Those who know me know that I love women, in fact, some might joke that I love women “a little too much.”  So when it comes to the gay community, I can’t say that I understand what it means to have a same-sex attraction or the societal challenges gays and lesbians face, but I definitely know what it meant to be persecuted because I was different (see High School).  Needless to say, when my sweet lesbian friend Jessica called me to perform at her Utah Wedding last week, there was no way that I could tell her ”no.”  Conveniently, I was already in Salt Lake City recording my new album, so on Saturday I drove to a church near the University of Utah having no idea what to expect.

During the wedding ceremony I played some pretty background piano music that I improvised entirely – mostly variations of church hymns - as Amanda and Jessica and their wedding procession walked to the front of the standing-room only chapel.  Jessica’s only instruction to me was “you can play anything but the wedding march.”  So I took some liberties, even adding some simple light Jazz to the mix.  Later that night, during the evening reception at the Museum of Art, I played a brand new love song off of my new album called “God Made You Just For Me” as well as my rendition of “It’s a Wonderful World.”  The brides danced with each other and then danced with their fathers as I sang.

All and all, it was a beautiful snow-covered day and the two girls looked both elegant and ecstatically happy.  The biggest thing I got out of the experience was a simple reminder that no matter if we are gay or straight, black or white, or tall or short, we are all God’s children and we all deserve to have love and be loved.  Everyone deserves happiness.  Thank you Jessica and Amanda for reminding me of that and for allowing me to take part in your important day.  Congratulations!!

Curious about the happy couple?  Check out their blog:  http://lesbianmomma.wordpress.com/

The epic art and music show that took place in Salt Lake City this week would have had to have been attended in order to truly appreciate.  The paintings by Jeremy Wilkinson were both awesome and provocative, so much so, that I took one of the paintings home with me to hang over my bed here in Los Angeles. 

The show itself was a night of great performances.  Both of the opening acts, ”Atilast” and “Michael Gross & the Statuettes” put on an incredible show and the hundred or so people that were in attendance seemed to enjoy every detail of the event.

Big thanks to Chris Doucet (Drums) and Ben Johnson (Bass) for rocking the night with me, as well as the event organizers for trusting me with their headliner status.  I had a great time and am slowly recovering from the trip out to Salt Lake City for the show.  Mostly, I appreciate the Utah fans who came out to support this leg of the tour.  You guys blew up the venue and made me look good – thank you so much!!

Event photos:

If you are in Utah or Southern California, I have two incredible shows scheduled for your viewing pleasures next week.  Hope to see you at one of them!!

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Salt Lake City, February 24th:

The Art of Music

Musicians are inspired by art and art is inspired my music.  So with that, Keys on Main, the premier piano bar destination is bringing the two art forms together.  The evening of FEBRUARY 24 will a blend of art and music from 7:00 PM – midnight.

Keeping with the theme of union, new artist, J James, combines his passion for abstract and surreal art with his first 2009 exhibition. Local bands Mike Gross & The Statuettes, Atilast and Kevin Burdick will close the night, leaving stirring melodies in art exposed minds.  Keys on Main hopes to use this entertainment format as a springboard for future artists and musicians.  Join the Art of Music.

When:  
February 24, 2009
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM J James Art Exhibition
9:30 PM – 10:15 PM Mike Gross & The Statuettes
10:30 PM – 11:15 PM Atilast
11:30 PM – 1:00 AM Kevin Burdick

Where:
242 South Main Street
Keys On Main
Salt Lake City, UT

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Santa Monica, March 1st:
Sunday, March 1st, I’ll be performing at “TRIP” in Santa Monica. It’s a new series of concerts being put on by “Hollowbody LA”. The folks who brought you “Acoustic Cordiale” in the valley. These Sunday shows start and end early & are getting some great reviews!

Here’s the whole super star, fancy pants line up in order

Colin Wright 8:00
Lori Steele 8:45
Kevin Burdick 9:30
Beaudette 10:15

This is the best night to come see a show. No traffic, FREE parking. The show starts at 8:00 sharp and wraps around 11pm. Print the poster and make admission a friendly $5. Would love to see everyone there!

Also, I hope you’ll take a moment and click the poster below. Have a look and a listen to the lineup. The week before the show, we’re all on the poster and player. Send them a friend request too.

Thanks again!

This weekend’s shows at Bogey’s in Clearfield, Utah and Club Allure in Sandy, Utah were a great welcome back to my home state. 

