JPF Home Page Forums General Messages Success Stories Forum Won 2 songwriting contests-Live performance cover

Hi you all,

I know I have been missing for awhile, and I do miss being here as much, but there are a few reasons. I have some personal things going on, but I am also playing out some, because the more I play out the more I don't think about personal things lol.

I just wanted to share some special things that have happened in the last few weeks. I have been playing out some with some bluegrass friends, and I entered 2 songwriting contests at 2 different festivals. One was in Manchester MI, the Riverfolks festival. I cried when they called my name as first place, and then we got to play it on the big stage lol. I have no video, because I really didn't expect to win, but someone took pictures, and if I ever get them I will try to post them.

Last weekend, I was in Atlanta Mi, at the Bluegrass in the park. That was an amazing experience. Jamming all over with so many people. They had a Band scramble, you put your name with the instrument you play in a container, and they pulled out random people to make 3 different bands of 11 or 12. You had 15 minutes to figure out 3 songs and practice. I got a 10 year old fiddle player better than any I ever played with, and a hot 15 year old banjo player. We played Orange Blossom Special, I'll Fly Away, and Good Ol Mountain Dew. We won the scramble, and someone in the crowd videoed I'll Fly Away. If you would like to see it, it is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8LvOv7uOA4
We named ourselves the WaistBand, lol.

They also had a songwriting contest, and gave us all 6 words to write a song to, then perform. I couldn't believe it, but I was the winner again. I got to play a whole set on stage before the headliner band, which was amazing in it's self.

Music is the only thing that I can say is going great right now, and I guess that is why I love and hold on to it.

I hope you all don't forget me, because I will be sparce here, but I am still near.

Letha

LETHA BABY!!

Congratulations!! I have been a bit MIA myself lately....but whenever I saw this, I had to chime in....that's so wonderful, and couldn't have happened at a better time it sounds like!!! As one of your biggest fans, I'm just surprised it's taken so long for you to be recognized for your talent.

I should really have made arrangements to get your autograph BEFORE all this happened....now I'll have to wait in line like everybody else.

In all seriousness, Letha, I am so proud of and happy for you. I'm going to go watch the video right now.

Thanks so much for sharing this exciting news!!!!

Looking forward to making more beautiful music with you ( ),
Beth

OH WOW!

Had to come back after watching that video...how awesome was that?! I think my favorite part -- after seeing/hearing you perform of course -- had to be the dog moseying around and about the stage!

So cool to SEE you in action Letha. And I can't believe that fiddle player was only 10! The banjo player wasn't anything to sneeze at either.

What a wonderful experience for all the participants and the audience (both live and virtual). You done JPF proud, gal!!

Cheers,
Beth

Wow! That's quite impressive. I am glad that music is going good for you right now -- you deserve it. I'll have to give that video a spin. That fiddle player was pretty decent. I was afraid the harmonica player would not stop playing, though (ha, ah), but it all worked out. What was that little mandolin player wearing? Good banjo, too! Dobro sounded good way over there, but we couldn't see him. ... and of course, good vocals!!!

Kevin

Hi there Letha!

I am so very happy for you!! You certainly deserve every success that comes your way. The video is absolutely AWESOME!! I just LOVED being able to see you perform!

I've been away a few days myself....I am so delighted to come over here tonight and see this posted.

We are both blessed to have the gift of music in our life, aren't we?!! It certainly helps us get through difficult times.

Thanks for sharing this with us, Letha. I am so proud of you!!


All the best to you always,
Gail

Thank you Beth, and thanks Kevin,

I appreciate your compliments.

That little guy (or girl) we couldnt tell which, should have been up front. See, I didn't realize the child was actually playing the mandolin, I really thought he or she was tagging along with the ten year old, but I was mistaken. That is my only regret, because I would have made sure to have given her or him an upfront spot. First band scramble I ever played,not my best performance, but it sure was fun. I am amazed that an audience member posted it, but I am happy they did.

Dobro player was wearing a strange hat with a coon tail I think, lol wish you could see him.

Thanks again for watching,

Letha

Hi Gail,

You always say the nicest thing. I never thought I would want to perform live much again, but when I started jamming with the bluegrass players, I enjoyed it so much, I think I might. I never thought of entering songwriting contests live before, lol, and I sure never expected to win, so I feel blessed.

Thank you Gail, maybe you will allow me to teach them your song and perform it sometime? I won't be making you any money lol, but I would get you a little exposer and maybe a lot better recording someday. Let me know what you think ok?

Letha

Letha,

You are the sweetest person!! I would be so honored if you taught them to play OUR song and perform it! Letha that song is half your baby, too!! You perform it whenever and wherever you choose. Yes....let's give it lots of exposure!! Maybe it will fall on just the right ears!!

I am indeed honored, Letha, to have you as a partner on that song. That lyric is special to me....and I knew in my heart that you were the one who could really give it so much meaning. Again Letha, I want to thank you for doing such a lovely job on the song. I will always be grateful.

