06.08.08

LIZARD LOUNGE THIS THURSDAY! - Joel Ackerson is back in town celebrating the release of his second solo CD "The Affirmation Sessions". I'm listening to it as I type this, and I think you all need to hear it. This is a damn good record. Joel will be kicking off the night at 8:30. followed by Kill The Alarm from NYC, and then the band and I will be closing the night out. There will only be a few band shows this summer, so catch us while you can!

Toad was a blast last month! Thank you to everyone that came out to the shows and to all the musician's who sat in. We are hoping to have some video clips from the last night up soon!

As always, you rock.

Ryan

05.04.08

TOAD RESIDENCY EVERY TUESDAY IN MAY! - I love Toad, how can you not? We are taking over tuesday nights this month, and with the help of our friends we are hoping to welcome this warm weather in style! Come party with us, Toad rocks. This week Ryan Lee Crosby is doing the 8:00 set, and Dana Price will be doing a set during our set break.

MOTIF MUSIC AWARDS - The second CD compilation of songs from the AS220 Songwriters in the Round series I host is currently up for "Album of the Year" in the Motif Music Awards. This CD features 3 of my songs, recorded live at AS220. There is a little less than a week to vote. Motif Music Awards Ballot

OUR STAGE NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL COMPETITION - Connect to OurStage here - Last weekend in the semi-final Ourstage voting for April, my song "Ashes" was consistently in the top 5 until the very end. This tells me that with your help, we can get all the way to the finals this month. All you have to do is sign up for a free account on OurStage.com (takes only 1 minute). click judge up top and select Newport Folk Festival. Judge the songs that come up, and eventually, you will get to vote for me.

Thank you.

Ryan

04.09.08

The band and I are in the early stages of producing a new album and I hope to have more information on that for you soon. We also have a string of shows lined up to help celebrate the (hopefully) warmer temperatures. We are returning to Johnny D's in a few weeks, and then in May we will return to Toad for another Tuesday residency!

MORE WAYS TO FIND ME ON THE INTERNET -

Just in case one web site and several hundred other profiles weren't enough for you, now there are two more ways to find me out there on the web:

FACEBOOK
Yeah, I heard all the cool kids were doing it. On this web site currently I am my only fan. While that very well be the case, if you happen to be out there in facebook land and want to stop by, it would be great.

OUR STAGE
This site chooses two artists completely at random, and then has you listen to both and then judge who you like the best (check out the "judge" link). I threw my hat in the ring because they are choosing the emerging artist spot at the Newport Folk Festival. Check it out, you may even get to vote for me.

"OPEN ALL NIGHT" RE-RELEASED ON 7NOT RECORDS - I'm pleased to let you know that my first CD will be re-released at the end of the month on 7not records. They are a fantastic local label who have put out albums in the past by Ryan Montbleau, Danielle Miraglia, Tom Bianchi, and are currently working with Jesse Dee on his new release. I'll have more shiny new copies at shows soon, but in the mean time you can order it at CD Baby, and also download it at iTunes.

Thank you.


Ryan

03.23.08

"OPEN ALL NIGHT" RE-RELEASED ON 7NOT RECORDS - I'm pleased to let you know that my first CD will be re-released at the end of the month on 7not records. They are a fantastic local label who have put out albums in the past by Ryan Montbleau, Danielle Miraglia, Tom Bianchi, and are currently working with Jesse Dee on his new release. I'll have more shiny new copies at shows soon, but in the mean time you can order it at CD Baby, and also download it at iTunes.

BIG SHOWS THIS WEEKEND - Friday during the day you can hear me on WBRS, the Brandies University station. That night the band and I are kicking the evening off at the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge, MA before two of my favorite bands; The Amity Front and Girls, Guns, and Glory. Then on Saturday I'm at the legendary Iron Horse in Northampton MA to open The Amity Front's hometown CD release show.

Thank you.


Ryan

12.04.07

At every single show this month I'm making music with some of my best friends. There is no better way to spend the holidays.

THE WINTER WONDER BAND RESIDENCY.- STARTS TONIGHT - For me, this year started off with one great night of collaboration at the Lizard Lounge. A bunch of local musicians who all play in each other's bands joined forces to make one large band for one evening. Now we are going to do it for 3 weeks in a row! Tom Bianchi, Danielle Miraglia, Dana Price, Jim Larkin, Greg Klyma and I will come together as "The Winter Wonder Band" for these shows. We will be backing each other up, swapping instruments, and having a damn good time. This is a guaranteed blast of an evening.

HARPOON HOLIDAY PARTY AT THE HARP - TOMORROW - My band will be at The Harp kicking off the evening for Harpoon's Toys for Tots holiday party. We go on at 7:00,.and will followed by the great Comanchero (this is also their CD release party). The night will be closed out by Girls, Guns, and Glory, who just took home the "Best Americana Act" award at the Boston Music Awards last weekend. Bring a toy and get free admission!

ATWOODS TAVERN is fantastic. My band is doing an early set there on Saturday, December 15th at 6pm. Come and have a fantastic pub/comfort food dinner and let us entertain you.

Thank you.


Ryan

11.10.07

FALL TOUR, BACK TO SYRACUSE - I'm getting back in the van with Tom Bianchi and Greg Klyma to re-visit some of the friends I made back in April. We will hit Long Island NY, my hometown of Syracuse NY, and back to Williamsport PA before we roll Helga (Tom's van) back into the parking lot at the Burren. The highlight for me will be returning to the Folkus Project at May Memorial Church in Syracuse. It has been a while since I have had my own night in that fine listening venue.

