OK! So as the date approaches for the departure of my National Tour things are going just swell here at Jay Psaros Music. I have spent the past year of so trying to make some connections with local media to promote what's going on and their response could not have come at a better time. I had the Weymouth News and the Patriot Ledger call wanting to do phone intrviews in the past week, and they both sent photographers to my house on the same day. I think it's a bit funny that I will be wearing the same clothes in both stories. It's not my fault! When it rains, it pours, and there was something inside me that felt a little lame about changing my wardrobe for these pictures, although I did feel the need to wear my "quaker" hat. I'm so excited to get this tour underway and recieving some support from local press has been a big help in promoting my endeavors. Check out the news story in the Weymouth News by clicking on the "Wicked Local" link. Also keep an eye out for my story in the Arts section the Patriot Ledger, set to be run on July 23rd, just two days before I depart! This chapter is coming to a close and I look forward to see what the next chapter (and album) bring!

Jay Psaros 'Tripping & Running' across the U.S. http://www.ontaponline.com/events/318177 Boston native singer/songwriter Jay Psaros will embark on his first national tour to promote his debut album "Tripping and Running." Jay is an accomplished acoustic guitarist who has played in venues all across New England and has developed a loyal following. His tour kicks off on July 26th and runs through September 10th. During that time, he will perform in more than 20 venues in over a dozen different states. His travels will take him as far as Spokane, where WA native, singer/songwriter Olivia Brownlee will join him on the second leg of the tour. Jay has a distinctive fingerpicking style on his Martin guitar that is showcased in the album's namesake, which is an instrumental piece. He wrote all twelve tracks on his album, perfomed the vocals, and played all the instruments as well -- guitars, keys, and banjo -- with the exception of the drums. His influences draw from a variety of styles -- folk, rock, jazz and blues. As a young, 25-year-old musician, Jay has already gained recognition in the Boston area. "Music is an absolutely crucial element in our daily lives, and I am forever grateful to be blessed with the opportunities that allow me to be an active member of our creative community." You can see Jay perform at "Buzz Bakery and Coffee Lounge" on July 26th in Alexandria Virginia. For more information and show times go to www.buzzonslaters.com or www.JayPsarosMusic.com .

This summer I will be embarking on my first National Tour. Being a musician is tough and rewarding work. What some people may see as an excuse to get paid to party, musicians such as myself depend on music to make a living and continue to create art that people can enjoy for years to come. Touring in itself is no easy undertaking either. The cost of travel, food, lodging and the unexpected are things that can greatly hinder the work and intent behind any touring musician. In an effort to raise money for the tour and support musical communitites in need, I am asking friends, family, co-workers and local businesses to sponsor my first National Tour. Half of the proceeds raised will go to VH1 Save the Music Foundation. The VH1 Save the Music Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music education in America's public schools, and raising awareness about the importance of music as part of each child's complete education. Since 1997, the VH1 Save the Music Foundation has provided $45 million worth of new musical instruments to more the 1,700 public schools in more than 100 cities around the country, impacting the lives of more than 1.4 million public school students. Thank you so much for your kind support. I believe that music is an absolutely crucial element in our daily lives and I am forever grateful to be blessed with the opportunitites that allow me to be an active member of our creative communitity. *All donations welcome *Donation of $20 receives a copy of "Tripping and Running" *Donation of $100 receives a two hour performance in your home or business *All people who donate will be put on a mailing list and receive weekly updates with pictures, videos, and stories from the road *Businesses who sponsor will have their logo on a tour flyer for promotional purposes as I travel through the United States .

Check out this picture from my first time playing at "Church." Unlike any other Church, "Church Boston" is a relatively new music venue with a full bar, food, and plenty room to dance and move around...kinda sounds like something strict religions might fear. I had a wonderful time connecting with music at Church.

