Surprise, surprise, surprise...! 

I was pleased to find out that MELIC has been nominated for Americana Album of The Year and "Between The Lines" has been nominated for Americana Song of The Year at the 2006 Just Plain Folks Music Awards. 

The funny thing is that I didn't know anything about it until I read a congratulatory post on the Bandzoogle music forum. Tim Tibbitts, from Guelph, Ontario, Canada, wrote me a nice note congratulating me on the nominations and that was the first I'd heard of them. 

I think I have the CD Baby folks to thank. I know I gained membership in that organization through them and I recall them asking permission to submit my record. I figured that would be the last I heard of it. Who knew...?!

So, I don't know what it means. I need to do a little research. If anyone out there knows anything about this, please bring me up to speed. 

On the 19th, I'm participating in yet another tribute show. Following a showing of "Fallen Angel", a documentary about the life and music of Gram Parsons, a few of us on the local Americana scene will pay tribute by performing some of his songs. I've chosen "In My Hour Of Darkness" and "Farther Along". The latter is a more personal choice since I recorded it as a duet with Emmylou Harris who first came to fame as Gram's duet partner years ago. So, it brings us full circle. The show will be at The Sanctuary For Independent Media in Troy, NY. It looks to be a great night.

In addition, I've been reunited with my old friend, Larry Winchester (formerly of Coal Palace Kings) as the guest vocalist for a couple of gigs with his current band, The Sidewinders. It's been fun learning/singing some cover songs. I did that once many, many years ago but this time is definitely more my speed and I'm having fun. Make sure you come out to see us at The Garden Grill and a couple of weeks later at Valentine's in Albany. We'll shoot out the lights!

Leave me a note so I'll know you were here!

Take care,

Hayseed