Dan got a last-minute gig, playing at the DoubleTree in Milford on the Oasis Patio: a packed house and a great gig. Next up, he’ll play this coming Monday Night, 8/17, at Oakland Park in Medway, starting at 6. Great to see him out playing more; he is looking forward to getting more shows.

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Yesterday my youngest turned 25. Dan began his birthday celebration where he was born to be — on a stage.
Saturday night, Ellis Paul played the Fallout Shelter in Norwood. Ellis is no stranger to the dailypic — I met him back in my Newbury Comics days, photographed him many times, had him to the barn, produced a couple of local shows with my friend Ray. Over those years, he got to know Dan, and they bonded over music.
Some texts this week led to Dan accompanying him on stage for 3000 Miles. Right before we left for the show, one last text from Ellis: tell Dan to bring his guitar.
We arrived, headed to the green room, and I got to hear them run through the song once — as if they’d been playing together for decades. Ellis smiled and said, “You got the job.” Even if the night had ended there, it would have been enough.
It didn’t end there. Last song of the first set, Dan excused himself from his Mom and me and headed out back. Then, in a way only Ellis can do it: “I got a dear friend and great songwriter — one of the best up-and-coming people in Massachusetts I’ve come across — and tomorrow is his birthday…. this is Dan Rice, y’all.”
First year teaching chorus and guitar. Writing incredible music. And now this.
Happy Birthday, Dan.

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Mr. Rice conducted the Holliston High School chorus tonight. Another great performance by the HHS music department.

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Mr. Rice conducted the Holliston High School Chorus tonight — the first chorus concert of his first year teaching. The kids were incredible.

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It’s been a while since I’ve had the chance to catch up with Ellis Paul. I got to see him tonight at the fantastic Circle of Friends venue in Franklin, MA. The best part is that when I woke up this morning, none of this was in the plans. A friend couldn’t make the show (thanks for thinking of me, Brian), my calendar happened to clear, and suddenly it all lined up.

We caught up before the show, I took some photos, and then I got to sit and listen to his great stories and music — a perfect, unplanned night. He even ended the night with “World Ain’t Slowing Down,” a song my Son got to accompany him on years ago (don’t tell Dan I posted this from his past, I think he was 16 here).

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