House turned 40 on April 21 in quarantine in Nashville with wife Jane and daughters Clara and Emma. With his shows postponed and rescheduled, to scratch the performing itch, he’s turned to Stage It, doing virtual shows as an early Friday evening staple the past few weeks.
“It’s hard to believe we’ve been sheltered in place that long,” he said. “Every week we have done something different. The first week was just a regular set that I’d do at a show, then we did a kids concert and kids songs and I’ve played through three of my albums, front to back, the last three weeks.
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“Since I’m turning 40 this week, we thought what better way to celebrate than by inviting everyone to party down with us on StageIt.com for a concert.”
House feels relaxed and focused turning 40, like he’s being initiated into the second phase of life.
“It’s a good feeling, like I’m just starting to come into my own in a way. I have a better sense of who I am and what’s important to me in life,” he said.
Doing so during the pandemic has given added focus to House’s perspective on that too, and bring clarity that many things are easy to take for granted are really the most valuable, and sometimes the other things he fretted about aren’t a big deal.
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Quarantine has been fun for House by his own admission, waking at 5 a.m., getting coffee and hitting the local golf course where play is allowed at a safe social distance. Following that, he spends the day with the family, writing new songs, recording and taking guitar lessons on YouTube.
Those who can’t catch the concert can still get more House with “Rising Star,” the 2019 documentary about him, named after his most recent album, which he said has gotten good responses. It’s available for free streaming on Amazon Prime.
Local audiences may see House live as he’s set to open the 54th Summer Arts Festival for the second consecutive year on June 10. Last year’s show didn’t go off on the stage in Veterans Park due to the weather, but ended up at Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company for an impromptu show.
“I am really hoping we can still do the concert in the park this summer and hoping I can get back out there and tour again soon. Maybe I should do a special Springfield online show somehow too. I’ll work on that, but for the time being I hope all of Springfield will come to my birthday party show. It’s pay whatever you want, so it’s a bargain or even free.”
Go to StageIt.com to find the concert.
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