Olivia Brownlee loves her tea. The past few months I have had the pleaseure of doing some shows with this talented songstress from Spokane, Washington. I have also had the pleasure of watching several bartenders struggle with their own confusion when this hip looking free spirited musician walks to the bar during the happy hour and requests a hot tea...Even though her tea consumption may be bordering that of unhealthy amounts, I am pleased that she will be joining me on the second leg of my first national tour from Washington to Boston as we boogie back to Beantown. Olivia is a heartfealt, energetic songwriter and performer bringing a breath of new air to old time traditions. Check out her album "Eponymous" at http://www.purevolume.com/poliwanna. Stay posted the next couple months for more dates, happenings tour news!

"Tripping and Running" has made it into the daytime rotation at WUMB, Boston's National Public Radio Station! Tune into 91.9 FM Boston, Worcester, Falmouth (streaming at WUMB.org), 91.7 fm Newburyport, and 1170 am Orleans.

As if my first experience on WERS wasn't enough, the awesome people at WERS asked me back! This time for the "Artist on the Verge" segment in which I would pre-record an interview and play two songs to be aired during their weekday daytime programming. I don't want to give the interview and other song away...it should be aired in Mid June, check WERS.org for updates. I did however record one song as a preview. Thanks to WERS for the cool opportunities! Check out the Video of me covering "Yer So Bad" by Tom Petty.

This year it was decided that a group of friends would be making a trip down to Jazz Fest in New Orleans. This seemed like the perfect excuse to take off for the week and take in some amazing sights and sounds. The plan was to meet in Memphis (several people were coming from different places) and drive from Memphis down to New Orleans to catch the second half of Jazz Fest. Knowing that I was going to be in Memphis and New Orleans, two of the countries most influencial musical cities it was only natural that I try to play there. It was too late to book a gig, so I figured I would just ask around town to find a venue to play at. I struck gold in Memphis! I had a wonderful evening and ended up jamming with a band called "Freeworld," a Memphis based funk/soul band that has served such greats such as Levon Helmes! The Venue was called "Young Avenue Deli." I will be back there August 4th. See you then Memphis! New Orleans was another great experience. Only able to catch the tail end of Jazz fest I was able to see Pearl Jam, Old Crow Medicine Show, Galactic, and gigantic cast of other musical wonders. It's almost may in Memphis. On my way to New Orleans. The Mississippi's rollin' down the banks of Tennesse. I hear the music callin' as the wind blows through the trees. There ain't no place like Memphis, Tennesse. Above the sky is open . And I'm resting with the breeze. There ain't no one around me who can tell me who to be. I re-define the evening I was just too drunk to dream. There ain't no place like Memphis, Tennesse.

The Past month has been putting most of my musical and organizational efforts into overseeing this event. The night was billed as a "Bring your own cheese" event, meaning we would supply the wine...it was devestating news to hear one week before the show that wine could not be served! BUT we fought the good fight...swords flew, heads rolled and blood was shed...and the wine was served! With a great art Gallery featuring the art and photography of Derek Luciani and Al Berg, people gathered and enjoyed a couple glasses of wine. With the mingling in full effect, good cheer was spreading at a rapid rate. The opening act then took the stage. Gina Holssopple came from Upstate New York to kick off the music portion of this evening. As the crowd began to fill upstairs and Gina played through her set of original Indie/Folk. I then took the stage to an energetic and attentive crowd. Highlights were the "Mama Done Say" sing along, "Yer So Bad" (Tom Petty Cover) and closing with "Tripping and Running" Olivia Brownlee joined me for a crowd pleasing version of "Somebody Else" and a new tune "Right Next to Me". Thanks to all who came and packed the house...here's to the next phase of the journey.

