Gregnotes Archives

Home  Bio  Press  Schedule  AvailableMusic

Guestbook
  Contact  PhotoGallery  gregnotes

 

Here's a compilation of Greg's past entries to gregnotes book. They are in reverse chronoligical order.

 

*Posts from January 2005 to July 2005 have been lost*

 

 

December 1, 2004

 

Hi,

Well it's been awhile; this is my first post election entry and while it's been a very down time emotionally, I'm very surprised to find so much positive energy out in the world. 

My phone rang off the hook on the day after election day.  The questions I got from overseas:
"Will America have a civil war?".  

Doubt it, you'd have to be really committed to go that far; I don't see that much commitment on either side. 

The domestic phone calls were amazingly upbeat.  So many people were looking at the glass as half full and citing that nearly half the voters were on the move for change. That is a positive stroke, although I did hope for better. 

Also, I was amazed at how quickly Kerry conceded the election, I'm one who thinks a recount (Yes again, remember the last time?) is a good idea.  These folks spent millions upon millions to campaign; why not go a little further and check the nooks and crannies, eh?  Am I being alarmist? Got me, a long list of events comes to mind: we have a such rich history of obfuscation in this country that I'm bound to look at everything more than once for irregular circumstances.  

As Radio Raheem said in Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing: "count them shits again, man"

We must keep on keeping on. The conservative elements of this country will continue to work towards their agenda; I'm hoping in their doing so their hubris will trip them up.  

Recharge anyway you  can.  We'll all need the energy. 

 

 

August 4, 2004

Dear Heidi,

I hope this reaches you by your deadline.  This is not my primary email address. You can phone me if you like; my contact information is listed below. Here is my response to your questions about the talent search. I hope it'll  give you something  you  can use. Thanks for asking.

----------------


Effect of winning the Newport Talent Search

The humorous response that I give during my shows is that "I'm now ignored by a much higher class of people".  It's been a great leg up and psychological boost having won the contest. I have been to venues and had airplay in markets that would not have considered me without the Newport Folk Festival accolades. 

I've been in songwriting contests before, it's nerve wracking. The best thing about it is the experience itself;  if you're lucky you come out of it with some new musical friends and maybe a savvy business contact you can trust.

There is a great deal of the leg work involved in this profession, the business end of the music industry does not go away because you win a contest. Demographics, competition and market strategies still come into play. I know people who did mention to me that they wondered if a 45-year-old was actually supposed to win a folk music talent search. 

In fact, the advantages of winning the 1st Apple and Eve Newport Folk Festival Talent Search are perhaps more intangible than concrete.  The entire contest process is very stressful; when it's happening of course you're lucky to remember your own name let alone perform to the best of your ability. The good news is that the experience will make you much more cool under fire long after the contest is over.   

Performances, interviews, and the ups and downs of the music business take on perspective after such a big event.  This business, like much of the Arts is a war of attrition.  If you love it, you stick with it; regardless of whether you win or lose a contest.

-------------------

regards,

Greg

 

July 13, 2004

Greetings from New York City.  I'm finally back in town.  Just enough time to check out my apartment and to catch Prince at Madison Square Garden (yeah, I know. Just showing off.)  Then it's off to Falconridge.  

The trick with the Falconridge Folk Festival is to just let it kind of wash over you. It's four days long now (five if you want to come early and pitch a tent), and you need to let it help you find the rhythm.  Slow and easy, catch what you want to catch and play what you want to play.  I'm looking forward to Richie Havens this year, never seen him here before.  It's also a great place to find new artists. That's the best part. Also looking forward to catching up with some players in the evenings.  Lisa Bigwood, Annie Wenz, Tom Stokowski, Frank Armitage, and Cadence Carroll to name a few. 

About the political rant last month; it simply had to be done.  That kind of stuff is always on my mind, if I'm lucky it comes out in the work.  At the very least the art I produce should be about things that are important to me, right?  It stands to reason that it comes out on this page from time to time. And no, I don't begrudge folks who sing about "their baby" so long as they're sincere.  Everybody's got their thing at any given time. Lord knows I've got mine. 

