Check out one of my latest songs.  "Oskaloosa" is about a little town in central Iowa, and maybe a few other things.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50-U75ICARE&t=2s

The nominating ballots are open for Cincinnati Citybeat's 2017 Entertainment Awards!  I have no expectation to win, but it's nice to get a free ticket to the awards ceremony :)  If you would be so kind, click the link below and fill me in under the "singer/songwriter" category.  Thanks!

http://www.citybeat.com/music/spill-it/article/20975027/public-nominations-open-for-2017-cincinnati-entertainment-awards

Update to the June 2017 Artist-in-Residency lineup at the Crow's Nest! 

An Artist-in-Residency means a venue gives the artist a regular schedule to fill as the artist chooses, so this month I invited friends to join me on Thursdays this month. Drop in and check out these acts! 

June 1 - Michelle Hemmer solo;  Twig & Leaf;  Dan Van Vechten w/Easy Tom Eby 
June 8 - Jonathan & Chelsea Ford;  Andrew Hibbard;  Dan Van Vechten w/Elia Burkhart 
June 15 - Jamonn Zeiler solo;  Dan Van Vechten w/Jamonn Zeiler;  Joe Macheret & Scott Risner 
June 22 - songwriter round w/Kelly Fine, Stephen Williams, Taylor Shannon, and Dan Van Vechten 
June 29 - Jeremy Francis;  Dan Van Vechten w/Hank Becker;  Pat Hu

https://www.facebook.com/cincygroovemusic/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1459417934083495

http://www.southgatehouse.com/event/1277651-dan-van-vechten-cd-release-newport/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLfqValmwec

http://survey-citybeat.wehaaserver.com/survey-124-2016-cea-official-ballot.html

So I get this message a couple of months ago from Jake Ryan, who introduced himself on behalf of a band called Mighty Brother.  He was interested in booking a show in Cincinnati and was scouting for local acts to help find the right venue to get their music out to new ears.  I looked up the band on youtube and found videos of energetic, talented musicians with songs ranging from upbeat fun with whimsical themes to deep ballads to life’s everyday struggles.  I became an immediate fan.  I mean, how can you not?  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l85GbQjLY-o 
Mighty Brother comes from Bloomington, Indiana, and I can’t wait to hear them live just to find out what band they’re bringing with them.  Their brand-spanking new release, “Jettison. Reprise.” Has 16 tracks of musical versatility ranging from jazzy swings to rootsy acoustic.  Call it swing rock.  Jazzy pop.  Kids today and their rule breaking.  Don’t they know lazy writers are trying to put them into a box?  Not happening with these guys.  You can check out a sampling of their tunes here:   https://mightybrother.bandcamp.com/ 
Okay, so now I have to figure out how I am going to fill up another set of music that holds up to Mighty Brother’s talent and presence.  A band that can swing and harmonize, with fans and friends that will dig Mighty Brother’s sound.  As I listen through the songs, I keep hearing Brittany Gillstrap and Sarah Hutchinson of the Bluebird Twins https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0VP3I9sGls.  I sent them a message, they were happy to jump in, and we have a show.  The best part is hearing the Bluebird Twins reaction to Mighty Brother and vice-versa.  They’re already mutual fans. 
Music is going to start at 7:00 p.m. at Braxton Brewing Company, with the Bluebird Twins, Mighty Brother, and Dan Van Vechten (yes, I just referred to myself in the third person) closing out the night.  Cover is $5 and worth every penny :)

http://citybeat.com/cincinnati/blog-6817-cincinnati_entertainment_award_nominees_announced.html