Alexis Babini has confirmed an opening slot for Blues Traveler on June 9th at the Ridgefield Playhouse in Ridgefield, CT (http://www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org/venue.asp?eventID=812).  The singer-songwriter, who now calls Boston home, is originally from Fairfield, CT, so the gig is a hometown show of sorts. In his own words, "This will be a really great night because I'll be playing my home base and sharing the stage with a band who had a great influence on me as an aspiring singer/songwriter." See additional tour dates listed below.  He has recently shared the stage with the Benjy Davis Project and 70's songwriter Dan Hicks.

Babini is also planning the release of a digital single on July 3rd. The song, entitled “My Direction,” will be available for download at iTunes, Amazon MP3, Rhapsody, Napster, eMusic, IMVU, Lala, Shockhound, and Amie Street.  It is currently being previewed on Babini’s MySpace page, www.myspace.com/alexisbabini. "A true and funny story about ‘My Direction,’” says Babini.  “The song actually came to me in a dream where my high school gym teacher sang me this melody.  I woke up very confused but also excited because I knew I had a new idea to put to music."

Babini is touring in support of his new EP, “Breaking It In,” which was released in March via Redeye Distribution.  It is available digitally at download portals such as iTunes, Napster, Emusic, and various other music websites.  The EP was produced by Ed Valauskas, who recently won the Boston Music Award for Best Producer of 2008.  Babini, well-known for his playful stage presence and impressive songwriting skill, most often appears with an acoustic guitar and a single microphone, he can sometimes be spotted behind a piano or keyboard.  His songwriting is a diverse blend of modern day pop/rock, with an occasional nod to folk classics.

Northeastern Performer Magazine describes Babini’s music as, “...filling the audience's ears with lyrics of love, flirting, and a little heartbreak.” He was a recipient of the Berklee College of Music Performer Songwriter Award for "Easy On the Eyes," and most recently landed a spot as an artist on the Fox network music section of XBOX live.  His musical ability enables him to experiment and successfully blend many styles, tempos, and subjects.  The lyrics have reached numerous fans and span from playful and humorous in “Sometimes,” to the most serious and pensive in “Inside Out.”  Stylistically, the songs take their inspiration from many influences including Wilco, Billy Joel, and even a little Michael Jackson. Usually energetic with his songs, he expresses his sensitive side and can at times be heard revealing his sweet spot for jazz stylings. In his own words:  “I broke a lot of guitar strings trying to find my own sound and where I fit as an artist,” says Babini. “Yes, my music is hook-based and catchy, but there's also a sense of honesty I try to convey with my songs."

Babini’s personable demeanor on- and off-stage has long been a trademark of his music, and he has created a loyal fan base that he refers to as his friends instead of his fans.  It is no surprise, then, that Boston is plastered from one end to the other with stickers that read “Alexis Babini loves you.”  Rare is there a night when Babini isn’t appearing live and making new friends.  He plans to tour widely in support of “Breaking It In.”

TOUR DATES (more forthcoming):

5/29 – Borders In-Store, Meriden, CT

6/3 – Crash Mansion, New York, NY

6/9 – Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield, CT (with Blues Traveler)

6/11 – Burlap and Bean, Philadelphia, PA

6/13 – Relay For Life, Remsen High School, Remsen, NY

 

www.alexisbabini.com