August 28, 2023
Excited to have some concerts brewing!
October 20th at Vue Rooftop for sure and several others on the way.
Cheers,
Will
June 27, 2023
I'm back in Iowa!
It took 7 weeks to travel 700 miles from Mexico to Colorado along the CDT.
It was a breathtaking endurance challenge and I'm excited to start performing concerts again.
Hit me up if you'd like to line something up!
Cheers,
Will
October 9, 2022
It's my 9 year Appalachian Trailaversary and about time to start playing some shows!
I brushed up my tunes and performed for happy hour at work and feel like getting back out there again.
Mostly Midwest dates, I imagine, for now...
Cheers,
Will
January 6, 2020
Happy Near Year!
On Saturday I performed at The Hall in West Des Moines, and was inspired by what they are doing there. They host songwriters on Saturday nights, and it reminded me of El Bait Shop, back in their days of hosting music. I look forward to coming back sometime, perhaps in the Summer.
My Fall tour offered me a couple of months on the road, visiting friends and favorite places in the Midwest, Northeast and Southeast.
I hope to start recording again, soon, and start booking some shows for the new year.
Cheers,
Will
May 29, 2019
Greetings from Eastern Iowa,
Thank you Parlor City Pub for a great first show of the year, good times and tunes in the NewBo district.
Looking forward to seeing Horse Feathers and William Elliot Whitmore at the Iowa City Arts Festival this weekend.
Cheers,
Will
April 23, 2019
Greetings from Iowa City,
The trees are budding and ephemerals in full bloom.
I’ve started booking concerts for 2019 and excited for my first gig at Parlor City Pub in Cedar Rapids. There are a ton of great shows coming up in the area and I look forward to adding my voice to the choir.
Its good to be home.
Cheers,
Will
November 12, 2018
Greetings from Iowa,
It is wonderful to be back in my home state after several years of exploring our beautiful country. Some highlights from this past summer include music touring throughout the Southeast and New England, leading a hiking trip through the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and guiding a canoeing expedition through the Rangeley Lakes area of Maine. It was a joy to share the wonder of the wilderness with others and pass along some of what I've learned from my extensive backpacking excursions.
Cheers,
Will
May 12, 2018
The canopy of green has returned to the Blue Ridge, glowing radiant with fluorescent might. The gift of life these mountains gently cradle and sustain is something I will never tire of, even though I have been feeling a stirring within to return to my homeland in Iowa to put some roots down and be closer to family.
That being said, this summer is shaping up to be another confluence of music making and wilderness trekking, with music tours shaping up in the Southeast and New England, as well as an opportunity to do some trip guiding while up North.
I am grateful for the opportunities I've had to fulfill my dreams of taking a path less traveled and learning as much as I can from the natural world. I'm confident that the sights and sounds of the bounty of beauty I've encountered as a traveler will always be with me, and that new adventures, whatever shape they may take, are always possible when one's eyes are trained upon the horizon.
Cheers,
Will
March 20, 2018
One of my wintertime intentions was to spend more time in the snow.
I found less snow that I had hoped out West, and more snow than I could have imagined in the East.
Another foot or two may be on their way to the Southern Appalachians this week, its absolutely incredible.
My girlfriend is prepping to hike the Appalachian Trail at the end of the month and I’m going to drive her to Amicalola Falls to send her off.
It’s been 5 years since I lifted off from there, and I’m looking forward to sharing some time with the Georgia section of the trail, again.
Cheers,
Will
September 26, 2017
I encountered so many beautiful sights and souls on my two month backpacking trip in the Pacific Northwest. From family and old friends to new faces that seemed familiar.
I’m back in Asheville for the fall and hope to find much snow this winter.
Also on the front page is a link to an article written by Christopher Briscoe, a fascinating individual I met when hiking through Ashland, Oregon.
Cheers,
Will
June 22, 2017
I'm grateful for the time I've spent outdoors the past several months. For the first time in three years, and the second time in five, I've spent the Spring and Summer in the Southern Appalachians near Asheville. Watching the the forest regenerate with its many colorful flourishes has been a wonder that has left me wide eyed.
In 3 weeks, I return to the Pacific Northwest to continue my wanderings.
Cheers,
Will
January 31, 2017
I'm pleased to announce a project I've been tinkering with for the past several weeks. RichesAreFree.com is now available for your viewing pleasure.
This site offers an opportunity for anyone to get involved in a community building exercise by sharing my new album "Riches are Free," a story and music album about people uniting for the common good.
Visit the site for all the details on how you can get involved.
Cheers,
Will
December 11, 2016
The cooler weather has encouraged me to do some more recording and today I offer a tiny Christmas album I put together. Click HERE to be swept to a free download of some merry melodies, including a new original song called "Christmas Time in Winterset."
I've been blessed to share my music with more people this past year than many prior years combined.
Thank you for being on this journey with me and may your days be merry and bright.
Merry Christmas,
Will
November 17, 2016
Today, I release the digital version of my new album, "Riches are Free." It is a concept album that blends the wisdom of the trail with a hopeful message for the future.
Head over to my music page to give it a listen, it is currently available as a free download with the option to "pay what you want."