I'm listening to "Democracy Now" lately on the radio.  Gives me hope that other folks are using their heads. It's also broadcast on TV too, catch it if you can.  For broadcast times and channels in your area I think you can check out
www.DemocracyNow.org 

I'm checking into recording some with the Blues in the Night band.  I'll let you know as soon as I do.

keep the faith,

Greg

P.S. For the record I've lost 40 pounds since April 1st.  Sixty to go . . . I'll insert the "Jesus H. Christ" memo that started me off when I get a little closer to my goal. 
C U Laytah . . .

 

June 14, 2004

Greetings from the shore.

I'm appalled. Appalled at the state of this country; and at the lack of momentum in response. So, we torture people in the name of our country and then blame it on a few bad apples. . . Were we Buddhist monks we could set ourselves on fire in protest.  Or we could watch TV and let it all slip by, drip by drip.  What gets the attention of Americans?  What will postpone the Saturday afternoon barbecue in deference to repairing our government's monumental misdeeds ?  When we look at how the  powerless are treated right here in the U.S. then there is no surprise when it comes to our treatment of those who were not born here.

Meritocracy: 

A system in which advancement is based on individual ability or achievement.
a. A group of leaders or officeholders selected on the basis of individual ability or achievement. 
b.
Leadership by such a group.

Do we believe that everyone gets what they deserve? 

I'm paralyzed myself; and I'm a big boy.  Where's my response?  How do I get it out without sounding like one of the petulant bourgeoisie? I'm writing.  

When the trouble comes I'll be standing right beside you. Hope I keep my head.  

Peace.

Greg

 

 February 21, 2004

Ever been to the Minstrel Coffeehouse in Morristown, New Jersey?  If you're close by, and you could very well be, it's well worth your while go and see what all the fuss is about.  It's about 10 minutes outside of the center of town, I met folks who lived in Morristown who had just discovered the Coffeehouse that very week from a notice in the paper.  

The coffeehouse takes place at the Morris County Cultural Center over on Mendham Road.  The audience is so attentive, it's real fuel for the fire, a room full of people who actually listen and respond in kind.   I could go on and on, but check the site for yourself. 
www.folkproject.org/fp_minstrel.html

Whether you are a performer or a person who loves music and community this is a spot to check out. 

Oh, I was the opening act for a band called Left Field. They were specific and terrific; and 2 out of five of them were out sick.  Three of them went ahead with the show and did a great one at that.  Folk songs with a political bent, great lyrics and music, not to mention they were completely in tune with the audience.

 

Meanwhile, I'm planning for summer. If you know of a good venue or festival, please clue me in.  Thanks in advance.

Keep the faith. 

Greg

 

 

November 20, 2003 

Morning,

I'm in golden time now.  Fresh from Folk Alliance and at the same time post-show depression has not yet set in for "Blues in the Night". Of course the show is still in full swing in West Springfield; but post-show depression actually begins well before a production ends.  

"Blues in the Night" has a run of 7 weeks, we've been held over for an extra week .  The company is great to work with, and there's not a nay-sayer or ne'er do well in the whole bunch.  Which of course makes me wonder. . . because when you're doing a show and you can't name the jackass in the company; you have to wonder if maybe this time around the jackass might be you. 

As  the director, Mitch Chakour gives the cast and band the freedom to do their absolute best, a rare quality among directors, and it certainly shows. Mitch is an amazing player too, so when he sits at the piano everybody gets to rise to his level.  It's so much fun it ought to be illegal.

The Folk Alliance was quite a trip.  Tom Stokowski and I drove over from Massachusetts just after the "Blues" show.  Got to the Martin guitar showcase and had a great time. Ran into Julie Clark , it was great to see her-she was playing Alan Rowath's showcase.  Also finally met Annie Wenz after reading all of her notes from South Florida, it was great to meet her in the flesh.

The big surprise was stopping in to find Dave Cantor's hotel room and spending time with Dave's True Story.  Great players and great music. 

So now it's time to take care of my throat.  This show has me singing full out 6 nights a week.  If you have any pointers email me.  

Thanks,

Greg

 

 

November 5, 2003

Hi there,

Straight to business. Do you have footage from the 2003 Newport Folk Festival?  Somehow the concert footage from the festival is missing, and my performance opening this year's festival cannot be found. Please contact me with any information. Thank you.

