"Today, the maple trees on my deck have impetuously unfurled their impossibly green/maroon leaves, inspiring me with their faith in Springtime and reminding me that "while spring is in the world my blood approves and kisses are a far better fate than wisdom" -e.e.cummings

Everyone liked the digest format of my last communiqué so much that I will continue to list the highlights and show dates here at the top of the newsletter and the dirty details down below (where all dirty details belong).

HIGHLIGHTS
Rachel Bissex Benefit in Berkeley CA
Visual Concert
Ilene Adar CD Release (Produced by yours truly)
Back to Santa Rosa
2005 California Coast Music Camp
Mark Your Calendars: July 27th Golden Jubilee!!

RACHEL BISSEX BENEFIT
Many of you local Bay Area folks remember Rachel's amazing performance at the big Joni Mitchell Tribute at the Freight and Salvage last fall. She was just getting her hair back after treatment for breast cancer; she was riding high and singing like a bird. One of the last things she said as she left the stage was, "I hope I get to see you all again". Not long after that her cancer returned with a vengeance, and took her away to the great Whatever Is Next. I have listened to my recording of her singing her heart out at the Joni show over and over and shed many tears. This concert honors her memory. 100% of donations benefit Rachel Bissex Memorial Fund (for Rachel's children in college). Her CD's will be available at the show.

VISUAL CONCERT
A feast for the senses!! Headed up by John Pearson, several Bay Area photographers project their work on the big wall at Strings to live accompaniment by several Bay Area musicians, me included.

ILENE ADAR CD RELEASE "QUIET THE STORM"
I produced 2 CDs last year, my own "The Truth Stays True" as well as Marin County's Ilene Adar's soon to be released "Quiet The Storm". It was a pleasure recording Ilene's beautiful voice and sensitive songs. We had a great time working at Wildplum Studios with several excellent Bay Area players (Suzy Thompson, Robert Powell, James Nash, Doug Harman, Edo Castro, Eliyahu Sills). If you have not had the opportunity to hear Ilene yet I strongly recommend that you come out to her CD release in April, which will benefit Halleck Creek Ranch (A Marin based horseback riding program for disabled kids/adults). Robert Powell and Edo Castro will complete our band and we expect to have a wonderful evening. You can hear clips from all the tracks on the album at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/ileneadar2 or check her out: www.ileneadar.com.

BACK TO SANTA ROSA
Okay you North Bay folks, here is the show for you. I played this venue late last year, thanks to the industrious and multi-talented Kevin Russell, and we had a GREAT time. it's a wonderful cozy setting and a treat to have Kevin chiming in with his tasty guitar/dobro/mandolin/banjo chops. The rockin' Terry Pinnegar and I will be swapping tunes for two sets.

CALIFORNIA COAST MUSIC CAMP 2005
I had the chance to hang out with some of the CCMC folks at their annual retreat in February on the Santa Cruz coast. These folks really know how to maximize their pickin' time! Tucked away in the redwoods for 3 days of round the clock jams (I'm pretty sure the Beatles jam went all night), song circles, a cappella harmony singing, PLUS they feed you 3 great meals a day so all you gotta do is pick pick pick. I will be teaching beginning guitar and finger picking for week 2 at CCMC this year, July 17th - July 23rd.

GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION!!
What better place than Strings to celebrate my Birthday??? Some of you may have attended my fun filled notoriously chocolate oriented birthday shows in years past. I have several friends coming by to sit in and share their songs, we'll sing all the old favorites as well as a few new tidbits. The folks at Strings are especially near and dear to my heart, and I have had the privilege of playing and hosting shows at this wonderful venue for over 10 years. Please mark your calendars and plan ahead because I want YOU there with me...

SAVASANA SONG GIVEAWAY
Since we chose not to include Savasana Song on the new CD, and because so many of you want a copy we decided to GIVE IT AWAY. Visit the music page and download it for FREE. Send it to your friends, and maybe especially to your enemies:

"Inhale love, exhale forgiveness
Make it my business to life in peace
I keep on breathing, keep on believing...
I will be free, I will be free"


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CHECK OUT THE WEB SITE FOR SHOW INFORMATION AND TO ORDER "THE TRUTH STAYS TRUE", "INDEPENDENT GIRL" AND "EVERY NEW DAY".