Frank Emerson: News

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.

History - in every century,
records an act that lives forevermore.
We'll recall - as in to line we fall,
the thing that happened on Hawaii's shore.


Let's REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR -
As we go to meet the foe -
Let's REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR
As we did the Alamo.


We will always remember -
how they died for liberty,
Let's REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR
and go on to victory.


This song, by Don Reid and Sammy Kaye echoes today on this 65th Anniversary of the Day of Infamy. Every 5 years since 1946, the Pearl Harbor Survivors' Association has met in Hawaii to comemorate, remember and render honors. According to the association president, former Marine Mal Middlesworth, this might be the last reunion. It figures to be true since most of these fellows are now well into their 80s and 90s. Middlesworth said tht he didn't think too many of them would be around for the 70th Anniversary.

This, then, is a special day. We could and should take a lesson from these Pearl Harbor survivors and their families. Sure, their motto is 'Remember Pearl Harbor'. However, that is only the first half of the motto. The second half - and this is the truth - is 'Keep America Alert'. It has always been thus.

I think that this is especially fitting. It is also ironic in the light of the sneak attack on 9/11. It's not that we didn't have signs before. Remember the Marine Barracks in Beirut? We didn't heed the lesson imparted by the Pearl Harbor Survivors. Let's not let it happen again. Let's pay attention. "Situational awareness" is a prime tenet of training in the armed forces. Let's apply it to our everyday life as we remember Pearl Harbor.

Pre-first, I'd like to wish everyone a belated Happy Thanksgiving. I believe that despite what transpires in the world, or maybe because of it, those of us living in America have a great deal to be thankful for..as well as many places to where our thanks should be directed. Feel free to apply that as you will. I think you know where I stand on things.

First, I'm thrilled and tickled to announce that my wife, Frances - owing to her remarkable accomplishments as Director/Curator of Historical Resources for the Town of Wytheville - received the Award for Innovative Leadership from the Wytheville-Wythe-Bland Chamber of Commerce at the 60th Annual Membership Dinner Meeting of that organization. Needless to say - but I'll say it anyway - I'm very proud of her for the job she has done and continues to do. There are some pictures of Frances throughout the photo section of my website, if you'd like to see what a real local hero looks like.

Second and so forth, on to more commercial themes. CLEAN CABBAGE IN THE BUCKET And Other Tales From the Musical Trenches , the book on which I collaborated with Harry O'Donoghue , Seamus Kennedy , Robbie O'Connell and Dennis O'Rourke is still with the printer as of this writing.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will be delivered soon. I'm hoping for well before Christmas, but I really don't know. I've already had a number of you pre-order a copy from me. I' d enjoy having any of the rest of you doing likewise, and I'll send the things on to you signed and sealed just as soon as I get them. For information on how to order a copy and to read an excerpt, have a look at this link: www.frankemerson.com/products/html. Once you get there, just scroll down.

On the way down the page, you'll pass a link to "Cafe Press". Have a look there, if you'd like, or you can go directly there by clicking the following link: www.cafepress.com/frankemerson. There are all sorts of cute things there that might be good for Christmas gifts as well.

Of course CDs are always handy at Christmas time. Besides my solo efforts, I've recently gotten hold of a number of copies of "A Christmas Postcard" - which I recorded a little while back with Harry O'Donoghue and Carroll Brown. You can hear excerpts from this recording as well as all my others currently available at the "Music" section of my website: www.frankemerson.com/music.html . Certainly all of these can be purchased right at my website. I use CD Baby as the agent of record. There are album descriptions and reviews at www.cdbaby.com/all/frankemerson .

This coming Thursday- Saturday (30 November - 2 December), I'll be at Delaney's, in Columbia, SC. My last job of 2006 will be at Kevin Barry's , in Savannah, GA, 11-17 December. I've got some time off then and don't go on the road again until 4-6 January 2007, when I'll be back at Delaney's.

I've gotten a fair number of bookings for 2007, but I also have a fair number of openings. So if you hear of anything, please pass my contact information along.

The Jihadis, the militant Muslims, are basically Nazis in Kaffiyahs -- they believe that Islam, a radically conservative form of Wahhabi Islam, should own and control the Middle East first, then Europe, then the world. And that all who do not bow to their will of thinking should be killed, enslaved, or subjugated. They want to finish the Holocaust, destroy Israel, and purge the world of Jews. This is their mantra.

The Iraq war is merely another battle in this ancient and never ending war. And now, for the first time ever, the barbarians are about to get nuclear weapons. Unless somebody prevents them.

We have four options:

1. We can defeat the Jihad now, before it gets nuclear weapons.

2. We can fight the Jihad later, after it gets nuclear weapons (which may be as early as next year, if Iran's progress on nuclear weapons is what Iran claims it is)

3. We can surrender to the Jihad and accept its dominance in the Middle East, now, in Europe in the next few years or decades, and ultimately in America.

4. Or, we can stand down now, and pick up the fight later when the Jihad is more widespread and better armed, perhaps after the Jihad has dominated France and Germany and maybe most of the rest of Europe. It will, of course, be more dangerous, more expensive, and much bloodier.

But the stakes are high ... A world dominated by representative governments with civil rights, human rights, and personal freedoms .. or a world dominated by a radical Islamic Wahhabi movement, by the Jihad, under the Mullahs and the Sharia (Islamic law).

