Frank Emerson: News

Hello Everybody -

Just a few announcements and the like in this quick update and then I'll let you go.

I've been getting a fair number of hits at my website: www.frankemerson.com , averaging in the 50,000 per month range. I know that isn't a lot compared to Britney Spears, but for an old guy, it ain't too shabby. Lots of news and information, my performance calendar, reviews, biography, photographs, a guestbook, various links as well as opportunities to hear cuts from the recordings, buy the recordings themselves by way of charge card, have a look at various gift items, with the possibility of purchase, or of course the non fiction anthology, Clean Cabbage in the Bucket and Other Tales From the Irish Music Trenches (which can also be purchased by way of credit card).

I've recently been informed that you can purchase Clean Cabbage on line at Borders as well as Barnes and Noble. People in the Czech Republic can get it at BookFayre.

It has also recently come to my attention that Firestone Vineyards has recently made available to the public a new wine called "Jarhead Red" www.jarheadred.com. It is a Cabernet Sauvignon with a splash of Merlot which was developed for the Marine Corps Birthday Ball in Los Angeles in 1999. It was such a hit that it made it to other 11 November celebrations throughout the Corps. Now it's available to everyone. The interesting and nicest thing about the wine is that the net profit from each bottle goes to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. This provides academic financial aid to children of fallen marines and Navy Corpsmen.

A little bit of exciting news: I was recently contacted by Charlie McKenna, the executive director of the Irish Cultural Center of Long Island. He invited me to perform at the Long Island Irish Festival, www.liirishfest.com. I accepted. It's the largest festival on the east coast and will be held on 18, 19, 20 July at Abbess Farms, Calverton, NY. The schedule is up and directions and all sorts of information can be found at the festival website.

I guess that's about the lot for now. Let me remind you one more time about the Cell Phones For Soldiers program. www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com. It's certainly worth a look. I've also been asked to remind those of you who send care packages over there, the troops can't do with enough fly strips.

So long for now. Drop a line when you feel like it. Leave a note in the guestbook, if you'd like.

Take care,
Frank

P.S. Got a note from my old pal Mike Chaney, former Ranger, former SF, etc. He sent along this video. Very interesting to understate it. As he put it, "Brace yourself."

http://www.warriorsthefilm.com/Movie.html

My good friend, Pat Waterbury, former Ranger, former SF passed away from natural causes on 9 April. He was in Afghanistan doing what he did virtually all of his adult life - protecting people.

If you'd care to send a note or make a contribution in Pat's name, you can to so at either of the following addresses:

National Ranger Memorial Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 53369
Fort Benning, GA 31995

VFW Foundation
406 W. 34th Street
Kansas City, MO 64111

A couple of things. Happy belated Easter to all. Happy on-going St. Patrick's Day recuperation. That sums them up handily. Now to business.

You may have seen ads on television or in the newspapers for a group called Celtic Thunder - a few fellows who are doing concerts and the like. Some of you may remember the wonderful trad group, Celtic Thunder from Washington, with whom I was privileged to work closely for a number of years. As they used to say in burlesque years ago, I wondered to myself, "What the hey?" As if in answer to that question, a couple of days ago, I received the following attachment in a note from my old friend Terry Winch.



Celtic Thunder played its first gig in May of 1977 at the Harp Pub in Baltimore, and went on to become one of the most influential Irish-American traditional music groups in the U.S. Called “a great Irish band” by the Village Voice and “one of the best Irish folk acts in America” by The Washington Post, the band has released three albums over the years. Its second CD, The Light of Other Days, won the prestigious INDIE award for Best Celtic Album.



Co-founded by Jesse and Terry Winch, who grew up in the Bronx of Irish immigrant parents, Celtic Thunder is best known for Terry Winch’s composition, “When New York Was Irish,” a song that has become a standard on both sides of the Atlantic. Celtic Thunder played the White House twice during the (Bill) Clinton administration. In addition to Jesse and Terry Winch, members of the band over the years have included Linda Hickman, Nita Conley, Steve Hickman, Tony DeMarco, Dominick Murray, Rob Thornburgh, Laura Murphy, and Regan Wick.



Under no circumstances should Celtic Thunder be confused with the PBS t.v. show (and related CD) featuring a variety of commercial Irish and non-Irish material sung by an assortment of male vocalists, collectively calling itself “Celtic Thunder.”



A new compilation of Celtic Thunder’s music, highlighting Terry Winch’s compositions, is now out. Called When New York Was Irish, the CD is available via www.terencewinch.com or from Trade Root Music at www.traderootmusic.com/catalog.html#Winch. A new website with information on the recordings and performances of the original Celtic Thunder members is now under construction.





Now, just before Paddy's Day, I received a note from my friend and reasonable fair singer and musician, Danny Doyle. As you know, Danny's been going through a rough patch physically since his operation last year and has been unable to work. Along with typically intelligent, humorous, Doyle-ish bits of whimsy, he sent the following words about his present condition and the prognosis.





To those who enquired, I'm getting better from my many ailments slowly but surely, but 'twill be some time before I'm back at the yodeling.



I get the feeling from the rest of his note - which I am admittedly too chicken to reveal to you - that it really won't be too long before the Doyler's shining tones will be back to shattering fine crystal all over the place. Whatever his ailments did, they did not diminish his charming curmudgeonly all-encompassing gentle, tolerant G-rated wit.



Finally, this is the ALERT of the subject line. I was scheduled to play at a place called Sullivan's Irish Pub in Ashland, Virginia this Thursday - Saturday and again in April and May. Tipped off by some friends who were unable to get through to the place either by a-mail or phone, I tried to contact the joint. No luck. I phoned the Ashland Town Hall, told the woman my name and predicament and asked if she knew anything about the situation. She told me straight out that the place was closed. I owe my friends a thank you and a drink for saving me a long drive and what would probably have been one gigundo coronary conniption. So, contrary to my previous message to you, it looks like I won't be in the Richmond area after all.



One word of advice: if you run into some fellow named Greg Sullivan who says he was in the Irish Pub business in Ashland, Virginia, don't turn your back on him. And should you, in a moment of weakness, dare to shake hands with this oxygen thief, count your fingers afterward and count yourself lucky not to be doing business with him. Here endeth the lesson.



Go in peace and God bless,

Here we are running up to St. Patrick's Day again. I'll be in Savannah at Kevin Barry's Pub.

My schedule is 10-17 March. Carroll Brown will join me from the 13-17. Harry O'Donoghue will chime in with us on the 14th & 15th. We'll be doing round robin - upstairs and downstairs and then finish off Friday and Saturday evenings with a trio ensemble on the downstairs stage. This is always a real gas.

I'm looking forward to the festivities this year since they'll probably be lasting for about five days. I know this sounds hard to believe, but this is why it's might be so.