WERS has always been one of my go to stations. I was pleasantly surprised when the the programming director e-mailed me to see if i would be interested in playing for WERS "Live Music Week." Live Music Week is held every year from the WERS studio at the Ansen building at Emerson College across from Boston Common. They bring some of nations best talent (national and regional) into the studio to raise money that will help keep WERS commercial free and independent. Some in studio performance included Keller Williams, Johnny A, The Po Boyz, Antje Duvekot and Will Daley. It was a thrill to do my first live "on air" performance on a program that hosted some of my favorites...now I can say I shared the stage with Keller Williams, well kinda of....by default...Anyways it was a cool experience and slighty strange and nerve-racking...knowing that you are playing for a live audience of thousands that you can't see. I played three songs with interview sections in between. The first song I played was Mama Done Say, followed by Somebody Else (in which I was joined by Olivia Brownlee for the harmonies) and closed with "Tripping and Runnin." All in all, a success! Check out this video of "Somebody Else" taken by a WERS intern. You can hear Olivia, but unfortunately the cameraman had a blind eye...p.s. Olivia holds no hard feelings.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! CALL 617 838 1792 or E-Mail JayPsarosMusic@Gmail.com!!! The New North Music Hall is a new venue located in Hingham, Ma. Hingham, being so close to where I grew up provides a good opportunity to play for the people who have known me the longest. The New North Music Hall is located in the Historical Church on Lincoln Street in Downtown Hingham. The stage is a beautiful stage with holes drilled in it where the old wicker candles used to light the performers pre-electricity. The room is a large listening venue with a strong vibe that only a couple hundred years of existence can produce...this place has been around for a while! The evening is going to be a listening venue designed to show the work behind making an Album. Artwork by Derek Luciani and Photo's by Alex Berg will be on display during the first part of the event, where all the first photo's and sketchings of the "Tripping and Running" will be on display, along with some of these talented artists personal favorites! Derek will be displaying poster's designed for Haiti relief and Alex will be displaying photos from his journey's both locally and internationally! Tickets may sell out, so get them while they last! Also click on the picture of the ticket to go to NewNorthMusicHall.com! Gina Holsopple (All the way from Rural New York) will be opening for me.

Monday night is usually not the most happening night in the entertainment industry but this past Monday proved to be a bit of an exception. Harper's Ferry in Allston Rock City (Boston) turned out to be a great show! I opened the night with my un-assuming folk tune "Just the other day," followed by a solo performance of my bluegrass original "Mountain Ridge." The crowd was pleasant and receptive from the start with an ecclectic mix of people from 18 years old to 60 years young! After warming the room, the Van Burens stepped in to back me during a set of originals from "Tripping and Running." The highlight of the night for me came during the introduction of "Mama Done Say" (The radio friendly tune heard on The River 92.5). Upon introduction, before the title was stated, the crowd cheared because they knew what they were in for...A clear indication of what the fan favorite is. Of course our good buddy Drew was there to yell "Play Mama Done Say!" Thanks Drew... I also had my lovely friend Ms. Olivia Brownlee sing "Somebody Else" with us, another highlight of the evening. The Van Burens also had a killer set and M.C. shitty proved once again to be the most gangsta white dude to come out of Cohassett, Ma. Thanks to Corey Road for their set of fiddle driven pop melodies. Check out the pics below, courtousy of Jane King.

"Jay Psaros knows how to play a MAD guitar!"- Suzanne Tonaire of Pixy 103. Pixy 103 is Cape Cod's premier Rock Station playing some pretty heavy music. I was very excited to learn the title track from "Tripping and Running," a solo acoustic guitar piece would recieve it's debut airplay on a primarily Rock Music station, which tends to gravitate towards distorted guitars and heavy bass lines. Suzanne Tonair gave me a great plug, and hearing "Tripping and Running" stream through the airwaves to thousands of listeners was a, well..."Trip." Check out Pixy 103's website and call and request "Jay Psaros." You can also call and request "Jay Psaros" on "The River 92.5" www.myspace.com/jaypsaros

Stars was an absolute blast! It is easy to not be excited about playing a town or two away from where you grow up. Maybe it's a case of the home-town blues, or maybe it is not "living the dream" like you imagined...you know, traveling, new faces, nice crowds. Maybe it is because after 25 years of life on earth, you are still walking the same ground that you have covered so many times before. This evening, prooved to be an exception. I had the company of my good sized neighborhood from where I grew up, plus an abundance of friends that I have met through playing along the way show up to enjoy some live music...solo acoustic style. The house was packed, the crowd energetic, and the whole evening was like a 3 hour musical conversation. I played my two newest songs "Learning to be Free" and "Right Next to Me," and the crowd responded well. Thanks Stars for a great night close to the hometown! Here is a fan picture from the evening (low quality, but better than nothing!)

