Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: Beer
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 12:06 PM

But of course. Thank you Maeve
ad.

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: maeve
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 09:59 PM

Once again, here's Michael's webpage http://michaelwilliamharrison.com/ for nearly current information and a link to his Facebook page.

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: gnu
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 09:29 PM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: Beer
Date: 10 Aug 10 - 10:18 PM

Anyone have news on my "Red Wing" buddy?
aed.

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: GUEST,Mary Anne
Date: 19 Mar 10 - 09:13 AM

Patty, "One More Ride" is great, isn't it? It's one of my favorites on that CD.

Would it be wrong to take this chance to remind you all that you can buy this great CD (First Time 'round)-- or make a donation -- at the Web site we set up to help Michael out once we found out about his cancer? :-) http://michaelwilliamharrison.com

I really think any 'folkie' would love that CD.

From what I've heard, the 2nd round of chemo was pretty rough, too. But the man is hangin' in. So, continue to keep him and Kelly in your thoughts.

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: gnu
Date: 16 Mar 10 - 02:23 PM

Keep the faith, lad.

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: GUEST,pattyClink
Date: 16 Mar 10 - 01:42 PM

Michael, I've been really enjoying listening to your 'First Time' CD.   Absolutely love the original song "One More Ride", and how suitable for all those of us who are not on our first fresh outing. Anybody looking for a new and hopeful song in the vein of Mary Ellen Carter need to give a listen.

Now back to our regularly scheduled program of work, chores, and family illnesses....

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: Beer
Date: 16 Mar 10 - 12:31 AM

BIG BIG BIG WIN tonight Michael.
2/1 for the Wings over Calgary.
Hope things are getting in tune for you as well.
adrien

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: Michael Harrison
Date: 02 Mar 10 - 06:59 PM

Thanks Mary Anne, but the doctors decided to give me another week of rest and moved the next chemo day to Monday, the 8th. I am very happy to let folks know that the nodes in my neck and the other affected areas were shrunken greatly by the first dose of chemo - and that, is very good news. Thanks for all the prayers and good thoughts and remember all the Catter's and their friends who are in need of prayers. Cheers,........................Harrison

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: GUEST,Mary Anne
Date: 02 Mar 10 - 10:04 AM

I visited with Michael some over the weekend and he's looking good. But I think that today he goes in for the next round of chemo, so keep him in your thoughts.

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: GUEST,Mary Anne
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 10:28 AM

Just thought I'd pop in and let you know that Michael is doing much better... Just keep him in your thoughts!
And, watch for "Friends of MWH" at the North Texas Irish Festival next weekend (March 6 and 7) near the Cashel stage.
Cheers,
Mary Anne

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 02:14 AM

Did you sort out getting a recliner? I've seen a couple on Craig's List this week. (I saw one last week at the curb, but didn't think anyone would appreciate that one, considering the state it was in. . . )

SRS

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: gnu
Date: 22 Feb 10 - 05:43 PM

Hope you saw the game, Mike... the USA is on a roll at the Limpics. Take care lad. Keep the faith.

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: Beer
Date: 22 Feb 10 - 05:19 PM

Michael,
I have something to send you and yes it does concern "our" beloved Wings. P.M. me your address
Adrien

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: SINSULL
Date: 22 Feb 10 - 04:39 PM

Thank you, Michael. It is good to know you are strong enough to post.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers,
Mary

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: maeve
Date: 22 Feb 10 - 04:31 PM

What a pleasure to see your post, Michael. You have many folks pulling for you.

maeve

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: Michael Harrison
Date: 22 Feb 10 - 04:29 PM

Wow - I am so moved by all the attention this disease has sent my way.
I cannot but thank everyone with my whole heart who has gone to bat for me since this treatment program started - I just don't really know what to say except, "Thank You, so very, very much."

I cannot thank you all individually for your prayers and comments of hope and promise for fear that my strength will wane into gibberish and nonsense, which, according to some, would be normal, but please
know that I appreciate each and every MC'er out there. Let us all pray for those of our community who are suffering, in hopes that they will overcome their affliction and rise again.

