Artsville Brings Intimate New Concert Series To South Slope

While gigantic arena concerts can be an amazing experience, there’s nothing quite like the intimacy of a small music venue, a concept that really struck a chord with Texas native Dylan Sneed.

Dylan founded Artsville, which produces unique, small-scale music events, in 2011 after moving to Hartsville, South Carolina. Now in New York, Dylan is set to debut Artsville’s first Brooklyn series, Bridges, featuring local musician Chris Q. Murphy, on Saturday, October 11, at Brooklyn Works at 159.

We recently caught up with Dylan, to learn more about his journey to Brooklyn, Artsville, and what neighbors can expect from this weekend’s show.

SSN: First of all, tell us a bit about yourself. What brought you to Brooklyn?

DS: The short answer: prayer. I was living in Hartsville, SC, a tiny town of about 8,000 people, running Artsville, working at a cafe, and touring as a performing singer/songwriter. I had carved out a little life for myself. But I was curious if there was something more, so I asked. Specifically, I asked “Where are my Pyramids?” alluding to Coehlo’s novel, The Alchemist, which I read annually. I felt like the answer I heard was “New York.” That was March of 2013. Since then, it’s been a methodical albeit circuitous process getting up here (I toured in Scotland and Holland and lived in eastern Germany for two months before finally landing here December 30). So far, so good, though!

We know you work here in South Slope, but do you also live in the neighborhood?

No. I rent a room on the border of Kensington and Ditmas Park, though it feels like I live in South Slope, splitting most of my time between Roots Cafe on 5th and working at Artsville’s office in BrooklynWorks.

What is the biggest difference between South Carolina and South Slope? Similarities?

I don’t feel qualified to speak on South Carolina as an entire state, so I’d rather compare Hartsville and South Slope. From where I sit, the biggest differences between the two places are superficial: people’s accents, civic infrastructure, and cost of living. There are far more similarities in the two communities, because people are people. In the words of Josh Ritter, “Every heart is much the same / We tell ourselves down here / The same chambers fed by veins / The same maze of love and fear.” Cultural niceties aside, we seem to all want and fear basically the same thing: to love and be loved.

As an artist, what’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

On the business side: sound good and keep going. Strictly as an artist: pay attention.

What is Artsville?

A couple of years ago we hosted a great young guitarist named Jacob Johnson at a house concert in Hartsville. Our buddy David shot a beautiful video of the evening. The video documents the whole process — setting up in the backyard, sound check, the gathering crowd. Everything was perfect. Then it rained. We rushed inside and quickly moved furniture out of the hosts’ dining room. The audience shuffled in and found places on benches, chairs, and the floor. At one point the camera focuses on an Artsville first-timer named Becky, who was seated on the floor looking up at Jacob perform. In that moment, Becky — a middle-aged mom — took on the countenance of her six-year-old self: eyes wide with wonder, delight, and possibility.

THAT is Artsville.

What makes BrooklynWorks at 159 such a good music venue?

Visionary leadership. Artsville has produced scores of events in different environments: coffee shops, arts councils, state parks, living rooms — even a robotics factory! The success of each event has largely hinged on the relationship between Artsville and the host. Is there trust there? Do we understand and support each others visions? If these key components are there, just about any space can become a good music venue. Vic and his team have offered us nothing but generosity, faith, and freedom during this process, which really sets us up to succeed.

What can you tell us about your featured performer, Chris Q. Murphy?

It took me about 30 seconds’ worth of one of Chris’ songs to decide he was the right choice for Bridges. It was an intuitive decision, but it’s proven pretty spot-on. Chris — a 15-year veteran of the NYC music scene — is a storyteller, a student of the craft, and an actual music teacher by trade. It’s these qualities that make him such a great choice for this series. Stylistically, he runs the gamut between greats classic and contemporary like John Hartford, Ben Folds, Paul Simon, Elvis Costello, and Loudon Wainwright III. He spent years as a side man in several groups, very often writing most of the songs. After constant prodding from friends and peers, he has finally begun to step to the front of the stage. The savvy of a great songwriter and the sensitivity of a great side man. It’s a killer combination.

What can neighbors look forward to at the show?

The tagline for Bridges is “What are you trying to get across?” Aside from a cute pun, this is the question that we actually want to ask, both of the artist and the audience. Bridges is going to be about telling a story and listening to the stories of others. Part concert, part workshop, part community mixer.

How much are tickets, and where can they be purchased?

More than anything we want the community to be present, so tickets for the debut of Bridges are going to be pay-what-you-want. You can purchase them at welcometoartsville.com/bridges or at the door. And we really mean pay-what-you-want! You can put $0.00 into the donation field and RSVP. There will be limited seating, so it’s best to RSVP ahead of time to ensure you have a place to sit during the show.

Anything else that we’ve left out that you’d like folks to know?

Beer and snacks will be available for donations. Doors open at 8pm. Check welcometoartsville.com or Artsville’s Facebook page for the latest info.

Photos via Dylan Sneed