Got a tough, but heartwarming story of John Gebhardt in Iraq. For those that did not know John, he was our former Med Group Chief…Dave Nordel replaced him. Anyway, his wife talked with mine last evening and sent this picture. Mindy related that this little girl’s entire family was executed…they intended to execute her also and shot her in the head…but they failed to kill her. She was cared for by John’s hospital and healing up, but has been crying and moaning. The nurses said John is the only one she seems to calm down with, so John has spent the last four nights holding her while they both! sleep in that chair. The girl is coming along with her healing.

John comes home in early November.

*He is a real Star of the war and is representative of what America is trying to do

(Originally sent 25 October. From Derren Burrell, MAJ, USAF by way of Joy Kovacevic, wife of Major Mike Kovacevic, US Army Rangers)

Well, we had quite a time for ourselves at the first annual concert to benefit the Eddie Ivie Scholarship of Studies in Ireland through Center for Irish Studies at Georgia Southern University. The show was held on the 26th of September in the beautiful Emma Kelly Theater at the Averitt Center for the Arts in Statesboro, Georgia.

Just in case you aren't aware of the nature of this scholarship - it is to be established and awarded in perpetuity to a deserving student at Georgia Southern who wishes to pursue some aspect of Irish studies for a semester at university in Ireland. The scholarship is, of course, named for the late Eddie Ivie, noted musician, actor, restauranteur, and student of Irish culture, who was also the son of Cheri and Vic Power. If anyone would like to make a donation at any time to the scholarship fund, you can make out a cheque to The Eddie Ivie Scholarship for Studies in Ireland (On the back of the check write "for deposit to Account #3604". This is done to assure you that every red cent goes to the program.) Mail it to The Center for Irish Studies, Georgia Southern University, P.O. Box 8023, Statesboro, Georgia 30460 ATTN: Dr. Howard Keeley.

The line-up at the show was geared for fun. Headlining was Ireland's balladeer, Danny Doyle, who shone as bright as ever. Kristina Beatty, she of the great looks and even greater voice, held forth for a couple of signature numbers accompanied by Johnnie Kennedy and Carroll Brown. The wonderful Savannah Irish Dancers graced the stage with their beauty and marvelous talent as well. A second year student of voice at Georgia Southern, Jonathan Murphy, gave the audience a treat with his soaring Irish tenor renditions of My Wild Irish Rose and the anthem, Danny Boy. Butch Elmgren gave a stirring recitation of the Patrick Kavanagh poem Pegasus, which was one of Eddie's favorites. Harry O'Donoghue hosted the evening. I joined him and Carroll and Johnnie for six or seven numbers, which we had a lot of fun with. The affair was catered with soda pop, beer, wine and finger food by Kevin Barry's Pub. As a matter of fact, Kevin Barry's was offering a great deal to make an entire evening out of it for $50 a head. What you got was a heavy buffet at Kevin Barry's prior to the show, with cash bar, motor coach transport to Statesboro and back to Savannah with beer, wine and soft drinks provided on the coach, admission to the concert, greenroom privileges at the show, and a nightcap at Kevin Barry's afterward. Not a bad deal at all - and safe to boot. With luck, and maybe even a little divinity, we can do it again next year.

At the moment, I'm trying to beautify myself because I'll be heading to Savannah to Kevin Barry's on this Sunday and Monday, 8-9 October. I have to attend a photo shoot - don't that sound uptown - for the back cover of the forthcoming CLEAN CABBAGE IN THE BUCKET And Other Tales from the Musical Trenches. Harry O'Donoghue, Robbie O'Connell, Seamus Kennedy, Dennis O'Rourke, and myself will be vying for the title of "Grayest Old Bastard in a Black and White Photo". The winner gets his Geritol paid for for both evenings, but has to spring for his own Serutan. Drop by, if you're in the neighborhood. Harry is on stage on Sunday and our pal J.J. Smith is under the lights on Monday.

This is the final stage before the book goes into production. We're hoping to have it out by Thanksgiving and at least before Christmas. Not sure how these publishing houses go, but, from all reports, the folks we are dealing with turn out a lovely product.

If you'd like to order a copy, at the pre-publication price, postage paid, send me a cheque for $20 and I'll autograph a copy and send along just as soon as I get it, hot off the presses.

I guess that's about it for now. Just reminding you that you can get copies of my recordings at www.frankemerson.com along with various souvenirs, keepsakes, whatnots, and sundries in the products section of the site.

Well I just had a great experience on the 19th and 20th! I played the International Celtic Festival at Hunter's Mountain Resort in the Catskills - which means "Cat's Creek", taken from the Dutch. Although there were t'ousands of people there, there was still plenty of room to swing a cat, if you wanted. What a beautiful area! The festival takes place right at the base of the Hunter Mountain Ski Slopes: everywhere you look is green and goes up. (For winter: change green to white) There are four stages and a demonstration area - which is located at the bottom of the slope - just outside the lodge. This too is the scene of the incredible massed march of pipe bands along toward 6:00 PM - that's 1800 for those of you who are concerned about such things. This year there were 54 bands from all over who competed and then participated in the march - all a skirling and paradiddling like 90 and yet, not a note was slipped. It was quite the thing to see, I'll tell you. They came down the rise and marched right past the lodge. Guy Garraghan, one of the movers and shakers of the festival told me that this was the largest competition in the states. From the looks of it, I'd say he was right.