<3 Will
October 21, 2016
It was great to be back in Iowa this month, thanks to everyone to made it out to a concert and to the new friendships forged.
After spending the year on the road and on the trail, I'm grateful to be back in Asheville, NC, my adopted home for the past half decade.
I'm excited to share my new songs and refined musical approach with the town that helped me emerge as a music artist, and to reconnect with the land and people I love in this beautiful part of the country.
<3 Will
October 3, 2016
A new season has arrived and I am swapping my backpack for a guitar. I tip toed through hundreds of miles of wilderness in the Pacific Northwest and shared great times and beautiful landscapes with close friends and strangers alike. My voice is gaining strength after not having much of an urge to sing for the past two months. I fly to Iowa tomorrow and am thrilled to have three wonderfully unique concerts this week and to spend some quality time with family and friends.
I'll be in Eastern Iowa offering music during Autumn Fest in Davenport
I'm in Central Iowa playing an afternoon gig at Madison County Winery
And in Western Iowa at the legendary Byron's in Pomeroy
The weekend forecast is looking sunny and autumnal so get out there and enjoy the fall colors!
Click here for the details on each concert.
<3 Will
August 29, 2016
Hello and thank you for stopping by. The Chautauqua Tour concluded at the end of July and I am back on the PCT until the end of September. I'll be in Iowa come October and have some special concerts in the works.
More dates will be posted soon.
<3 Will
June 22, 2016
Happy Summer Everyone,
I'm about three weeks into the "Spirit of Chautauqua" tour and would like to thank everyone who has helped make it such a successful venture. The county conservation boards have been very supportive in helping to get the word out and some of the Northwest Iowa press outlets have interviewed me about the tour. You can read two of these articles here and here.
If you have pictures or video from any of the tour stops, feel free to email me with a link and I'd be happy to share them online. If your on instagram, feel free to use the hashtag #theiowatrail or tag me @wschmitt
I've enjoyed connecting with so many of my fellow Iowans and am grateful for each person who has made it out to a concert. It is a joy to share music in such beautiful places.
<3 Will
May 17, 2016
Last weekend I wrapped up my 25 date residency in the Pacific Northwest. I've spent four months in this mesmerizing part of the country and understand the appeal.
I loved the quaint beach towns along the coast and look forward to taking a closer look at the central parts of these states when I return in August to endeavor the final 700 miles of my Pacific Crest Trail hike.
I am excited to be on my way back to Iowa to spend the summer exploring the parks in my home state. The idea came to me while hiking in the Sierras last summer and thanks to county conservation departments across the state, its the biggest concert tour I've put together.
For info on the tour and all 45 dates, please visit SpiritofChautauqua.com
If you have any questions about my upcoming concerts or would like to help promote them, please contact me.
<3 Will
April 25, 2016
Its been a busy first month of spring. I've had the joy of playing concerts all over Oregon and doing some camping in between.
This week I head up to the San Juan Islands for some concerts in Washington.
I'm excited to share that I will be touring my home state of Iowa this summer!
I'm working with about 40 county conservation boards to host free concerts in parks across the state.
I'm calling it the "Spirit of Chautauqua" rural Iowa music adventure. You can read about it HERE.
<3 Will
March 1, 2016
I admire the spring ephemerals for their delicate strength, courage, and unmatched beauty.
These vibrant first flashes of color that rise from slumbering soil are a welcome bellwether of warming days ahead.
This winter has offered time to consider my future endeavors, and I'm excited to soon share the next chapter of my journey.
In the meantime, I've got some great music gigs popping up along the West Coast, and then come May I'll be making my way back to the Midwest.
I'm brewing up a new music album to be released in Late May.
<3 Will
February 8, 2016
Spring is on its way in Portland.
The long hidden sun is shining and the crocuses have pushed through the earth to greet it.
I've got some great shows coming up in the Pacific Northwest, with two gigs in Portland this week and a pair of dates on the Oregon Coast come months end.
I'm fascinated to be settled within a city of Portland's stature and have fallen in love with walking down the streets of my neighborhood and discovering the treasures that are all around.
Transitions challenge one's constitution and open doors previously unimagined.
<3 Will
January 17, 2016
Happy New Year!
Last month I began a cross country move for my winter residency in Portland.
The holiday season took me from farewell concerts in Asheville to holiday performances in Iowa and several gigs so far in Oregon.
I'm grateful to be reunited with my love from the trail and exploring a new city.
I'm excited to have some great gigs coming up and looking forward to sharing my songs with the Pacific Northwest!
<3 Will
September 23, 2015
Happy Fall Ya'll!
I'm back indoors and excited to be re-launching this site today.
My trek on the PCT was incredible, taking me nearly 2,000 miles through varied landscapes chock full of natural treasures and wonderful people.
I feel blessed to have shared my journey with so many beautiful souls and look forward to seeing you all again soon.
I am now lining up concert dates for the fall and winter so if you would like me to play in your area, please let me know!
<3 Will
August 21, 2014
I met an abundance of interesting, powerful, and inspiring individuals last year during my 6 month hike thru the Appalachian Mountains.