DAR WILLIAMS OPENER IN FAIRFIELD CT - Last Friday I was fortunate enough to open for Dar Williams at Fairfield University in CT. It was quite an experience, and I want to thank everyone that bought CDs and signed up to receive this mailer. There are some pictures from the night at http://www.myspace.com/ryanfitzsimmons .

LIZARD LOUNGE RESIDENCY IN DECEMBER - Every Tuesday in December (except for that last one), Greg Klyma, Tom Bianchi, Danielle Miraglia, Dana Price, Jim Larkin and myself will join forces to form the conglomerate known as the Winter Wonder Band. We haven't done this type of show since last January. We will all be taking the lead on a few tunes, supporting on others, and generally having a damn good time.

As always, you absolutely rock.

Ryan

09.28.07

ME & THEE COFFEEHOUSE NEXT WEEK - This is a fantastic coffeehouse series in Marblehead MA where I've personally taken in some great shows over the last few years. I'm excited to be opening for the great blues duo Paul Rishell and Annie Raines next Friday. Paul may be one of the best unsung guitar heroes in the United States. I'll be taking notes after my set, no doubt!

THE LIZARD LOUNGE WITH JESSE DEE - If you are in the Cambridge area, and you haven't heard Jesse Dee, you have been seriously missing out. Jesse's brand of R&B-Soul is firey, brilliant, and powerfull. Jesse also puts on one of the best shows in town. He's about to go out on tour solo with Ryan Montbleau, but you can see him with his full band on Thursday October 11th at the Lizard. I'll have my band also, and are psyched to share this bill with him. Jeff Ginsburg starts the night off at 9:30

TOMMY DOYLES PRE-HALLOWEEN SHOW WITH THE DAVE COFFIN BAND - We had a great time last year at the Asgard on Halloween, and this year we are going to make the Halloween show even better by bringing the band to Tommy Doyles in Harvard Square on Friday, October 26th. Come see what the hell I dress up as this year. The Dave Coffin Band is also on the bill!!


Thank you.

Ryan

09.14.07

PARADISE LOUNGE TOMORROW NIGHT! - I love this room. My friend Jen Murdza asked us to join her for her CD Release party. Jen is a killer, soulful singer-songwriter with a very hot band. This is a big night for her, and also for us as this is the band's first visit to the Paradise. Larry Zarella will open the night, Jen headlines at 10:30, and we will keep the party going at 11:45 till ?. Paul Ahlstrand will be sitting on sax for at least one tune, and we've also got Tom Bianchi on bass for the evening.

NO PLACE SPECIAL HOUSE CONCERT - Although I have never been to No Place Special before, my friends who have played this long-running house concert series have always had wonderful things to say about the event. Richard and Sue Furlani have two children with a rare genetic disorder called Sanfilippo Syndrome. In an effort to maximize the time they have with their children, and to keep them out of a nursing home, they have built an addition on to their home that is handicap accessible . To fund this, and to bring live music to their children who need to stay at home, they put on benefit concerts at her home about once a month. You can read more about No Place Special at the No Place Special website. Dana Price and I will be co-billing a concert there on September 22nd.


Thank you.

Ryan

08.07.07

TOAD RESIDENCY - EVERY TUESDAY IN AUGUST - STARTING TONIGHT!- We had so much fun back in March that we are back at it again this summer. I'll be bringing the band each week for the 10:00pm set, with new songs and guests every show. Danielle Miraglia and Dana Price start at 8:00pm, then us, and then at 11pm Tom Bianchi and Greg Klyma will take over. Toad is the ultimate small venue in Cambridge, come find out why. Plus, August 14th is my birthday, so stop in and help me celebrate.

STARBUCKS MUSIC MAKERS COMPETITION - I have been accepted into the 2007 semi-finals of this New England-wide talent search. On August 30th I'll give it my best in Providence, RI. However, you can help by voting now! One fifth of the final descision will be made by online voting. Just use the player above or at my Myspace Page, check out the Starbucks music player and vote!

DAR WILLIAMS BLOGGED ABOUT ME - That just doesn't sound right. You may remember that I opened for Dar back in May at the Narrows. It was a last minute thing, and you can read the whole story on my own MySpace blog. Recently someone alerted me to the fact that Dar had mentioned me in her own blog. "Somehow, confirming Ryan Fitzsimmons as the opener slipped through the cracks. I asked if they could still call him, and he ended up speeding down from Cambridge, peeling into the driveway, and jumping onstage. And then he crushed it, in the words of a rad friend. Genuine, talented, and charismatic" Her full blog is on the Dar Williams Myspace Page in the blog entitled "Spring is the Liver". I'm opening for her again this coming November in CT.

INTERVIEW ON THE ME & THEE WEBSITE - I'm opening for Paul Rishell and Annie Raines at Me & Thee coffeehouse in Marblehead this October. They have posted an online interview with me. In case you would like to read more of my rambling, here is the link - Me and Thee Coffeehouse

CLUB PASSIM ON SUNDAY AUGUST 26 - In the round with Joel Ackerson and Amber Rubarth. I'll be in touch soon with more info.


Thank you.

Ryan

07.12.07

TOMMY DOYLES TOMORROW NIGHT!! - Friday night, the whole band, Harvard Square. How can you beat that?

PROVIDENCE PHOENIX BEST MUSIC POLL WIN!! - I was voted Best Local Male Vocalist in the 2007 Best Music Poll. Thank you to everyone that voted, I really didn't expect to win and I am humbled by your support. You can read my interview with Bob Gulla at the Best Music Poll Website

FALCON RIDGE FOLK FESTIVAL EMERGING ARTIST - Back in 1997, I had just finished my tenure as the lead guitarist for Anodyne, the rock band I spent most of my youth in. I wasn't really sure what was next. Dave Vermilya at the Town Shop in Camillus NY convinced me to go to Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. My life truly hasn't been the same since, as that event put me on the path I'm still on, writing and performing as a singer-songwriter. So, you can imagine how happy I am that this year I've been selected to perform as part of the Emerging Artist Showcase, on the Main Stage, on Friday July 27th! It is a fantastic festival, with an amazing lineup. They survey the entire audience to pick the Most Wanted emerging performers to return next year, and obviously I'd love to do this again. But even without that, your support will mean everything, and I hope to see you there!