There was plenty of food - good food too! Plenty of good company. And plenty of good booze and beer and Guinness - was there ever any such thing as bad beer and booze? If you think that there was... why then, you're just wrong, that's all.

I got to see a little bit of Searson, a high energy group out of Canada, the interesting and very tight group Knot Fibb'n, and even a little bit of The Prodigals. Of course there were others and a good slew of dancers as well - all excellent - but I didn't get to see them much because most of my time was spent in the air-conditioning of the Copper Tree Restaurant, where I shared the stage with two certifiably insane performers: Tim Quinn and Seamus Kennedy. All I can say was that it was a great deal of fun and quite an experience - one which I would gladly repeat over and over. We had a great craic.

I certainly hope to be able to play the festival again in 2007. If you can make it - make it! It's a wonderful time!

Now for something completely different:

CLEAN CABBAGE IN THE BUCKET
And Other Musical Tales From the Trenches

"What on Earth is that??!!" And well you ask. What is is, is an anthology. Myself, Seamus Kennedy, Harry O'Donoghue, Robbie O'Connell , and Dennis O'Rourke - whose idea this was and who also edited the thing - teamed up and wrote a whole bunch of stories during the last few years. And I mean a whole bunch of stories. What arrived was this book. These stories are not just stories, mind you. All of them are seldom told tales of events that befell each of us - mostly individually - over the past 30 years or so. The common theme is that they all have to do with our exploits and some misadventures as travelling musicians/entertainers on the Irish circuit.

The book is complete right now. I've read all the stories and I think the thing is real good. There are five of us involved and you've got five different, distinct voices. It's interesting, funny, sad, even chilling in spots. Above all, it's entertaining. And that's the point. Of course, after reading some of these things, you'll wonder why any of us are still alive and reasonably ambulatory. But we are. And that's another point.

All that is left now is to get the group photo taken. There are plenty of photos in the book, but they are from days gone by. Dennis, in his role as fearless editor, figured that we should have at least one contemporary shot. I argued against this. It's my opinion that all things considered, our real big accomplishment, over the 3-plus decades covered by the book, is that we've all gotten older and uglier. So why foist some Dorian Gray-ish photograph on an innocent public. However, I got voted down by the other gargoyles and so, we're having a conclave in Savannah at Kevin Barry's on 8-9 October to be immortalized on Kodak. Then the whole magilla goes to the printer. Harry will be on stage on the 8th, so I imagine we'll be paying attention like reasonably clean choir boys out of respect for the ritual. (I'm trying to keep serious, now) Poor JJ Smith will be on stage of the 9th. I know Kennedy will have something to say about his kilt. Join us. We should have a time.

Well, to the point. The book, CLEAN CABBAGE IN THE BUCKET And Other Musical Tales From the Trenches, should be out around Thanksgiving - hopefully in time for Christmas. They will be priced in the $22.00 range. If you'd like to pre-order the thing, I'll sign your copy however you'd like it signed, I'll pay the postage, and I'll only charge $20.00. After we get the book, everything reverts to normal. Of course I, and the rest of the boys, will be selling them at the gigs, but we'd love to get as many pre-orders as possible to get a handle on how it might go over and also to pay for my Grannie's hernia operation.

If this you'd like, just send me a check for $20.00 per copy, payable to yours truly. Include your address and how you'd like the inscriptions to read. Twenty bucks will reserve a personalized copy. Did I mention that supplies are limited? Well they are indeed at this point, if only for financial reasons. So the sooner you act, the better.

I suppose that's about it for now. God knows I can prattle on sometimes.

Frank Emerson
490 E. North Street
Wytheville, VA 24382

I just received word from Guy Garraghan, on behalf of the Celtic Festival at Hunter Mountain (19 & 20 ) August, as noted below.

----- Original Message -----
From: "WRIP-FM 97.9 Studio" To: Sent: Wednesday, August 02, 2006 7:28 AM
Subject: Travel Alert


> Better be sure to plan your trip to Hunter now.
> > A June storm destroyed a portion of the mountain road leading to Hunter.
> Highway is shut down until November.
> > Please go to www.huntermtn.com and click on News & Events for detour
> information.

And..be sure to click on Festivals for the Celtic Entertainment Schedule.

Here we go again - a ton of fun at Hunter. No pressure ... just fun. Let's
do it!
> > Best,
> > g.


In case the website is a bit fouled up for you, here are the directions:

FROM THE NORTH:

South on NY State Thruway (87)

Exit 21 (Catskill)

To Rte 23 (west)

To Rte 296

Take LEFT on 23A into Hunter

RIGHT Across Bridge at Hunter Mountain Entrance

2nd RIGHT - Ethel Drive


FROM THE SOUTH:

North on NY State Thruway (87)

Exit 19 (Kingston)

To Rte 28 (west)

To Rte 214 (north)

Take LEFT on 23A into Hunter

RIGHT Across Bridge at Hunter Mountain Entrance

2nd RIGHT - Ethel Drive


I hope this will be of some help. I also hope to see some of youse there.
All the best for now,

Frank

Just got some new information about the First Annual Eddie Ivie Memorial Scholarship Concert for Studies in Ireland.