www.myspace.com/jaypsaros

Jose Docen is a good friend of mine who I work with at "The Medieval Manor." Jose is a very talented singer/songwrter, as well as an actor/entertainer. Click on his picture (Jose looking a little more intellectual than usual, must be the glasses) to go to his myspace. He will begin recording his debut E.P. in the coming months which is sure to be great. The "Speakeasy" is a really cool downstairs space next to Lupos. It used to be a real speakeasy and has recently undergone renovations to help restore its original atmoshpere in a fresh way. The crowd for this show was great. They were a very respectful listening audience, the best kind to play for. My set was an hour long with some wonderful moments. "Traveler's Prayer" was played in true storyteller's fashion and you could hear a pin drop in the room. I will be back at "The Speakeasy" sometime in the future to share another eveneing with Jose and his wonderful group of friends! www.myspace.com/jaypsaros

Valentines Day. That time of year when when everyone gets a little crazy about love. Couples are trying to make the evening special, while the single people of the world are trying find someone special for the evening. Fortunately I was albe to play a great show, thus taking my mind off of the holiday a bit. The Burren has been voted "Boston's Best" Irish Pub and for good reason. The week before the show I went to the Burren to flyer for the love day, and upon walking into the back room, saw a 12 piece brass band marching around the room. It was like "stepping into Alice in Wonderland." Right then I knew it would be a great time. I played for a solid hour to a lively group all in good cheer, perhaps because most didn't have to work on the following monday. Mr. Tom Bianchi gave me a great introduction and helped to get the room excited with his one of a kind personality. After me, "The Franks" played some killer tunes mixing covers and originals with their reggae/rock/feel good style. www.myspace.com/jaypsaros

Recognize this mug? If you are a musician "in the trenches" then chances are you do. This is Tom Bianchi (a.k.a 24 Hour Tom), the zany, charismatic, and undenyable funny host of "The Lizard Lounge Open mic...." as well as a revered bass player, singer/songwriter/street performer. Apparently being a great bass player just wasn't enough. I started going to the Lizard Lounge this past fall as a way to explore the Cambridge music scene and get away from the hustle of bar gigs. Tom's open mic is engaging and supportive and has built a loyal following with 170 Open Mics under his belt. His open mic is loaded with FANTASTIC talent and is a great place for musicians/poets/creaters to meet and share opportunities! Thanks to Tom and his open mic I will be playing a Valentines Day Show at "The Burren" in Somerville, as well as several other area venues which wouldn't have happened withouth the community that is made possible thanks to people like Tom. Febuary 14th at "The Burren" with "The Franks," hosted by the fantastic Danielle Miraglia, a Falcon Ridge emerging artist and Mountain Stage Northeast Regional winner! Click on Tom's picture for a link to his site and check out this video of Daniel in action. www.DanielleM.com

www.myspace.com/jaypsaros

THIS VIDEO CONTAINS FOUL LANGUAGE NOT MEANT FOR CHILDREN AND SOME ELDERS. So gigs are like a box of chocolates...you never know what you're gonna get. Sometimes the venue is small and intimate, with a listening audience. This is when art shines. Subtleties are noticed, the craft is finely displayed, and the artistic integrity is able to make it's presence. Sometimes, it is not so easy. The Knot Pub was not so easy. 60 College kids packed into a downstairs watering hole...yelling, screaming and the primary interest of these fine young cannibals is to gracefully (drunkenly) woo the opposite sex into a meaningful evening of deep conversations and longterm connections... or basically one night stands. These types of crowds must be played differently, often sacraficing some artistic integrity to win the crowd and essentially keep your job. With Mr. Randy Gariepy along for this journey the ride up was quick. We got to the bar around nine, and by ten the bar was filled. By Ten thirty people were drunk, and by eleven, F$@K Yeah Friday began to take it's name. Here is a video with some clips from the evening...mostly covers and straight forward bar music. I will be back at "The Knot" in March for the second "F#@K Yeah Friday!"

