The Homeys and The Grind
The Homeys Last Sunday afternoon, I headed to The Queen in Wilmington, DE for the Homey Awards event, because thanks to the support of many folks, my name ended up on the ballot, in two categories–[best] Female Artist and [best] Songwriter. (personally, I cringe at the word “best”, and would prefer something like “outstanding”, but…
Musikfest 2025 Gratitude Wrap-up
This was my 16th consecutive year as a Musikfest artist–on multiple dates and stages–and it’s not lost on me what a great privilege and honor that has become. I’ve shared the spotlight with so many others along the way–developing a familiar sound, and a style that includes some storytelling and banter. And no matter which…
Musikfest 2024 gratitude wrap-up
One of the best things about living within walking distance of Musikfest is the unintended magic of catching a friend’s show – even if it’s just for a few minutes, and I did my best to make that happen this year. According to an app on Gail’s phone, she claims we walked 10 miles together,…
2024 Linny Awards Performing Artist of the Year
This September will mark my 25th year as a performing artist in the greater Lehigh Valley. The joy of being part of a creative community, supporting my peers, learning from and mentoring others, promoting and sustaining authenticity in the arts…these are the things that inspire me every day. The work alone is rewarding enough, but…
DO NOT USE BROWN PAPER TICKETS
I’m not one to use my platform to publicly shame an organization or business, but today I’m turning up the mic to blast the universe with a dire warning. Do Not Use Brown Paper Tickets! Do not list your events with them. Do not purchase tickets through them. And tell your friends the same. I’m…
Songwriters In-the-Round, and in the Spotlight!
When I decided to move ahead with the idea to produce a Songwriters In-the-Round, it certainly was not without some second-guessing. How many people would really be interested? How often is too often? Would I find enough master songwriters to fill these sessions? How far will artists travel to play for a small audience and…
Ripe avocados are so hard to find.
As I write this anectode–on a cold, dreary Saturday afternoon–I’m sitting in a funky hotel room in the East Liberty section of Pittsburgh, Pa, having just returned from a brisk 10-minute walk to Trader Joe’s in search of a ripe avocado, a box of Fig & Olive Crisps, and butter. It’s been a while since…
A Moment of Gratitude
Hello folks, It seems customary to offer a year-end wrap-up, or a new year greeting. To be honest, I’m struggling with the state of the world, the nation, and my own community, so this has been hard to compose. My work in the music field has always led me on a path forward–learning and contributing,…
In memory of Mike Fritz
Early spring 2015, we called ourselves “the cancer twins”, because we were both diagnosed on the same day. Mine was metastatic breast cancer, his was lymphoma. We shared quite a bit along the way, but ultimately Mike’s lymphoma was too aggressive to overcome. He passed away this morning, at home—where he wanted to be. Mike…
Logic and the Heart–one decade later
About a year ago, I realized that the 10 year anniversary of Logic and the Heart was approaching, and I mused about the many ways I could commemorate that milestone. Well, this week (April 2011) marked the start of band rehearsals, producing and arranging the songs. I found my producer’s notebook, filled with comments, suggestions,…
departure.
I’ll keep this short and sweet. After nearly 12 years of dedicated service on the board of directors, and as communications chair at Godfrey Daniels, it is with a heavy heart that I must announce my departure from the organization. My dedication to the mission and vision of Godfrey’s has always been at the core…
Virtual Musikfest
There are certain vivid events that stand out in one’s memory as the years pass, whether they’re marked by happiness or sadness, trauma or celebration. Reaching back in my memory isn’t always easy. I’ve forgotten a whole lot, and the rest is so muddy I couldn’t really decipher the fact from fiction of my own…
Flex.
Earlier this week, I announced a new project – a series of live-stream conversations, initially named Transcreate. After a bit of reflection, and consultation with colleagues, I’ve decided to change the name to Flex. Because that’s literally what it’s all about. The vision will still be the same, but this title will resonate more broadly.…
Adapt with Intent.
For more than 20 years I’ve performed as a solo acoustic artist, often working with a duo or full band, to present my original works in a live setting. These live performances range from small intimate venues to large festival stages, throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Delaware. I’ve presented community-based programs in collaboration…
Hope in hopelessness
This afternoon, [Ophelia] Beth Sherby and I were playing music on Main Street at the Bethlehem Harvest Festival. During sound check we had captured the full attention of an elderly woman in attendance who I strongly suspect is homeless. She was loaded down, wearing multiple layers, with two bags – all of her belongings -…
Walk in the Light.
