“What’s in a name?” is now “What’s in your story?” – Chris Buhalis at the Ark
You know that adage that it takes seven times for someone to hear your name or song before they remember it?
I was playing a relaxed gig at Fenton Hotel last night, and some kind patrons were sitting at the piano bar next to me, making requests, chatting about the Michigan music scene between songs.
They asked me who my favorite Ann Arbor songwriter was. I said my distant relative, Chris Buhalis, who just released his new record Big Car Town.
“Oh! We haven’t heard of him!”
I started sharing Chris’s story, how he’s been a longtime songwriter, worked with Townes Van Zandt, and recently recovered from a saw accident where he cut his hand.
The patrons interrupted me.
“I just heard him on Michigan Radio! He’s playing at the Ark, tomorrow!
Click here to listen to Chris Buhalis on Michigan Radio yesterday.
I can’t help but chuckle: They remembered that Chris cut his hand in a saw, they loved the songs he played on the radio, but they didn’t remember Chris’s name yet!
Shakespeare posited, “What’s in a name?” and I, “What’s in a story?”
Artists, you got to have one; but I imagine Chris doesn’t recommend slicing your hand with a table saw to find it.
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Michigan friends, you should go see Chris Buhalis tonight at the Ark, celebrating the release of his new record, Big Car Town.
Doors 7:30 PM, show 8 PM: Show info and tickets here.
Chris returns to the Ark to celebrate the release of his new CD, Big Car Town! Joining Chris will be the stellar musicians who played on the recording. Jeff Plankenhorn (Austin, TX), Dominic John Davis (Nashville, TN) and Michael Shimmin (South Lyon, MI). Chris Buhalis was born and raised on Detroit’s east side, but his songs come from places you can only find if you stick out your thumb and follow fate’s lead. Covering territory from Alaska’s whiskey-soaked bars to the spark- and steel-filled auto plants of Detroit, Chris writes songs that speak of real people in real situations. Chris has appeared on radio’s “Acoustic Cafe” and shared stages with the likes of David Bromberg, Catie Curtis, and Dave Van Ronk. Join us for new music from a true voice of Michigan!
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