The first time that David Kav sat down with Leah Jones, founder of Natiiv Arts & Media, the idea for a tour bubbled up. Instead of throwing his guitar in the back of a rental car, he would put it on his back, grab a duffle bag and climb aboard an Amtrak train.
David would perform in towns where the train had stations. Stopping to perform at colleges, cafes or bars. Then hop on the next train out of town, share a few tunes in the dining car and perform again a few towns down the road.
The idea was shelved, but only for a couple months and then Writing the Rails was born first over tea and finalized at an impromptu brainstorm with Melissa Pierce, the producer of Life in Perpetual Beta, and Theresa Carter, the founder of The Local Tourist.
Writing the Rails: Memphis
For the first Writing the Rails, David will be traveling from Chicago to Memphis and performing in Champaign-Urbana, Charleston and Carbondale along the way. His goal is to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and write new songs for his next album. When he gets to Memphis, he’ll perform along the route of the St. Jude Rock N Roll Marathon and (we hope) record a few songs at Sun Studios.
We’re still busy solidifying the shows, but the schedule is:
- December 1 - Champaign-Urbana, IL
- December 2 - Charleston, IL
- December 3 - Carbondale, IL
- December 4 & 5 - Memphis, TN
How can you help?
- We need to solidify gigs in each town. Do you have a favorite bar, cafe or university location? Shoot us an email at info@davidkav.com with info to book the shows.
- Make a donation to Writing the Rails. Some of the funds will be used to pay for operating costs (like the train tickets) but anything above and beyond will be donated to St. Jude’s.
- Spread the word that these shows are coming to town on the Amtrak train and help fill the venues.
- Become an official sponsor of Writing the Rails: Memphis
Who is already on board?
Misery Loves Co, The Local Tourist, Unscene Chicago, Natiiv Arts & Media and Rev Billy
