New show December 18th, 2009

Red Flags Music Video!

Hope Rocks Vol II in stores 9/27

This summer I was contacted by a guy named Drew Pearsons at 50 Entertainment and asked to be part of a compilation album called Hope Rocks that would feature artists from the Twin Cities. 

After agreeing to the invitation, Drew explained that it is a fundraiser for Faith's Lodge... an organization that helps parents with a seriously ill child or who have lost a child.  How amazing is that? 

Along with the amazing history and purpose behind the Hope Rocks Vol II Faith's Lodge Benefit album, there is a stunning list of artists that I get to share space on this disc with!  Check it out!

Here is the album line-up:

1. Soul Asylum – Midway Souvenirs
2. Catchpenny – Can’t Let It Get You Down
3. Quietdrive – Deliverance
4. Solid Gold – Get Over It
5. Owl City – On the Wing
6. Jeremy Messersmith – Miracles
7. Atmosphere – Yesterday
8. Laarks – All the Words You Can’t Say Right
9. Ice Palace – Thoughts/Facts
10. The Wars of 1812 – Radios Unsigned
11. A Night in the Box – Let Me Know
12. Halloween, Alaska – The Hollywood Sign
13. The Cloud Hymn – Wide
14. Haley Bonar – Arms of Harm
15. Lynhurst – Exactly
16. Dan Rodriguez – Games
17. Rocket Club – One More Day
18. Keri Noble – Simple Things

Hope Rocks! Vol. 2 can be purchased at all Twin Cities Target Stores on the Cities 97 endcap and on the Faith’s Lodge web site – www.faithslodge.org/hoperocks

Check out Perfect Porridge for updates on all your Twin Cities music needs!

The Fine Line // October 4th

The show on 10.4 is fast approaching.  Make sure you get there early to snag a good spot at The Fine Line. I'm writing this blog to really encourage you to come out to this show.

I've been taking a Minneapolis hiatus for the last couple of months, and it was solely to push this show.  Now that everything is falling into place (ie the line-up, the video, the gimmicks, the surprises) I'm becoming more and more excited and passionate about this night. 

This is The Museum of Knives and Fire's ep release show too!  I'm excited that they decided to share such a special night of theirs with us.  My friend Mo (Ready Goes) is the lead singer, and I hope you're as ready as I am to laugh, cry, and be amazed all at the same time. 

Debra G is rocking the night w/ some of her tightest musicians.  She was, is, and always will be fantastic.  Not only is she a great artist, songwriter, and singer, but she is also a genuine, authentic person.  I'm blessed to have her as a friend. 

I'm excited to share this night w/ you all.  See you at the show!

New show and new video

The best cappuccino in the Twin Cities can be found at Kopplin’s Coffee, St. Paul.  The best hummus can be found on Nicolett Ave on a Thursday at the Farmer’s Market.  The best in-city walleye spot is on Lake Nokomis (I will not disclose my secret fishing hole... just trust me on this one).  The best place to sit and listen to some of the best cats in town play funk and r&b is Bunkers on a Monday night.  For jazz I suggest the Dakota. The best networking is done by simply going to shows in small bars and coffee shops with only a few people and listening to artists share their music.  The best friendships are made at those venues.  The best sunset is at the Lookout, while the best sunrise is only a memory of what seen from the windows of a past love’s apartment that was warmed by the morning sun and echos of young love.  All of this to say that the best time for me to write is always going to be at 1AM, clock ticking quietly in the stillness of the night, the light filling only this room in the house, and my head still singing the melody that’s been stuck in it all day long. 

We have a big show coming up.  Either September 27th or October 4th.  Either way, I’m excited about the line-up.  The Museum of Knives and Fire led by Chris “Mo” Mochinski, the lovely and inspiring Debra G, myself as Dan Rodriguez Unplugged feat. Don Shelby (the one and only), the release of the music video for Red Flags, and then myself again as Dan Rodriguez (full band). 

Not only is the talented and incredible Don Shelby going to be a part of this night (and the music video), but other very talented, very incredible people will be making some cameos throughout the night as well, including my friend Joe Berglove.  He will be rocking a harmonica during my song Chocolate.  The lovely Francine Magee will be singing with me again (so blessed to have her be a part of my music over the last several months... along w/ her brother, my friend James Magee).  Erica Mayer, my good friend, shameless promoter, director, and wrist slapper (in a very good way) will be prancing about the venue... spreading smiles and “positive energy” around the place.  Beyond blessed to have her be a major part in this project.  Of course, the band will be there:  Andre Rodriguez (my bro), Aaron Johnson, Rob Morgan... the best of the best.  And we have a special surprise that I can’t disclose yet... but trust me, history will be made in the form of a 13 year old prodigy.  That’s all you’re gonna get out of me! 

I’ll get you more details as they come my way.  Should have that info for you very soon.  Until then, check out the video that YOU voted for!  Erica Mayer and I made this together.  I hope you enjoy!