For those of you who might not know, Eddie was a fine musician, actor, and restauranteur and all around terrific young man. He was the son of our friends Cheri and Vic Power of Kevin Barry's Pub in Savannah. He was killed in a tragic accident a little more than a year ago. The scholarship has been established in Eddie's memory and mirrors his love of Irish culture.

It will be held on 26 September. I haven't been told what time yet, but a safe bet is around 7:30 or 8:00 PM.

It will take place at the Emma Kelly Theater in the Averitt Center for the Performing Arts.

212 E. Main Street, Statesboro, Georgia 30458

912-212-2787

The Tickets can be reserved at the above phone number.

Ticket Prices are:

Regular - $10.00
Students, Seniors, Kids, Military - $8.00

The entertainment lineup at this point is:

Jonathan Murphy
Danny Doyle
Harry O'Donoghue
Carroll Brown
Frank Emerson

You may want to phone the box office should you have any questions.

Hello Everyone -

This is Armed Forces Day - 20 May. As we observe this date and come up on Memorial Day on the 29th, I find myself thinking more and more of those who went before us, picked up the gauntlet, and stepped to the fight. Since the day is indeed named "Memorial Day", I think mostly of those who - as the saying goes - 'gave all'. As I get older and come to know and enjoy our liberties more and more, I am ever more grateful to those who died that I - and all of you - can breath this wonderful air of, and in, freedom.

My friend Bob Slaughter, with whom I was lucky enough to collaborate on his D-Day piece "A New Dawn Forever", sent along the video you can link to just below. I think it is terrific and an absolutely appropriate 'thank you'.

www.forest.ws/WeSupportU.htm
My sister in law, Betty Mallory - who let me record her lovely song, "The Blues are Running", and which you can hear on my website, sent me a piece she wrote last Fourth of July. Although it is intended to speak directly to Memorial Day this year, I know it is her belief - as it is mine - that the sentiments and the thoughts expressed are not just for this Memorial Day, but for all of them.

In July of 1944, her uncle, John Graham Sexton, was a 21-year old Private First Class serving with the 110th Infantry Regiment, 28th Division. He missed D-Day, having put ashore with the rest of his division between 22-26 July. I won't tell you any more. It would be much better for you to read what Betty wrote. She was kind enough to let me publish it here. I think it is about as eloquent a work as I've heard. Thank you for sharing this with us, Betty.

Two Identification Bracelets

It’s the Fourth of July and I’m reading PFC. John Graham Sexton’s letters sent from England during World War II. He was my godfather, my mother’s youngest brother.

I have no real personal memory of him, only that memory given by others who tell you what they want you to know.

He grew up in our small mountain town with his five brothers and sisters. He loved his bird dog, “Jack,” and together they hunted for pheasants and grousein the fields near his home.

When he joined the army in 1943, along with many of his young friends, he entered a life totally foreign to anything he had ever known.

In his photographed V-mail letters, he speaks of trying to find a friend fromour town who is rumored to be in a camp nearby…searching for something of home…trying to touch the familiar. As his birthday (July 4th) nears, he mentions his desire to have an identification bracelet. Could his family get him one for his birthday? An answer to the question, “Who am I?” The dog tags around his neckdenote a G.I.-Government Issue. Not enough. A need for validation of identity.

“Don’t put anything else on it, only my name.”

My mother wrote to tell him that I would soon participate in my first communion service at Eastertime. Although he was far away, he wanted to mark the occasion with a gift, and he thought again of a bracelet. This one would be a feminine and smaller version of his own, inscribed on front and back with our names and the important date, Easter, 1944.

He wrote to me. It is the only letter I ever received from war.


"Thinking of you on your special day. I will be attending Mass here at about the same time you will be making your first Communion.

Love,
Uncle John"

His last letter to us was dated, July 28, 1944 from “somewhere in France.”

When the dreaded Western Union telegram arrived, his heart-broken and rage-filled mother took her scissors and cut away her baby boy’s blue star from the red-rimmed banner that hung in her front window. She left there the remaining star that symbolized the service of her lone surviving son, Johnny’s brother.

Now memorialized by a plaque that hangs in the rear of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Wytheville, Virginia, his validation reads…

“Greater Love Hath No Man.”

Somewhere long ago, I lost my little gold identification bracelet.This Memorial Day, I will wear John Graham’s.

Betty Lou Allison Mallory
July 4, 2005




"Your silent tents of green
We deck with fragrant flowers;
Yours has the suffering been,
The memory shall be ours."

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow -

www.ifreelance.com.
Provider Search Box: frank emerson

Just got back from Savannah, where we all had a very enjoyable and successful week at Kevin Barry's. Got to spend a little time with musicians Harry O'Donoghue (www.columbineblue.com/harry.htm), Pat Garvey - who runs that fine place in Gaithersburg, MD, Mrs. O'Laery's (www.mrsolearys.net), and Bob Zentz, who owned that great music store, Ramblin Conrad's, in Norfolk, VA for its entire existence.(www.bobzentz.com) It was good to see all of them.

I also got some kind of exciting news while I was there. I'd like to share it with you.