I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Love from Texas,...............................Michael Harrison

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: GUEST,999
Date: 20 Feb 10 - 02:54 PM

Beer,

If you're thinking what I think you're thinking, count me in.

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: gnu
Date: 20 Feb 10 - 01:27 PM

Continued Ts&Ps.

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: GUEST,Mary Anne
Date: 20 Feb 10 - 09:59 AM

Heard from Kelly yesterday. Michael's been having a rough time of it; they spent most of yesterday at the emergency department. But... he's back home, again. Keep them in your thoughts.

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: Beer
Date: 19 Feb 10 - 09:14 AM

Will be in touch.
Thank you Susan and Mary Anne
Adrien

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: GUEST,Mary Anne
Date: 19 Feb 10 - 08:39 AM

Hi Adrien,
Yes, as WYSIWYG says, go to the MWH site:
http://michaelwilliamharrison.com
and click on the e-mail link. That will end up in my in-box. :-)
Best,
Mary Anne

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Feb 10 - 11:28 PM

You can email her via the FoMWH website. Follow the link in opening post to that site, and there's an email link there.

~S~

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: Beer
Date: 18 Feb 10 - 10:57 PM

Guest Mary Anne.
I want to get in touch with someone close. It looks as if you are one of these persons but you come in as a guest so I can't write you a personal note. Can you suggest someone?
Beer (adrien)

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Feb 10 - 09:15 PM

Oh, hey! Another auction sounds FABULOUS! You guys rock. We can't do the medical work necessary to "fix" his cancer, but if we can pay a bill or two for him along the way, I'd say we're making a difference.
Cheers.

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Feb 10 - 05:31 PM

MaryAnne, I received word today of another auction planned. Sequentially as we've discussed. (I imagine it will be announced here when it's ready to go.)

~S~

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Feb 10 - 11:22 PM

It's good to hear he is home. Thanks so much for keeping us updated.

Thanksgivings and positive thoughts still being sent from Colorado.

kat

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: GUEST,999
Date: 17 Feb 10 - 11:03 PM

Wishing the best for you, Michael.

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: GUEST,Mary Anne
Date: 17 Feb 10 - 10:58 PM

Michael's home from the hospital. I don't know any more; just got a text message from Kelly. But, HOORAY!! He's still got lots of chemo and radiation ahead of him, but at least he's not stuck in a hospital bed.

Thanks for the "testimonial" Patty. Both CDs are GREAT fun... and remember, folks, Christmas is only some 300+ days away. :-)

Cheers,
MA

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: GUEST,pattyClink
Date: 17 Feb 10 - 09:21 PM

Thanks to Jed for notifying us, and to Mary Anne and everyone who's posting updates.   I am hoping I get a chance to hear Michael do "The Wreck" once again in many months when he's healed, and hope it's on the new album in progress!

Do go to the link and buy a CD, guys, it's quick and helpful. I just ordered one of his solo album and the "For Kids of All Ages" one.   

I can testify the "Kids" disc is a lot of fun if you want to have some happy music playing around your house. Sent it to relatives, called up a week later and they were singing and dancing to it all Christmas week.

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Feb 10 - 04:37 PM

Mary Anne and I have been in touch regarding the CD auction, and we're agreed it should wait till the shawl auction is done.

~S~

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: GUEST,Mary Anne
Date: 17 Feb 10 - 04:21 PM

We've collected OVER $1,000 for Michael so far!! Wooooo-Hooooooo! Believe what you want about the world going to heck in a handbasket... People are generous and kind and ready to put out a hand to help their fellows. (Gettin' a little teary-eyed...)

Jed Marum is working on the fundraiser concerts--and he's been on the road. It looks now like there will be several fund-raiser events at local pubs (Trinity Hall in Dallas for one, maybe Lochrann's in north Dallas) where some musicians will donate their time and we'll pass the tip jar often!!

