What? A Tour in 2020-21? YES.

(Photo by Sarah Morgan Story, Jan. 2020.)

A few weeks ago a light bulb went off for Parker Woodland lead singer Erin Walter. A virtual tour! If not now, when? Erin, who has the difficult task of explaining that she is a rock musician and ordained minister, is hitting the road over Zoom — sharing Parker Woodland songs with Unitarian Universalist congregations from Canada to Florida, New York to California, as well as community events like Rock the Vote, Songs for Peace, and the Southwest UU Women’s Conference.

It’s the rare chance to tour and connect about music without spending the money for flights or gas. With 35 cities/towns and counting [8/29/21 update: 100+ CITIES, Y’ALL!], the year ahead is packed with virtual adventure. SEE DATES.

In planning this virtual tour, Parker Woodland is getting creative — and following in a long history of punk and indie bands playing Unitarian Universalist churches. As music satire site The Hard Times declares, “Sickest Hardcore Venue in Town also Open at 11am for Sunday Services.” The article uses a small-town Indiana UU church for the joke — a joke that lands because it’s true. Parker Woodland guitarist Dan McMonigle hails from Philly, where the local First Unitarian Church is a renowned rock venue.

You don’t have to be a UU or a church member — or even live in the area of the show — to attend. That’s the silver lining of performing online.

Click the tour schedule and reach out to the congregation via their website for details. And in the meantime, download the new “World’s On Fire” EP or stream on Spotify so you can sing along, no hymnals needed. For booking and media requests, contact parkerwoodlandband@gmail.