Hey, Everybody! I’m gearing up for another trip to the Big Apple next week for a few shows in NYC, Peekskill and Pawling, New York. All of the details are at http://www.glennabell.com, and I’m hoping that you will help me spread the word via Facebook and/or forwarding this email to people you might know in the area. I’ll be kicking it off next Thursday, May 26 with Jeff Eyrich on upright bass and Steve Kirkman on guitar at the Music On 4 house concert in Manhattan. We’re really hoping to pack the house, literally-speaking in this case. I love the invitation that they sent out the other day:
“Dear Friends,
These are exciting days…our next show, May 26th… will be one that should be a must on your calendar.
We are thrilled to introduce into your musical portfolio and bring to your attention an artist who brings the heart and soul of Texas to New York. This is not your spit-polished studio performer; this is a true grit singer who grew up in the east Texas lumber towns of Pineland and Lumberton. Glenna is known as the “real deal” in Austin. Her music is Texas.
On May 15, 2007, Glenna was honored in a ceremony at the Capitol on the Floor by the Texas House of Representatives with a House Resolution for her musical contributions to the Lone Star State. This is a show not to be missed! And, as if this were not enough… joining Ms. Bell will be two most amazing musicians: Steve Kirkman on guitar, and our very own favorite, Jeff Eyrich, on upright bass.
So, if you’re not planning to head southwest anytime soon to hear what moves the earth in that part of the country, then you surely must attend this show. We can fit Texas in our living room!
MUSIC ON 4 is distinctly privileged to present
The Daughter of Texas
Glenna Bell
Please join us for an evening of acoustic music in an intimate setting.
Wine and cheese will be served. All contributions ($20 pp) go to the Musician.
This evening is made possible through the generous funding of I-Link Mechanical.
Reservations required. RSVP at musicon4@earthlink.net or 212-662-2320.”
Wow. They’re really rolling out the red carpet, aren’t they? And that’s only the beginning. After Music On 4 on Thursday night, we’ll be embarking on a late night drive to Peekskill, NY where I’m anticipating sharing an evening of music on Friday, May 27 at the Peekskill Coffee House as a guest of Fred Gillen, Jr. Here’s a nice write up about him from his Web site, http://www.fredgillenjr.com: “A prolific independent songwriter, Gillen has also released two CDs with the traveling hootenanny Hope Machine. He has toured all over the U.S., Ireland, Germany, and Czech Republic and has built a devoted, cult following everywhere he's gone. He's received a NY Foundation For The Arts grant, has been President of Hudson Valley Music Collective Tribes Hill, and has spoken on panels at Folk Alliance conferences.” I’m especially looking forward to meeting Fred and hearing his stories of hootenannies and life on the road in Europe! This is the stuff that music is made of . . .
In the afterglow of the evening in Peekskill, we’ll journey onward, destined for Pawling, NY, with a stop along the way for a Saturday afternoon secret show at a location to remain undisclosed by request of the powers that be. Pretty intriguing, huh? I thought so—who knows what to expect as another adventure unfolds before us on the way to Pawling, where we’ll open for the inimitable Lipbone Redding Orchestra Saturday night, May 28 at the popular Towne Crier Café in Pawling, NY. Late last winter, I was introduced to Lipbone in a dark, moody corner booth at the Living Room on the Lower East Side and was taken by his story when I read about him at http://www.lipbone.com: “Inventive singer/songwriter/ guitarist / voice-instrumentalist and former subway musician, Lipbone Redding revs up the party and creates original songs that effervesce with New Orleans swing, Memphis grooves and New York City style. Known for his ability to use his vocal to sound exactly like a trombone, it’s hard to tell the difference -- unless you witness the phenomenon live. Lipbone and his two-man orchestra make for a show greased with uncanny riffs of vocal trumpeting, booming mouth percussion, hilarious side moments and esoteric lyrics.” Lately I’ve been thinking that a real showman is all-too rare in music these days, and so it will be a welcomed opportunity to share an evening with an act who brings such excitement to the stage.
It’s certainly a lot of fun to pursue your passion, to imagine what you can do and see how close you can get to your wildest dreams. I thank you again for joining me here on this road less traveled. I just posted some songs on my Web site and a picture of me singing a duet with my friend Jimmy Pizzitola at Lynn’s Longbranch Saloon the other night, accompanied by real-deal Texas fiddler, Hilary Sloan. And I’m signing off now, getting ready to head over to my weekly Wednesday evening Honky Tonk Happy Hour guest appearance at the Hideaway on Dunvale here in Houston. Life goes on. There is no place like home. Y’all come!