Tony Camaradre, at Phattone Studios in Rhode Island, put me on to a contest being conducted in Nashville. It is the Nashville International Spring Song and Lyric Contest 2006. There were several categories - based on various holidays and the like - in which you could submit tunes. One of these categories was patriotic songs, which were to have an eye cocked toward Memorial Day. This suited me pretty well, I thought. I went ahead, paid my entrance fee and submitted 'The Flag of Our Fathers' and 'One Nation United' . Well, I got a packet in the mail from The Paramount Group in Nashville informing me that 'One Nation United' had won the Directors' Award and was in the running for First Prize and Grand Prize. How about that? I don't know if anything will come of this, but it made me feel good to get the recognition - particularly in light of the subject matter. So I have to publicly thank Tony for giving me the heads up on this.

If you'd like to hear either or both of the tunes as well as get a copy of the lyrics and an explanation of the references, just click on the music section. Of course, the recordings from which these songs came can be purchased at www.cdbaby.com/all/frankemerson. 'The Flag of Our Fathers' is on Dear Sarah featuring The Flag of Our Fathers. 'One Nation United' is on There's a Story Told.

I've got to mention that Andy M. Stewart is coming along, but not as quickly as we had all hoped. If you feel like dropping him a get well message and/or a cheque - made out to him - you can pop in the post to me and I'll forward it un-opened to Andy. I know he'd enjoy hearing from any and all of you.

That's about it for now. Drop a line when you get a chance.

I played Buffalo, NY last week at the Shannon Pub. This is the third location of the pub. It is now in Tonawanda - which is one of the 'North Towns' of Buffalo. The atmosphere is cozy and friendly, the food is terrific and the drinks go down nicely-nicely, thank you. I got to meet some new folks and got to see some old friends as well - although not nearly enough of them. With luck they'll all come around next time I'm there.

The thing that I wanted to tell you about, incase any of you are in the area on 23 April, is that on that date, the Shannon will be hosting a concert by the great Tom Rush www.tomrush.com. For those of you who don't know and to remind those of you who do, Tom started in the early 60's at the Club 47 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. At about the same time that Tom appeared there, newcomers Joan Baez, Bob Dylan and Geoff & Maria Muldaur were trodding the same boards. In 1968, Tom wrote and recorded 'The Circle Game' - an immensely popular tune - made all the more remarkable since this was the psychedelic era. This song was in the vanguard of a new movement and pretty much ushered in the era of the singer/songwriter.

Anyway, Tom is quite a performer and one of the originals on the American folk scene. Catch him if you can at the Shannon on the 23rd. Ticket information is available through the website: www.shannonpub.com.

That's about it for now. You should know that this commercial was unsolicited and unpaid for and maybe uncalled for, but I had to let you know about Tom. So there you have it.

Well I've just about gotten my land legs back again after having been awash in the camaeraderie and fellowship that existed down by the river in Savannah over Paddy's week. There was really no accurate way to tell if the number of people attending the festivities this year was lesser or greater that in years past. I know that there was a slew of them. Suffice it to say that along River Street - where a lot of the crowd comes after Mass and the parade - it was a target rich environment for the birds. From above, you could not see the street for the people. And of course, everyone was pleasant and friendly and nobody got sick and it was hardly loud at all . This is compared to oh, say D-Day. Seriously, from what I heard, it was a pretty well behaved bunch this year. Good on 'em.

Indoors at Kevin Barry's (www.kevinbarrys.com), we still had the best and the safest oasis in town. It was great to see a lot of old friends from the military, and the police and fire departments - God bless them all - from all over the country. Although Harry O'Donoghue (www.columbineblue.com/harry.html) and Carroll Brown (www.carrollbrownmusic.com) and myself held forth round robin on two stages continuously for hours on end, we did manage to get together twice a night on the downstairs stage fro some trio work. We always enjoy this and the crowd seems to enjoy it almost as much as we do. We also had a fair number of guest performers who were big hits with the audience as well.

A special treat this year was the presence of the historic training barque, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter 'Eagle', known as "America's Tall Ship" which was tied up about 100 feet from the front door of the pub.

All in all, St Patrick's Day 2006in Savannah was a great craic. In fact, nearly everybody - myself included - ended up with the same number of eyes, ears and teeth that we started out with, so we can count this one as a general success.

This week, I'm off to haunt one of my old haunts: The Shannon Pub (www.shannonpub.com) up there near Niagara Falls. On Wednsday I'll be following Joe Head and on Thursday, I'll be following Tom Callahan. Both these fellows start at 6 PM. I hope the weather will be a little cooler up there what with nasty old Spring threatening us with warmth further down South here. It will be good to see some folks I haven't sen in a while. I'm looking forward to sharing a few songs, a few laughs and maybe a few tears - and not just because of the bum notes, either.

But speaking of H2O, I'm proud to announce that my little town of Wytheville, Virginia was voted as having the best tasting water in the United States by the National Rural Water Association in Washington, DC. I'm here to tell you that their judgement is absolutely correct. The water in Wytheville tastes great on all occasions. Even if in a moment of weakness you happen to add it to about 2 fingers of Jameson, I can truthfully attest that Wytheville water will damage the Jameson far less than any other water in the lower 48.

That's about it for now.

