Horseshoes

Well, we didn't make the goal, but we came close enough, considering the times. In fact, we raised a lot of money during the three hours of Caterwaul Marathon Fundraising - $5500. Thanks to everyone who called and donated.

Thanks too, to musicians Nerissa Nields and Pete Lehndorff who took part in a successful Skype Me A Song experiment. And to Jim Mercik and Abu Alvin Carter Sr. who joined me live in the studio.

I hope those of you who were watching the radio show enjoyed it. We won't be doing that too often.

Thanks again.

How to be an adult

Singer-songwriter Nerissa Nields as written and published a book called, How to Be an Adult, and it really is, as promised, advice on how to successfully navigate life.

The book has spawned a website, where readers are sharing their life lessons. So if you've got some advice, or are looking for some, you may want to check it out.

For some of my advice on adulthood, I recommend the commencement address I wrote for Wesleyan grads before Barack Obama stepped up to fill in for Ted Kennedy.

Advice from a folksinger

Okay kids, I'm already too far gone as an adult for this to apply in any way, but my friend, singer-songwriter Nerissa Nields has just published a book called, How to Be An Adult, with illustrations by her sister Katryna.

Now, if it seems strange for you to consider taking advice about how to act like a grown-up from a folksinger, know that Nerissa spent a couple of years compiling advice and information from a series of certified adults (myself included).

Concerts of the Week

Richard Shindell
Iron Horse, Northampton MA
Friday November 9

Great songwriter. Great songs. Great performer. No need to know more.


Nerissa and Katryna Nields
Sounding Board Coffee House
Unitarian Universalist Society, Fern St. West Hartford
Saturday November 10

Nerissa and Katryna are now mothers, and they've travelled the road of rock, and they are all the better for the wear. The sisters with the celestial harmony have settled into the folk and traditional music they know so well. Their new album Sister Harmony showcases the rootsiness of family making music together.

Some amazing interviews

Although I didn't have the pleasure of attending the Anais Mitchell/Jeffrey Foucault concert at Roaring Brook Nature Center last evening (a halloween party precluded my attendance - a parent and child affair it was a lot of fun), I did have the privelege of interviewing Anais in a short visit to the WWUH studios on Saturday.

Anais is pretty amazing. First and foremost, she's a singer and songwriter to be reckoned with. With that on her side, she's decided to write and stage a "folk opera" called Hadestown, based on a retelling of the Orpheus myth. As she noted, it's set in a "post-apocalyptic depression, dust-bowl town." The show with a full folk band, along with cast, costumes and sets will travel to five old Vermont theaters, and one in Somerville Mass (near Boston) on the last weekend of November and the first of December. If the songs she sang in the interview are any indication, it's a show not to miss. Anais is also looking for angels to sponsor the show rehearsals, costumes and sets. You can find out all you need to know at her website.

The interview will play Wednesday morning (6-9 a.m. Eastern US at wwuh.org) on my show along with one I did a few weeks back with Will Kimbrough, and if all works out, a live interview with Nerissa and Katryna Nields to preview their weekend show at the Sounding Board, and to talk about their new album, Sister Holler.

Concert of the Week

Strawberry Park Folk Music and Dance Festival
September 13-16
Strawberry Park, Preston CT

This may be pushing the envelope for an outdoor festival in Connecticut, but the lineup is ambitious, and the venue is conducive to a campfire and a sweater. The weekend is supposed to be sunny and seasonable, and the music will definitely be cool. You'll recognize names like Richie Havens and Jonathan Edwards, but keep your ear peeled for Rani Arbo and daisy mayhem, Richard Shindell, Nerissa and Katryna Nields, David Mallet and Girl Howdy.