HEADLINING THE NARROWS CENTER FOR THE ARTS NEXT THURSDAY - part of their Emerging Artist Showcase! I'll have the whole band with me. GRAYSON CAPPS, and MARIA VENTURA (2007 BMP Best Female Vocalist) are on the bill also!

There are many great shows on the horizon also. Watch the coming months for a Toad residency, Club Passim, and openers for Erin McKeown and Dar Williams!

You are awesome.


Ryan

05.30.07

DAR WILLIAMS OPENER – I had the pleasure of opening for one of my songwriting heroes a few weeks ago at the Narrows. You can read the whole story about the last minute phone call and ensuing drive south at my MySpace Blog. Yes, I actually blogged something. I feel dirty.

BAND SHOWS THIS WEEKEND – After the aforementioned impromptu opener for Dar a few weeks back, this week the NARROWS CENTER FOR THE ARTS in Fall River MA is letting me bring the whole band in to open for the Eilen Jewel band. Eilen is currently skyrocketing from a local phenom to nationally known roots songstress, and I'm excited to bring the full band back to the Narrows to kick off the show for her. Then on Saturday, we are traveling downtown to SWEETWATER in Boston. This show is a co-bill with local slacker-rock stars Max G and the Spots. Both nights the band will include Ian Goldstein on Mandolin/Lap Steel/Guitar, Faisal Aswat on bass, and Jim Larkin on drums.

JOHNNY D'S ON THE 27TH WITH THE BAND – Johnny D's is a legendary room, and on Wednesday, June 27th I'm bringing the whole band, with all the fine musicians mentioned above plus Dana Price on fiddle and keys! This lineup is sounding better than ever, and we will be putting it all on the line this night. So, mark the last Wednesday in June on your calendar, you'll want to be at this show.

SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND RESCHEDULED – This month, the Songwriters in The Round series that I usually host will be on the first Sunday, June 3rd, rather than the second Sunday. John Fuzek will be filling in as the guest host that night, with Lisa Martin, Lisa Lawrence, and Dana Westover also on the bill. Things will return to normal next month.

You have no idea how much you rock,

Ryan

04.05.07

PROVIDENCE PHOENIX BEST MUSIC POLL NOMINATION! - I've been nominated for the local “Best Male Vocalist” in this years Best Music Poll. It is an honor to be nominated, and I have never won the Phoenix poll, so this could be the year. Please take the time out to vote early and often. The website is here, and follow the link to the Providence ballot. Thank you for your support!

ON TOUR WITH GREG KLYMA AND TOM BIANCHI – A week from now I'll be in a van with two of my favorite musicians on the planet as we bring our collective thing to points unknown. Truthfully, the points are known and listed below. We will start things off at our home station (the Skellig in Waltham MA), and six days and 1200+ miles later we will finish things up in my hometown Syracuse, NY. That will be a show with Ashley Cox at thy holy Dinosaur BBQ, home of the blues, the best pulled pork north of Texas, and salt potatoes. No trip can be bad with an ending like that.

SNOCAP ON MYSPACE AND RYANFITZSIMMONS.COM – If you are into downloading music, but iTunes isn't your thing and you would prefer your gratification even more instantaneously, there is now a SNOCAP store on both the MySpace page and also on the Listen page here. You can download the songs from my first CD Open All Night directly from either site. Over the next few months I'll be putting up more unreleased material in the store for your enjoyment, so be on the lookout for that.

THE SKELLIG SESSIONS – What is more fun than sitting around a table with your friends on a Wednesday evening, trading songs and jamming? Doing just such an activity in a great pub with Smithwick's on tap. Tom Bianchi, Paul Chiasson, myself and who-knows-who-else have been having a blast in the front room at the Skellig on Wednesday's recently. This is my call to you to come join in the drunken revelry.


Thank you,

Ryan

PROVIDENCE REGIONAL WIN IN NEMO/STARBUCKS SONGWRITING COMPETITION 2005

RI MOTIF READERS POLL DOUBLE WINNER Best Local CD and Best Male Vocalist in Rhode Island

03.20.07

TOAD RESIDENCY – Every Tuesday evening in March my friends and I will be taking over Toad for the entire evening. Toad is a landmark bar here in the Cambridge-Somerville area, with possibly the best reputation of any local venue for having consistently amazing music seven nights a week. The bar staff and the regulars are next to none, and I should know, as Toad is about100 yards from my front porch. I'll be starting the night off solo at 8pm, and then will be brining the whole band up somewhere around 9pm. At 10pm, my friends Greg Klyma and Danielle Miraglia take over the rest of the evening, and I'll be sticking around to sit in. We will have different guests and new songs every single Tuesday!

08.04.06

CD'S AVAILABLE ONLINE AT FOLKWEB.COM - The on line stores have been out of stock of the Open All Night CD for quite some time. Well, we changed that, and now you can buy the CD at Folk Web. You can also purchase it digitally through iTunes, Rhapsody, and several other on line retailers. CD Baby should have it back in stock very shortly, also

TOP BILLING AT THE NARROWS CENTER FOR THE ARTS - I'm bringing the whole band to Fall River on August 26! This is my favorite venue in the Northeast, and the stage where I feel more at home that anywhere else. Later this season, Leo Kottke, Richard Thompson, and Greg Brown will headline this venue, so you can imagine how honored I am to have top billing at the Narrows for the first time! It will be Hugh McGowan on electric guitar, Jim Larkin on drums, and Steve Breman on bass. We are recording the night also. Fantastic local duo The Maybees will start the show.