It’s Monday – back to the grind. It was a bit harder to get out of the bed this morning and start doing all of the Monday things. You know, those things that make your world go ‘round. It’s always harder to get started the morning after a meaningful event. Whether it’s a celebration of…
Ramble on the River
As many of you know, I’m very fortunate to be included as a presenting artist in the Ice House Tonight Series, here in Bethlehem, Pa. There are a handful of us who make up an independent consortium, mostly chosen because of our affiliation with local arts organizations. This is an honor that I take very…
and the Circle Goes Round and Round
On a cold January day in 1999, as I was just getting started in this music business, a friend told me she was going to see John Gorka at Godfrey Daniels in Bethlehem. That statement meant nothing to me at the time, because I had never heard of John Gorka, or Godfrey Daniels for that…
Find Your Voice.
A couple of weeks have passed and I’m finally able to give you a wrap-up on our fundraiser to benefit Turning Point of the Lehigh Valley. I promised that this would be a very special show, with music and spoken word, and a unique combined effort to create a very spontaneous, pop-up chorus – and…
Gratitude. Peace. Love.
It’s been a long week, and we made it through. A full work week at the day job, two rehearsals, a radio show, emceeing one night, three gigs in four days, and dancing to the Funk tonight. Gail and I are home now, eating cake and ice cream, and thinking about how much we love…
Finding Your Voice, and Making It Heard
a musical and visual workshop, inspiring young women to overcome adversity and become leaders in their community **some mature topics – restricted to age 17 and older** Tickets are on sale now, at EventBrite. Singer/songwriter, recording artist, graphic artist, entrepreneur, mother, grandmother, wife, and community activist – Dina Hall chronicles the journey of a shy,…
For What It’s Worth
In 1976, I was 12-years old, in the sixth grade at D.D. Eisenhower Elementary School in Sayreville, NJ. I was a good student, and received an award for perfect attendance that year. I was a lieutenant on the safety patrol. I was a Girl Scout. I played shortstop for the Red Devils. I had short…
‘Vintage Mellow’
I’m kind of old school. Last week, somebody called me ‘vintage mellow’, and it’s true, especially when I travel. I like to roll down the windows and take the long and winding roads. The ones that make you think you’re lost. The ones that get the most use out of my Volkswagen Rabbit stick shift.…
Don’t Call Me Grandma
Tonight, I had the extreme pleasure of opening the show for my friends, Porter & Sayles, at the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg, Pa. It was my first time inside that theater, let alone playing on the stage. And it’s a fine stage. Sound was wonderful, and the staff was great. I appreciate everyone who came…
#TipTheBand
I started playing music for the masses in 1998, not too long ago. That was late in life compared to most of my peers, but it does give me a birds-eye perspective on the business. I was already married with children. This was not a dream, it was a part-time job, and I worked hard…
I suppose I’ll never learn those lyrics.
The past 10 months have been quite a whirlwind. I lost my hair, lost a lot of time, and had a number of setbacks. I’m trying hard to catch up, but I don’t think that’s actually possible. So, I guess it’s best to forge ahead. I’ve added a number of cover songs to my repertoire,…
“We hoped for snow on Christmas, but all we got was rain.”
“We hoped for snow on Christmas, but all we got was rain.” – from Michael, music & lyrics by Dina Hall It’s taken me a couple of days to reflect on the New Year’s Eve gig and the entire holiday season as well. First, I have to acknowledge how wonderful it was to share the…
Ring My Bell, Chemo is Over
Did you know that on a rainy day it can take an hour and a half to drive from Lehigh Valley Hospital in Emmaus, Pa to my home in Bethlehem, Pa? Ordinarily that trip takes only 25 minutes. I’m just glad I had a driver today. This is the follow-up to my recent post about…
What did you do to your hair? and other questions about my health.
Hair. It keeps our head warm in winter and prevents sunburn in summer. Some of us have hair and some of us don’t. I started out with very short hair. My mom used to cut it, over the sink. She would cut and cut until she got the bangs straight – or so she thought.…
And Now Back to Songwriting
There are two times of the day that I have my own undivided attention, with nobody else around, and I actually make my best decisions. Let’s call one of those times “indisposed” and the other “bathing”. Both take place in the same room of my house. Last week, as I was washing my hair in…
DINA HALL 