Back at the Ellice Cafe, home of the $2.75 (all in) toast and coffee, and the free wireless internet. I hereby proclaim it the Annex to the Scottish Pavilion of Folklorama. The visit by Doug and Carol Anderson last week was a success, so we hope to be recording together - maybe in the fall. If he can fit it in, Doug will be helping me do the September 17 gig at the Millenium Library. Tony Buchner will be doing his last show with me (for the time being I hope) on August 17 at 6:30PM at Nygard Fashion Park, 1626 Kenaston Boulevard. So, Tone Bear fans, take note. The Nygard gig will be a little different - and a bit of an experiment for me, the publisher, and Nygard. Because of the setting in a retail store, with clothes buyers who may or may not have any knowledge or interest in readings and songs by an unknown author, we’re going to try playing a few cover songs. This will hopefully entertain somewhat (we’ll see!) and draw a crowd to the spot where we’ll be set up. It can’t hurt (or not much anyway) for anyone who is there specifically to hear about the novel.

Pending how rehearsals go, the first cut at a program is as follows:

1. Summer Rain (Johnny Rivers)
2. Crazy Love (Van Morrison)
3. And I Love Her (Beatles)
4. Introduction by Barb of Nygard
5. Set-up by me
6. First Reading - I’m Losing Everything (chapter one of book)
7. Except My Love For You

15? minute break

8. Set Me Free (KInks)
9. Across the Universe (Beatles)
10. Second Reading - No Thanks (after dinner in Gimli)
11. Angel of Truth

15? minute break

12. Runaway (Del Shannon)
13. Third Reading - Grad 1968 (Guess Who play Glenlawn Collegiate)
14. Hopelessly Lost on Love
15. Questions
16. Chat and book signings

The songs were chosen for familiarity, appropriateness, and my ability to sing them! On the last point, thanks to Doug for the many reps he and I spent on most of the songs. If circumstances allow, he and I could do this set without too much strain. And probably will if Bendecido sets up more retail or whatever gigs.

Finally, Hopelessly Lost in Love is tracked and mixed, but not mastered for sad reasons beyond Paul’s control. But it will be soon.

Ciao, you beautiful stranger!