Tea Bag this....

Living in Santa Cruz is a little like watching yourself play Alice in Wonderland, or Susan in Narnia. You know there's another world out there, but this one is so fascinating why not just stay awhile in your bubble, you deserve a treat. Then as you pass through the news channels you see her, the Red Queen Palin spouting "off with their heads" and you think, "Goddess, where was that pill bottle?". It's all I can stomach to even get that much while I pass by the channel, and I am horrified thinking some idiot out there might actually take her seriously. How would we all be with heads rolling down the lane or reproductive parts removed ? Thankfully we have Alice played by Princess Rachel Maddow and Bill Maher, the forever grinning cheshire cat. So at least for now there is a balance.

The rain is coming back, and I am relieved to say the reservoirs are full again. So there is water enough for the pots, now can we have a chicken in every one please?

Sing like there's nobody listening...

Ginny

Canada So far...

This is just a quick check in.

Marty and I are still in B.C., heading south. The trip has been delightful, the shows have been well attended and I feel proud to have done them solo.

Marty has been a huge help and it's been wonderful doing this trip together.

We left Rock Island resort yesterday, complete with ferry trip across Arrow lake. It is always hard to leave there and harder to say good bye to my brother and sister.

We stopped in to visit with my ex in-laws the Peets in Sicamous. Bonnie and Keith were very welcoming and we had a very sweet visit after almost 11 years. The farm looks bucolic, well tended, the barn as solid as ever. There were cows and burros, happily living beside the Eagle River.

Now we head south towards Seattle and points south.

Here is a photo of Marty outside the Yurt at Rock Island resort with my sister's husband, Ivan Munro of Sicamous, B.C.

www.rockisland.ca

Okay, back on the road now

best,

Ginny

Remembering Bill Monroe

Years ago on a summer's eve, my friend and producer, Mark Schatz asked me along to a potluck at Bill Monroe's house in the woods. We were to be joined by a few musicians, it was casual and I was excited to meet the legend and the man.

We entered the property by a gravel drive, The house, as I remember was a single level wood frame house with a covered front porch. It sat among a some pines and birch, as we got out of the car it seemed the place was filled with a sense of folks who had lived in this place.

It was a country home, with the simple things of life. Yes, there was a bible on the mantle as I recall.

Just about 10 of us. Mandolins, guitars fiddles and singing. Bill was happy to be surrounded by trusted friends. Two of my Nashville favorite people were there with me so I was in heaven, Kathy Chiavola and Mark Schatz. Ginger Boatwright was there as well. There was dancing and a whole lot of laughter. Mostly I remember the music.

Here is a photo I took of Kathy Chiavola singing with Bill Monroe. I have had some memorable nights, and this is certainly one at the top of my list.

Randall Kane and Catalyst

Hello one and all,

Two days ago Randall Kane passed away in his sleep. Randall has been a Santa Cruz fixture for as long as I can remember. In high school the old Catalyst was on the North end of Pacific Ave and was a testament to everything alternative in Santa Cruz in the 70's. In the 80's Randall built the new Catalyst which rose from the ashes of an old bowling alley. With it we saw acts the calibre of Bonnie Raitt, Tina Turner, Neil Young, Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris and hundreds more. I had the honor of opening for Asleep at the Wheel, Ricky Skaggs, Rodney Crowell and k.d. lang, among others. The crew at the "Cat" (as we like to call it) were like family in those days, and Randall was the father figure.

Every Wednesday for two years my band and I played in the Garden room to a loyal and sometimes less than well groomed crowd. We played whatever we wanted, mostly bluegrass and country, songs that grew from our loyalty to KFAT radio. We had players sit in from all over the country and the county.

Only one time did Randall ever say anything to me about the tunes I was choosing. I was going through a bad break up and every song was pretty much a downer. On a break, he patted me on the shoulder and said, "Ginny, maybe that's enough sad songs, any more of those and we're all gonna slit our wrists". There was no judgement , just a suggestion to steer to the lighter side.

I remember well the night we opened for Ray Benson and Asleep at the wheel. They had brought the old black grand Piano down from the rafters. In my excitement I had left my brand new Black leather fringed jacket on the piano after our opening set. When I returned for it the next day it was gone. A few weeks later Randall came to me and said, "I heard about your jacket, Ginny. It shouldn't cost you to play here,"  He handed me $200.00 cash, with a smile. When I tried to thank him and give him a hug, he seemed suddenly shy.

The Catalyst Christmas parties are legendary. I remember sitting briefly on his lap at one, right after the earthquake, when the Cat was closed for repairs and we had it at the mexican place across the street. We all had a lot of tequila that night and there was a lot of merry singing of Christmas Carols.

There will never be another Randall Kane. Rest in Peace.

Reverb Nation

Hello friends and family,

Well as Marty and I prepare for our road trip next month to the Pacific North West, I have been looking at ways to help promote the shows and connect with more of you.

So I have been exploring the ins and outs of reverb nation. Here is a link, and perhaps it will help us connect! It has songs and a video as well as all kinds of news. Please check it out.



See you all very soon.

Love,
Ginny

KKUP Marathon

Yesterday was a sweet Valentines day. 12:00 noon at KKUP, Cupertino. Many musicians, friends old and new.

Community radio alive and well. Mary McCaslin sang like an angel. As I was driving back to Santa Cruz I heard Lisa and Marty Atkinson , beautiful harmonies, so lovely.

Storms brewing

people staying in

Wind howling

I wrap myself in the warmth of musical community

Blessings of the heart

Mr. President

I was up 3 times the night before he took the oath that would make him our 44th president. I was so excited for that moment to arrive, I could barely sleep. So I finally awoke at 6:00 am to watch all the goings on up to the actual swearing in.

Tears of joy and an indescribable feeling of pride in the entire American experience this time around.

That same evening we hosted an inaugural ball at our Digital Media Factory. I post a jpeg of the beautiful friends and family who joined us in the celebration.

Hand on the Bible

A song

A speech

Tears of joy, we hug each other

One big group world hug

Hope