It's time now for the Folk Alliance in upstate New York.  I've never been before; I'm looking forward to seeing everyone and also performing for the Martin guitar showcase. I go on around 1;30 AM  Saturday, can you believe it?  I guess these folks spend the weekend not sleeping. In addition to that I have a performance earlier that same evening in Massachusetts.  So, we'll perform "Blues in the Night"  around 10 pm on November 14th; Tom Stokowski will then drive with me to Monticello, N.Y. for the 1:45 AM showcase.   

In the meantime, it's all about getting ready for next year.  The press packets go out shortly, I have it on good information that all requests for 2004 should have gone out in October.  I'm  concentrating on summer festivals. 

One last thing, the new CD. . . well, it looks as if it'll actually be recorded in Brooklyn.  I'm looking forward to that.  A whole new set of challenges and folks to work with.  I'll keep you posted.

keep the faith,

Greg


September 28, 2003

And so ends the current performance cycle.  Thanks to everyone who attended the Friday show and to the Crescent Dragon staff. It's a great room, and they've been at it nearly two years now. If you're in or near Boston, go to Haverhill and check them out. Surf their website and see the schedule www.crescentdragon.com .

Next comes a new play. Well, at least it's new to me. "Blues in the Night"  is a musical revue featuring blues music.  This sounds terrific! I can't wait to get into this one.  It'll be performed by The Theater Project at the Majestic Theater in West Springfield, Massachusetts and opens in early November.  It's a small cast, just four of us, and I'll be playing in the stage band while serving as the fourth cast member.  I hope it's as bluesy as it's title.   Meanwhile I'm looking forward to theMartin Scorsese series "The Blues" premieres tonight on PBS. 

As for the new CD, the pre-production is together.  I've been working on and performing the material for over a year.  The instrumentation will be basic, with some edge.  I'm hoping for I kind of Daniel Lanois feel. Guitar (that's me), upright bass, accordion, percussion and pedal steel or slide guitar. Now I'm scope-ing out a recording studio, looking into NYC, Brooklyn to be precise. This comes at the suggestion of Leo Sacks and I'm inclined to take his suggestions seriously. Actually I'm not sure how to audition a studio.  If you have any ideas, please drop me a line on the guestbook.

I'll try to keep this log current.  But as always, when I have nothing to say-I'll say nothing. Lucky you. . . .

hang in there,

Greg
 


September 14, 2003

Greetings at 75mph.
 
I'm cranking this one out on train.  I've got to go up north & stir the pot a little bit.  I have a show near Boston next week and I'm looking for some live radio to do. 
  My brain is fried, too much input and no way to keep it up to speed.  And speed is what I crave these days, although I'm holding some time out for long stretches of beach and mountain time in early '04.

The Newport Folk Festival was everything you think it should be and a little bit more.  The question is (and I know I'm repeating myself here) is "what now?"  I'm sending material to a bunch of better venues these days; so it stands to reason that I'm being told to wait around by a better level of venues.  Seriously, I want it all now, like I always have.  And I'm getting some of it too. I've met some great folks in and out of the business, and some folks are extremely helpful and fascinating at the same time.
 

 

November 19, 2002

Greetings from the Underground.

I've been lying low of late.  Regrouping, planning for 2003 and 2004, trying to see what the future holds.  In fact the state of the world of late is so stunning that I have to keep my head down; and try-whenever possible not to add up all of the idiocy, hypocrisy and greed that passes for public life and policy. 

"Make me wanna holler, way they run my life . . ."  -
Marvin Gaye

Luckily, I have friends who are very aware and plugged in to the fight to save the world. Sounds a bit melodramatic, doesn't it? Well, when I take into account the US business model combined with US politics I can't see it any other way.  Please keep sending me information on the state of the world and all attempts to make it a better place. I'll do whatever I can; as often as possible.

As for the new album with a working title of "The Underground", I have enough new material ready to go.  Anyone who's come to a live show recently can attest to that; and thanks so much for coming to those shows -  by the way.


"Here's to thinking our way out of this one" 
- Andrea Hairston


keep the faith,

Greg

August 6, 2002

Well,

Falconridge was great, great fun. I admit I spend Saturday  up on the hill for the most part unable to walk. Stepped out of a sani-can at 6:30am and stepped into a pothole.  Spent about five minutes writhing around on the ground in agony while the line for the john grew ( extra entertainment for your camping dollar). Crawled back to my campsite and pretty much stayed there for most of the day. 

