From Good Homes plans homecoming in Newton
NEWTON — From Good Homes returns to a second homecoming at The Newton Theatre on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 18 and 19, at 9 p.m.
The genesis of From Good Homes dates back to the 1980s when childhood friends Todd Sheaffer, Brady Rymer, and Patrick Fitzsimmons met in high school in Northwestern New Jersey. They formed a band originally called “Old Crow”, later evolving into “The Dogs”. With the addition of Dan Myers in 1988, and Jamie Coan in 1990, the band was fully formed.
The band's permanent name, From Good Homes, was born out of a brush with the law. They were playing a hometown show when the bar owner decided to close early, before the band had gotten a chance to perform a song that they'd rehearsed all week — "IOU" by The Replacements. Disappointed, they departed, but decided to return in the wee hours of the morning, breaking into the bar to perform the song, with amplifiers turned up to 10. They were arrested and appeared in court, where the judge sentenced them to community service — since they seemed to be "from good homes".
Bringing together rock, jazz, folk, celtic and jam-band influences under one umbrella, rooted in Todd Sheaffer’s inspired songwriting, From Good Homes forged their own, instantly lovable music. Their unique style prompted one critic to affectionately label the band’s blend of influences as “Hick-Pop”.
As the band members themselves have stated: "We wanted first and foremost to make a real and honest form of music that moved people (both their brains and their butts) and left them, over all, feeling good."
From Good Homes released 5 albums during their career. “Open Up The Sky", From Good Homes' major label debut on RCA Records, was released in April 1995 and the band embarked on a year-long national tour. Their upbeat approach, solid songwriting, and unique sound allowed them to quickly develop a dedicated following on the touring circuit. The band performed over 1,500 shows across North America, including tours with Dave Matthews Band, Ratdog featuring Bob Weir, Bob Dylan, Guster, Widespread Panic, Hootie & The Blowfish, Blues Traveler and many more.
Two of the band's songs were included in the 1997 Twentieth Century Fox release Picture Perfect, featuring Jennifer Aniston & Kevin Bacon. They released a live EP, "Live At Waterloo" in 1997, and the following year the self-titled "From Good Homes". In 1998, From Good Homes received an achievement award from Billboard and Irving Plaza for the most consecutive sold-out performances ever (12) at this respected NYC venue.
After disbanding in 1999, band members went on to embark on individual projects. Todd Sheaffer (lead vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica) formed the bluegrass-influenced Railroad Earth, releasing albums and selling out shows throughout North America. After starting a family, Brady Rymer (bass, vocals) began a career making music for children and families; his most recent releases “Here Comes Brady Rymer and the Little Band that Could” and “Just Say Hi” were both Grammy nominees in the Best Musical Album for Children category. Drummer Patrick Fitzsimmons has had a very successful run as a singer/songwriter, releasing five records independently and touring regularly in the Northeast. Saxophonist Dan Myers runs a production company, Dirt Floor Studio, and has worked with Rymer and Fitzsimmons, as well as others. He also appeared as a guest soloist on “Live Trax Vol. 16” the latest live release from Dave Matthews Band. Multi-instrumentalist Jamie Coan continues to write, perform and record and currently plays with the bands in the Charleston, SC area and also performs as half of the Folly Beach Rhythm Section which backs up Samuel David Owens. And, all the while, the From Good Homes fan base has remained intact, refusing to acknowledge the demise of their favorite group.
Tickets for From Good Homes range from $39 to $49. Purchase tickets by visiting www.thenewtontheatre.com or contact the Box Office at 973-383-3700.