Thanks again!

Ryan

07.07.06

HARPERS FERRY - THIS WEDNESDAY - FULL BAND - This coming week will bring the return of the Ryan Fitzsimmons Band. We will be at the same venue we played our very first show at last January, Harper's Ferry in Allston, MA. The more people we put in this room, the better a time will be had by all. So, if you can come to one show this month to see, make sure come to this one. This venue is huge and I can really use all the support you can give. It will be Hugh McGowan (formerly of the Push Stars) on lead guitar, Jim Larkin (from The Fair Enough) on drums, and Steve Breman (from Shiner Jones) on bass. We are sharing the bill with Pennyred and Extra Blue Kind. We are on first at 9:00, and for those of you that regularly see daylight, we will be done by 11pm. I hope to see you there!!

Thanks again!

Ryan

03.31.06

NOMINATED IN THE RI MOTIF MUSIC AWARDS, VOTE NOW - For the second year in a row I've been nominated in the Motif music poll. Last year I was fortunate to be voted "Best Male Vocalist" and also win "Best Local CD". This year I've been nominated for "Best Local Folk Act", and the CD compilation based on the series I host at AS220 entitled "RISA Round 3 Volume 1 - Various Artists" is nominated for "Best Local CD". You can vote at -
Motif Magazine Readers Poll
Thank you for the support!

TOAD, THIS SATURDAY - I may be a little biased because it is only a 2 minute walk from my front door, but Toad is my favorite bar in the Boston area. Peter Mulvey even wrote a song about this place (check out his album "Kitchen Radio"). This is my first official show at this hallowed spot in Porter Square, so help me get Saturday night started early. I'm on at 7pm, followed by Fancy Trash from Northampton at 10pm.

LIZARD LOUNGE - SOLD OUT - A very heartfelt thanks to everyone that made it out last Friday for what was an amazing evening. These are the nights that keep a performer going. It was great to see so many familiar faces. Thank you!

THREE SHOWS WITH JOEL ACKERSON - Joel may be the only person I met in the eighth grade that I still talk to regularly. An amazing songwriter and powerful performer, Joel is coming to the North East promoting his new CD "Happy Songs for the Broken Hearted". He is opening for Glen Phillips in California this weekend, but next weekend he will join me for a string of shows in CT, MA, and NY. We have not played shows like this since we lived in Montana together years ago, so I highly recommend catching one of these. Joel has an intense stage presence and some very moving songs. You can hear him at JoelAckerson.com

OPENING FOR JOHN HAMMOND AT THE NARROWS - more information at the Narrows Website

There are more Syracuse shows and some other big openers are on the horizon. Thank you again!

Ryan

03.16.06

RI MOTIF NOMINATION - VOTE NOW! - For the second year in a row I have been nominated for the RI Motif best music poll. I am up for Best Local Folk Act, and the compilation CD based on my series at AS220 (RISA Round 3 Volume 1) is up for Best Local CD. You can vote now at Motif Magazine.

LIZARD LOUNGE WITH FULL BAND!! – Friday March 24th. We had a great time with the full band in January, so we decided to do it again! This time we will be at the Lizard Lounge, one of the best live music venues in Cambridge MA. Right outside of Harvard Square, I’ve caught many an incredible show here and I’m excited to bring the full band in for a Friday night. Also on the bill will be the Hugh McGowan band and Tom Bianchi’s bass and drum duo Tall Palm. Between Hugh’s beautiful, intense songs and the full on rock that Tall Palm will bring, this will be a great night. If you are going to come to one show this month, come to this one.

NORTHEAST PERFORMER REVIEW – The RISA Songwriters in the Round compilation CD was reviewed this month in Northeast Performer. You can check the review out at Northeast Performer . Here is an excerpt: “Founder and host Ryan Fitzsimmons claims four of the 19 tracks on the album. They are the clear highlights on the album, and show why Fitzsimmons is the King Arthur of this Camelot. The album opens with "North Central Line," a lively and brilliant acoustic rock tune riddled with emotion and reminiscence. "Haley Wall" is the highest-energy song on the album, describing helplessness against a beautiful but troublesome woman, repeating the mantra, "And I knew that there was no way I could win."”

Syracuse and shows with Joel Ackerson are due for next month, see you then.

Ryan

02.11.06

SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND at AS220 - CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER - The Sunday Feb 12th show is cancelled due to the weather. The show will be rescheduled for March 12th.

Thanks to everyone who made it to the Harper’s Ferry, despite the weather. We are working on future band shows currently, along with new recordings, and a few more shows in the Syracuse area for later this spring. I’ll have more information on that soon. Until then hope to see you out there!

Thanks,

Ryan

12.30.05

I know it has been a while since I have updated this, sorry about that. While the site was shut down for a few weeks, we are now back in business with a new server and all kinds of new bells and whistles I can't wait to show you. However, if this isn't up to date enough for you, please check Ryan's MySpace Page, as it tends to be more frequently frequent.

