Here's most of the most recent blurb to my e-list:

Subject: Oh my lord, this thing is turning into a newsletter! Help!
Date: Tue, 16 Oct 2001 17:38:46 -0400

Hello, out there . . .

Y'know, I started this just to let people know what was upcoming folk-wise. It seems to be turning into a journal as well, 'cause there are things that happen that I feel an urge to share with you. Oh well, nobody's asked to be removed from this list as yet. Blather on, Gridley!


Last month brought me an unusual and profound privilege. Late last year, my Uncle Jim (from the relatively new-found Kingston branch of my family) passed away, and it was not until last month that there was a memorial service and internment of his ashes. I'd been asked to sing a couple of his favourite songs for the occasion. One was a hymn called "Lily of the Valley" and the other was a lovely Gaelic melody called "Bheir Me O", also called "The Eriskay Love Lilt". A Saturday morning saw me singing this beautiful song in a cemetery that sloped down to the wooded shores of the Napanee River. The scene was wonderfully serene and peaceful, and it was a very moving experience for me. The memory will be with me for a long, long time.

One thing I should bring you up to date about is some changes affecting Spooky Moon. First of all is that we've decided to cancel the CD Release/Halloween party for the 27th. The primary reason is because of a personnel change. Regrettably, our very fine alto Grace Black has decided to withdraw from the group. Her recent relocation to Hillsburgh (darn near Orangeville) will make the logistics of travel to rehearsals and gigs quite unmanageable for her. Grace's lead vocals on "Hyacinths" and "Shooting Star" will be missed; and I can only hope that there will be at least some recreational singaround sessions in her (new) kitchen in the future.

At the same time, we'd like to welcome new member Melanie Campbell to the group. She's already performed with us at the Brantford Folk Club, but throwing an entire evening's repertoire at her for the 27th seems a bit unkind.

More Spooky stuff: David Light has written a song in response to the extraordinary events of September 11, called "In a Moment". It's been submitted for the CD project that Paul Young initiated. They got more submissions than they know what to do with; keep an eye out for it - it's going to be a superb product. Although we know at this point that it's not going to be used, we have a fine song (and if you're at the Black Walnut in Kitchener on Friday, you'll likely hear it). We want to particularly thank Wayne Marshall who ably recorded the demo for us on unbelievably short notice.

Still more Spooky stuff: the "Calling Card" CD is being well received and one song, "Daddy Flew High" is getting airplay on both Jim Marino's "Free Wheeling Folk Show" and Steve Fruitman's "Back to the Sugar Camp". Kinda neat.

The aforementioned "upcoming folk-wise":

Kitchener's Black Walnut Folk Club is this Friday, as I've mentioned and Spooky Moon plans to be in attendance.

Saturday brings at least two choices, and I recommend both, darnitall. Readers' Cafe in Dunnville is featuring Rick Fines. It's a lovely wee venue, and I believe they are now licensed as well.

The other thing (where I'll be) is Allison Lupton's CD release concert in Cambridge. She has a fine lineup of musicians with her for the evening. I've heard a few tracks of an advance copy of the CD and I do believe it's going to be a winner.

All the details for the above can be found on my website under either the "Club Listings" or the "Folk Calendar". If you haven't dropped by for a visit, pretty please do so. I'd love whatever feedback you care to share, bouquets and brickbats alike.

Thank you, and until my next blather, be exceptionally well . . .


Jeremiah
www.jeremiah.ca