But really, I had a great time. I met so many interesting people; players, staff, everybody was just great. Performing on Friday went by so quickly; I did take a couple of moments to survey the scene from the mainstage. . .  very nice view.  Really gives the the urge for more; more festivals, more music, more everything.

As usual the song swap on Friday was for me the highlight of the weekend. Chris Smither, Erin McKeown, Greg Brown, and Lucy Kaplanski all were  up to the task of sharing the stage. It's always good to see players react off of each other.  Lots of great music all weekend long. Rhonda Vincent and the Rage , what a great band, and they worked off of one microphone-very fun to watch. Gotta admit the mic couldn't handle all the vocals-it seemed to break up a bit with all the harmonies. . . .  but the effect of them working in such close quarters was terrific. As musicians they were without equal, incredible fiddle, mandolin, guitar, banjo and bass.  They were all wonderful.  Jeff Lang on Sunday. . . wow! Great show from him. Greg Brown was his usual cool collected and syncopated self.  Did some great covers on Sunday. too.  Chris Smither on Saturday was one of those things that you wish would just go on forever. Great songs with great stories.   And then there's Ani Difranco. . . . she shows why she's the big dog.  Her guitar was blistering. Great sound, great stories. .  .. she did a lot of new material that was terrific.  One song close to the end was a great political tirade. She closed the festival in grand style.  And the staff was more than ready, they kept the aisles clear during her set and everyone could see everywhere.  

Hey, if you were there did you notice that they added speakers to the house system on Sunday? We were wondering why they did such a thorough sound check on Sunday morning.  With the extra speakers the overflow crowd on the side got great sound too. The Falconridge staff was on top of everything. Very cool.

Meanwhile Dave Carter was on everyone's mind. . . the tribute was hard for everybody. . . and also a very necessary event. Part of the healing process. . .. . . .  . . We are so fortunate to have his music.

It's been a week and now I'm starting to come down from the whole thing.  And of course there is the business aspect. . . . . .  This August is booking month for me.  I'm putting together a schedule for 2003-2004.  If you know of any good venues where you like to see live music - let me know.  

see you soon,

Greg

 

 

July 6,2002
Happy Birthday Tom Stokowski !

Well, Germany has come and gone in the shadow of the World Cup. It was great to be there playing, and spending time with wonderful friends. I can't say enough about that, recharging with someone you love is a great thing.

And hey, the Falconridge Folk Festival is coming up! Wow! The fact is I was  going anyway, I've been going to the festival for the past few years. Getting to perform as part of the Emerging Artist Showcase is the icing on the cake.  I'm really looking forward to the view from the main stage.

I've decided to devote the month of August to booking the following 12 months.  The act of booking is the most difficult part of the whole process. You can play every venue from Boston to Atlanta, that's the fun part. Getting the bookings, arranging the details, settling the rate and contingency plans is the nose-to-the-grindstone work that drives me to question the business. It's a war of attrition, plain and simple. Good things still outweigh the negatives, thanks to music and people who enjoy listening to it.

OK, that's enough of that. . . . I still love my job.  Falconridge is gonna be so much fun, I can hardly wait. And the coming winter will be the time to finally record the new music I've been playing at shows.  I don't announce that a song is new during a show. I'm simply editing on the fly and seeing how a song feels. The act of being in front of people is what makes me fish or cut bait.  That's the best way for me to firm up a song and see how it works.

Oh, and another job is coming up soon.  We go back into rehearsal for the revival of "Soul Repairs" in August for a September run.  I can't wait to work with all the Chrysalis folks again. 

In the meantime, I look forward to seeing old and new friends at the festival on the last weekend in July.  You can check it all out at www.falconridgefolk.com ,OK? 

keep the faith,

Greg

 

 


  
May 6,2002

Sapelo Island, GA

Hi. Getting some time in on the island. It's good to have a home away from home. Peace and quiet are the order of the day here in Hog Hammock, just what I needed.

Finally played the Living Room in New York. It's a great space; I can't wait to play there again. The New Jersey Folk Festival was great fun as well. I hope to play them both again. I managed to meet some very cool folks and got a couple of bookings out of the deal.  

Next comes summer and a couple of shows in Berlin.  As of yet all the dates are not posted.  But I am very sorry that the Ireland shows are not going to come off this time around.  It simply didn't seem viable for this year.  The good news: Paris seems to be looming in the horizon for 2003 !  That is going to be great, back at the old stomping grounds once again.  The past few months have been very long for all of us. If there is any way at all to recharge and get your bearings back I suggest we all take the time required and do it.