NEW YEARS EVE WITH JOHNNY A Still trying to find something fun and different to do new Years Eve? Come join me at the Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River where I'll be opening the show for guitar virtuoso Johnny A. He has a reputation for amazing live performances, along with his own Gibson signature model guitar. Johnny A's Website, Narrows Center for the Arts

FULL BAND SHOW AT HARPER'S FERRY! Monday, January 23rd. This is a big show for me as it is the first time I've played with a full band in the Boston area. I need the support, so if you are going to make one show this month, make this the one. The line-up includes bass monster Tom Bianchi, former Push Stars guitarist Hugh McGowan, and drummer Jim Larkin from the Fair Enough. I'm playing from 9-10 so you can rock with us and still get home in time for the Daily Show. Harper's Ferry

RISA ROUND 3 COMPILATION CD AVAILABLE NOW featuring 4 new songs of mine recorded last September. see http://www.risongwriters.com for ordering information

IN MEMORY - JERRY BALCHUNAS My good friend Jerry Balchunas passed away last month. He was an incredible person, and an endless source of encouragement and inspiration. You can visit Jerry Balchunas to leave memories and view pictures of Jerry. Soon you will also be able to hear his music there. He was an amazing human being and he is greatly missed.

Thanks,

Ryan

9.30.05

CAMBRIDGE THIS WEEKEND This weekend I'm playing two shows in Harvard Square. The first is Friday at the oldest all-volunteer, donation-funded coffeehouse in New England, The Nameless Coffeehouse. I'm sharing the night with some great musicians, including my good friend Marjorie Thompson (a piedmont blues songwriter from Providence RI). Then on Sunday I'm showcasing for the NEMO Boston Music Conference in Harvard Square during the Oktoberfest festival. This is a free event, on an outdoor stage in Harvard Square, at 1:30 in the afternoon. The details are listed below.

SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND COMPILATION CD This project is moving along steadily, with a release date scheduled within the next few months. I recorded 4 songs; "Your State of Mind", "North Central Line", "Haley Wall" and "Will My Mind" for the CD, and 2 or 3 of the songs will be featured on the CD. The live recording was quite a night and I want to thank everyone that participated.

ONLINE CDs WILL BE BACK IN STOCK SOON For the last few months "Open All Night" has been out of stock at several of the online stores where it is available. This problem should be cleared up within the next few weeks. I apologize for the delay and thank you for your patience. Watch the website for updates.

Thank you.

-Ryan

8.24.05

PROVIDENCE REGIONAL WIN IN NEMO/STARBUCKS SONGWRITING COMPETITION
I was fortunate to be picked out of over 2000 applicants to perform in the regional final of this competition. I'm excited to say that I won. Five other very talented friends of mine also performed in the showcase on June 27th at Starbucks in Providence, and I'm honored to have been picked from such a great line-up. For winning I am now the owner of a brand new GIBSON Les Paul! The finals will be on September 14th at the Paradise Lounge in Boston.

RI MOTIF READERS POLL DOUBLE WINNER
In the first annual RI Motif readers poll I have won "Best Male Vocalist in Rhode Island"; and "Best Local CD";. Many thanks to everyone that took the time to vote for me!

Thanks,

-Ryan

6.9.05

STILL TIME TO VOTE FOR RYAN IN FIRST ANNUAL MOTIF MUSIC POLL - EVERYONE CAN VOTE - Motif Magazine in RI has nominated me for Best Local Folk Act, Best Male Vocalist, and Best Local CD. The poll is still open, and voting is easy! Follow these steps:
1. Go to the RISA news page, which contains the ballot
2. Select the entire ballot, and copy it in the Edit menu of your browser
3. Paste it in the body of a new e-mail message, bold the your choices, and send it to RIMotif@cs.com.
It is an honor to be nominated thank you to everyone that has already voted.

BEN FOLDS IN NEWPORT - On Saturday, July 2nd, I've been asked back to the Sunset Music Festival in Newport. My set last year was one of the best times I have had in recent memory. This year I'm again playing the Festival Stage in the Courtyard, supporting Ben Folds (not that he needs any support). I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to this. Amy Corriea is also on the bill. For more information, please check The Sunset Music Festival.

MYSPACE - Yes, I've joined the millions. Check out http://www.myspace.com/ryanfitzsimmons. Currently you can stream a few songs that were previously and currently available here, but that will change in the near future as some new songs are ready. You can even read what I think of blogs!

Thanks again for everything!

-Ryan

3.1.05

New MP3 - A very new song titled "Will My Mind" is available for download here on the Listen page . It was recorded during my last trip to Syracuse, NY. This may only be available for a short time, or it may have a permanent home on the site. I haven't decided on that yet. There may also be more Mp3s coming over the next few months.

I'm playing at a new venue in Malden, MA called Avenue C. I'm sharing the bill with Ari, a great performer who I had the pleasure of playing with at AS220 last month. This venue is getting great reviews, and Ari is worth hearing. This promises to be a good night.

Thank you for listening,

- Ryan

2.1.05

On Friday I'll be in Syracuse, NY at May Memorial, performing a show with bassist Sean Grimes and fiddle-mandolin-guitar master Rob Lauzon. We are opening for the WIYOs, and incredible "oldturnative" band from NY. That day the boys and I will be fresh out of the studio after recording some new material for an internet only release. There will be more news on this next month.

Benefit for Tsunami Victims - Next Friday I'll finally be getting back to Newport RI for this cause, playing with some of the best performers in Rhode Island.

Cirqu Du Singe Brise (Circus of the Shattered Monkey) - This is a traveling arts showcase that started at the Zeitgeist Gallery in Cambridge. It is a mix of film, spoken word, and live performance, and it is coming to the perfect venue for this - AS220 in Providence RI. I'm excited to be a part of it, and with a mix of Boston and Providence area performers (see below), it promises to be more than your average night out in Providence.

Seth Horan is coming in for Songwriters In The Round this month - he is badass solo bass playing singer songwriter. Don't miss this guy.

I'm playing 3 churches this month. Odd. Mom will be so proud.

