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PocoNotes Newsletter January, 2009

It's been a while since we've let you know that we're thinking of you, but we are...and have been.  However, in lieu of our year-end note, we opted to let 2008 depart on its own terms and have waited to share our thoughts until 2009 settled in and "showed its hand."

So, we'll start by officially closing out 2008 with some final notes of thanks: 

- to all of our incredible "Hear 'Em" series artists - Patrick Sweany and Billy RoganToby Walker and Charles HaviraSpencer Bohren and Pat Flynn with John Smith,Roy Book Binder and The Young Geezers - all of whom gave so much of themselves to two people on a mission to make the world a better place through music.  We know we're doing something very right to have had Roy's "Book" Report last November say that his visit with us was one of the highlights of his tour of the Northeastern United States!!


- to everyone who came out to support our national - and local - artists and witnessed some of the best music ever played - anywhere

- to our photographers Chad CasterlineJim GavenusGreg Raymond, and Mike Letwinsky - for capturing these amazing events for us...forever

- to Chris and Jason and the entire Endeavor Audio and Lighting team for ensuring that the sound was the impeccable finishing touch to our amazing series of guitar workshops and storytelling concerts 

- to ChefJimi and Leslie, who shared one of our events with us and were moved to help by very thoughtfully providing all of the food and beverages for the "cast and crew" of our closing event of 2008 

- and...to Boy Scout Troop 322 for "standing" with us as our very loyal community partner - since our first event in 2006.

As for 2009...!  With so much going on in the world, sometimes it just seems that "staying still" is the best thing to do.  So, that is what we are doing thus far and, to date, have no shows scheduled - yet.  However, we choose to believe that this simply means that anything and everything is possible.  As soon as we know our plans, since you are on our mailing list...you will be the first to know.

Still, that doesn't mean that we haven't been busy.  We have created a scholarship!  One musician a year has been selected to attend Vanessa and Jorma Kaukonen's prestigious Fur Peace Ranch Guitar Camp...with PocoNotes' compliments.  This music 'haven' has had a tremendous impact on our lives, and we're anxious to share it with some special musicians with the belief that it will do the same for them.

Recently, Billy Rogan spent four days at the ranch, participating in a workshop with Tim Reynolds of The Dave Matthews Band.  In August, our guitar teacher and good friend,Pat Flynn, and his wife, Teri, will join us for our annual Couples Weekend trip where Pat will study directly with Jorma himself.  And, in 2010 [insert drum roll here], another incredible musician and friend, Charles Havira, has been selected to experience all that the ranch has to offer.  Charles will choose a workshop that he feels will best serve his style from the formidable list of instructors who travel to FPR expressly to share their talent and knowledge in a powerful - yet intimate - setting with their students.  We'll let you know what Charles decides.  Until then, we congratulate each and every one of our close musician friends and are so excited for the amazing experience that we know they will have in the loving hands of the Fur Peace Ranch staff.

Next - and as some of you already know, we've taken the proverbial "helm" of a quest to have Hot Tuna's 40 year-musical odyssey acknowledged by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  That's right...and you can help by signing a petition asking that they be inducted into their ranks...sooner than later.  As anyone who has been following Hot Tuna can attest, this is an idea whose time has come!  So, honor us - and them - by adding your signature to ours at http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/hot-tuna.html.  It's quick, it's easy and it's safe.  Best of all, it's something we can all do together to thank Jorma and Jack - and the countless musicians that they've worked with over the years - for giving us 21 albums, legendary epic performances and several generations of listeners that know that Hot Tuna even has a middle name

Okay, that it's for now.  In closing, we'll remind you that we are - all - the descendents of some of the bravest people to have ever lived.  Our ancestors survived tougher times than these and, in fact, some of the greatest art that has ever been produced has been the result of some of this country's darkest hours...as was pointed out in a great article"When bad times make good art" that appeared in the December 22, 2008, issue of the Wall Street Journal.  Whether this was 'cause' or 'effect' is for each of us to ponder.  For us, a bumper sticker that we saw recently says it all..."music really does make the world a better place."

Remember that we're here if any of you would like to drop us a line at notes at PocoNotes.com or, even better, give us a call at (888) 800-POCO.  We always enjoy hearing from you.  If anyone would like more information about our artists, our photographers, our Boy Scouts or the magic that is Fur Peace Ranch, you can either visit our Friends page at www.PocoNotes.com or let us know and we'd be happy to get that information to you.  For those of you on Facebook, you can find us there.  MySpace, too!  And...for NEPA folks, there are brochures on Fur Peace Ranch readily available at both Magdon Music in Olyphant and Gallucci Music in Scranton.    

So, while we are looking at what we can make happen in 2009, one thing is for sure:  we'll see you again, - soon!  Until then, be good to each other...and keep supporting live music.  Your local musicians, as well as the already-legendary ones need you...and we need them.  They are - all - still writing the soundtrack to our lives. 

Peace…really! 

Dolores & Pat
It’s About the Music! 

P.S.  We were asked by MusiCares to help them disseminate information about their free dental service.  So, if you qualify or know somebody that does, please pass this along to them.

 

MusiCares will be sponsoring FREE Dental Services to low-income Philadelphia-area musicians and other music professionals. Services will consist of a dental exam, basic teeth cleaning and polishing, and two bite-wing x-rays, and will be provided by Mobile Dentists.

WHEN:      Thursday, June 11, 2009 - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE:    The Recording Academy Philadelphia Chapter offices
HOW:        Participants must be pre-screened and appointments scheduled in advance. 
CALL:        (877) 303-6962 for information and to apply/register. 
 

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