Ok, well today is the first day I'm actually sitting down with this Website to do some updating on my own. I am not the most technical person, but Derek said this would be easy. There is so much that I need to catch everyone up on from the past year that I almost don't know how to begin or where to begin. So I asked someone who is full of answers and always gives good advice...my mother. She said "You need to put only the highlights up there...." So I guess I will break the story down to cliffnotes. From most recent, to well, least recent. This could take a couple days.

"Tripping and Running" was featured on the Homegrown Showcase with Irene Collins of 92.5! They played "Mama Done Say" from the record and notified the region of my endeavors. They also plugged "The Medieval Manor," The dinner theater that I play for. I also got a gig out of it! I played at Sugarbush the next day for the promo, and heard back from Sugarbush 2 weeks after. I will be back there in March!

What do oranges, pumpkins, fire and James Force have in common? The color red (sorry James)! Yes, James is a red head. But aside from the color of his hair, James is a kick-ass, clever as ever musician to remember. A good buddy of mine from the open mic at "My House" bar in Quincy. I met James close to a couple years ago and have played with him at a bunch of open mics since then. Recently, he has formed his band "Death and the Dance Machine." (Click on the pic for a link) A four piece, smart/punk/danceable (add a dash of some jazz) band with a quirky intelligence that is sure to put a smile on your face. I got the call from James that they would be playing "Milly's Tavern" in Manchester, NH and was hoping to add me to the bill...."well of course, Mr. Force!) This turned out to be a fun night. Death of the Dance Machine had a killer set, and I was able to play to a listening audience in a nice venue setting. And Manchester being only an hour or so from Boston, the travel was quick and enjoyable. Thanks James!

"My House Bar and Lounge" is definately one of the coolest bars on the South Shore. With a great open mic, pleasant ambiance and a cast of characters rivaling your favorite reality t.v. show, My House provides a great place for local artist/musicians/poets/and drunks alike to gather and express whatever they feel they need to express. Here is an old video from a random night at My House. Also, meet Bobbielee! This is the open mic host and has a done a great job at helping develope My House's reputation as one of the coolest places to play on the South Shore. Click on her pic for a link to the MyHouse Webpage!

www.myspace.com/jaypsaros

Halloween can be a scary night. The wind howls with a kiss of winter reminding us of the months to come, the sun sinks in the sky early in the evening and darkness once again begins to stake it's claim throughout the land. This Halloween, however, my biggest fear was the stench that five dudes in a van can creat. This Halloween was spent with my favorite jam band, who else, The Van Burens. Halloween was like our practice run for our New Years tour. It was the first time that they played as my backing band and the beginning of a great musical experience. It's a great experience being able to work with your friends. It only creates good business and in the music business it is essential that we all look out for eachother. Playing shows with your friends is a great way to utilize "cross exposure." Anyways, luckily for me, I was traveling in my truck with Costa, who definately does not stink as much as the five of the Van Burens. Practice at "the cabin" however, their stench was in full effect...Love you guys, but man you all smell! The first show was at my favorite place to play in the North Country. The "Cannon Mountain View." Unfortunately we had a GREAT audience of say, 6 people? You win some you lose some, but it was a great time non the less. It just happened to be that my friend Tony Cimino from Mojo Studio's had a BIG show just down the road with his Horn Band , "The Wicked Smart Horn Band." They stole all the towns people! Tony you Bastard! Then we headed to "The Beacon." in Brattleboro Vt. Halloween was awesome. Tripping and Running was played to a full constume, fully enthusiastic crowd, and Myself and the Van Burens played a great set of the songs from Tripping and Running. With a Funky "Disehs" and and rockin' "Away to You" the crowd and the players had a great time! After the show, we stayed at Emmett's Aunt and Uncles house in Vermont. It was great to wake up and enjoy a cup of coffee on their porch with an excellent mountain view! A nice pick me up before Costa and Myself made the drive through the Berkshire's back to Mass.