February 5, 2002

 

Been a long time.  Made it through the holidays;  I spent New Years Eve in Massachusetts.  The First Night celebration was a lot of fun.  Performed with Enchanted as well as a couple of solo sets in the evening.  Topped it all off with Richie Havens and Greg Brown at the Calvin.  One very long and very satisfying day.    

This being the time of renewal and all, I'm glad January is over.  Does everyone lose their minds in January or is it just me & the folk I know?  I know it's difficult.  People who are ill try to hang on until the holidays are over.  People stay together until the year ends;  you get the idea.  Seems as if this is the month to really focus and try to help each other get through whatever demon it is that's chasing you.  Amen.

I'm in rehearsal in Massachusetts for a new Chrysalis play "Soul Repairs"  which will open up at Throne's Market on February 21st. Written by Andrea Hairston, this play deals with the ways in which we all remember and rewrite our own history as well as the history of others.  It takes place in the year 2013 on a partially exploded bridge as survivors, refugees, media, and strange creatures mill about the blast zone. 

As always with a Chrysalis /  Hairston play, we've got our work cut out for us.  As actors the script is great, very dense and difficult to interpret.  The trick is for us to get all the ideas across.  If we can do it justice it should be a very tight show.  Chrysalis Theater is a great company.  They satisfy my soul with material like no other work I've done.  Plus they truly prioritize; people first, no bullshit. I love the work as well as the workers, plain and simple.

 

On the music front, I'm working on some new music; setting some new dates for Europe in the summer.  Hope to play in front of lots of folks when the weather warms up.  

peace

 

 

 

 

October 23, 2001                         Even smoke clears eventually

This could take a while. The fires are still burning, five weeks after the Twin Towers were attacked.  Lower Manhattan is under a cloud of demolition and recovery,  that's 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  Even now when you pass someone on the street, you look into their eyes and they look into yours.  If either one of you is facing ground zero - your face says:

 "I can't believe this . . . I just can't believe it".    

Children in the neighborhood seem to be adding this event to their history in stride; at least they appear better off than grown-ups. They play in the street around Independence Plaza, from Greenwich Street you can still see the smoking ruins. They seem not to be so disoriented as older folks.  More power to them.  More power to us all.

Now comes the business of getting back into things that haven't seemed to matter much of late. Making a living, making art, making love -  at the same time we test the air quality in Tribeca and make our claims to FEMA about toxic particles in our homes. And we run through a range of emotions; anger, denial, acceptance.  I think we're gonna make it, I really do.   I can't tell exactly how. But I finally got the idea that it will happen; partly from watching these kids.  The numbness and inertia is giving way to something new. Even smoke clears eventually.

 

keep the faith, 

Greg

 

October 10, 2001

Hi.

 I live in the Tribecca section of Manhattan, about 5 blocks north of the World Trade Center.  I was here in Tribeca on the morning of September 11th. That day is etched in everyone's mind. I cannot fully process the events right now,  maybe someday.  Suffice to say that it will be with me forever.

 I left for Europe on the 16th of September and just got back.  There was a great collection of shows and I met a lot of great people. Plans are in the works to go back to Europe in May, maybe even make  some stops in Paris and Ireland as well.  That all puts a bright glow on the trip. 

Now that I'm back in the city, it all comes flooding back.  Not that New York ever went that far away. Opinions and news bounce across Europe just as fast as radio waves can carry them.  Also everyone overseas has an viewpoint and wants information as well.

I travel all the time and I never get homesick, ever.  This time I've been missing New York constantly.  There is so much to process, and that will take time.  I hope the US can get through this without killing a lot of people.  I know we all want justice and peace. Now we all get to work toward our goals.

Peace.

 

September 12, 2001 3:31PM Lower Manhattan

I have spoken with Cinda Lawrence, Colin Taber, Sergio Cruz, Elana Bell, Pan Welland, Primi Rivera, Ray Rosato and Steven Thompson. We are all OK.

Everyone is pitching in to help and are getting their bearings.  I'm fine. Not sure about getting a plane tomorrow. But the first concern is getting straight. Checking on folks in the building, making sure everyone is alright.  

All plans for Europe are on as of now.  If commercial airlines don't start flying soon it could be a different matter. 