- Ryan

12.28.04

I hope the holidays are being good to everyone.

An great singer-songwriter (and good friend) from Syracuse NY named Ashley Cox is coming to New England to do a few shows with me this month. This is the first time I've been able to share the stage with her in a while. Over the years she has never ceased to blow me away. Also, her website is an experience all it's own.

We are playing on Friday, January 7th at the Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River (there is a picture of me with Richie Havens and friends on the first page of the website). If you've been waiting for a good night to come down and visit this venue, this would the perfect night for it. This place is incredible. It is also a big show for me, as I rarely get to co-headline here, and I would like to do it again. The support is always what makes the difference so if you can, come out. Also, road warrior Christine Kane will be on the bill - www.christinekane.com.

I'm also playing quite a few shows with my friend Lori Amey this month. She rocks. I thought I'd mention that, as it is something everyone should know.

As always, thank you for everything!

11.19.04

This week has been more than busy for me, but that is always good thing. One week ago today I was driving to Monticello, NY (which Syracuseans refer to as "downstate"). I was there for the North East Regional Folk Alliance. There were many great musicians there, one of the highlights was hearing Luminescent Orchestra jam with The Wiyos in the lobby at about 3 in the morning. It was a good time. I performed in the guerilla RISA showcase at 2:10 in Saturday morning. There were about 4 people in the room.

I got up the next day and drove to Fall River, MA. I opened for Richie Havens in front of a sold out crowd. I went from an audience of 4 in a hotel room to being in front of 250+ people 18 hours later. This is a little mind-trick I haven't had the pleasure of subjecting myself to before. Avoid it if you can. Richie Havens is incredible, the show was great, and all went well. The Narrows is almost a sure thing, in that space it is hard for a show not to be good.

On Sunday I played the monthly Songwriters in Round Series at AS220 back here in Providence. We had our best turn out ever. Thank you to Danielle Miraglia, Mary Ellen Casey, and Erik Wohlgemuth for making it a good show. Next month our theme is "confined spaces" - any ideas?

It is great to be going at this pace. Since Sunday I did another show in Salem and tonight I’m heading up to Bellingham MA for a last minute show at the Café Espresso. I hope not to be slowing down any time soon. Thank you for all the support and I’ll see you out there!

11.03.04

The CD release show in Syracuse at May Memorial was a blast. We ended the night with my brother Todd, sister-in-law Becky, and 11 year old nephew Jimmy joining me on stage for Johnny Cash’s "Big River". I rarely get the chance to perform with them, and the fact that my close friends Sean, Rob and Jason were all sitting in made it that much better. The show was pure fun, thank you to everyone who was there. I hope I see you at the Mezzanotte show in Syracuse later this month.

On Saturday, November 13th I’ve been given the opportunity to open for acoustic legend Richie Havens at the Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River, MA. As I’ve said here before, this is the best acoustic live music venue in New England, so if you haven’t been there, check them out. The website is www.ncfta.org.

10.25.04

The re-scheduled show for Rockafellas in Salem, MA this Wednesday has again been re-scheduled. It will now be on November 17th. This is again due to the Red Sox game. I really cannot say that I blame them. Go Sox!

September has been a great month, highlighted by a last minute show as the opening act for Greg Brown at the Narrows Center for the Arts. Greg is a very large influence of mine, and the night was too good for words. I'd like to thank everyone who signed up for the mailing list, bought CD's, and gave me such a warm response.

On October 15th, I will have my Syracuse CD Release party at May Memorial as part of the Folkus Project's fall concert series. My brother Todd Fitzsimmons, my sister in-law Becky Keefe Fitzsimmons, fiddle player extraordinaire and member of the Joel Ackerson Band Rob Lauzon, and long time musical cohort Jason Vatter will all join me for the show. Elisha Dellios and Sean Grimes will open the evening, and then join me for a few songs. They are both of the band City by Sea, and former members of Anodyne (the band I was once in). It will be a special evening. Given that most of these folks are on the CD, it will be the closest to hearing it live as will ever happen.

I have one request for everyone as November is quickly approaching. Please vote. It has never been more important than it is right now.

9.2.04

In the Round at Johnny D's with Michael Troy and JJ Baron on Tuesday, September 7th

the new CD Open All Night is now available. Buy it Here

CD Baby is going to put a compilation CD of the best selling artists for this September. They do this once a year and last year the top seller had sold only 30 CDs in the month. It would be great to be on this CD sampler, so if you can, please visit CD Baby and place an order. Tell your friends about it. They make great Christmas gifts, coasters, and if there is no wind they are also excellent mini-Frisbees. With such a multi-faceted product, how can you go wrong? This month, you will also save 20% when you buy more than one CD. Plus, every purchase supports the Ryan Fitzsimmons Food and Shelter Fund.

A huge thanks to everyone who have already bought CDs!

8.19.04

After years of telling people "the record should be out in a few months", I can now announce that it is officially here! Open All Night is now available for purchase. You can order online through CDBaby.com, or purchase it at one of the upcoming CD release shows. Go to CD Baby to hear samples, write a review, and to buy your own copy.

There will be three CD release parties coming up in the next few months. The first two will happen next week.