I still cannot believe that this happened. Tommy Emmanuel is a world renown guitar virtuoso from Australia with a set of fingers that move faster than the speed of sound. His style of playing is "Boom Chick" with a constant bass line and melody, or as they call it in music, a "Fuge." I sent his manager an -e-mail inquiring about opening for the guitar master thinking "Hey, why not...they probably won't even get back to me but what do I have to lose?" Boy was I surprised when I checked my e-mail and saw the response. It read "Jay, unfortunately we are traveling with an Australian support act but Tommy would love to have you come play for him during his sound check." My jaw dropped to the floor. Could I actually hold it together while playing for my guitar hero and arguablly the best guitar player out there? What will I say to this guy? The date approached and I cannot remember the last time I was so nervous to play. I jumped in the car with Roland and headed out to the venue Showcase Live in Foxboro. Tommy's manager took me to the first green room with Tommy where he was enjoying a Pasta dinner and cheesecake dessert with his crew. I awkwardly stood in the corner trying to blend in...I may have even blacked out for a moment. Then Tommy got right up, looked at me and headed my way. I was like a deer in the headlights! He said "You must be Jay?!" I nodded my head in disbelief. He said "So you wanna play some guitar for me?" At this point I thought to myself, "Maybe I don't want to play guitar right now"....standing face to face with your idol as he is wondering what you got for chops. He then said "follow me" and he took me to his dressing room. Just Tommy and I. So surreal. I spent about a half hour with Tommy and played some songs for him. He played my guitar, and applauded for me after "Winterz Waltz" and "Tripping and Running." I cannot describe how good that felt. He even tuned my guitar while I was playing! (curse of fresh strings!) I walked outside to meet my friends and family. I must have been radiating with excitement. We then all sat down and emjoyed a GREAT show. Tommy owned the crowd and gave proof to why he is one of, if not the best, guitar player around today. Below is a picture of my friends and family and myself just before the Tommy Show, and a video of the Master himself! Thanks Tommy and Gina! Click on the picture to go to Tommy's site!

Utica New York. Definately one of the most interesting places I have been to in the North East. I made this journey with The Van Burens and our ever faithful road warrior Costa. The Utica Music and Arts Festival is a three day festival where they shut down the streets, set up shuttles for the drunks and celebrate creation of all forms with Art, Music, Food, Laughter and Good times in general. Utical itself was very interesting. As we pulled into the city it was a mixed vibe of a college town, inner city, and country bohemia. None of us knew what to expect. The Musician check in was in downtown Utica at "Hotel Utica." Hundereds of musicians worn from travels wandering around enjoying adult beverages, with the Tattoo expo going on upstairs. We still didn't know what to expect, but it turned out to be a great time. It was like a musical scavenger hunt. I had 5 shows in the course of two days with mixed venues. I played everywhere from Hotel Lounges, to classic pubs, coffee houses and music venues. I would play a show, then hustle over to the next place to play another one. There was never a dull moment because you were always thinking of where you had to be next. The Van Burens, Costa, and Myself opted out of the ammenities Utica had to offer and stayed on the outskirts of town at the most random campground one could imagine, but it was a great time. Check out this on air interview with DJ "Rainman" of upstate New Yorks largest rock station KROK. Rainman started talking about sports, which I know nothing about. Good thing Emmett Knox was there, he knows a think or two about the sports world.

www.myspace.com/jaypsaros

JayPsarosMusic.com is up and running! Thanks to Derek Luciani and Al Berg. This is the first post of many. I will be updating this regularly to keep everyone updated on music, travels, studio sessions, shows and the what's going on in the life of Jay Psaros! First I would like to say what a joy it has been this past year to work with so many amazing people. Music has always been the primary focus in my life, but this past year has really been something special. I have met many great people through playing, many of whom I get to share the stage regularly with. Over the next few days I will be playing a game of catch up, as I try to compile some stories of this past year. I will also be updating everyone on shows, and current events. Thanks again! www.myspace.com/jaypsaros