So Forth,’ but I’ll play some old ones too,” House said. “This will be the first time in the park playing most of the new material, so I’m looking forward to that.”
House has been touring the country extensively since spring, including shows in New York, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia with the band that made the new record with him in Asbury Park, N.J., last summer.
One of the highlights has been touring with singer-songwriter Jewel.
“The touring for the new record has been really fun,” House said. “In all the years I’ve been playing music, touring with Jewel was one of my favorite moments so far.
“We sang a duet together several nights on tour covering Mike Posner’s ‘I Took a Pill in Ibiza.’ It was an honor and a thrill to sing with her on stage.”
After being a road warrior for months, House will come to Springfield early to visit friends and family and spend time in his hometown.
“I’m still living in Nashville, but I miss my hometown all the time. My visits back home are never long enough,” he said.
“I do have quite a bit of touring left to do this year, I think 30-40 dates still. I’m always writing, so we’ll just have to see if I find some extra time to record, as well.”
Prior to the concert at 5 p.m. will be the annual Sip of Summer Wine and Beer Tasting event, as well as Saturday, July 9.
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