Since Easter falls early this year (23 March), the feast of St. Patrick - Paddy's Day - (17 March) is the first day of Holy Week. Therefore, so as to not mess up big time, the parade will be held on Friday, 14 March. Incidentally, this will be the 184th year for Savannah's parade.

Of course you have to prepare for these things, so Thursday the 13th evening will be the dress rehearsal.

Then comes the parade day on Friday the 14th. Mass at 8:00 AM at the Cathedral of St. Jon the Baptist. The parade will kick off at 10:15 AM

Now comes the 15th - a Saturday. As you know, a Saturday can't be just ignored. That would be wrong. So the celebration will continue.

Then Sunday the 16th is Palm Sunday. What better way to celebrate than after mass or services, to adjourn to the pub to talk over the weekend's events after a fashion.

Monday, being the 17th - THE actual day itself - stalwarts will undoubtedly see fit to acknowledge the date in the appropriate, time honored manner.

You can get all sorts of information on St. Patrick's Day Events in Savannah at Savannah Convention and Visitors Bureau or at St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee. Questions about accommodations now - or anytime throughout the year - can be directed to River Street Hotels.

A couple of F.Y.I.s:

1. For those who'd like to observe the Saint's day in a more liturgical way - now or at anytime during the year - my friends Elizabeth and Vincent Hogan operate The Catholic Shop in the River Street Market Place. This is just opposite The Shrimp Factory, at the other end of River Street from Kevin Barry's.

2. I recently booked a new venue in Ashland, Virginia - just north of Richmond: Sullivan's Irish Pub. It's been a while since I've played near the capital city of the commonwealth. It will be good to be there again. I'm booked 27-29 March, 24-26 April and 8-10 May.

3. I'm honored to have been asked to perform at the National Ranger Battalions Association Reunion in Cleveland, Ohio on 19 September. this is the World War II Army Ranger Reunion. I'm proud to be associated with these fine men who, in my opinion, sacrificed and contributed so very much and in the end accomplished nothing less than to save humanity. We owe them and many others everything. Have a look at their website, there is a lot to be learned.

4. Just a quick reminder that Clean Cabbage in the Bucket and Other Tales From the Irish Music Trenches is available at my website. Just scroll down the page and you'll find it. You can even charge it. Same thing about my CDs. You can get them right here. Just click right underneath my photograph on the album you want. You can charge these too!

5. At Cafepress you'll find some interesting clothing, doo-dads, keepsakes, and sundries that might be interesting or even good for a gift or two.

Finally, please join me in thanking the men and women in our armed forces and keeping them in our thoughts, hearts and prayers. It wouldn't hurt if you were to keep your fingers crossed too. If you'd like, please have a look at Cellphones for Soldiers. It's an interesting way for us to do something for them and in most cases won't cost you a thing.

That's it for now, I guess. Probably enough. Here's wishing you and yours a pleasant, peaceful, and entirely enjoyable St. Patrick's Day.

Drop a line if you feel like it.

Happy New Year, everyone. Here's hoping that you and yours are looking at great possibilities for 2008. Even more, that these possibilities turn into probabilities - and even more that these probabilities turn into realities. that's the way things are supposed to go. Right? Right.

Anyway, I have some kind of interesting news. Maybe it's even a little bit exciting. Our book, Clean Cabbage in the Bucket and Other Tales From the Irish Music Trenches, is going to be available at Barnes & Noble and Borders book stores, throughout the country.

There is a bit of a catch here. Although we hope they'll have the book on display, particularly coming up to Paddy's Day, they may not. That doesn't mean they don't carry it.

In order to deal with Barnes & Noble and Borders - as well as the other big box stores, in all probability - the author(s) must have a relationship with a distributor such as Baker & Taylor or Lightning Source (a division of Ingram Publishing). Well, we have established a relationship with BOTH Baker & Taylor and Lightning Source. Therefore, Barnes & Noble and Borders can order Clean Cabbage for you, even if you don't see it anywhere on their shelves. They'll have access to it in their computers by way of those distributors I mentioned.

This is a POD - Print On Demand thing. You ask for it. They print it and send it. That way, theoretically anyway, lots of bookstores can carry us without having a lot of inventory on hand. Many authors go this route in conjunction with traditional methods.

All you have to do is ask for it and they can order it for you. Certainly, the more requests for information about the book - you don't even have to order it from them - the more likely they will be to carry it in the store. They'll see that there's a demand for it and will react accordingly by ordering some to have in stock.

You can locate one of the stores near you by the following means:

Borders Store Locator - http://beta.bordersstores.com/online/store/LocatorView

Barnes & Noble Store Locator - http://storelocator.barnesandnoble.com/?z=y

Waldenbooks Store Locator - http://www.bordersstores.com/locator/locator.jsp

If you could call or e-mail them and request if they can get you Clean Cabbage in the Bucket and Other Tales From the Irish Music Trenches, it would certainly give us a leg up in getting the thing spread all over the place. This is to a purpose.

What we're looking at down the line is doing an audio version of the book, with each author reading his own stories. This is something that's never been done in such a manner and to such an extent and would be a real coup for the publisher who picks up on it. We just have to convince them of this fact.

If we can increase the visibility of the book nation-wide, it would be more likely to catch the eye of a sharp publisher who would realize that we have something unique here. If he's smart enough to pick up on the fact, he'll be the trend setter in the publishing world.

If you make the inquiries at Borders, Barnes & Noble, Waldenbooks and others, you will, in fact, be the flint & flash that sets off the powder for this here musket ball (howzat for writing?).

In the interest of honesty, I've got to tell you the following. If you were to buy the book from one of the bookstores, we - Dennis, Robbie, Harry, Seamus and I - stand to make next to bupkis from each sale. That's an old Irish ( or is that Oy-vey-rish) word that means 'zip', goose-egg, nothing. However the publicity and the chances of future expansion that it would bring is very important as well. So, you can certainly still buy your book through my website: www.frankemerson.com/products or one of the other fellow's websites and we stand to make a bit more. On the other hand, buying it though one of the stores is more than OK too.

It's kind of a trade-off. The point of this note is that the stores will carry it with your help. Then who knows where that will all lead?

Incidentally, at the stores' websites, they will let you write a review of the book, much in the same way you can write a review of any of my records at http://cdbaby.com/found?allsearch=frank+emerson&submit=search.

Anyway thanks for your help on this project. Anything you can do will be much appreciated by all of us here at the shelter.

God bless for now,

This is the last ditch reminder/media blitz for the hilarious and moving non-fiction anthology,

"Clean Cabbage in the Bucket and Other Tales From the Irish Music Trenches"



At over 400 pages and 70-odd stories with 20 pages of photos, it's only a stocking stuffer if you happen to be Sasquatch! It's an out and out good gift. It's re-readable - full of stories you'll want to tell and talk about.