In Providence, on Wednesday August 25th, come celebrate at AS220. JJ Baron and his band will join me. Both JJ and I will play acoustic sets and then we will fire it up with the full band, doing both JJ’s stuff and songs from my new record. The show will start at 9pm, and the cover is $6.
AS220, JJ Baron

In Fall River, Baron and I will be taking over the Narrows Center for the Arts on Friday, August 27th. This is the first time either JJ or I have ever headlined a show at this formidable venue, so please come out. It’s BYOB in the best music room in New England. JJ and I will both perform solo sets, and once again we will get the band up to take things to the next level.
Narrows Center for the Arts

As for Syracuse, it will be a bit of a wait, but well worth it. On October 15th, I’ll be performing as part of the Folkus Project’s fall series at May Memorial. My brother, award winning blues guitarist Todd Fitzsimmons, will be joining me for the show, along with Becky Keefe Fitzsimmons, Sean Grimes, Jason Vatter, and Elisha Dellios. Most of these fine musicians appear on the record, so this as close to hearing it live as it will get.
the Folkus Project

Thank you for all of your support, and I hope to see you at one of the shows.

7.30.04

the new CD Open All Night will be available on August 25th.

The waiting will soon be over, and I'm pleased to let you know that my first CD, "Open All Night", will finally arrive in the next few weeks. It includes 11 original songs, and a cover of Peter Mulvey's "Sad, Sad, Sad, Sad (and faraway from home)". I was fortunate enough to have the help of many friends certain tracks, including; Jason Vatter with vocals, Sean Grimes on bass, Rob Lauzon on fiddle, my sister-in-law Rebecca Keefe Fitzsimmons with vocals, my brother Todd on guitar, and Mr. Peter Mulvey on tacoma papoose and vocals.

Watch this site in the coming weeks for free Mp3s from the record, along some unreleased material that didn't make the disc.

To pre-order, send a check or money order for $14 to:

Ryan Fitzsimmons
30 Pinehurst Ave, Apt 3
Providence, RI 02908

You may receive your copy prior to the release date if the order is received soon. Also, in the coming months the CD will be available online at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com.

Of course, with the release of a CD, you must have CD release parties. Come celebrate this thing finally being done in Providence on August 25th and in Fall River on August 27th (see the Live section). I've waited around 5 years to have one of these things, so it will be a good show, I promise. There will be Syracuse area CD release shows coming this fall.

5.29.04

It’s only a few days until June, and I’m finally starting to forget about the snow. This time of year is important; if it weren’t for these few months, the weather would steal your soul (or possibly freeze it). Yeah, I know I shouldn’t complain, I live in Rhode Island and the climate could be a hell of a lot worse. Syracuse gets quite a bit more snow then here, and Big Sky, well... I’m better off here. I thought of moving south for a while, but then someone reminded me of the humidity. Then I thought about going west, and someone reminded me that it’s further than my Isuzu would make it... My point? I have none. Just thought I’d fill some space here and see if you’d read it. Thanks!

There are quite a few new pictures in the images section of the site. You also can now download them by clicking on the little arrow to the right.

The CD is still in process, but things are progressing towards an August release date. Hopefully I’ll have more good news soon.

Take care,

Ryan

5.19.04

In the Round at Johnny D's with Terry Kitchen and Aram Arslanian on Tuesday, May 25th

Please check out and sign the new Guestbook.

In the month of May, my appearance on the RI cable access show "Center Stage" is running every Tuesday and on Statewide Interconnect Channel 13. To find air times, check this schedule.

4.01.04

Ryan was been nominated for Best Folk Act in the Providence Phoenix Best Music Poll 2004. Thank you to all that voted

Please check out and sign the new Guestbook.

The Songwriters in The Round series that Ryan hosts at AS220 was featured on the local Rhode Island NPR affiliate WRNI. The broadcast featured an interview with Ryan and clips of a new song called "Aiming for Eden". You can listen to an archive of the broadcast here. The feature is about 34 minutes into the show.

Ryan recently taped a set for Rhode Island Cable TV show "Center Stage". It is currently airing in Portsmouth, Middletown, Newport, Little Compton and Tiverton on Channel 18. You can check the schedule to find the specific air times. Beginning in April, it will air on Statewide Interconnect Channel 13. To find air times, check this schedule. Clips from this show may be posted in the Listen in the near future.

The CD is still in the production stages, but we are hoping to have it ready by June 1st. We are pleased to let you know that Peter Mulvey has contributed to the album, along with the others previously mentioned.

2.9.04

In January, Ryan went into the studio to begin work on his first full-length recording. With Sean Grimes of City By Sea handling the engineering and production responsibilities, Ryan has recorded acoustic versions of 13 songs that span the last 5 plus years of his existence as a singer-songwriter. During the sessions Ryan enlisted help from friends Jason Vatter, Joel Ackerson, Becky Keefe, Rob Lauzon, Ryan's brother Todd Fitzsimmons, and other guests. The CD should be ready for sale by early spring. To see pictures taken during the process check out images

12.22.03

Click here for a flier that promotes the upcoming Songwriters In The Round show at AS220, January 11th. There is more information on this below, and at the AS220 website. Have a happy holiday!

12.1.03

On the listen page, there is a new Mp3 of Mirror Calm Water.

There are quite a few updates this month. I'll be spending quite a bit of time in the central New York area, so please come out to support the shows.

In addition to these dates, I will also be supporting JJ Baron in as part his band at The Century Lounge in Providence on December 12th. This will be a americana alternative country show, completely electric. It definitely will be worth checking out.

Jason Vatter will be playing his last series of gigs for quite some time, and has asked me to join him on these dates. It might be your last chance to hear him for a while.

Joel Ackerson and I will be doing a show together at the Coffee Pavilion in Syracuse NY on December 20th. Joel and I used to gig together frequently in Montana, and we haven't done an acoustic gig since last year. You never know what I'll make him play, so come down.


About a week ago, my friend Lisa Bastoni sent me a message with some information I wanted to pass along to you. Lisa once made her living as a subway performer in Boston. Someone once said that the subway scene of today is the musicians' modern equivalent to the juke joints of the 20's and 30's. Busking in the subway has been an essential way for musicians to support themselves and gain attention. Peter Mulvey and Martin Sexton are both veterans of the platform.

