Snazzy Productions presents David Luning with Alison Steele opening

Snazzy Productions presents David Luning with Alison Steele opening

Sunday, October 1, 7:30 – 9:30pm

David Luning is a songwriter in the tradition of John Prine and Townes Van Zandt, creating works of Americana and folk at its finest: pure vocals, well crafted lyrics and guitar styling that honors its roots. You’ll recognize his work from the WB’s hit show “Lucifer,” where it has been prominently featured. People who have attended his concerts rave that it is one of the most riveting displays of musicianship and passion they’ve seen on stage.

Luning was drawn to music as a young child, studying the piano beginning at age 5. He had a number of bands in high school, and then attended U.C. Santa Cruz, studying music. In 2007, he transferred to the Berkley College of Music in Boston. It was there that he first became exposed to Americana music, hearing the likes of John Prine, Old Crow Medicine Show, Bob Dylan and Guy Clark for the first time. “I hadn’t heard any of this music,” Luning said. “I was like ‘Holy sh-t, I need to do this for my career.’ The only thing that I can say is when I heard it, it clicked with me like no music has clicked with me, it just felt real; the humor, the wit, the heartfelt lyrics, It connected with me in such a way that I just knew that it was what I had to do.”

Luning began playing and writing extensively in his newfound style, including a song called “Northern California” about his troubles in Boston. While his parents were initially against this new direction in his music career and warned him to stay in school, Luning returned to California and explained that he needed to take this step for himself. When they heard “Northern California,” they were sold, and gave him their blessing.

After playing solo for some time, Luning decided to add a bassist. It was 2010 when his band truly solidified. Luning played one show in Sebastopol, with Dave Sampson (guitar, mandolin), Ben Dubin (bass), and Linden Reed (drums), calling the group Hot Monk. “The group really came together,” Luning said. “We all thought ‘yeah, this works.’ After that those were the go-to guys.”

Luning still performs solo shows, but plays with the group as the David Luning Band.

DLB produced its first record in 2012 and is entitled “Just Drop on By.” His second album, “Restless” was released in 2017 and provides a marked development of the band’s sound in recent years.”There are more complex arrangements, there are more vocal harmonies,” Luning said. “In terms of production-wise it’s a little grittier.”

Category: Live Music | Folk Music

Artists: David Luning; Alison Steele opening