Don't just take my word for it. After all I have a vested interest in the thing. And I'm biased to boot.



Below is what a number of noted/notorious writers and performers had to say about this thoroughly enjoyable book.







--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


"It's a great read and had me in stitches laughing for a few weeks. It tells of life on the road and the fun and frolics of some of our favourite bards. It's well worth a read and would make a great Christmas gift for many Dads out there. Many of my friends have enjoyed it as well. All have the same reaction. …belly laughs!"



- Columnist Shay Clarke/"Raised on Songs & Stories"



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


"Got a copy of the book a while back…Still enjoying it…Glad to know the road hasn't changed…HA! HA!"



Pete St.John /Multi-Time Ireland's Songwriter of the Year

The Rare Ould Times, Fields of Athenry, etc.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




"Expert Storytellers! The great yarns come one after another! Just try reading one story and putting the book down. It's impossible!"



- Mike Farragher /The Celtic Lounge &

- The Irish Voice



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


"Funny, Poignant, Shocking, Memorable, Illuminating, Insightful…a Very Compelling Read and a Top Shelf Selection!"



-John O'Brien, Jr./ The Ohio Irish American News



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


"Great untold stories of the men behind the mike, perfect for dipping into and eclectic in its styles. Damon Runyon meets Frank O'Connor, with a dash of Brendan Behan thrown in for very good measure. I loved it!"



- Irish Writer/Performer/Teacher Declan Forde



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


"I enjoyed the bewk very much! Great stories and all around well-told, but then why wouldn't it be? Ye're all great story tellers!



-Danny Doyle/ Ireland's Leading Balladeer




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


It's as easy to get as slapping a colicky baby off the throne. (Now there's an image)



1. Go to www.frankemerson.com/products

2. Scroll down past the heading for "Clean Cabbage etc..."

3. You'll see three (3) "buy it" buttons. - You'll notice that you can use Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Amex or Bank Account via Paypal.

4. Click on any of them and follow the instructions.

5. It's guaranteed safe and secure.

6. I'll send you a signed copy right away - in time for Christmas!



OH, BY THE WAY...

CDs can be ordered just as easily by clicking here:

www.frankemerson.com/home.html



Right underneath my picture is an order sheet that will connect you directly with CDBaby. You can get them straight from them.



If you like, before you buy, you can listen to tracks from the albums at:

www.frankemerson.com/music.html



Here's wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas.

I trust that everyone had a pleasant and filling Thanksgiving..or is that 'fulfilling'. No matter. You know what I mean. I'll be heading to the warmer climes of Columbia, SC to appear at Delaney's on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

On Sunday, I'll be getting into Savannah a day earlier than my scheduled appearance at Kevin Barry"s all next week . I'm looking forward to Sunday because my multi-talented pal Gabriel Donohue will be closing out his week's stay on Sunday, and quite frankly it is a real thrill to be able to hear him weave his musical spells. Those who have heard him agree that it's hard to believe that one man can produce all that sound and so well too. As Bob and Ray would put it, "He's a real ambi-paradox!" That means he can do several seemingly contradictory things at once and how he does it is a mystery to one and all. I suspect he regularly slips in and out of the 4th dimension, but he sure is a kick to see perform.

"Anyways..."as Pat Garvey would say, I'll be following Gabriel into Kevin Barry's , opening on the 3rd, and appearing through the 9th. This, of course, will cover the 66th anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day on the 7th.

Just recently, I got an e-mail from my pal Bill Harvey, chief of Police in Lebanon, PA. I think the message made a lot of sense and is a proper and timely thing to do, so I'm passing it along to you just as I got it.

The Lebanon City Police Department and Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc. (COPS) a national grief support organization comprised of over 15,000 surviving families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, are asking concerned citizens and law enforcement agencies nationwide to again support Project Blue Light.



During the holiday season you are asked to put blue lights in your holiday decorations and your windows and tie blue ribbons on car antennas to show support for law enforcement officers who have given their lives in the line of duty for the citizens they have served. Additionally, this will be a show of support for those who continue to work the streets 24 hours a day, every day of the year.



For more information - www.nationalcops.org.



On a lighter level, Christmas time followed by Epiphany are just around the corner. Wouldn't this be a good time to purchase a copy of Clean Cabbage in the Bucket and Other Tales From the Irish Music Trenches for yourself or a loved one? You know that it is. Never mind those messy diamonds or cars or things like that. The perfect Christmas present is a copy of this book - a nonfiction anthology or oaver 70 stories, covering 410 pages of words and twenty pages of photographs written by myself and four other reasonable functioning rummies.



You can get your own authographed copy at my website www.frankemerson.com/products.html . You can even pay by credit card there. If you prefer, just send a check for $25 to me via United Stated Postal Service at 790 E. Spiller Street, Wytheville, VA 24382. That takes care of the postage, envelope, autograph and everything.



It has received some decent reviews.



Mike Farragher of The Irish Voice and The Celtic Lounge said, "Expert storytellers! The great yarns come one after another! Just try reading one story and putting the book down. It's impossible!"



John O'Brien, Jr. of The Cleveland Irish American News called it, "Funny, poignant,shocking,memorable, illuminating, insightful. Avery compelling read and a top shelf selection." He went on to say, "The only time I put it down was to give myself time to stop laughing!"



The noted Tyrone folklorist/professor/performer, Declan Forde had this to say, "It tells great untold stories of the men behind the mike, perfect for dipping into and eclectic in its styles. Damon Runyon meets Frank O'Connor, with a dash of Brendan Behan thrown in for very good measure. It's like a night in the pub, the turf fire roaring and five friends regaling you with their well-honed anecdotes. I loved it."



Even our long time buddy and cohort, Danny Doyle weighed in on the subject, "I enjoyed the bewk very much! Great stories and all around well-told, but then why wouldn't it be. Ye're all story tellers."



While we're on the subject of the Doyler, as we sometimes call him, he's going through a bit of a rough patch at the moment. The following appeared in The Irish Voice.



Often overlooked as the unsung heroes of Irish music are the solo ballad singers who are called upon time after time for all kinds of benefits to help out their fellow Hibernians.

Many have toiled in the Irish pub scene and festival stages for decades playing a very important role in the entertainment scene without the safety net of decent health insurance or income options should tragedy befall them.

One of them in need right now is the very classy troubadour Danny Doyle from Dublin, who makes his home in Virginia. With a velvet voice and dramatic flair, Doyle has a way of making even the most familiar Irish songs come alive in bard-like fashion that transports you to the very heart of the song.

After surgery in August for blockage in his carotid artery, that voice is stilled and he is unable to perform for the time being and hence, he isn’t getting paid for his canceled gigs.