As of December 1st, the MBTA is putting serious restrictions on Boston subway performers. This is very disturbing, as it -
1. Eliminates all forms of amplification
2. Seriously limits the hours of performance
3. Will effectively ban many types of instruments (all electric basses and guitars, horns, certain keyboards, etc...)

They are also instating a dress code, and reserving the right to ban anyone from performing, at anytime, for any reason (including deeming a performance "of no entertainment value").

The subway is one of the most unjuried performance spaces that you will ever find. In my opinion, this is an assault against free speech. Lisa's much more eloquent mailing regarding this can be read on her website.

Please, sign the petition at www.saveoursubways.com.

You can find out the current news, and also read the actual MBTA guidelines at communityartsa dvocates.org/saa-mbta-subway.html


I will be hosting a new, monthly songwriter-in-the-round series here in Providence, RI. This will be a continuation in spirit of Jason Vatter's popular SongSwap series in Syracuse. Here are the current details -


SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND is a new, totally acoustic (no PA) showcasing of the songwriting craft. Beginning on January 11th, and continuing the second Sunday of each month at AS220, host Ryan Fitzsimmons will find three songwriters to join him in sharing their work and writing a new song on a theme specifically for the event. The theme for January is "beginnings".

The show will run from 7pm to 9pm, and include 4 rounds of original songs. Roughly a month before the show, each writer scheduled will be given a common theme to write on, and they will be expected to perform this new, original song in the third round. This provides the rare opportunity to see 4 separate writers perspectives on the same subject matter.

Besides Ryan, two other writers from the Rhode Island Songwriter Association (RISA) will join him each month. A third spot will be open anyone, not just RISA members. Anyone interested in performing should contact Ryan at songwriters@ryanfitzsimmons.com. Shows will be booked at least 2 months in advance.

9.15.03

Hi Everyone,

I've added a few new shows this month that I wanted to be sure that I let you all know about them.

This coming Friday (9/19) I will be playing at Blossom's Cafe in Glocester, RI. I'll be one of three songwriters performing, and this will be the last show that they will be able to have for a while. Blossom's is having some trouble getting their town to allow them to have live music. Please come out and show your support for the venue and their promotion of the growing singer/songwriter scene in Rhode Island.

On Saturday, July 27th, I'll be back in Syracuse N.Y. to open for JEFF LANG at Happy Endings. Jeff is truly an outstanding guitar player and he is one of the most original songwriter/guitarists that I've seen in some time. You need to see this show! I had the opportunity to open for him about a year ago and it was amazing; I can't wait to do it again.

Go to the listen page to hear the new Mp3 - a live recording of "Lofi".

As for everything else, as usual, I'm working on it...

8.4.03

This Saturday I'll be back in Syracuse for one show at Happy Endings Cake and Coffeehouse. Jason Vatter and JJ Baron will join me, and I know it's going to be a good show. I'm dragging JJ with me, I think it's one of the first shows he's done outside of New England in quite some time. If you'd like to help spread the word, download this flier and put it up somewhere, anywhere. I hope to see you there!

7.8.03

I'm still not getting enough sleep, but now it's just because of the humidity, and the lack of a productive to keep my attic apartment cool. It's funny what a summer in Montana will do to you, I never complained until I had 80-degree sunny weather every day of the week. In reality it's not really that bad this year, but I'm still dreaming about the mountains at night...

I played a string of shows with JJ Baron at an India in Warren, RI last month. It was a good time, and you really ought to check JJ out. He's a killer guitar player, and he has that uncommon grasp of traditional music that keeps his contemporary writing in a timeless frame. His songs can be mistaken for traditional, yet they are still all his own, and that is just plain hard to do.

I'm playing some new venues this month, one of them this coming Friday. It's at a venue called Blossom's Cafe in Glocester, RI. I start around 8pm, and will play until about 10.

Still working on the usual projects, when they actually see the light you will be the first to know. Hope summer is treating you well. As always, take it easy!

4.15.03

I'm not getting enough sleep lately, so things must be good...

I've been working on a new website, so I can put this thing to rest. I've been writing songs, dreaming about recording, and covering more ground, day by day.

Just got back from Syracuse, played the Happy Endings Tenth Anniv. Show. That many Syracuse folkies in one room, just amazing. There must of been, like, ten of us there! Really though, the room was packed, Shelby was smiling, and the trip back to the excuse was well worth it.

Next weekend I'm opening for Peter again, this time in CT. Should be fun, I'll let you know when I update this again and the Fall! Thanks again for everything, see you soon.

10.26.02

The website is finally called RyanFitzsimmons.com - imagine that

Well, it's been over a year since I've updated this. Being in the mountains tends to keep your mind off the internet. I spent last winter in Montana, playing five nights a week in a small town in Montana. It was a very enlightening experience, I made some great friends and learned more than anyone one should ever know about living in a tourist town. Now I've moved back east, and I'm living in Providence, RI.

The last few months have been good, as I've been able to make music with some of my best friends again. Jason Vatter and I have been able to play quite a few times, and I had a reunion show with my former band Anodyne (now called City By See, with all new material and without me. They kick, check them out if you can). I've also had the good fortune to open for the one man hurricane called Jeff Lang, which was unbelievable.

I'll be playing more shows in the New England area soon. I'm going to have a CD together by Christmas, as Joel moved out of Montana before we ever recorded the CD. The good news is that I've recorded the damn thing so many times, I have enough material for a boxed set. So, I'm going to, um, edit things down a bit, and then put out a compilation of the best things I've done over the last few years. At least, it's a plan. We'll see what happens.