Also a friend of Michael's who has several recordings of Michael from over the years has received Michael's permission to put those into a new compilation... so watch for A NEW CD on the Web page or at the North Texas Irish Festival (he hopes to have it ready by then...).

I am going to give Kelly a call this afternoon to check on them. I'll keep y'all posted.

Remember: http://michaelwilliamharrison.com Every little bit adds up. It's awesome what folks can do, one $20 gift at a time!

Later,
Mary Anne

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: SINSULL
Date: 17 Feb 10 - 08:54 AM

Jacqui has had her hands full at Mass General so no news on the shawl. Meantime - any update on the fundraiser concert?

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: Uncle Phil
Date: 16 Feb 10 - 09:00 AM

Thanks for the updates, Mary Anne. Please keep them coming. Michelle and I continue to send our thoughts and prayers. Mudcatters, remember that CDs can be purchased and donations can be, well, donated at http://michaelwilliamharrison.com.
- Phil

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: GUEST,Mary Anne
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 01:48 PM

That's great info, Mary.
Thanks!

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 12:54 PM

Mary Anne,
If you don't get any responses, there is an online group called freecycle.com. Register in local towns and request a recliner. You'll get one.
Mary

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: GUEST,Mary Anne
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 12:50 PM

Great news, SINS, about the shawl! Here in north Texas we could all use one, today. We had a record-shattering 12 inches of snow here yesterday!

MICHAEL UPDATE -- I just spoke with Kelly. Michael is still in the hospital (Baylor Grapevine), and they'll likely keep him there until maybe mid-week next week. He's MUCH improved, but he's still not able to hold down much food or drink (and Kelly thinks there's some difficulty swallowing going on, along with the nausea from the chemo). Anyway, he's where he need to be and being well taken care of. And he's starting to crack jokes... always a good thing. :-)

REQUEST FROM KELLY -- When I asked Kelly what they needed (money's a given, we had moved past that to more like "what can *I* do for you") she hesitated, then asked if I would just put out feelers to see if anyone has a recliner they were about to donate... If you're in the DFW metroplex and have a recliner you could part with, contact me through Michael's web page http://michaelwilliamharrison.com and we can probably figure out a way to pick up and deliver.

Cheers,
Mary Anne

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 08:00 AM

jacqui is finishing up a shawl to auction off for Michael. Watch this thread for the announcement since the Auction is not working. She wiill start a new thread for bids. Bid high and bid often.
SINS

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 10:19 AM

Clever ruse to refresh the thread.
Refresh

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: GUEST,Mary Anne
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 10:15 AM

uh... "Friends of MWH" not Frends. Yeah, I'm an editor IRL, and I just couldn't let that misspelling go without correcting it.
:-)

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: GUEST,Mary Anne
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 02:48 PM

Michael has been in the hospital since Monday evening. He was simply unable to eat or drink, got really dehydrated, and was nearly delirious when Kelly got home from work on Monday. They were giving him fluids and nutrition through an IV, and he's MUCH better. She expects that they will keep him at least until Friday.
He's at Baylor Grapevine Hospital (in Grapevine, TX), room 551. Kelly said he might be up for visitors "in a very limited way." I take that to mean that he's still tiring out pretty easily…
She hasn't been to work since Monday, so news of the money that's been raised so far was especially welcome.
She had tears in her voice when she asked me (several times) to be sure to tell you all how much she and Michael appreciate your encouraging words and generous donations.
This is going to be a MONTHS-long process for Michael and Kelly, so without hammering at you too much, let me just ask you to "give early and give often" if you can... and of course hold them in your hearts. (http://michaelwilliamharrison.com )
Thanks.
Mary Anne/Frends of MWH

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: GUEST,Mary Anne
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 11:23 AM

Wow, that's good to hear SINS. I don't know how big a table NTIF is giving us, but if anyone wants to donate something or has an idea for a fundraiser that we (Friends of MWH) can help with, please e-mail me through the Web site and we'll talk!!
Best,
Mary Anne