That pretty much sums up the situation as it exists for Danny at the moment. He's really doesn't have anything booked for some time to come. There have been a couple of benefits held for him, but there might be some of you who'd like to lend a hand and and help this great talent weather this gale. If you'd feel so inclined, please write a check payable to Danny Doyle. You can send it on to me and I'll see that he gets it - with your compliments.



I suppose that's about it for now. Take care and please remember our men and women in harm's way.

Just a couple of things and then an appeal, of sorts.



I just got back from playing the Topsfield Fair in the town in Massachusetts of the same name - convenient. It was a great time! This is the oldest Agricultural Fair in the United States - started in 1818. They've got it down pat. Like they used to say in the carnivals, 'There's a thrill a minute!' Tons of stuff to see and do. A great time for music and crafts and all sorts of food and of course flora and fauna....Lots and Lots and Lots of fauna! The weather cooperated and whereas Topsfield is located on the North Shore - north of Boston and toward New Hampshire, the countryside was awash with color! I was thrilled to be asked to perform there this year and with luck, I'll have a chance to repeat the experience in 2008.



Now, talking about thrills...We've just received our first reviews of the book, Clean Cabbage in the Bucket and Other Tales from the Irish Music Trenches. I've included them here as attachments. One is by Michael Farragher of the Celtic Lounge and The Irish Voice. The other is by John O'Brien, Jr of The Ohio Irish American News. I've got to tell you, both reviews are excellent! We couldn't be happier - well I guess we could be happier....if we sold like a gazillion copies. We've sent off copies to the Irish Echo and the Chicago Irish American News to see what they think of the book. I'll let you know when those and any other reviews come in.



In the mean time, now is not a bad time to buy a copy of the book just go to my website, www.frankemerson.com, and click on the products link. Or you can click here, and it will take you to the same place. Scroll down past the press release of the book and you'll see Pay Pal Buttons and Buy it now buttons that will allow you to pay by credit card or paypal. Click on it and follow the instructions and I'll send you a copy of the book right away. Let me know if you'd like it autographed. Happy to do it. These books will make terrific Christmas presents or birthday presents or Arbor Day presents etc... you get the idea. Also, I should mention that I of course have CDs available. Again click on www.frankemerson.com and you'll see an order form right below my picture. If you click on the music link, you'll be able to hear lots of cuts from the albums.



I'm off to Savannah on Monday for a week's stay at Kevin Barry's and hope to see a lot of old friends there and of course, maybe make some new ones.



Speaking of old friends, this is where the appeal of sorts comes in. There is an old pal of mine in a bit of a bind at the moment. He's an army vet and recently had a cancer diagnosis handed to him. The prognosis is pretty good, but as you know, these things are dicey. He goes under the knife a little later this month and then they hit him with a barrage of chemotherapy. I know from experience that it's best to bring a howitzer to this gun fight, so I'm asking that you all send up some good, positive prayers and thoughts for this fellow. I hesitate to use his name or mention the type of cancer that has attacked because at this point privacy is a bit important. I'm afraid he won't be getting a whole lot of that in the days to come, so we can give him some now. It's OK though. Take my word for it. The positive thoughts and prayers will definitely get to where they are supposed to go - to him and his family members and primary care giver. Anyway, thanks for your help on this.



I guess I'll close now. As usual, I'll ask you to join me in keeping a good thought and prayer for all those who are in the arena.



Drop a line if you feel like it.



Best for now in an autumnal state of mind,

Just a few quick after action reports and a couple of reminders.

The Grahamfest 2007 on Labor Day went over very well. J.C. Weaver and his whole crew did an incredible job transforming the grounds of the Major Graham Mansion in Max Meadows, Virginia into a pretty extensive festival grounds - complete with four stages (one of which was big enough to have staged South Pacific - using the actual Pacific!) From what I could see, all had a great time: performers and patrons alike - I know I did! They plan on this being an annual Labor Day happening. It will be another event that will put Southwest Virginia on the destination map of national travellers. This is how it should be, I figure - and I'm not even really from there!

I was lucky enough this year to have been asked to help headline the Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival. Even though we had to pull the plug early on the Friday evening - due to Mother Nature throwing a huge fit - complete with interesting and dangerous special effects, the event was, by all standards a great success. There were loads of performers representing numerous nations - whihc also had food concessions set up. The arts & crafts sections were fabulous. Wonderful pioeces of work were available at very reasonable prices. This was the first time I got to spend any length of time in Augusta, although I'd appeared at an AOH function once before. Each time, the Augustans treated me with universal politeness and courtesy. They bowled me over. What a time.

The Eddie Ivie Memorial Scholarship Concert went down very well indeed. This was the second year of the event, titled Gaels of Music II. ,and I'm grateful to have been involved both years. Presented by the Irish Studies Department (headed by our friend Dr. Howard Keeley from Dublin) at Georgia Southern in Statesboro, Georgia I did my twist along with Harry O'Donoghue, Mary Courtney. Bob Hendrix, Colleen Settle, Butch Elmgren, Stephen Faulk and the Irish Dancers of Savannah. Like he did last year, Vic Power, of Kevin Barry's Pub in Savannah offered a deal wherein patrons could have heavy hors d'ouvres and drink at the pub before time, get a drink supplied bus ride to the concert, a deal at intermission, a drink filled bus ride back to the pub afterwards and a nightcap at the pub at about midnight. What a deal!

On Columbus Day, 8 October, at 2, 3, and 5 in the afternoon, I'll be performing on the picnic area stage at the Topsfield Fair, in Topsfield, Massachusetts. Established in 1818, this 10-day event is America's oldest Agricultural Fair, and it is an honor to be asked to appear at the venue.

I suppose it's never too early to think about Christmas. You might want to keep in mind the new book, "Clean Cabbage in the Bucket and Other Tales for the Irish Music Trenches", written by Harry O'Donoghue, Dennis O'Rourke, Robbie O'Connell, Seamus Kennedy and myself. It is still available. You can order it through my products link on my website. Just scroll down the page until you get to the title of the book and a blurb about it. Just below that is a series of PayPal buttons. Press anyone of them. They all work. I'll send you a copy as quick as a wink. I'll even inscribe it however you like. All for $25. Not too bad - It's 400+ pages of non-fiction tales of adventures and misadventures in the Irish show business world along with 20 pages or so of photos and daguerre-o-types. It's a sure fire attention getter - replete with laughter, some sadness, and a lot of sentiment.

That's about it for now. I continue to pray for our friends in the arena, doing all they can and more for our benefit.

There are a few things I’d like to share with you. Starting this Thursday, I’ll be doing the Delaney’s circuit. 23 – 25 August, I’ll be at Delaney’s in Spartanburg, SC. It will be my first time there and I’m looking forward to it. The following week is another 3-day stint, this time at Delaney’s in Columbia, SC. (30 August – 1 September) I always look forward to working with the fine people there.



