Homecoming Performance: Singer Returns to Massachusetts Roots

When Dan Godlin takes the stage in Natick this weekend, he will not only be returning to his home region as a rising artist, but will be opening for a performer that gave him inspiration during his formative years.

“It’s huge. I would say this is the biggest event that I have performed at because of Howie’s standing,” said Dan Godlin who will be opening for Howie Day at The Center for Arts in Natick on July 27. “He is a very endearing artist and I have always looked up to him and now I am going to be opening up for him.” 

The performance marks a continued rise for the Sharon native who knows a number of family and friends will be at the event to support him. 

“It feels like a home coming in a sense because I am getting a lot of people to come out and support,” said Godlin.

Having recently gotten some of his songs picked up on shows such as Keeping Up with The Kardashians is moving towards his goal of continuing his musical career. These kinds of pick ups on popular shows are increasingly important to the career of a musician, said Godlin.

“Everybody is looking for the full package ... they want music synced with the picture,” he said. “As humans we want the visual so the placements are huge for artists now because it allows them to get exposure through a medium that is in huge demand.”

However, it is the live performance that Godlin is looking forward to in Natick. There is the significance of opening up for Howie Day, who has had hits such as "Collide."

“When I heard that song on the radio that was the kind of genre of music I like and like to write,” said Godlin of the song.

The exposure of the performance is one thing, but the act of performing his songs live also has Godlin looking forward to Saturday night. There is a special connection a performer makes with the audience that makes it more than someone singing songs to, or at a number of people gathered in one place.

“What I look forward to in a performance is capturing the audience to the point where we are in it together,” said Godlin. “That’s the hardest part is getting them engaged and keeping them there.”

The performance will start at 8 p.m. on July 27. Tickets are available on TCAN's website for $25 and for $22 for members. Godlin will be performing new summer songs and some covers from back in high school. 

For more information on Godlin and to hear his music, you can go to his website which has links to his music and more. 

“There’s a lot of mini successes you get here and there in music and they all kind of add up in some way,” said Godlin.