Home Routes with "The Laws"

Well, we had the privilege of hosting our first ever "Home Routes" concert on Wednesday night, and what a night it was! We were so honored to be able to spend the day with John and Michelle Law, prior to the evening's show! They are an amazing couple who, although Canadian, now reside in Nashville, where they are becoming very successful songwriters. They are an incredible, down to earth couple, who couldn't have made a hosts job easier.

The evening concert crowd was smaller than we would have liked to have seen for them, however, they understand everybody's commitments and obligations at this time of year, and recognize that although the audience was small, they made some lifelong fans from the group. I haven't heard an end to the compliments from folks around their performance and there wonderful interactions with everyone involved that evening. They have beautiful harmonies, wonderful songwriting skills, and incredible musicianship (if that's a word!). Our only hope after this weeks excitement, is that somewhere down the road we have the oppportunity to have our paths cross again! With that, I also need to say thankyou to the friends and neighbors that came out to make the evening all it was!

It's an amazing fall day here. The colors are at their most brilliant, and the day is so warm and fresh. It's also the day of the Lavenham Fall Supper, a tradition that thankfully continues, as it's always such a great gathering of neighbors! Its' great to have a day at home to putter....there's not a lot of those days right now. Don't know if I mentioned, but on top of everything I decided to go back to college this year....I'm 4 weeks into it now, and kinda wondering what the heck I was thinking. I love being in a position of learning again, and I love what I am learning and the folks I'm meeting, but boy it sure does add a new dimension to an already busy life. Guess I forgot that this was going to be my year to focus on music....thank goodness I live in next year country.

Better run. Shan and I have to get ready to head over to the feast at the hall. Till next time!

Lynda

http://www.musicwriter.ca/

Home Routes House concerts

Well, we're back to the real world, but it was one heck of a weekend in Regina! There were so many highlights for me, and so many great memories made as well as new friendships formed. Moments that stick out most for me were the opportunity to have a conversation with Valdy again (we had met 6 years ago at Winnipeg's Huron Carol) and he was just a gracious now as then. He was even sweet enough to ask me to autograph my cd for him! What a guy!
Another highlight was having the opportunity to chat with Sean Smith of the Poverty Plainsman about who the real heroes of the weekend were, and certainly he was one for me.
I also got to share conversations with some of the masters of the songwriting world...what gifts they give us all by sharing their craft. I can't say enough good about the weekend, the people or the job that Regina did in presenting the week.

Now we're home we're excitedly gearing up for our first Home Routes Concert. Home Routes is a new concept that is taking place across Western Canada in supporting travelling roots based artists by giving them an opportunity to put on a house concert in your home as they make their way across the country. For more information check out http://homeroutes.ca/ .We've started to familiarize ourselves with the artists we will be hosting and what wonderful talent we'll be experiencing! I can't wait! Next week is our first concert which will feature the husband and wife team, The Laws. I'll let you know when it's over!

On another front, I'm back in college, so that's been a new experience for me! Who'd have thought at this stage of m life, but it's been awesome. It takes a little juggling to put things mildly, but it's all going to be worth it I'm sure. It just adds one more dimension to an already full life!
Later,
Lynda
http://www.musicwriter.ca/

Canadian Country Music Week in Regina

Here we are at day 2 of CCMA celebrations in Regina. It's been wonderful so far. Had a chance to reconnect briefly with Steve Fox, after having met him and Jan in Nashville last year, so that was nice. Also got to meet Donny Parenteau, who is a nicer than nice guy, and heard him perform a new song dedicated to his late Father that is going to be his next release.
This afternoon I attended a songwriter's session that was awesome, and toured around the room with a group that included Gary Fjellgaard. It's so amazing to be so close to people who you've admired for years and years for their craft!
Cecil I appear to have lost at the moment....I stayed for the industry awards, and he had a chance to head to Fan Fest with a really nice couple we met from here in Saskatchewan...so I hope he doesn't get lost on me, because I just don't have time to go and find him!!
Better run ...just seemed important to do an update at this point. The adrenalin is high as are the spirits, so gotta go with it.
We're seeing so many big names in the country music industry everywhere we go, and there are so many nice people. It seems so easy to connect and strike up conversations and friendships when you have the love of music in common.
Well, will post more later....till then...
Lynda
www.musicwriter.ca