On Labor Day, 3 September, I’ll be appearing at GrahamfestUSA in Max Meadow, VA. It’s a one-day multi-stage, multi-genre music festival. Sponsored by bandleader/singer/songwriter Josiah “J.C.” Weaver, it promises to be quite a family-oriented event held on the beautiful grounds of the Major Graham Mansion. I’ll be performing on the folk stage – one of four stages – from 1:45 – 2:45. Have a look at the GrahamfestUSA website for all the details. Thanks to Carroll Brown for enabling me to do this gig.



The following day, 4 September, I’ll be taking over the con from Carroll at the best listening room in the entire U. S of A; Kevin Barry’s in Savannah. I’ll be there right through 9 September.



Michele Bond from Kevin Barry's , has sent out the following announcement about the 2nd Annual Eddie Ivie Irish Scholarship Fund Concert to be held in the Emma Kelly Theatre at the Averitt Center, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA on the 18th of September. Kevin Barry's is putting on the dog for this one. All for a $50.00 per person donation you get an Irish Buffet at Kevin Barry's starting at 4:30 PM (cash bar), Transportation to The Emma Kelly Theatre and back to Kevin Barry's (Bus departs at 6:00 PM - Beer and Wine all the way up and back) Admission to the concert, which starts at 7:30 PM. This year the show features Mary Courtney, Frank Emerson, Harry O'Donoghue, and the Irish Dancers of Savannah. Guest Apperances feature Stephanie Dittmer, Butch Elmgren, and Bob Hendrix. You get Green Room Priviledges during Intermission. You'll also get a Nighcap at Kevin Barry's on the Second Floor Balcony when the bus returns to River Street. For further information, to purchase tickets, or to make a donation, please contact Michele at 912-233-9626 or at contact@kevinbarrys.com



Now, I know that you’re all aware that Harry O’Donoghue, Dennis O’Rourke, Robbie O’Connell, Seamus Kennedy and I have published a book called Clean Cabbage in the Bucket and Other Tales from the Irish Music Trenches. You’re aware that you can get it by mail from me or by way of paypal via my website at http://www.frankemerson.com/products.html. Then just scroll down the page and you’ll bee a blurb about the book and then a “Buy It Now” button. Either way, the cost is a total $25.00 ($21.95 plus $3.05 P&H). You’re also onto the fact that it’s a 6 X 9 Trade Paperback, 400+ page, 20-picture page collection of non-fiction (pretty much) short stories about some of the adventures that we’ve had on the Irish/Folk circuit over the past 30-odd years. Irish music fans and afficionados would love to receive it as a gift on any occasion - wakes, weddings, conversions, births, re-births, birthdays, or holidays of each and every fashion, nation or relation. It really is a good book and thoroughly enjoyable. You really, really should have it in your library or in the library of someone for whom you care.



Continuing on this literary course, as an erstwhile British comedy troupe would put it: And now for something completely different.



I want to tell you about another book that’s also just been released by yet another Irish guy, Sean Hayes. Not the one on Will and Grace, a different one – which is for the best.



If you’ve ever been moved by the stories of Snorri Sturlesen, Gilgamesh, or Tolkein, The Venerable Bede. Beowulf, Chaucer, even the great Cu Chullainn, you’re going to be tickled by The Breagagh Saga. Hayes, an Irishman from Kilkenny , has taken up the gauntlet to explain the Irish story in an inimitable manner. Mixing folklore, fantasy, saints, sinners, songs, stories and gobshytes, Sean moves back and forth through time and space from Ireland to America – and even explains the reason for Colin Farrell.



Along the way, he presents memorable characters who tug at the emotions and with whom you feel quite familiar and comfortable by the end of the tales. From hilarious to sorrowful, from sentimental to wittily sage, Sean has crafted a work that is unique in its presentation and thoroughly enjoyable in its reading.



Hayes talks to the reader. It’s almost as if you’re sitting by, listening to a shanachie. Of course he stretches the truth a bit, but he’s supposed to – so why would he not.



G.K. Chesterton said, “The Irish are the race that the gods made mad. All their wars are happy and all their songs are sad.” Sean Hayes is up there with the best of them. As he would put it himself, maybe he’s a little touched.



To be honest, this is not the type of book I usually read, but I’m very glad that I did. Yes, I am. I recommend it without reservation. Well done, Sean.



You can find out all the details of how to get The Breagagh Saga at www.authorhouse.com. Check in the bookstore section.



That’s about it for now. Drop a note whenever you feel like it. Enjoy the rest of the warm August weather. September’s coming on and I can feel that nip in the air as I think about it. Oh rats. I’m sitting on the ice tray again.



God Bless our troops.

Frank Emerson
790 E. Spiller Street
Wytheville, VA 24382
Home & Fax: 276-228-6726
Cell: 276-613-0598
E-Fax: 509-562-8833
E-mail: femerson@embarqmail.com

I just received the following from Ed Ward of the Milwaukee Irish Festival

"Hello friends - it's a sad day today as Irish music has lost it's most passionate and ardent advocate. Tommy Makem passed away tonight at 7 p.m. after what I would have to call a heroic struggle to maintain his life style, love of music and performing, and contact with his many admirers and friends. He battled his cancer in his own way and fought it bravely and without complaints. "Ever onward and upward' he would say. I spoke to him about 2 weeks ago the day after he returned from Ireland. We talked for about a half an hour about his trip, how wonderful it was to see the parade of people who came to visit him in the hotel, relatives, old friends, the archbishop. He said he was very sad when he boarded a plane to leave Ireland - clearly knowing he would not see it again. He desperately wanted to make it to Milwaukee this year so we discussed plans on what we would do as it was evident he would not be able to perform. But he planned to be there anyway.

We are going ahead with these plans and Tommy's slots will be billed as "REMEMBERING TOMMY MAKEM" and will be led by his nephews Tom and Jimmy Sweeney, Brian Doherty, Kevin Evans and Eugene Byrne and other close friends. The Makem and Spain Brothers will also be in Milwaukee so it should be a special celebration of Tommy's life and love for the music of Ireland. "

Tommy was a living legend on the Irish Music scene, as most of you know. In fact, he will still be a living legend and will continue to be so for as long as people play and sing about the beauty, pride, and glory of Ireland. His association with the Clancy Brothers was probably the biggest influence in popularizing Irish folk music. I know for certain that they were responsible for bringing many performers into the business.

His sons and anyone else who performs these days will continue to perpetuate his music and his integrity.

He stood by his guns and in doing so, he led by example.

I was proud to have known him, honored to have shared stages with him and will continue to thank him and his memory for kindnesses shown to me.

May God Bless him and his family including my friends Rory, Conor and Shane.