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: SINSULL
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 10:08 AM

If there is a silent auction or table to sell donated items at the Spring fund raiser, keep us in the loop. Lots of crafts people here as well as musicians.
SINS

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: GUEST, Mary Anne and
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 05:18 PM

Hooray to see so much love and support for Michael! Many thanks to Jed for spreading the word and to those of you who've gone to the Web site and made a donation or bought a CD--and to those of you who've got your own projects for helping Michael. Awesome.
Someone asked if there's a way to mail Michael a check. I hesitated to post a mailing address online, but if you'll e-mail me through the Web site (www.michaelwilliamharrison.com), I'll be happy to send you an address.
And, for those of you who're in the north Texas area, I have "breaking news." The North Texas Irish Festival folks are behind Michael, too, and they're donating space for us to sell Michael's CDs and take donations at the festival. If you're in the area, please stop by and say hello (and buy a CD or make a contribution!). :-)
Best,
Mary Anne

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: jacqui.c
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 10:26 AM

Right now I'm making a shawl to be auctioned for Michael. I'll talk to Joe about how to set up a thread for the purpose, and to see if we can get a picture of the finished article onto a thread.

Kendall and I both have an idea of what Michael and his family are going through right now, having been walking down that road for so many years ourselves.

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 09:35 AM

Hi all, to save time I'll post this right here for Jed and others.

I got the OK from Friends of MWH to Auction off a set of Mike's CDs here at Mudcat, as a way of increasing "traffic" on this thread and the F/MWH site.

The Auction is down at the moment and if it's not back up in a day or two I am going to run the Auction in the NHL thread, because that is how I know MWH and because the hockey fans who post there should richly enjoy (and hopefully pay to play in) a postfest over various ways of helping our bud-- by cheering his team on for the rest of the season, just till his sore throat clears up that is. (I'll post the link here when it's running, and of course the Auction will include a link back to this thread's OP as well.)

MaryAnne at F/MWH was kind enough to share liner notes on the kid's CD:

LINER NOTES
++++++++++++

At the Urchin Street children's stage during the 2005 North Texas Irish Festival it became known that I was planning to embark on a recording project for children. Someone in the audience yelled out that Linda King was going to do the same thing and suggested that we record one together – there was much applause following that suggestion and a seed was sewn. Linda and I met at a local Dallas eatery a few months later to "discuss" the idea and walked away with
a plan in hand. We have known each other and crossed paths for years - I as a solo folkie and Linda as the leader of the band Amberhawke; however, we had never sung or recorded together and that was about to change.

This recording project is not Michael "with" Linda; nor, is it Linda "with" Michael. This is a collection of songs for "kids of all ages," conceived of, put together, arranged, changed and rearranged by the two of us working together with a high level of respect for each other and a love for the music, the songs and the children. Some of the ideas to do things or not do things were Linda's and some were mine; but, the best idea to come out of the whole project was the one we shared without discussion – to have children singing on the CD too.

As it turned out, most of the kids came from St. John's Episcopal School of Dallas and ranged in age from three years to fourteen. They did not comprise a music class, though, some are members of different music classes; and, they did not spend weeks, even days working on the material. Linda and I got the children together on a vacation day morning, spent two hours going over the songs with the kids and had Travis Ener and his mobile recording studio record the children singing to a track of Linda and I – that was it. We went in at 10:00am and we were done by 3:00pm. And guess what happened? The children took some pretty good songs, threw in their hearts and souls and simply turned the songs into magical pieces. Give it a listen and see if you don't want to tap your toes and sing along – even a little bit.

So exactly who is Linda King? And who is Michael William Harrison? Well, read on and discover…

Linda King is a founding member of Amberhawke, a Dallas-based Celtic group that has been performing at pubs, Ren-Faires and Celtic Festivals across the state of Texas for the past fifteen years or so. A professional musician since the age of ten when she began singing folk music for women's and church groups; Linda, the alto of Amberhawke, plays guitar and piano, crafts the vocal arrangements, writes original songs, and keeps the rest of the group in line. She has studied and sung a variety of musical styles including classical, pop and gospel and composes in a variety of genres.

