Studio 52 is a community artist space located in the heart of Allston, and is proud to support the Boston music scene and local artist community.
Last month, Boston music scene veteran Dan Blakeslee successfully funded his new album, The Alley Walker, via a Pledge crowdfunding campaign. But by the time the record is released this summer, the acclaimed folk musician and artist will be a Providence resident.
Before he goes, Blakeslee, who moved to Somerville in 1995 and has been performing everywhere from subways stations to rock club stages ever since, is conducting one last residency at one of his favorite venues, Toad in Cambridge. The residency kicks off this Wednesday (April 5), and runs three weeks until April 19. After that, he’s off down Interstate 95 to set up shop in the Rhode Island capital.
“I hate leaving this town that I love so much!” Blakeslee tells Vanyaland. “But luckily there is that incredibly charming town of Providence that I have cherished so much right down the hill. I am leaving because the price of living is too high here. As a self supportive artist and musician survival is all about being thrifty. And moving is the best solution. I will be coming back to Boston on the regular… I am so lucky to have been taken under its wing!”
Each Toad residency show begins at 10 p.m., and there is no cover. Throw it back a few years with the video below to watch Blakeslee is in his familiar habitat, and revisit his 2014 album Owed To The Tanglin’ Wind via Bandcamp. In the meantime, stay tuned for The Alley Walker news over the coming weeks and months.
Featured Dan Blakeslee photos by Michael Winters Photography.