Holy Toledo - Will wonders never cease? Do you believe in miracles? Are there guys named "Tex" in Texas? Is Clean Cabbage in the Bucket and Other Tales From the Irish Music Trenches finaally in print? The answer to all of the preceding questions is, "Yes, Ma'am! Yes, Sir!" It's not only in print, but it's now available. To those of you who already ordered the thing LAST YEAR, for crying out loud, signed copies will be on the way to you on Monday. Thank you for your patience. Below is the press release for the book.

New Anthology of True Stories from the Irish Music Circuit

Five musicians share their memories of over 30 years on the road.

(Wytheville, VA) CLEAN CABBAGE IN THE BUCKET And Other Tales From the Irish Music Trenches is a collaborative effort between five professional traveling Irish singer/songwriters. Digging into their bags of memories, the fellows have come up with over 70 stories that make for some thoroughly enjoyable reading.



The anthology is the brain child of Dennis O'Rourke, one of the authors, who also acted as in-house editor of the project. Dennis, together with Robbie O'Connell, Frank Emerson, Harry O'Donoghue and Seamus Kennedy, has put together a group of stories that are just as unique as the five-way partnership.



There have been memoirs of musicians before. However, there has never been anything quite like this. Engaging, revealing and intimate, you'll feel as if the fellows are talking right to you. Stories you want? Stories you get. And the best part is that they're true!



Written in the unique style of each musician, this is a book of personal experience -short, often humorous stories about that life; the bars and the club owners; the audiences and the occasional brawl; the hotels, the oddball characters met along the way; the guitars, the women and the music. In effect, the reader would be eavesdropping on a group of entertainers sharing road stories backstage.



These are the types of stories that musicians tell to each other when their paths infrequently cross. It is a rare thing to get a group of players together to put out a piece of work such as this. The painstaking process of writing and assembling took five years, as they made time to jot their stories down, flesh them out, edit and re-edit and finally come up with a finished product.

Providing a further look into what makes these performers tick, scattered throughout the book are insightful interviews with each author.



You'll find out exactly what's boiling with Clean Cabbage in the Bucket, who exactly is Charles Beauregard Finnegan. You'll see how to come clean in The Soap Creek Saloon, nearly get blown away by The Tornado, and get a little Bawdy in New Hampshire. Those are just some of the adventures related.



It has been said that the Irish/American pub scene is the last vestige of Vaudeville. It stands to reason that these Irish-American performers are the last of the Vaudevillians. They know that the show must go on. They love what they do for a living and are thankful to be able to do it. This shows in their writing.



There is a pride and a gratitude that shines through - even in the hard times. That these fellows have survived over thirty years, and succeeded, in what is a rough and tumble business is to their credit. That they are willing to share a good number of their best reminiscences - touching, funny sad and everything in between – is a rare find.



CLEAN CABBAGE IN THE BUCKET And Other Tales From the Irish Music Trenches is available where the fellows play, over the Internet, as well as in selected bookstores. For more information and to read an excerpt, go to www.frankemerson.com and click on the "products" link.

Or send $20.00 (plus $2.50 p & h) to Frank for an autographed copy.

Here's hoping that you celebrated America's birthday in real style and had a good time, with good feelings and good fellowship.

We had quite the shindig at Kevin Barry's in Savannah. The USS Monterey (CG 61) was in port over the holiday. The officers and crew made Kevin Barry's their home ashore. We were all glad to meet and talk and even have a few drinks with them. All were gentlemen and even did a bit of participating in the way of singing. Of course we all wish the ship and her entire complement 'fair seas and following winds'.

All, however, was not without incident. I got a message from my pal Leo Rahill from the Philadelphia CSI, that his good friend and a hero of all of ours, "Wild" Bill Guarnere, Easy Company, 506 PIR, 101 ABN, had a heart attack. You all probably remember Bill as one of the prominent members of "The Band of Brothers". He's doing as well as can be expected, but I know he'd appreciate it if you could keep him in your prayers. Bill's buddy and long time cohort from South Philly and Easy Company, Edward "Babe" Heffron, is keeping Leo apprised of the situation and is returning the favor of vigilance that Bill gave to him a couple of years back when he wasn't doing all that great.

I guess that's it. If you will, please send a thought or prayer up for old Wild Bill.

Just a quick update.

I was fortunate enough to perform in concert for the Ancient Order of Hibernians Richmond 1 Division - Augusta, GA along with Lillie Morris and Solstice, The Skelligs and The Augusta Irish Dancers. We had a packed house and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves quite a bit.

Bill Berry, the State President of the AOH along with everyone on staff for the event came through like the champions they are. Speaking of champions, the Augusta Irish Dancers had a number of their members qualify recently for the Nationals as well as the World Championship competitions. That's really something to be proud of, as you all probably know.

We also had luminaries from Georgia Southern University, Joe Dougherty and his wife, from the National AOH as well as a couple of surprises for me - Gene Owens, a newspaperman in the Ben Hecht/Charlie MacArthur mould, Dave Patterson from Hendersonville, NC and a fine former Marine and genuine patriot - who is still in the arena - Zach Zittle and his lovely wife, Aleksandra. There is a picture of Zach and me in the photo section.

I was lucky enough to get picked up for a few dates in August, September and November at Delaney's of Spartanburg, SC. You can see the listing on the calendar section of my website.

As we come up on the 4th of July, I invite you to remember along with me the words of The Declaration of Independence:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

With these words acting as impetus, I am reminded further of the words of Mark Twain:

It is a worthy thing to fight for one's freedom; it is another sight finer to fight for another man's.

And with those words in mind, I can't help but think - with gratitude - of all of the fine representatives of the United States who are doing just that. For as Franklin Roosevelt said, "In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved."

Cpl. Charles W. Lindberg, USMC, the last of the original Iwo Jima flag raisers, Purple heart and Silver Star recipient, passed away Sunday, 24 June. He wasone of those fellows who were "just doing their jobs" during World War II.

Take care for now and all the best. Drop a line if you like. I'll see you down the road.

Hello All There -

I hope that you'll give this short piece a read and then have a look at my comment afterward. Thanks.

Voices of D-Day: Thomas Valence (Sgt., A Company, 116th Infantry, 29th Division)


We proceeded toward the beach, and many of the fellows got sick. The water was quite rough. It was a choppy ride in, and we received a lot of spray.

Our boat was one of six of A Company in the first wave, and when we got to the beach, or close to it, the obstacles erected by the Germans to prevent the landing were fully in view, as we were told they would be, which meant the tide was low.

I was the rifle sergeant and followed Lieutenant Anderson off the boat, and we did what we could rather than what we had practiced doing for so many months in England. There was a rather wide expanse of beach, and the Germans were not to be seen at all, but they were firing at us, rapidly, with a great deal of small-arm fire.

