By Myles Crawley
Today marks day #1 of Josiah Leming‘s summer tour across the US. Tonight through Friday, he will be appearing at Lestat’s in San Diego, before working his way across the heartland of America.. Over the past few years everyone from Jewel to Jason Mraz has graced the stage at Lestat’s. Its a veritable San Diego staple. Now its Josiah’s turn. Tomorrow night (Thursday 7/15) he is playing there with another Project Rhythm Seed fave, The Guggenheim Grotto, from Dublin, Ireland. We’ll be there for that show.

Josiah originally made a name for himself as a contestant on a prior season of American Idol. He stood out from the rest of the field and yet didn’t make it past #20. Why? Because he was the real deal. American Idol parades many pseudo-talented people passed the public’s eye over the course of a season. Few of them are really able to write a song by themselves and perform it, self-accompanied, in front of an audience. But that’s what Josiah does… and he does it really well. He’s a singer/songwriter/musician. There’s not much room for that type of subversive behavior in the tight confines of a season of American Idol. Simon thought he was great. Randy thought otherwise. Most of us who know Josiah would tend to side with Simon on this issue. Hmmm… that in itself is kind of weird. Actually Simon Cowell has a great ear, and really is the best hit picker on the show. However, despite what everybody thinks, he doesn’t always get his way.

I met Josiah back in February of this year at Michele Clark’s Sunset Sessions. Warner Bros. A&R chief, Perry Watts-Russell introduces us and we’ve been friends ever since. But that doesn’t bias my opinion. If he sucked I’d tell you. Fortunately for all of us, it’s just the opposite. He’s a talented guy and he puts on a great show that is full of energy. This tour is just him and his instruments, in this case a guitar and a new Nord keyboard. If you have the chance, go and see Josiah. His new album comes out soon on Warner Brothers, Reprise label. Below, you’ll find a schedule of the dates for this tour. Below the schedule is a video of a great song called “Maybe”. We recorded this version at Sunset Sessions and, even though this was an impromptu performance for our cameras, you can hear the crowds reaction in the background. Enjoy!

JOSIAH LEMING TOUR DATES:

July 14, 15, 16 Lestat’s, San Diego, CA

July 17, Gypsy Den at Gypsy Den, Santa Ana, CA

July 21 Berbati’s Pan, Portland, OR

July 22 Chop Suey , Seattle, WA

July 23 The Seaside, Spokane, WA

July 25 Kilby Court, Salt Lake City, UT

July 27 Bluebird Theater, Denver, CO

July 29 Lincoln Hall, Chicago, IL

July 31 Wilbert’s Cleveland, Cleveland, OH

August 01 Pike Room The Crofoot, Pontiac, MI

August 02 Birdy’s, Indianapolis, IN

August 03 Club Cafe, Pittsburg, PA

August 05 Rockwood ,New York, NY

August 06 Crossroads, Garwood, NJ

August 08 World Cafe, Philadelphia, PA

August 11 Jammin’ Java, Vienna, VA

August 14 Evening Muse, Charlotte, NC

August 15 The White Mule, Columbia, SC

August 16 WorkPlay Theatre, Birmingham, AL

August 17 3rd and Lindsley, Nashville, TN

August 27 Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, CA

August 28 Brixton, Redondo Beach, CA

September 06 The Underground, Mesa, AZ

September 08 Marquis Theatre, Denver, CO

September 09 The Avalon Theatre , Salt Lake City, UT

September 11 Boomdango Music Festival Stahali Farms, St. George, UT