This works well, to my mind. I like hearing from people via this site. It reassures me that someone’s reading. Other than some of my family.

Today, on my page, I posted an upcoming event at the Carleton. Rankin, Church and Crowe will be performing there on October 19th. While posting it, I remembered the event invitation I sent before my show at the Carleton on March 14th. I think I had about 30 responses from folks who checked the “will be attending” box. A few “maybe attending”.  the night came, and I was very happy with the capacity turnout. But, in thinking about it later, I realized not one “will be attending” or “maybe attending” person attended.  Odd. Just sayin’.

I see where Rose Cousins is playing The Company House on September 3rd and 4th. Go see her…she’s good. Very good. Here’s the scoop on the venue:

The Company House
2202 Gottingen Street
Halifax, NS B3K 3B4

Phone: (902) 404-3050

It went well, and we’ve been invited to do more of a concert type performance, so here is the invitation that the organizers sent along:

October 19th @ the Carleton. Last time we were there, we did two great nights and we really glad to see so many people. The Carleton is about the greatest little listening rooms I’ve played. And you can eat and drink. Well, I can’t (guitar in the way) but you can. Fabulous sound there, by the way.

October 21st @ The Marigold Theatre in Truro. There last May, sold out and had a really great time. The Aeolian Singers were in town that night, so quite the rendezvous at the hotel afterwards.

October 22nd @ King’s Theatre in Annapolis Royal. Cindy and I played there last fall, and were pleased to see so many people who drove from some of the smaller communities to see the show.  and – bonus – the next day my Karsdale neighbour told me that I looked very nice the previous evening. He’s fussy, so I was quiet pleased.

October 23rd @ The Chester Playhouse. Haven’t been there for a along time, and never with Raylene. Should be good.

After that, I head out west, and Raylene sets out on a Rankin Family tour. I call them RanFam, just to sound cool.

Cindy? Well, she’ll just have finished her new album, and will be heading out with it.  I’ve heard some tracks, and I think it’s the best I’ve heard her singing. Ever. So you know that has to be pretty darn good. Great even, although don’t tell her I said that.

So, more nudging later, but if you could pencil in the date closest to you….well, we’d really appreciate it. Even more if you came to a show….

It’s always amazing to me that when I’m doing a show with friends, my picture ends up being a scan of an older album. Why do I bother posting my high-res shots for download?

Here’s some info re: my upcoming show with Cindy Church and Gwen Swick. Gwennie’s the best songwriter I know. Can’t wait to do be on stage with her. If you live close to Kitchener, come on in.

http://centre-square.com/eblast_songwriters.html

The day came. The day went.  All my attention to my superstitious routines seemed to have worked. After changing my strings on Saturday, every scrap of string debris was gathered and discarded. My greatest superstition is that all the leftovers from a string change must go at the same time.  That is, if I find a string end, or a used string or a wrapper on the floor after I have made the trip to the garbage can, a sudden anxiety strikes me. It takes some time to let this go, if, in fact, it ever does go.

My other superstition involves eyeliner, but is is too complicated to relate here and/or too silly.

The day came. The day went. Soundcheck – setting up the sound system to best amplify the sound in the room and for the folks on stage –  was a breeze. Usually it takes more time, mostly because my waffling and still not really knowing what I’m listening for. I use language like: Ummm…it sounds muddy.  Or: it sounds bright. Muddy and bright are the only terms I have at my disposal. Well, not so. I do know: too loud and not loud enough. I rely on those around me to assure me that things sound ok, that nothing more can be done, that I should stop talking anytime now.

As an aside, there was an instance recently in which a sound man lost his way with the sound equipment and it resulted in A Big Snit. Not from our side of the microphones, I’m obliged to add. A Big Snit is not desirable at a soundcheck. We took the high road, even after he screamed “This is ridiculous. I’m starting all over”. Of course, that meant we were starting all over, too. Also undesirable.

Back to the Carleton (to which, if you’re anywhere near Halifax, you must go). Without burdening you with the details of each song and every interaction, I can say it went well. I believe this was because of the generous audience (the wine, perhaps? the Guinness?) and the great sound. My accompanist, Jamie Robinson, smoothed things out, too.

Just wanted to report: no Big Snits; no lost strings; no eyeliner slip-ups. With the exception of the slight shoe/chair rung mishap, the day came and the day went. And it was a good day.

I think this is Day 10, not Day 9. Some confusion on my part, owing to my numbers phobia.

Kind of lost track of what day of the week it is, but it’s all good, no matter the day.

I guess my show at the Carleton was erroneously advertised as taking place on March 7th….it’s still on the 14th.

Off to finish laundry. Quite a treat.

Have to say, Raylene and Cindy are singing like angels, and I’m singing like an admirer of Raylene and Cindy. I’m a hanger on for dear life singer.

Another great treat us to have Clarence Deveau with us. Such a fine musician and such a delight on the long trips.

When I get home, I’ll be able to fill in some of the good moments. Right now, the bare bones are the daily offerings.

But, here’s a shot. Raylene was trying to do a telephone interview and we could not manage to shut our mouths. She was most gracious.