The local newspaper let me down and failed to give us any coverage (other than a bare bones listing) for an upcoming concert, so I'm trying to spread the word through non-print media. Please tell others who may be interested.

Friday, Oct 16 is the debacle known as Banjo 101 in Branford, CT at the 1st Congregational Church hall, 1009 Main Street beginning at 8! And it's FREE, sponsored by the Musical Art Society of Branford.

Roger Sprung (bluegrass) - the legendary one recently honored in Owensboro, KY as a pioneer of bluegrass
Joel Schiavone (Dixieland) - member of Oklahoma's National Four-String Banjo Hall of Fame
Kevin Fontaine (Celtic) - member of the MA band BlackSheep
Frank Shaw (old-time) - you know this guy!

The newspapers wonder why they're going out of business, one missed opportunity at a time. I hope to show them that we can communicate in the 21st century despite their omissions!

Here's what I said to them in an email:

Musical Art Society is a non-profit cultural arts group of volunteers struggling to present free concerts in the community since 1920, and depend on the local newspaper (now only ONE) to publicize our events. We do have email lists and spread a few posters around, but your paper is our primary means to get the word out. Our Banjo 101 concert includes a resident of Branford (Frank Shaw) and a resident of Guilford (Joel Schiavone) plus two (Kevin Fontaine and Roger Sprung) who are traveling quite a distance for this event. Many local people would be interested in knowing at least who is in the program.

Community events like this which enhance the quality of life and support current and future artists are surely the type of thing your paper should support. ...I sent you a full press release with biographies of the 4 musicians, background about Musical Art Society and 4 hi-res photos. All we got was Banjo 101: 8 p.m. First Congregational Church Pilgrim Hall,1009 Main St., Branford. Free. For info, call 203....

...Did the information arrive too late? I noticed white space in today's edition. Are you not that interested in cultural events and recommend that we publicize our events elsewhere either online or in non-print media outlets?

Hopefully we'll get an audience for this concert, despite lack of publicity.

(Meeting of Banjo Wife Support Group immediately following concert...)