As we came down the ramp, we were in water about knee high, and we started to do what we were trained to do -- move forward, and then crouch and fire. One of the problems was we didn't quite know what to fire at. I saw some tracers coming from a concrete emplacement which to me looked mammoth. I never anticipated any gun emplacements being that big. I attempted to fire back at that, but I had no concept of what was going on behind me. There was not much to see in front of me except a few houses, and the water kept coming in so rapidly, and the fellows I was with were being hit and put out of action so quickly that it become a struggle to stay on one's feet. I abandoned my equipment, which was very heavy.

I floundered in the water and had my hand up in the air, trying to get my balance, when I was first shot. I was shot through the left hand, which broke a knuckle, and then through the palm of the hand. I felt nothing but a little sting at the time, but I was aware that I was shot. Next to me in the water, Private Henry G. Witt was rolling over towards me. "Sergeant, they're leaving us here to die like rats. Just to die like rats." I certainly wasn't thinking the same thing, nor did I share that opinion. I didn't know whether we were being left or not.

I made my way forward as best I could. My rifle jammed, so I picked up a carbine and got off a couple of rounds. We were shooting at something that seemed inconsequential. There was no way I was going to knock out a German concrete emplacement with a .30-caliber rifle. I was hit again, once in the left thigh, which broke my hip bone, and a couple of times in my pack, and then my chin strap on my helmet was severed by a bullet. I worked my way up onto the beach, and staggered up against a wall, and collapsed there. The bodies of the other guys washed ashore, and I was one live body amongst many of my friends who were dead and, in many cases, blown to pieces.


6 June 1944 - Sixty-three years ago, a whole lot of pea-green soldiers, sailors and airmen participated in what Ike referred to as a great crusade. He was correct in calling it that. Those young men did nothing less than fight against, and triumph over, a horrible evil. We owe them a debt of gratitude.

My friend, Bob Slaughter, with whom I collaborated on a song about his experiences on D-Day as an NCO with D Company, 116th Infantry, 29th Division, has just released a book. Omaha Beach and Beyond: The Long March of Sergeant Bob Slaughter has been published by Zenith Press, a foremost publisher of military history. I have read it. Hell, I couldn't put it down. That it is riveting is putting it mildly. He tells his story straight from the shoulder and pulls no punches. Damn, it's good.

If you'd like to get a copy, you can do so at the Zenith Press or at Amazon

If you'd like a copy of the song Bob and I wrote, "A New Dawn Forever", it is on an extended play CD and is available through the National D-Day Memorial Foundation. All proceeds from this recording go to the preservation and upkeep of the Memorial at Bedford, Virginia and the National Museum in New Orleans. You can link to both Amazon and the D-Day Memorial at my website in the Products Section

Stephen Ambrose, author of The Band of Brothers, once looked his son Hugh Ambrose in the eye and said, "I want to introduce you to my hero: Bob Slaughter." Bob, and men like him, are heroes to all of us. This is as it should be.

We're coming up on the St Patrick's Day festivities again. I could be wrong, but it seems to me this happens every year around 17 March. I think there might be an annual trend starting.

I'm writing this note now because I'll be heading to Savannah to appear at Kevin Barry's (www.kevinbarrys.com) on Monday the 12th. I'm reasonably sure that I'll be pretty busy and unable to get near a computer to send out an e-mail on the day itself. Even if I were able to do so, there is a good chance that the message would read as if I were typing in tongues - if this year turns out to be par for the course.

While I'll be taking the con on the ship of stage on the 12th, 13th, and 14th - Harry O'Donoghue (www.harryodonoghue.com) and Carroll Brown (www.carrollbrownmusic.com) will be joining me on the 15th, 16th, and 17th. We'll be doing some long-distance running on those days, but we always have a great time when we get to perform as a trio. It's a gas.

On Sunday, the 18th, Harry will be heading off to Pennsylvania for a series of concerts and so Carroll and I will have the watch on the final day of St. Patrick's hoop-la.

On Friday, the 16th at 1630 hours in Madison Square (at Bull St. and Harris & Charlton Sts.) is the patriotic ceremony honoring the military and Sgt. William Jasper. He was a hero of the Battle of Sullivan's Island, SC where on 28 June 1776, he saved and re-planted the colors of the 2nd South Carolina Regiment, the Moultrie Flag, as a rallying point for the American troops. In attempting a similar action during the Siege of Savannah on 9 October 1779, he was killed by enemy fire and buried in a common grave. The statue of Sgt. Jasper was erected in the square in 1888.

On the 17th, the 183rd Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade kick's off at about 1015 hours. Of course there will be a Mass celebrated at 0800 hours at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Savannah's parade is one of the best and most well attended in the country and it is always held on the 17th - come hell or high water.

It's quite a scene throughout the city over these few days. River Street is something to experience. Have a look at the Savannah Waterfront Association's website and at the Savannah B & B website for all sorts of intel about the "rules of engagement" for the affair.

On a different track, I've a very early announcement. I will have the good fortune to be performing as part of "An Pub Night in Ireland" at The Clubhouse, 1285 Broad Street, Augusta, Georgia on 16 June. I will be part of a show put together by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Richmond 1 Division, Augusta (www.aohaug.com). I'll be sharing the bill with The Skelligs (named after the islands off the coast of Kerry) They are a fine group that consists of Kenny Scott, Dan O'Connell and Gavin Winship. The marvelous traditional fiddler Lillie Morris and Solstice will be there as well. To complete everything, the Augusta Irish Dancers always give quite a show. It should be quite an evening. The show will start at about 1900 hours (7:00 PM) Tickets are available for $15.00. They can be purchased or reserved from Mr. Terry Wick at 706-955-6524. He should be able to answer any questions you might have about the thing. Mr. William (Bill) Berry, the State President of the AOH, will be glad to answer any further questions. He can be reached at whberry@mindspring.com.

My pal, Ranger Bryan Schrader is healing quite well after his untoward and speedy close encounter with terra firma from an un-natural altitude. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers in his behalf. They continue to play no small part in his ongoing recovery. Details of his circumstances can be read in the 22 February article in the NEWS section.

The latest skinny on Clean Cabbage in the Bucket and Other Tales from the Musical Trenches is that the damned thing is still in the works, but almost ready. Thank you for your patience in this matter - particularly those of you who have already ordered and paid for it. Believe me, as soon as I get them, you'll get them. I've already addressed the padded envelopes so there will be no time wasted in getting the books to the USPS. (There's all sorts of information, should any of you want to order through the mail and an excerpt from the book in the PRODUCTS section.)

I guess I've gone on long enough. Let me wish all of you a safe, peaceful and enjoyable, and reasonably no -worse-for -wear St. Patrick's Day. Finally, thanks to and God bless our armed forces, police, firefighters and all who are in the arena.