A few examples:
I hitchhiked with the co-founder and chairman of the board of Seventh Generation, was hosted for an evening by a 3 time thru hiker and the world's largest supplier of vintage Apple Computer merchandise, and hiked with a former music industry professional who has since launched an online marketplace for independent food and music called Omunchi.com.
This past week I was featured in an interview on Omunchi.com that dives into the process and inspiration behind my musical endeavors.
Click Here to be taken to this in depth and thoughtfully crafted interview with my friend and fellow thru hiker, Midway.
<3 Will
July 18, 2014
After a very productive first half of 2014, I'm back into concert booking mode and looking forward to sharing my music with new audiences around the country. Between releasing a warmly received new album and performing 40 concerts up and down the East Coast, I couldn't be happier with the progress my music has made and number of people I've had the opportunity to share it with.
In January I incorporated an electric suitcase kick drum to my live show, giving my performances a rhythmic boost and a place to store my gear when taking the subway between gigs in New York City.
I feel blessed to have the opportunity to share my gifts with others and have recently had the opportunity to expand my reach, accepting the role of Minister of Music for Land of the Sky Church in Asheville, NC. I will still be able to tour regularly with my new job and am in the preliminary stages of planning a West Coast Tour for November.
Stay tuned for new show announcements and if you haven't already, head to the Connect page and scroll down to sign up for my Email Newsletter to keep updated on future events and exclusive song downloads.
<3 Will
March 12, 2014
Today I release "Whispering Willows" a collection of 5 new songs written and recorded while I've been wintering @ The Stables in rural Madison County, NC.
Tomorrow I begin my trek to the Northeast, I can't wait to visit all my friends up North and share my music in new corners of the Earth.
March North Tour 2014
3/13: Gillie’s - Blacksburg, VA
3/15: Electric Maid - Washington, DC
3/17: Silvana - NYC
3/18: PATH Cafe - NYC
3/19: Shrine - NYC
3/20: McGann’s Pub - Boston, MA
3/21: The Holy Grail - Epping, NH
3/23: Skinny Pancake - Montpelier, VT
3/24: Radio Bean - Burlington, VT
3/25: The Bees Knees - Morrisville, VT
3/26: Charlie O’s - Montpelier, VT
3/27: Mugshots - Philadelphia, PA
3/27: Teri’s Bar - Philadelphia, PA
3/28: Folklore Coffee - Elizabethtown, PA
3/30: High-Wire Brewing - Asheville, NC
See you soon!
February 25th, 2014
Things are warming up and starting to feel like spring here in WNC. I have a slew of shows coming up in March as I trek up to the Northeast and back and an April tour of the Southeast is shaping up nicely as well.
I'm excited to share the new batch of songs I've been brewing and look forward to seeing you all soon.
<3 Will
January 13th, 2014
Happy New Year!
I had some really great gigs in December to round out 2013 and started this year off with memorable performances on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 10th, which helped communicate to me the value of what I offer as a musician.
Also, thanks to everyone who downloaded my album on Noisetrade.com in December. My album was a featured download on the music blog LargeHeartedBoy.com which doubled my downloads for the year over the course of about 24 hours. Thanks to everyone from the US, UK, Germany, and The Philippines who discovered my music there and to David Gutowski for including me in his impressive music and literature discovery blog.
<3 Will
November 12th, 2013
There are flurries swirling about Main St. in Marshall, NC.
I've spent the past month brushing up my repertoire, playing open mics and impromptu park performances around Asheville. I've settled in to a quaint apartment on a farm in Marshall and have been adopted by a lovable and very adorable three legged cat that I am trying not to call tripod.
I am in the process of booking concerts for the next few months, excited to get back on the stage and share some of the amazing stories I gathered on the trail.
<3 Will
October 11th, 2013
Welcome! I completed my 6 month trek through the Appalachian Mountains on Wednesday and am excited to be re-launching this site today.
This year has been so full of inspiration and hiking the Appalachian Trail was easily the best experience of my life so far. I can't wait to visit all my great friends from the trail as I continue touring into 2014.
Thanks for visiting!
<3 Will
February 21, 2013
I've been tucked away in my log cabin for the past few months, working full time and collecting as many acorns as I can before I embark on my next adventure.
I will head to Springer Mountain in Georgia on April 4th to begin a 2,200 mile trek to Mount Katahdin in Maine. Yes, I will join the ranks of 2,000+ ambitious adventurers pursuing the holy grail of American wilderness experience, in my attempt to Thru Hike the Appalachian Trail.
In the meantime, I'm putting in as many hours as I can at work and training 6 days a week to prepare for my trek to the "top of the mountain."
<3 Will
November 27, 2012
Thanks to everyone who came out to a show during the Fall tour. It was wonderful to see so many friends and family while visiting The Northeast and Midwest.
Tour highlights include playing at the world famous Uncommon Grounds in Chicago, performing at Higher Ground in Burlington, VT with two major label artists, and performing for friends, family, and even John Bon Jovi at Ritual Cafe in Des Moines.
Visit my schedule for upcoming concert info and be sure to download the new album if you haven't already!
<3 Will