Everyone who has been in New York for the last 24 hours has a story;  hell, I'm sure everybody has a story.  We'll share 'em later. 

 

keep the faith,

 

Greg

 

August 3,2001                                                                                                                                 

Hello,

Well, if Solarfest is a shot in the arm, then Falcon Ridge is a long, comfortable kick in the pants.  I got in on Thursday afternoon and between then and Sunday I heard more great music and met more interesting people than I have in the last year.  So, it's safe to say I'm still on my post-festival high.  It really does renew my faith, especially when things get back to "lets give artists and art in general  short shrift".

Next up is making final plans for Europe.  Time is short and I'm really looking forward to all the shows.  I went to the Vance Gilbert workshop. It really was a  true workshop, not simply a V.G. showcase (which would have been pretty cool too). There were lots off good elements to the workshop, which focused on stage craft.  Vance handled it like an acting class. It was great fun and it had elements you could really use. There was emphasis on getting fit and for artists to treat themselves in a more healthy manner, like athletes. "Want to stay in this business? Better get in training , it is a physical endeavor" I'm paraphrasing, but that was the gist of it.  Sound advice for us all, real sound advice for me.  

 

So, who really nailed it on the Main stage?  I loved these folks:

Acoustic Syndicate (like an acoustic Dixie Dreggs with great vocals, a knockout band)
Vance Gilbert (no surprise, consummate showman)
Auldridge, Bennett & Gadreau (real players like Acoustic Syndicate, but in a fiendishly bluegrass vein)
Eddie from Ohio (way cool, The Tubes meet Ani Difranco)
Jian Ghomeshi (of Moxy Fruvious)
Jeff Lang (amazing one man guitar army)
Susan Werner ( ranges from lounge act to the most polished singer-songwriter I've ever seen, all things to all people)

This list probably has some folks missing too. Erin Mckeown was there and put in a fine set as well.  She's one to watch for certain.

The song swap on Friday night featured Vance Gilbert, Jimmy LaFave, Mary Gauthier, and Susan Werner. This was a great mix; Mary Gauthiers songs are so powerful in an acoustic setting.  It was great to hear them presented in that way.  

At night, late at night, when all the acts were finished folks roamed the festivals with their instruments among other things. We played with each other until sun rise.  Music was all around, even to  lull you to sleep, if you ever do get around to sleeping . . . 

On Thursday night I joined in the open circle at the Big Orange Tarp, that was an interesting mix of folks; Alan Rowoth is a great moderator and a catalyst for BOT itself   (how it all got started I'm not certain, but give credit where credit is due, right? ).  It was good to finally meet him. He could be the coolest thing about the circle. A very open and receptive man who has to pull the reins in on a tent full of players. I've been checking out this website since l
ast year at Falcon Ridge.

Suffice to say that I feel more human after Falcon Ridge.  Now I'm recharged and ready to write as well as get out on stage. Feels great.

keep the faith,

Greg

 

 

 

July 7, 2001

Hi.

Solarfest is just around the corner and I can't wait.  I've never been before, I'm really looking forward to all the new music and people.  If you're in New England next week try to come see what all the fuss is about. Solarfest takes'  place on July 14 and 15 in Middletown, Vermont.  It's off season up there so the hotels and inns are pretty cheap in the summer.  If you like to camp out you could show up on Friday afternoon to get settled even though the fun doesn't start until Saturday at noon. www.solarfest.org  

Went to the Flywheel tonight and saw Cordelia's Dad.  They turned out to be a punk band, it was great.  I'm not sure what I was expecting but I got more than I bargained for. If you've never been to Flywheel in Easthampton, MA.  Go on by, it's a tiny venue; no booze, no smoke (at least in the performance space), very hot once you get near the stage, but the acts are always gung-ho.  And so are the crowds.  Saw Tony Vacca there with Gobi System , terrific show for an energetic crowd.

 

C ya.

 

P.S.  If you find an error on this site, or a link that doesn't work, drop me a line.  I'll see about setting it right.  Thanks.




June 14, 2001

Here's something we all can do.  Let the governments of the world know that we are watching. That we care about the development and  equitable distribution of an AIDS vaccine.  Visit the site and sign the petition.


click here

This global call for action for AIDS Vaccines will be presented at international meetings, including the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS on June 25-27 2001 in New York and also at the G-8 Genoa Summit (July20-22).
The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) is coordinating this effort. 