I also want to thank all of our wonderful friends here at JPF for their lovely remarks and encouragement on our song. I appreciate all of the people who left comments over on the MP3 board and the very many people who have listened to it. Thank you all so very much!

Letha, congratulations on the songwriting contests and thanks for sharing that fabulous video with us!

Gail

Hi Letha,

Glad to hear about your musical adventures.
And watching you perform in the video, made me smile.
Take happiness where you can find it girl !
I'm real proud of ya !
And thanks for sharing this with us.

Calvin

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/0/calvinstewart

wow congrats Letha, great exciting stuff !

Holy Cow! Congrats on the whole shebang, Letha!

So glad that music is making you happy!

That video is great - The young banjo and fiddle players were outstanding, as was your vocal. And the well-fed dog was priceless...

Loved every second of it

Scott

enjoyed that alot Letha, made me grin a few times...when i saw the dog walk on i thought he was gonna do a solo too
glad to see ya out there doin' your thing...

Absolutely wonderful video! Gave me goosebumps.
What a thrill to see those young musicians as well.

I'm so pleased you're in your element and garnering these
well-deserved kudos, Letha.

Donna

I haven't got to watch the video yet but I will.
Gosh, the only thing I find surprising in all this is that you find it surprising <G>. Heck, it's about what I would have expected <G>
WAY TA GO LETHA!!!!
I'll get back after a bit. Only one cuppa coffee you see
Wy

Oh, that is sooo awesome!! I'm so happy that you are having fun and winning, that's great!!

Love the video, it'a so cool, the kids were great as was everyone! Amazong that you all came together so quickly to do this, and did so well. That's so cool!!

Congrats and keep it up!

I watched--listened to the video. One of my favorite songs. Your voice blew me away on that one. First goosebumps and then tears (other reasons involved there too),
Impressive for a "put together" band. For that matter, any other band. Yeah, some excellent musicians there
Wy

Letha!...that is wonderful gal....not surprising in the least!!...and hope the personal things work out for you too...

very best...
H,
Kaley

Hi Letha,

This is just wonderful, the sign of a gifted professional. You rock! Well, wait, what is it called? You grass?

Ricki

I knew you had extraordinary talent. I am so proud of you, great to see you in "real life". on the video
Are you going to the IBMA in Nashville next month? I am planning to go, maybe if you are, we can have coffee, Kim:)

Hi you all,

Gail, Scott, Wy, Calvin, Herbie, Moker, Donna, Carolyn, Ricki, Kaley, and Kim,

Thanks so much for watching and your compliments. A band scramble was a first for me, and I sure enjoyed it. I actually get to play with the young fiddle player we met there tomorrow afternoon. By the way, lol, he just turned 14, not 10. I had to apologize but that was the age everybody was saying.

Kim, I wish I could make it to Nashville, but I am not in a position to travel right now. I would loved to have got to have met you, and who knows, maybe someday down the road some of us will get to. It would be great.

Thanks again to all of you,

Letha

Ps, Someone took some Iphone pics at the Riverfolks festival, if you would like to take a look. I appreciate just having something. Need to buy a video camera and make sure I take someone out of the band in case something good ever happens again, lol.

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/ind...p;friendID=307571532&albumId=1415352

They finally put my name on the festival site as the winner lol,
http://www.riverfolkfestival.org/Riverfolk_Festival/Riverfolk.html

Congratulations Letha, looks good on you.

Letha, most excellent. Nice work and well deserved.

Tom

Congrateulations from me as well, Letha.
Nadia

Everett, Tom and Nadia,

I sure appreciate your kindness and support. Not sure how I got so lucky 2 weeks in a row, but sure don't take it for granted. I hope for all of us, that struggling to keep the faith, and paying our dues really will lead us to the destination we are all hoping for.

Thanks again and good luck to us all

Letha

Congratulations Letha, I loved the video.
You make great music everywhere you go. Thanks for sharing.

Peace,
Nathan

Hi Letha

That is so cool, congratulations, well deserved hey. Keep that luck going! YIPEE!

Hugs

Michele

A huge congratulations Letha! Way to go!

Best, John

Enjoyed the video, Letha. You guys sounded great. Congrats on the contests!

Sometimes the best times/things turn out to be the spontaneous ones. Love the "waistband" name and given the details of the day "scramble band" or "rubberband" would've also worked LOL given your flexibility. Sounded great and you have a good stage presence as well. Looked like fun and I adored the plump pup . Feel free to use our "Too Long Gone" song if you need a blues song on the fly. You looked like you had a blast and the crowd sounded enthusiastic, no wonder!! Keep looking up!

Best of You Tubes,
Lynn
P.S. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

Letha, you know, honestly, I think you're at different level as a singer and performer to anyone else on this site and it's just some kind of strange quirk of fate you aren't pretty well known.

The video above is great but your videos of you busking with that electric cigar guitar are just something else!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4WVkCxrRog

16,000 views and counting on you tube, that's a pretty amazing achievement.

Lucian