(NEWTON, NJ) -- Hometown heroes, From Good Homes, are Comin’ On Home to The Newton Theatre on Friday, December 16 and Saturday, December 17, 2016 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $39 to $54. The band's last visits to the venue sold out quickly, so don't wait to get your tickets in advance.
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 and they were rechristened 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 five 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. They also continued to headline clubs.
Their achievements include receiving an award from Billboard and Irving Plaza for the most consecutive sold-out performances ever (12) at this respected NYC venue in 1998. Also, two of the band's songs were included in the 1997 Twentieth Century Fox release Picture Perfect, featuring Jennifer Aniston & Kevin Bacon.
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; two of his 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 and touring regularly. Saxophonist Dan Myers runs a production company, Dirt Floor Studio, and has worked on records with other artists, as well as with Rymer and Fitzsimmons. He also appeared as a guest soloist on “Live Trax Vol. 16” with the Dave Matthews Band. Multi-instrumentalist Jamie Coan continues to write, perform and record and currently plays with bands in the Charleston, SC area and also performs as half of the Folly Beach Rhythm Section which backs up Samuel David Owens.
Tickets may be purchased on at www.thenewtontheatre.com or by contacting the Box Office at 973-383-3700.
The historic Newton Theatre, located at 234 Spring Street in Newton, NJ, was founded in 1924. Revitalized and fully renovated, Sussex County’s premier entertainment venue reopened in 2011 as a 605 seat capacity live performing arts center. With it’s rich history and diverse programming The Newton Theatre is essential to the buoyancy of New Jersey’s Skylands region.