Drop a line some time.

The 16th Annual Savannah Irish Festival was, by all accounts, a roaring success. Lots of fun and laughs. I was proud to be associated with it.

Just received the letter below from Courtney Barnes about our pal Bryan Schrader and his parachuting mis-step. I'll sign off here and let you read Courtney's letter. Will talk more around Paddy's Day.


Hello all!!!

This is the first opportunity I've taken to read emails and actually respond!!! :) If the rehab hospital had wireless internet, I'd have been on here much sooner!!!

I wish to first express our thanks and gratitude to all of you who have kept Bryan in your prayers. He is such an incredibly special person to many people, and I truly am blessed to have him, not only ALIVE but, in the condition he's in...considering the outrageously amazing things that his body has been through. His mental, physical, and spiritual strength have kept him going...and will continue to...as well as the overwhelming love and support from friends and family such as yourselves!

Just to sort of clear up what his body has actually been through... He had some subarachnoid hemorrhages in his brain that initially caused some excrutiating migraines but have since continued to clear themselves up...taking the migraines away with them! His C5-C7 (cervical/neck) vertebrae have herniated discs that require him to wear a neck brace for three weeks, and they should clear themselves up within 10 weeks. The transverse process ("wings") of his L4 (lumbar) is fractured...thankfully not the actual "body" of the vertebrae - so NO spinal cord damage...NO nerve damage. His right sacrum is fractured, resulting in two pins...the left pubic bone was fractured, but nothing really can be "done" about it as far as hardware goes...the right femur was grossly fractured right below the hip joint (no joint damage), resulting in a rod with accompanying pins...the left tibia and fibula were fractured, initially thought to be a "simple" compound but ended up being a little more "messy", resulting in a rod and plate with pins. There was actually some penetration in his shin sized about the diameter of a pencil, but no protruding bone (and no resulting infection). Last, but certainly not least, a broken toe or two on the left foot. I say a prayer every day that he was wearing his full-face helmet, in lieu of another one he has the option of wearing, because the result would not be a pretty one... Because of his inability to get out of bed (or even of being conscious in the beginning), a DVT (blood clot) formed in his right leg, resulting in an IVC (inferior vena cava) filter being placed inside, near the groin, to protect from any clot breakage...and the possible pieces of fat, etc., that were broken up during the fractures. And...WOW!!!...NO ribcage damage (just some superficial bruising), NO internal organ damage, NO arm or hand damage...I mean...WOW!!! I see him now maneuvering himself around with his upper-body strength and thank God that he at least has that to his advantage.

He spent the 25th-5th in Saint Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix...and was transferred to Yuma Rehab on the 5th and will be there until the 19th, unless they can discharge him sooner. We hope sooner because he's pretty much maxed out on the therapy he is able to perform at this point...he misses home...and home misses him (our kitty cries for him everyday, I hear, as does our roomie's pup, who we've become "foster parents" to!!!). Because his legs/feet are zero weight-bearing for three months, the amount of physical and occupational therapy that can be performed, and practiced for three hours everyday, is severely limited...however, I suspect that when that time comes around for us to start walking again...I probably won't be able to keep up!!!

His spirits are excellent, and I have to extend out to all of you that it is, in part, because of the love, support, thoughtfulness, and prayers from friends and family that have been here for him, and myself, during this challenging time. The other part...well, come on...he's a "big, tough Ranger"!!! hehehe Seriously, he and I are so thankful to find that so many hold us so dear to their hearts...and for that, we are eternally grateful!

The next...let's say "year"...is going to be a challenging road for us...but Bryan is prepared for the journey: ready to take things as they come, always ready to push when he needs to push, and is being smart enough to do what's right for his body when it is required (and for that, you can't imagine how proud I am of him!!!). I know that your continued love and support and prayers will only enhance that for him!!!
Thank you again for the prayers and concern

I'd like to go on record to state that as far as I know, I am reasonably certain that I am not the father of Anna Nicole Smith's kid. Further, no matter what the breathless female announcer on one of the news channels mentioned, I feel safe in announcing that neither is Howard K. "SMITH". However, with deference to and some embarrassment for her husband's sake, I feel compelled to confess that there was a time, many, many years ago, that I think I may have had a dalliance with Zsa Zsa Gabor. Liquor was involved.

Hello out there -

I don't know how the weather is where you are right now, but here in Southwest Virginia, it's so cold the lawyers have their hands in their own pockets.

Well next week, on Saturday and Sunday - 17 & 18 February, the Festival Committee will present the 16th annual Savannah Irish Festival at the Savannah Civic Center. All sorts of information about the thing - including contact information and performance schedules - is available at their website -www.savannahirish.org. This is always a family oriented affair with special children's activities and entertainment in a special area. The whole production reflects a cooperative spirit between, and efforts on the part of, the many local and national Celtic organizations and businesses who have pulled together yearly since 1992. I'm delighted to play a part in it again this year.

One of my favorite bits of the festival is the "Songwriters' in the Round" session. This will take place at around 1330 each day on the Buttimer Cultural stage. Harry O'Donoghue (www.harryodonoghue.com)chairs the thing. With him will be Roger Drawdy (www.roger.drawdy.com), Kevin McKrell (www.mckrells.com), Carroll Brown (www.carrollbrownmusic.com), and me. It's always been interesting and great fun in the past and promises to be likewise this year.


Congratulations and a "Holy Smokes, Ain't that Great!" go out to our friend, the extremely talented Kristina Beatty. She was just signed by the Blue Note record label. That's the same label that features Norah Jones. It is also the home to the likes of Harry James, Count Basie and Nat Cole – among others. Now that's a lot of class. Consequently, it seems to me that Kristina is going to fit in just fine.

On a somewhat more serious note, a good pal of ours, Ranger Bryan Schrader, U.S. Army, has been involved in a pretty serious parachute mishap. Are there any other kinds? It looks like the tough SOB is going to be OK, but recuperation might be a bit rough. Please join me in keeping him in your prayers and that his recovery is as speedy, complete, and painless as possible.

I guess that's about it for now. Good luck and take care. I've got to run now as I've just received a message on the other line from Smokey the Bear saying that it's so cold here, he wants everyone to start fires.

Drop a line some time.

My friend Deloras Nelms wrote the following:

"As we begin this beautiful season, I hope tht each of you is in good health, faithful spirit, and enjoying the wonderful freedom that so many take for granted. Let us remember all the men and women who have given their lives or alk in harm's way every day, so that we may reap the fruits of their labor. Please keep them and their families in your daily prayers"

If any of you would care to take a pittance of time to send a free postcard to say 'thank you' to an unnamed member of the U.S. armed forces, please click on www.letssaythanks.com. It's quick. It's free, and it's appreciated.