Hey friends,
It’s been a packed summer—and a darn good one.
I’ve had more gigs these past few months than I can count, and every one of them has helped me grow the show into something better than the last one. What started as a mostly original set list has evolved into a more balanced mix of originals and covers. And you know what? I’m loving it.
Turns out, people really respond to a familiar song mixed in here and there—and it’s been fun for me too. I’ve learned a bunch of new tunes I never thought I’d play, and it’s opened up a whole new side of the live shows. Songs like “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd (click the picture to be taken to a YouTube short of me singing it) now sit comfortably next to my originals like “Drunk in Montana Again” and “Consumption Blues.” It’s given me a way to meet people in the middle and keep things moving. And honestly, a lesson in performing. People want to hear something familiar. I want to connect and have a good time…so I'll give the people what they want.
What’s really meant the world to me this summer, though, is seeing familiar faces in the crowd—friends I hadn’t seen in years showing up to support the show. My class reunion was just a few days ago, and a couple of folks came out to a gig the night before. Totally unexpected. And totally heartwarming. I’ll never forget that.
As the fall creeps in, things are slowing down a bit gig-wise, but there are still a few shows on the calendar I’m especially excited about. Next show is this Sunday at Potomac Ridge Brewing in Sharpsburg, MD this Sunday August 3rd from 3-6. One big day is coming up on August 16th, where I’ll be doing a daytime set at the Lost River Classic Bicycle Race in Mathias, WV and then heading up to Cushwa Brewing in Williamsport, MD that evening for a full show. It’ll be a long day, but one full of music, friends, and good people—exactly what I love about this whole thing.
And don’t miss The Balcony show in Cumberland on September 26th—that one’s special. Some good friends own the place, and I’m so looking forward to playing right here in town.
There are still a couple more fall dates to be announced, so keep an eye out. I’m also deep into the process of putting together my first full-length album, hopefully out later this year. I’ve been putting everything I’ve got into these songs—this might be the most personal and polished project I’ve done yet.
Thanks to everyone who’s come out, listened, clapped, tipped, requested something weird, or just sat quietly and soaked it in. I’ve had a blast this summer, and it means a lot knowing y’all are out there rooting for me.
See you soon,
– CC
🎥 Watch me cover "Simple Man" by Lynyrd Skynyrd here.
🎶 Tour Dates + Music at ccnicholsmusic.com