Bogey’s is a large Vegas-style club with a big stage.  The staff and guests were grateful to have me out on a Thursday and were impressed with my blend of comedy, story-telling, and rock-n-roll – some of the staff felt like I was “the best band they’d ever had out.”  I had a great time partying with the locals up there and am looking forward to coming back next year sometime.  Highlights of the show included improv songs “Dead Baby Pie” and “Malleable Penile Implants” thanks to some creative, funny, and very unique audience suggestions – ha, ha.  It was a great night!!

The Club Allure show on Saturday was for a packed house, with 100 – 200 people in the crown room at the club in Sandy at any given time.  People were dancing, singing, and genuinely enjoying the show on all sides of the stage.  One pretty lady flashed me and then climbed on-stage and put a $20 bill in my underpants, which is always appreciated on several levels.  Audience influenced improv songs included “Ken’s Sexy A**” (about my business manager’s best asset) and “The Pull0ut Method.”  Another epic night, and we’re only half way through the Utah leg of the tour.

I’m really looking forward to my next 4 shows here before heading back to Hollywood.  Utah is where I really came into my own as an artist and found a home in the local music scene, so it will always feel like home to me when I hit the stage here.

Kevin Burdick Live at Bogey’s in Clearfield, Utah performing “Never Let Go” from the album, We are the Walking Wounded (available on iTunes):

Kevin Burdick Live at Club Allure in Sandy, Utah performing an improv song “Ken’s Sexy A**” (warning, PG-13 language):

I’ll be back in Salt Lake City from 11.5 to 11.17, after spending much of the last two months in Hollywood. Come out and spend some quality time with me at one or more of these 6 shows. RSVP, so that I can be looking for you ;>)  ** For free tickets to the Club Allure and Liquid Joe’s show’s please call:  801.604.5816

11.06.08 Bogey’s – Clearfield, UT
11.08.08 Club Allure** – Sandy, UT
11.10.08 5 Monkeys – Salt Lake City, UT
11.12.08 Woodshed Bar & Grill – Salt Lake City, UT
11.14.08 Liquid Joes** – Salt Lake City, UT
11.15.08 Lucky 13 Bar & Grill – Salt Lake City, UT

See address and show times by going here: <link>

Nothing like some home cooking to make you excited about touring again.  Playing for old friends, local fans, and some regular faces here in good ol’ Salt Lake City is always a comforting feeling.  In spite of being sick much of the week with a cold, I think we put on one hell of a show.  The sound guys at Liquid Joe’s always do an incredible job and the staff has always treated me great – speaking of, thanks Doorman Chuck for the special “voice enhancing” herbal tea.

Half-way through the show I decided to give out some surprise awards to a couple guys who have meant a lot to the Kevin Burdick machine over the last few years.  It made sense to do it now, as we won’t be in Utah much of June and July.  Chris “Scoop” Einer, who always does a great job with local promotions, was presented with a special crystal beer mug with his SDP (Scoop Dawg Promotions) initials engraved on it.  Ken Gray, who has done a hell of a job managing the business side of things, was presented with a his own bass guitar (he’s always said he wished he could play).  I guess this would be an ideal time to thank all of the people in Utah that have supported me over the last several years.  It’s been a wild, challenging, and totally fun ride!  A huge thank you to everyone who has made it possible for me to be out there sharing my music with other parts of the country!!

The end of the night found me and the guys sharing burritos at the 24-hour Rancheritos, laughing and watching Doucet (guitars) and Ben (merchandise) trash talk before/during/after playing NBA on the Xbox.  It was one of those epic, unforgettable, music nights.

A special thanks to my friend Christian Ashton of Overtone Recordings and Media Group for coming out to the show – great to see you again bro!!  Hope my crew took good care of you and that you had a great time rocking it Kevin Burdick Style.

Photos from the show:

Only two Salt Lake City shows left to choose from before I am rocking other west coast states all summer long on the Walking Wounded Tour.  I hope you find a way to rock with me at least one of these.  Call or e-mail for free tickets:

05/16/2008 10:00 PM – Liquid Joes – Salt Lake City, UT
1249 E 3300 S
Salt Lake City, Utah
Cost:5.00
Description:Jordan Young at 930pm-1015pm Kevin Burdick at 1030-1130pm Soggybone 1145-close Call 801-604-5816 for FREE Tickets and save $5 at the door!! 

05/30/2008 10:00 PM – Huka Bar & Grill – Salt Lake City, UT
151 E 6100 S
Salt Lake City, Utah
Cost:5.00
Description:Elton John and Billy Joel move over!! Come see the Utah God of Piano Rock at the Huka Lounge in Salt Lake City on May 30th, 2008. Kevin Burdick will be playing until his fingers bleed!! The Better Life Band will be kicking off the night!