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Event
Dirk Hamilton at Sundilla
Given our propensity for bringing in performers that have made names for themselves in other parts of the country (or world) means that the first thought some fans have about a performer is: "Who?" And we realize that this might once again be the case. But just because Dirk Hamilton isn't famous in east-central Alabama doesn't mean that they don't know him, and his music, in other places. After all, when you've been performing and making records
for more than 30 years, it's hard to stay unknown.
"Performing and making records for more than 30 years" is no exaggeration. It was the late 1970s when Dirk moved to Los Angeles and recorded four albums: two on the ABC label, and two on the Elektra/Asylum label. (His label-mates at the time included the likes of Carly Simon, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, Jimmy Buffett and Steely Dan, just to name a few.) Dirk's first album with Elektra, called "Meet Me at the Crux," was later named one of the "Essential Albums of the 80s" in an article published in Rolling Stone. But after another album and a tour with Warren Zevon, Dirk left Elektra because he wanted to make the music he heard in his head, and not just a "marketable product."
Dirk left the music business for a few years, but he eventually realized that he was a musician, and that as such he had to make music. He started touring and recording again; it wasn't on a big label and he wasn't on tour with the likes of Warren Zevon anymore, but he was making the music he wanted to make.
Several years later, he learned that he was also making the music Italians wanted to hear. Somehow, he had become a huge star in Italy. Ever since, he has toured Italy at least once a year, and sometimes twice. He is such a big
star in Italy that there is even a new book available that is the translation of Dirk's lyrics into Italian. No, really; here's the website:
http://www.fernandel.it/index.php?option=com_jbook&task=view&Itemid=&catid=&id=167
(I don't know what it says about the book, since I don't speak Italian.)
We have presented performers who had large followings overseas; David Olney and Caroline Herring (to name just two) regularly tour Europe. And we have had performers who have been compared to the likes of Bob Dylan, John Hiatt and Van Morrison, to name three. We have had artists who have been signed to major labels, and who have had hit records. But I think this is the first Sundilla performer who has had his lyrics translated into Italian, and published as a book in that language.
So why haven't you heard of Dirk Hamilton? Maybe because he's so hard to pigeon-hole; his style is a mixture of Americana, folk-rock, roots, indie-rock and blues. But probably the reason he has remained under your radar is the same reason that so many of our performers have: when you're out there doing your own thing, it's hard to get the major media monsters to pay you some attention.
Fight the power, and come see Dirk Hamilton at Sundilla on Friday, April 5. Showtime at the AUUF is 7:30. Admission at the door is $12, but as long as you're here, why not get advance tickets for just $10?
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LocationSundilla Acoustic Concert Series (View)
450 Thach Avenue
Auburn, AL 36830
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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