Missing a huge audience

[houstonian]

I grew up living so far south that I thought I-10 was the Mason-Dixon line. Which would put Austin and Dallas in Yankee territory. So, no offense intended, when I say y'all (Angel Band) are missing the potential for developing some great fans by hiding up yonder in Yankeeland. Just this week, my wife and I were introduced to some great Alaskan bluegrass at one of the best live music venues in the country: McGonigel's Mucky Duck. Two nights earlier, we heard one of our favorite groups at another of Houston's finest venues: Anderson Fair. We first heard that duo in Dallas the weekend Katrina hit New Orleans. We've heard them at least twice a year ever since.

Houston has a lot of fans like us, who appreciate great music. And who appreciate it when musicians take the time to show up somewhere within a few hours' drive.

We, and others, often drive to Bastrop and Austin, 2 and 3 hours away, to hear special music. Thousands of people spend vast amounts of time between May and July south of Kerrville. I think you would be one of the highlights of the year, if you would get a gig there at the Kerrrville Folk Fest.

Surely, somewhere in this state, you could find a venue which suits you!!! In the past year and a half, we've made several trips to your part of the country (NY, NJ, MD, PA), but you've never been in the part where we were when we were there. Eventually, our schedule will put us somewhere in the same place at the same time, but it does not seem to be likely before June.

Our December trip yonder will be for naught -- 'cause that's the extent of your December schedule: NAUGHT. March, when we go to hear Natalie Dessay in "La Sonnambula" at the Met? A month after you leave NY and NJ. Every time I look at your schedule, I look for some opportunity to put a trip on ours, but it just hasn't happened.

I love your music. I just wish you could love Texas. Or, at least, find your way to Louisiana.

[Angel 1]

Dear Texas,
I can't tell you how much we'd love to get down to the big wide state of yours. Don't take it personally that we haven't. Though Yankees we have been known to stray.
I will certainly send this along to our able bodies manager who may be able to brainstorm a way to move the aggravation down to you. The touring landscape has changed dramatically, but with a bit of creativity, organization and commitment we'll make it down.
Will and way and all that jazz.
Thanks for the push south.
Best, Nancy

[houstonian]

Howdy,
I'm not sure what it means to " . . . move the aggravation down to you." I hope Angel Band performances aren't aggravating!
Actually, I like having an excuse to go somewhere. Growing up so far from anywhere, I usually describe that place as "Nowhere." So, even though I now live in a really neat place (analagous to the center of the universe), I still like discovering other places.
It's just that I'm between planes, and going commercial to where y'all usually hang out is, in fact, an aggravation. As is the fact we haven't had time to drive there, lately.
So, if your able manager manages to make me able to sleep in my own bed the nights before and after an Angel Band performance, it would be supernal.

[Angel 1]

Not really aggravating...maybe more like a grain of sand in an oyster. A bit difficult to work around, but quite a prize when we're done!
We've got to move around all 7 of us so the reality of the expenses is the tricky part...we've got the will, just a little challenging on the "way".
Hang in there. If my master plan works we'll make it down. I'm not convinced about beef barbeque (as opposed to the pork), so that may be impetus enough.
Supernal is what we strive for, but (like that d**ned pearl) can take some time.
best, Nancy

[houstonian]

I got an e-mail from Kerrville today. You'll find the (hopefully interesting) pertinent part below.

I'm about to cope with some more "aggravating" because of other folks who never seem to show up in Texas. Last time they were close was Mississippi. In two weeks, I'll go to Oklahoma to hear some "pearls." That, I can do (up and back) in two days. Takes as much time to fly up where y'all are as to drive to OKC. I mean, c'mon. Could you make it halfway? I know it's going to work out . . . eventually. Our "usual" trip to your part of the country next June probably won't happen. Seems a grandkid is due about the same time, and Grandy wants to be in Texas. (As if I don't.)

What could be more Texan than steaks? Or wild game?

Texas has a few other things besides barbeque. Houston, about 100 (Presumably, because that's about the number of foreign to us, native to them, languages are spoken by students in various school districts around here.) different kinds of ethnic foods. German, Greek, Thai, Vietnamese, (One of our favorites.) Afghanistanian, Indian, Pakistani, French, and on and on. Of course, more run-of-the-mill foreign foods like Mexican (all over Texas . . . and a lot of Tex-Mex, as well), Italian, and generic Oriental.

Even so, we love the Moon Rock Cafe in NYC, and the "world's best" (according to its owner) Indan restaurant there. Haven't checked out his other claim to fame around the corner. Eating Mexican food in New York City just seems wrong.

It is easy to forget the logistics for y'all are a bit more daunting than for others we've heard lately like Albert & Gage, Gatling & Hoffpauir, and even Bearfoot. Angel Band "seems" like three people, but the players of instruments are certainly vital!

CUOL

----------------------------------------- From Kerrville e-mail:
We will start taking entries for New Folk on December 1. Songwriters are given two options for submitting their songs. They may send their CD directly to the festival office or they may submit electronically by using Sonicbids. Either way, the official guidelines MUST be followed.

The official guidelines and entry information/form for the 2009 Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Competition for Emerging Songwriters are posted on our website at www.kerrvillefolkfestival.com/newfolk.htm. There are a few significant changes to the guidelines so be sure to read them carefully.

We will accept the first 800 entries we receive prior to March 15, 2009. The 32 Finalists will be announced on or about April 15.

[Angel 1]

COMING TO TEXAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well shut my mouth!
Ask and ye shall receive (sort of)
We'll be heading to Texas for a few shows with the mini version of the full circus (see 1 rather than 3 rings).
SEPT 17-20.
Check the website tour schedule for the details.
Spread the word...if this works we'll be down in full force next time!