Just a couple of quick announcements:

Since O'Flaherty's Irish Channel in New Orleans is gone for good, another pub has opened to fill the musical void. Sean Kelly's Pub, although actually operating for a little while now in shakedown cruise mode, will have its grand opening on St.Patrick's Day. The pub is located at 720 St.Louis Street, 1/2 way between Bourbon and Royal Streets in the French Quarter. Kim Dunn is managing the place. Keith Patterson, the longtime barman at O'Flaherty's, will be the main man behind the stick. Beth Patterson (www.littlebluemen.com/beth.asp) will be appearing regularly on Monday and Tuesday nights. Rosie and Pat Maloney (www.icogitate.com/~celticfolkmusic/artists/patmaloney.htm) will be appearing regularly Wednesday - Sunday nights. Of course there will be various visiting performers from time to time as well. Rumor has it that Jed Marum (www.jedmarum.com) will turn up some time soon down the road. The phone number at Kellys is: 504-525-1406.

Speaking of St. Patrick's Day, beginning next Monday, I'll be holding forth at Kevin Barry's (www.Kevinbarrys.com) for the week.
On at least the 16th and 17th I'm pretty sure the 18th, I'll be joining Carroll Brown (www.carrollbrownmusic.com) and Harry O'Donoghue (www.columbineblue.com/harry.htm) in a round robin marathon tournament on two stages as well as some trio work. It's always a great time...and Kevin Barry's is always an island of relative sanity in the storm tossed sea of insanity that can sometimes be taking place on along the river. Come on in, but once you get in - stay with us. There is plenty of food and booze and pretty much non-stop Celtic music of all kinds and we try to keep the bathrooms working - which is something to consider.

That said, here's wishing you a happy and holy Saint's Day

Just finished a week in Savannah. Pretty hectic and rewarding all at the same time. The united Irish Societes held their 15th annual festival, which by all accounts was well received. I was not performing there this year, but I did have the stage at Kevin Barry's from 7:00 PM on. A fair number of performers came by to have a drink and do a twist on the stage as well. Of course the place was packed and everyone seemed to have a good time.

There was a traditional session upstairs in Liberty Hall, so there really was something for everyone.

On Friday evening, Kevin Barry's Pub participated in the Great Guinness Toast. A local radio station held a contest and the winners were taken on a tour-bus pub crawl. Since Kevin Barry's sells more Guinness than anyone else in Savannah, they stared out there. I told them I would go on stage early to give them some musical background. There got to be a fly in the ointment, when I was informed that they would not be back to KB's for the actual toast at 11:00 PM, that instead, they would be ending up at a British Bar! Imagine that! Da noive!!! I thought that was crummy since the manager had been asssured they would be back at the appointed time and then she got blindsided. Ah no matter. I 'd rather whiskey anyway.

Back to the music. It was good to see and hear the Cathie Ryan Band, The Dady Brothers, Rosie & Pat Maloney, Harry O'Dopnoghue, Chris Hagan and Brendan Nolan all playing a bit and drinking a bit and laughing and talking a bit. That's a lot of different bits, you know?

On Sunday, we finished off the fundraiser for Andy M. Stewart with the raffle drawing. Some nice prizes including a week's stay in Costa Rica. We ended up raising a fair amount of cash to help defray Andy's expenses. I spoke with Danny Doyle on Monday morning. The fellows in DC had conducted their own fundraiser at Nanny O'Brien's on Sunday night and managed to raise another good chunk of change for A.M.S. As I understand it, Bruce Foley in conjunction with Dianne Byrnes of Echoes of Erin Radio programme at WEDO-AM in Pittsburgh, will be putting together another fundraiser for Andy a little later in the spring.

Now, as to Andy: I got a phone call from him the other evening. He wanted me to convey his most heartfelt thanks to all of you who have sent him e-mails, cards, and of course contributed monetarily and with your thoughts and prayers. He is indeed on the mend. However, in any spinal operation, the medicos are dealing with a very dicey area. His prognosis is very good for recovery but it will be a good while yet before he can perform. It seems that the operation in fact also affected his hands, in that at the moment he cannot play banjo or guitar. So it looks like he's in for a run of physical and occupational therapy. But there is indeed a light at the end of the tunnel.

If anyone cares to contact Andy, make a contribution or just wish him well, you can do so in a number of ways:

e-mail through his agent: mcshane@mcnote.com

Write his agent:

McShane Glover
Noteworthy Productions 124 1/2Archewood Ave
Annapolis, MD 21401

Write Danny Doyle
10836 Moore Drive
Manassas, VA 20111

Write me, Frank Emerson
490 E.NorthStreet
Wytheville, VA 24382

Diane Byrnes can be reached at: www.pittsburghirish.org/echoesoferin/
Any cheques you might wish to send to Andy, make them out directly to "Andy M. Stewart", we can see that he gets them.

Well, from all indications, the fundraiser for Andy M. Stewart did just fine. There was a packed house at Kevin Barry's on the 23rd of January. There were plenty of door prizes, lots of winners, lots of laughter and plenty of good times and music - all for Andy's well-being.

Besides, Harry O'Donoghue, Dennis O'Rourke, Johnnie Kennedy, Carroll Brown and myself, Carroll also brought along his son Josh and their pal Mike Thompson. These two fine, young musicians were kind enough to lend their talents to the festivities. We all did single twists and then there was a lot of jamming done. It was a gas time altogether.

