Kelley McRae

In 2011, after 7 years in Brooklyn and with a growing national fan base, Kelley traded in her apartment for a VW camper van and hit the road.  Her husband Matt, who is also her guitarist, was on board.  “At the beginning of the year we let go of our apartment and we sold the furniture, the piano, everything,” Kelley said.  “We took off on ‘The Great VW Camper Van Tour’ and we’ve played shows all over America.  It’s been insane and absolutely amazing.”

Before leaving NYC, they had a huge VW Van Christening party in Brooklyn, where they named the van Proč Ne, which is Czech for “why not?”   As in ‘why not go on this crazy adventure and try to play music full time?’   And they’ve pulled it off.  In 2011, they played over 150 shows, drove 35,000 miles, teamed up with tour sponsor True Lemon and were featured in an American Airlines campaign.  Check out the official ‘VW Camper Van Tour Video’ above, which has footage from the christening and the road.

Another reason this tour is unique is the house show.  By January of 2011 they had over 100 house show request from all over the world.  “We have played the living rooms, backyards, front porches, back porches, decks, carports and sun rooms of people all over the US – from Philadelphia to Los Angeles,” Kelley said.  “And most of these shows have been hosted by (and attended by!) brave folks who have never done anything like it before and are taking a chance by opening up their homes and inviting their friends over for a totally new experience.  I love that.  I love that people are willing to take a risk for live music and for community.”