Linda is also a founding member of the much sought after Victorian Christmas ensemble - Under the Mistletoe. A polished solo performer she has sung at festivals from Texas to California to Ohio and back. On children's stages, performing under the name of Lady Amber, Linda has used her unique blend of storytelling and song to introduce
young audiences to Celtic history in schools, festivals, museums and libraries. Linda's prior recordings include a solo CD, a Christmas album and several recordings at the helm of Amberhawke.


Michael William Harrison is now in his sixth year as a folksinger of American, Irish and Scottish folksongs. Michael cut his music teeth in Detroit some time back as a singing drummer working with folk music icon, Michael Smith ("The Dutchman"). The mid-seventy's demise of many of the folk music rooms left him in search of a new direction and in 1977 he headed for Texas.

In 1998, after several years in and out of country-rock bands Michael decided to follow his heart and return to folk music – as a solo performer. "It was about this time that I saw Riverdance," he said, "and was simply moved. As a kid growing up in Detroit, individual heritage was not something we carried around; but, it was understood in my family that we were Irish and English and I now know that my great-grandmother came from Dunmore in County Galway. Riverdance brought my Irish spirit rushing to the surface and I wanted to embrace that heritage. Since I was just starting out as a solo folksinger, singing Irish folksongs was a logical avenue, besides – I can't dance a lick."

Michael can be found performing at pubs, festivals, coffeehouses and house concerts from Dallas/Ft. Worth across Texas and the U.S. A few years back Michael co-produced "Into The West: Celts In Texas," - a musical look at the trail connecting Celtic folksongs to Texas; and, he was also chosen to perform on a special Kerrville Folk Festival radio documentary series presented by Austin's NPR affiliate KUT. Michael performs songs that frequently come with stories and tales dealing with the history of the song, or – history itself. Michael Harrison has opened the evening for such well known Celtic bands as Brother, Seven Nations and Scotland's own – Battlefield Band.

Tom Knapp of Rambles Magazine wrote, "Michael William Harrison is the sort of authentic folk artist who keeps the genre alive and kicking. This is the core of folk music, just a singer and his music. If we don't keep musicians like Michael William Harrison sitting on their stools and strumming their guitars, all the big band projects around won't keep folk music alive."

Note: by the way, we finished "For Kids Of All Ages" just in time to debut it at the 2006 North Texas Irish Festival. We also got real lucky when several of the "kids" were able to be on stage with us to perform the songs live.

Here is the write-up we did for the NTIF program about our children's shows on the Urchin Street stage:

   At NTIF on the Urchin Street stages, come see Michael and Linda with songs for all ages.
   There are songs about things we can see and can touch, like ponies and bats and fishmongers and such.
   We'll sing other songs that you can sing too, about dragons and bears, and a couple of saints, yes – two!
   There's a song of a garden and a crow in a tree, wise words from mom and a ship on the sea.
   So come all ye children it's Urchin Street time – let's sing and be merry, let's dance and let's rhyme.

Thanks for your time,
Linda King, Michael William Harrison – and "The Kids"

===

~S~

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: Beer
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 09:08 AM

My RED WING buddy. I wondered why you hadn't answered my p.m. So sorry I missed this thread and do hope for your speedy recovery.
Fight hard Texas Guest and like the WINGS you'll make the playoffs. Then it will be all up hill after that.
Adrien

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 08:23 PM

The Mudcat Auction's down at the moment, so I don't know-- are there any copies of MWH's CDs in there yet? If not, and if anyone can help me get track details of the childrens' CD, I'll put up one set on Auction here.

So-- does anyone know if the Auction downage is just temporary?

~Susan

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 04:14 PM

Jed agreed with me to try this out in the BS section for more exposure. Hope it helps.

kat

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: gnu
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 04:12 PM

Thanks for the good news Jed.