We also kicked off a raffle - which is still going on if anyone is interested. The details are as follows:
Grand Prize: A One week stay at Villa El Parque Condominiums in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.
First Prize: 2 night hotel stay with dinner included in Downtown Savannah.
Second Prize: Dinner for 2 at 45 South Restaurant, Savannah
Third Prize: Celtic Music Gift Basket
Tickets are only $5.00 each and the drawing will not be held until 19 February at 9:00 PM at Kevin Barry's. That is over the Irish Festival Weekend. (You can have a look at the details for the Irish Festival on my links page) Tickets can be purchased by mail thru Kevin Barry's Pub, 117 W. River Street, Savannah, GA 31401. Make your check payable to Andy M. Stewart. If you'd like to contact the pub for information, call 912-233-9626 and speak with Michelle. She can be reached by e-mail at contact@kevinbarrys.com.

I just got back from my concert at Hawk's Nest State Park in Ansted, West Virginia. It was geat fun and a bit different, in that this was part of a dinner/show series that the state's department of parks and forests has been conducting for some time now to more and more enthusiatic reviews. They have quite a diverse and ambitious schedule of up-coming entertainment. It's really interesting and a great value what with overnight stay in the lodge overlooking the scenic New River Gorge included in the package. You can check out their website via my links page.

This week I'm happy to be doing a concert at The Heritage Center here in my home of Wytheville, Virginia. Looks like we've got a good crowd for that one too.

Next week, I'm off to my pal Pat Garvey's fine restaurant and pub: Mrs. O'Leary's in Gaithersburg, MD. Immediately after that, I'll be rolling back to Savannah for a week which ends off with the Savannah Irish Festival on Saturday and Sunday, the 18th and 19th. Although I'm not on the bill at this year's festival, I will be on stage back at the pub. Habitually, a lot of the performers come by the place after the festival shuts down for the evening. I might be able to coax some of them into getting up under the lights for just one more go at it. So come on by if you're in the area.

That's about it for now. If you feel up to it, drop a note any time. All the best for nowand remember that it's a sure sign that you're addicted to coffee if you sleep with your eyes open.

Here's hoping all of you had a great Christmas and that the new year is starting off great guns for you and will continue to be such.

A little update on the Andy M. Stewart situation.

Harry O'Donoghue, Dennis O'Rourke, Carroll Brown maybe even Johnny Kennedy and who knows who else and me will be putting on a benefit show for Andy on 23 January at Kevin Barry's. I guess it will kick off at 8 or 8:30. There'll probably be some sort of charge and we'll be passing the hat in some sort of way. You can see that we have this all sussed out in fine Irish fashion. I think Harry www.columbineblue.com/harry.htm or Carroll www.carrollbrownmusic.com might have some more of the skinny on the doings.

Just below is the latest information on Andy from Danny Doyle

He was operated on Dec 19th and got out of hospital on Christmas Day after the surgery on his back. There was a slight mishap during the operation, one of his lungs being inadvertently punctured requiring the longer hospital stay. Needless to say he was most apprehensive that he would be able to walk without pain. He says he is fine and is perambulating around the house with no bother at all. He was his usual laughing self during the phone conversation. He will be recuperating for at least three months, maybe longer, so it will be some time before he is out and about earning a living. Along with the loss of his US tour in Oct-Nov this will mean he will have been out of work for a least six months.

If you aren't real familiar with Andy and his work, you can find out just who this is that we're all carrying on about at
www.andymstewart.com
Below are some of his press clippings.
Barton Evening News
"Stewart has the knack of writing direct, effective and memorable songs as well as singing them with taste and style."


July, 1990, Vancouver
Photo: G.M. Rosson, San Jose, CA

The Scotsman Magazine
"…his (Andy M. Stewart's) songs and his singing have deep Celtic roots and touch sensitive emotional chords."

Hot Press Dublin
(about the album, Dublin Lady) "…standouts include "Freedom is like Gold", a fierce attack, both musical and lyrical, on the power that money can buy, and "Take Her in Your Arms," a very funny love song based on an old Bothy Band reel. The finest moment, though, comes on "Heart of the Home," which is both beautifully simple and simply beautiful."

The Living Tradition, Hector Christie
(About Man in the Moon album) "Seriously this is an absolute stonker of an album that kicks off well with "The Echo Mocks the Corncrake" and progressively gets better and better as it winds its way through the tracks…. Outstanding plus."

The Columbus Dispatch
"As a member of Silly Wizard, he (Andy) wrote stunning originals such as "The Queen of Argyll", "The Valley of Strathmore", and "The Ramblin' Rover." His is as much at ease with a heart-rending ballad such as "My Heart Belongs to She" or "If I Never Spend a Morning Without You" as he is with lighter fare such as "Take Her in Your Arms."

The Scotsman, Alastair Clark
(About Man in the Moon) Andy's songs, "gentle, poignant, poetic, as if much time had been spent on mountain-tops eyeing the deserted glens beneath him…. But no one listening to "MacGregor's Gathering," based on lines by Scott, could doubt there's fire in the belly, too."

The Boston Globe
"Andy M. Stewart is among the finest interpreters of Scottish Folk songs and a wonderful songwriter."

