Start your weekend early: Andrew Duhon plays Chelsea's

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By Hannah Catchings

Armed with earthy vocals and an enviable mane of dark curly hair, New Orleans native Andrew Duhon epitomizes the classic singer/songwriter persona.

After graduating from LSU in the spring of 2007, Duhon resolved to spend at least one year pursuing music as a main focus. He delivered pizza for supplemental income and learned to play the harmonica while driving around for work. Ultimately, Duhon teamed up with Grammy-winning producer Trina Shoemaker and recorded his first album, Songs I Wrote Before I Knew You.

"I'm the singer/songwriter kid who got a lucky break and got to go to Nashville," said Duhon, acknowledging his critics' concerns.

Nevertheless, Duhon holds his own with a distinct talent for capturing emotion and an equally talented mind for business. "All the artistic stuff aside, I still make money because I'm running a business," said Duhon.

Despite the constant pressure he feels as an entrepreneur, Duhon loves being a businessman.

"I almost feel spoiled to be lucky enough to make a business out of what I love," added Duhon. "I think those are the businesses that work. I can't play a gig and be upset; that part - it just never fails."

With a characteristic focus on lyrics, Duhon speaks exactly like he writes, alternating between a candid stream of conscious and grand, sweeping metaphors.

"I don't stress about the music that much," admits Duhon, whose infatuation with both literature and music happened simultaneously. When describing his influences, Duhon cites writers like Jack Kerouac and Walt Whitman before mentioning any musicians.

"You can put Bob Dylan, I guess. Everybody says Bob Dylan, " Duhon joked.

Since releasing his debut album earlier this year, Duhon has promoted it with non-stop touring, a small price to pay considering the spot he earned in this year's upcoming Voodoo Fest. With the festival over two months away, Duhon's Baton Rouge fans need not panic.

Back to school weekend starts early this Thursday at Chelsea's Café with a double billed show featuring the newest CD release for Baton Rouge native Kristin Diable. On the road with little time to comment, Diable's brief e-mail exchange revealed the singer's focus. "I've been following my heart around," Diable explained. "Nothing has ever taught me more or pulled me further forward than good love, in all its many forms. That is why I sing."

Duhon and Diable are the perfect pair to deliver a soulful evening of down-home entertainment. To catch both musicians in action, head out to Chelsea's for the Thursday night show.

Originally Published: Issue 813 - August 26, 2009

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