Coffee and a Concert
By Anthony Conn
For the Yellow Jacket
After his success on iTunes and singing on “The Voice,” Dustin Hatzenbuhler will perform at Waynesburg University.
The singer and songwriter will play Saturday at 8 p.m. in the Beehive as part of the Coffeehouse series.
After playing small shows in and around his home state of Minnesota, Hatzenbuhler has embarked on a unique journey playing his music in the east since October.
“Every day is different,” said Hatzenbuhler, who has enjoyed touring away from home.
He said he has most enjoyed the scenery and wildlife of the eastern cities he has toured in, and that he tries to experience each city as much as he can.
“Whenever I come to a new city, I try to find touristy things to do while I’m there,” said Hatzenbuhler.
Hatzenbuhler said that his performance at Waynesburg will be personal and will encourage audience participation.
In addition to playing songs from his debut album, “Fall,” which is available on iTunes, he plans to play some new songs as well.
Ryan Smith, a member of the Student Activities Board, said Hatzenbuhler’s success on “The Voice” lead to his invitation to Waynesburg.
“We researched him, watched some of his videos on YouTube, and decided that we would like for him to play,” said Smith.
Influenced by artists such as John Legend and D’Angelo, Hatzenbuhler described his music as “piano-driven pop.”
When choosing musicians to perform, Smith said that the musical style is usually a factor in who the Student Activities Board chooses.
“We typically choose pop music because we feel that is what most college students listen to,” said Smith. “We look for appropriate music, but it doesn’t have to be Christian.”
Hatzenbuhler began singing in middle school after his choir director told him he was a good singer. He taught himself guitar, piano and ukulele by ear.
Career opportunities came for Hatzenbuhler when he performed at the Macy’s Glamorama event and auditioned on “The Voice.”
Hatzenbuhler said those experiences were validation for what he had been working on.
While Hatzenbuhler tours by himself, he said he hopes to find a guitarist in the future.
He was at one time part of a band called “Ferris,” but was the only member to pursue his musical passion beyond the band.
After he is done touring the eastern region of the country, he plans to enter the studio and record the new songs he has been working on for the past year.
He is also heavily involved with social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, with the handle @DustyHatz. He said, however, that he has found his greatest social media success on Vine, accumulating over 129,000 followers.
Hatzenbuhler said his family has been supportive of him from the beginning of his career, and it gives him peace of mind that he has support back home as he follows his dream.
His coffeehouse performance this Saturday night in the Beehive is open to all students free of charge. Students will receive a coffee mug, beverage and cookies while supplies last.