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For local musicians, house concerts bring the music home. Date published: 2/12/2009
BY LAUREN ORSINI T. Edwin Doss has played it all. The Alabama native, whose music has "roots in Americana, country and folk," has played in Maryland, Virginia and the District since the 1970s. "I've played in cars, behind chicken wire, in really tough places to play. Some gigs were good, some not so great," he said in his deep country accent. After years of playing, Doss has worked out a way to make every gig a good one. Today, he plays his concerts out of his Lake Anna home. "When I performed in bars, there would be glasses clinking, waitresses serving, the phone ringing, and I'd have to keep smiling and playing as if everyone were listening. At house concerts, it's a pleasure to see everyone quietly listening to my music," he said. House concerts--where musicians play in their own homes or are booked in private homes--have grown in popularity for the last 20 years. Now, on any weekend night, there could be over 75 in Virginia alone, according to Doss. House concerts are different from others in that concert hosts like Doss ask visitors to reserve seats in advance through an e-mail invitation system. Visitors also are encouraged to bring food or wine for a potluck. This careful planning keeps house concerts organized and safe. Doss says the intimate setting gives him a chance to talk about his songs in between playing them. He adds that he likes to explain the story behind his song "When Grandpa's Barn Came Down," which is about his grandparents' old farm in his hometown of Anniston, Ala. "Now who would write a song about a barn coming down? You can see why if I explain what the barn meant. Grandpa's barn was where my mom and dad met as kids. "When I was a kid, I played hide and seek there. My grandma would go out there to pray when she needed privacy. When they had to sell the land, what hurt the most was watching that bulldozer tear down that barn," said Doss. Doss, along with folk and country musical guests Paul Bell of the Nighthawks and Patty Reese, will perform their next concert at his house on Feb. 22. Lauren Orsini: 540/374-5617
Date published: 2/12/2009
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