Just so you know a little more, Andy's songs have been recorded by a wide range of performers. They are singable, playable and entertaining. In addition, Andy on his own has done much to dispel Scottish sterotype. He is extremely generous with his praise, his music, and his considerable talents.

So I hope that you can consider making it by Kevin Barry's on Monday 23 January. If you'd care to drop a note or donation to Andy himself:

Drop a lline to my address and I'll see that he gets it.

Father in Heaven, hear our prayer for our troops in service both far and near.

Grant peace of mind to their families and friends, just let them know that love never ends -

But sustains them through the doubts and fears, comforts the lonely, dries the tears.

Please bring them home unharmed and free...

America: Land of Liberty

- Patricia W. Smith


Here we are. Another year of not having to fight the fight here because others, brave others, are fighting it elsewhere. I can sing my songs, and tell my lies, and drink my toasts and you can - I hope - join me and enjoy them with me...because of those others. Thank God for them.

George Orwell, that English guy who did a little writing, said the following years ago. I think it applies today. Some of you may have heard me say it on stage. It's worth repeating.

"We sleep soundly in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence upon those who would do us harm."

Here's wishing each and every one of you a merry and blessed Christmas and a wonderful new year.

Recommended reading from [Rick Merritt],
Reference: http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Jun2005/20050616_1745.html





Woman Soldier Receives Silver Star for Valor in Iraq
By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service


WASHINGTON, June 16, 2005 – For the first time since World War II, a woman soldier was awarded the Silver Star Medal today in Iraq.

Sgt. Leigh Ann Hester, vehicle commander, 617th Military Police Company, Richmond, Ky., stands at attention before receiving the Silver Star at an awards ceremony at Camp Liberty, Iraq, June 16. Hester is the first woman soldier since World War II to receive the Silver Star. Photo by Spc. Jeremy D. Crisp, USA (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Sgt. Leigh Ann Hester of the 617th Military Police Company, a National Guard unit out of Richmond, Ky., received the Silver Star, along with two other members of her unit, Staff Sgt. Timothy Nein and Spc. Jason Mike, for their actions during an enemy ambush on their convoy. Other members of the unit also received awards.

Hester's squad was shadowing a supply convoy March 20 when anti-Iraqi fighters ambushed the convoy. The squad moved to the side of the road, flanking the insurgents and cutting off their escape route. Hester led her team through the "kill zone" and into a flanking position, where she assaulted a trench line with grenades and M203 grenade-launcher rounds. She and Nein, her squad leader, then cleared two trenches, at which time she killed three insurgents with her rifle.

When the fight was over, 27 insurgents were dead, six were wounded, and one was captured.

Hester, 23, who was born in Bowling Green, Ky., and later moved to Nashville, Tenn., said she was surprised when she heard she was being considered for the Silver Star.

"I'm honored to even be considered, much less awarded, the medal," she said.

Being the first woman soldier since World War II to receive the medal is significant to Hester. But, she said, she doesn't dwell on the fact. "It really doesn't have anything to do with being a female," she said. "It's about the duties I performed that day as a soldier."

Hester, who has been in the National Guard since April 2001, said she didn't have time to be scared when the fight started, and she didn't realize the impact of what had happened until much later.

"Your training kicks in and the soldier kicks in," she said. "It's your life or theirs. ... You've got a job to do -- protecting yourself and your fellow comrades."

Nein, who is on his second deployment to Iraq, praised Hester and his other soldiers for their actions that day. "It's due to their dedication and their ability to stay there and back me up that we were able to do what we did that day," he said.

Hester and her fellow soldiers were awarded their medals at Camp Liberty, Iraq, by Army Lt. Gen. John R. Vines, Multinational Corps Iraq commanding general. In his speech, Vines commended the soldiers for their bravery and their contribution to the international war on terror.

"My heroes don't play in the (National Basketball Association) and don't play in the U.S. Open (golf tournament) at Pinehurst," Vines said. "They're standing in front of me today. These are American heroes."

Three soldiers of the 617th were wounded in the ambush. Hester said she and the other squad members are thinking about them, and she is very thankful to have made it through unscathed. The firefight, along with the entire deployment, has had a lasting effect on her, Hester said.

"I think about it every day, and probably will for the rest of my life," she said.




Related Site:
Silver Star



News Archive
Today in the Department of Defense
http://www.defenselink.mil/today/

Just a short note to wish everyone a peaceful and warm Thanksgiving - this most American of holidays. We do have a great deal for which to be grateful and a great deal more for which to pray.

In many ways for many of us, this has been a trying year, but not one without blessings. While we are indeed mindful of of the hardships, I think we should also remember that we, living here in the United States - despite troubles and tribulations - are indeed fortunate, thanks to the Almighty and to those people who have sacrificed - and continue to sacrifice - for us and our well being.

As you see there is a new look to the website. Thanks to Hostbaby.com, I'll be able to write something in this journal everyday if I want to. In this, not only will I be boring people to tears, but I will give Sominex a run for it's money and this thing will be up to date. Let me know what you think.

Commercial announcement: the new recording, "There's a Story Told" is available now. Got a real nice review from The Muse's Muse. Look in the Reviews section.Have a look at the Buy Stuff section for all the particulars.

More links will be coming later today.