 

June 12, 2001

Hello, 

Just a couple of quick notes this time.  

First, here is the website address for information about Sapelo Island, Georgia: 
www.sapeloisland.org .

Second, Does anyone have any information about clubs or other music venues in Paris?  I'm searching for places where I can perform; places that feature acoustic music, blues or jazz.  Do you have a particular place in Paris where you like to listen to music?  Do you have an idea where I should be looking to find these answers?  Drop me an email at gregnotes@hotmail.com .

Thanks,

Greg




May 29, 2001

Hi.

Well Sapelo Island in Georgia is one of those places that it'll take me a while to describe.  Wonderful? Absolutely. Unspoiled, yes. It turned out to be just as I was told.  A beautiful step back in time. But the question is for how long?   It seems the state and federal government have an eye on the island, and not simply as a nature reserve. The majority of original residents live in a community called Hog Hammock.  This is where I stayed on the island.

The history of the island is rich, albeit painful to think of. Here's some facts from the Sapelo website:
www.sapeloisland.org/hammock.htm .  At the end of slavery the population stayed on the island.  Hence, to this day the majority of the island is African-American. Much of the island is a tidal salt marsh and the University of Georgia has a marine research facility at one end of the island, using some of the buildings from the old Reynolds estate.  It's a very laid back place.  Gives you the urge to say "hey" to everyone who passes you, not that you'll pass many people at all.

Most of the island is in it's natural state.  Beautiful.  The forests have lots of live oak and Spanish moss. Not to mention wildlife.  The roads are few, and most of them are not dirt, but sand roads.  Which means to get around you walk mostly.  Cars have to go pretty slowly not to sink into the sand. If you're on a bike you're better off to stick to the paved roads.  Otherwise most of your time is spent taking the bike for a walk.  I come from a very ignorant place when it comes to the island particulars, history and such.  I'm going to put this in perspective; find the another web link for the island and I'll get back to you, OK?

It was a great week; I stayed with wonderful people and I made some incredible friends.  I went with a group of writers.  It was a chance for all of us to work and share our work with each other.  They thought well enough of me to invite another musician along.  I'm very glad they did. 

Meanwhile there is more music to be made and listened to.  Check out musician Dayna Kurtz at
www.daynakurtz.com , a terrific singer songwriter with a great sound and style.  She has a new CD coming out.  Be sure to see her perform live too when she comes to your area. 

The fall performance schedule is coming up.  Meanwhile there will be some summer gigs in NYC, stay tuned. I'll let you know.  

 

keep the faith,

Greg

 

April 25, 2001

Hi.  Well, the trip to Europe went very well. Much better than I dared hope.  So now as the jetlag fades I'm trying to keep track of it all. 

I managed to play in quite a few places;  a couple venues invited me in to perform even though I was not scheduled to be there. Of course I had a lot of  help getting booked in the first place.  Uli Silbermann went all out  searching for the right clubs to play.  Booking venues is very a tough task, some clubs are friendlier than others. The trick is to find the ones that will work with you and not against you and still keep a smile on your face. Uli did an incredible job figuring out which places were the right ones for me. 

The clubs were wide open as well, the staff in each space (5 venues in all, including the live TV broadcast on The Collegium) were very supportive from start to finish. To top it all off, the audiences came, listened, and had a good time. I am very grateful for all of it. . . . and thankful for all the new musicians and friends I met along the way. 

Berlin is an interesting city, I'm planning on going back in September to play again, as well as adding more time in Amsterdam and Paris.

Coming soon there should be some photos of the trip.  Also, I'm looking into adding a page here with song lyrics.  I  talked with people who mentioned that they would like to see the words posted here since they aren't included in the CD. And if English is not your first language a page like that might help.  I  also need help in that department, since I only speak 2 languages
( English and French) I understand completely.   I'll try to get some song lyrics posted up here soon.

Next week I'm off to an island just off the coast of Georgia to a writers conference.  It's kind of a treat for me, I understand that the island is a place where you can walk  the beach all day and not see a soul. I hope so... . .

I'm still (always) looking for new venues and am very interested in playing house concerts.  So, If you are interested in hosting one - let me know.  And if you're a performer looking for new venues, check out the performance dates page for gig ideas.

tschuss,

Greg