PocoNotes Newsletter 2010-4: September 11, 2010
Nine Years Ago Today...
Many of you already know that the idea for PocoNotes had its origin in the stairwell of Tower 2 on that fateful morning nine years ago today...as Pat was making his way out of the building for what we now know was the last time.
It has often been said that you never really know how you'll react when faced with adversity. Our response to one of the most horrific acts in the history of this civilization was to commit to do our part to make the world a little less crazy and, hopefully, a wee bit kinder in a way that we could...in a way that mattered to us. This translated into bringing good music and good people into inspirational settings where the artists and their audiences create something special together. It's where respect abounds - for the artists, the audience and the venues - in Northeastern Pennsylvania - an area which is a truly beautiful little corner of the world - and where to choose to call our home.
We've been blessed countless times in this journey by the amazing experiences we've shared with the wonderful people we've met along the way. One of these is Jack Woodbridge, a singer/songwriter, who was "living the dream" until, one day, when it suddenly began to feel more like a nightmare. Jack's powerful - and compelling - response to his own personal adversity is what our last event - and our next one, too - are all about.
You see...when we hosted Jack's debut performance of his new CD, "Jack of Hearts," it was a powerful night of sharing music that he created during some of the darkest days of his life. However, there was so much love and support shown by his hometown family, friends and neighbors at the event...and a CD-signing line that lasted a full two hours...that we just knew that we would have to do it again. So we are...and on October 9th, Jack will reprise the magic and lead us all in a celebration of what's possible when life gives you a "Second Chance." However, it isn't a coincidence that this is also the 70th anniversary of the birth of the legendary singer/songwriter, John Lennon. In fact, it wouldn't be hard to "imagine" Jack's doing something special in his honor. Hmmm!
Once again, Jack, who is the composer of hundreds of songs, two Off-Broadway scores and a rock opera for National Public Radio - among other successes, will tell the story of the 10 days that changed his life - forever if not for better - at the premier venue for just such an event: the stunningly beautiful St. Luke's Episcopal Church at 232 Wyoming Avenue in Scranton. The doors will open at 7:30 p.m. for an 8:00 p.m. grand entrance by Jack that is not to be missed.
Tickets are on sale now by Maureen Duffy, the "Queen of Bling" at Duffy Accessories (218 Linden Street, Scranton) and the equally dynamic mother/daughter team of Kathie and Amanda Fox at The Fanciful Fox (342 Adams Avenue, Scranton). They're also available directly from us at www.PocoNotes.com. They're $20 in advance and $25 at the door. As always, children under 12 are invited to join an accompanying adult as our guests. It's our way of helping to create special memories across generations. However, if you were at Jack's debut performance, we have an extra special thank you to share with you: our "two-for-one" ADVANCE ticket "repeat offender" special! A portion of our proceeds will be donated to St. Luke's as a humble thank you for allowing us to host another event in their beautiful space...and for their on-going, deep commitment to the arts community in general.
So, come for the show, and stay for the post-concert refreshments and "meet and greet" with Jack. It will be a great time to buy a copy of "Jack of Hearts" to have as a reminder of this amazing night of music....but, trust us, you'll want to line up for Jack's autograph early. In fact, you can buy your copy before the show and bring it with you for Jack to sign. Ms. Duffy and The Fanciful Fox ladies have copies available now. For more information about this event...or any of the other 49 musicians we've hosted, you can visit us at www.PocoNotes.com. If you'd prefer, you can give us a call at (888) 800-POCO. We'd love to hear from you. The really brave can venture onto Facebook where you'll see our daily ramblings about - oh, well...everything.
That's it for now. However you decide to spend today, please take a moment to acknowledge those lives that were lost or devastated by the senseless acts of nine years ago today...and the military personnel who, as a result, continue to sacrifice their own freedom so that we can maintain ours. We're just two people who have chosen to step out of the darkness of this tragedy and work to shine yet another positive light on this beautiful place we choose to call home...and to follow the sacred "moments of silence" with music that is worthy of our time - and yours.
So, as we continue to navigate this PocoNotes journey, we send our thanks to all who have already shown your support by welcoming our musicians with a warm and enthusiastic audience. We work very hard to create an event that gives the "troubadours," whose itinerary typically brings them to NEPA for one brief moment in time, a reason to want to return. Without exception, we know that their visit with us is one of the highlights of their touring lives...but, simply put, we can't do it without you. We'll honor those who cannot be with us any more...with their own words: "Are you guys ready? Let's roll."
Dolores & Pat
It’s About the Music!
