Hi Brian,

I hear what you are saying. And I want to get out and meet other musicians. There is a bluegrass band that meets every other week at a local historical site. It happens to be on our Sabbath right during Sabbath School time. Still, I approached my husband about it and try as I might, I could not convince him of the value in doing this type of thing. Maybe I should have just defied him and done it anyway. I really don't know. I totally agree with you about the internet thing and the need to stay connected with the real world. Trouble is, noone at my church is performing their own songs. I'd have to go out beyond my church friends to find someone like that.

I have gotten my family (on occasion) to the local pizzeria that sponsors live music every Tuesday. They are one-man bands who perform some of their own songs but a lot of what they do are cover songs. For Mardi Gras I convinced my husband to go with me to a local hospital fundraiser here that hosted a local Jazz band. I didn't get to meet any of the members though. But, I did learn their group's name. Also, I've learned about Willie King, (think that's his name) and his Freedom Festival held in May over in West Alabama. Am planning to go to it this year too. Hopefully, I'll meet some songwriters/musicians there.

It's tough for me as a mother to get out there. But I'm trying. And this time last year, I didn't know of any performing artists at all---so I'm proud to say I've moved in that direction. How would I go about trying to meet more "plain folks" who might attend a JPF show? Is there anything I could place in the local paper to advertise it (the B'ham show)? I meant to ask this several weeks ago. How do you suggest we promote it?

Vanessa