Perhaps April is the cruelest month, but November, I'm certain, is the busiest month. The UK tour starts in just a few days, ok, maybe it's already started by the time you read this, and the US Southeast tour starts on November 16 in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and Kentucky.
I was overwhelmed by the support and love I received during the October Gulf South US tour, thank you so much! One aspect of it that was atypical was that with so much family and so many old friends in that part of the country, we barely saw the inside of a hotel room. We stayed in actual houses, just like normal people do! And in many places, friends stopped by to sit in and play with us. I confess that I have actually shown Schalk the entire country by now. The look of puzzlement and wonder on his face rarely ceased.
The best part, for me, is that it looks like I will actually succeed in my goal of creating a template to follow for the next five years...a five year project...wow! There was a casualty -- my previous booking agency declined to rejoinder for next year, but Brandon Mann at Crescendo Artists steps up to the plate and we're off and running.
Just to review, Roadworks is the name of my touring concept. I've identified the 42 US cities and 7 UK cities where I believe there is support for what I do best. I'm thinking of offering the tour on a subscription basis, $50 gets you a ticket, a catalog CD and a limited edition compilation of the year's live performances mailed to you by December 20. Or, if you prefer, just two concert tickets. For a review of the 42 markets, simply peruse the tour history page on my website for 2009 and you'll see the months of March, April, May and September, October and November which outline the concept. Please hold off on the cards and letters regarding this, I'm still working out some of the kinks and will let you know in the coming months as details are determined.
I realize it may be a little confusing, but that's because I'm pioneering something that hasn't really been done before. My hope is that it will open doors for other singer-songwriters (I call 'em owner-operators) to enter through, on a slightly more democratic basis than house concerts typically offer. Don't get me started, I'm not saying house concerts aren't democratic, just that they can be slightly insular...and if changing the world is what I'm really after, (and I am!) I've got to find a way to make sure everyone is invited to the party!
The biggest idea so far is to devote 2010 as a reprise for Arkansas Traveler. Explore the Americana landscape that has evolved since it's 1992 release, find some new talent, fresh ideas that have grown up with the material and present it to you, my wonderful and faithful devoted audience.
There's also a possible long-overdue New Orleans project in the works in collaboration with the fine folks at Threadhead Records and the HeART Project continues to gain momentum as I conspire with David on Indelible Women, and and and lots and lots more.
And now, I really must go pack my suitcase! See you soon, I hope!
Love,
Where in the World is Michelle Shocked?
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November 3 - Cardiff UK
The Globe 125 Albany Rd
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November 4 - Bristol UK
The Thunderbolt - The Olde Turnpike 124 Bath Rd
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November 23 - Lexington KY
Kentucky Theater 6:00 PM
Featured Video of the Month...
Michelle Shocked sings There Through It All at the West Angeles Church of God in Christ on October 4th, 2009. Click on the image below to play the video!
Holiday Special - I'm offering a special holiday sale on the songbook, usually $40, but if ordered on my website during the month of November and December, a CD of your choice is also included.To do your shopping now, click here!
Follow Michelle On...
First, congratulations to Bobbi from Alabama for winning October's contest! Bobbi will be receiving the autographed Mighty Sound logo T-shirt.If you remember, the question was 'Michelle has a quote, that I have seen often, about being a perfectionist...what is her opinion about being one?" Bobbi answered correctly (along with many others, too) with Michelle's quote: “I’m a perfectionist, which I think is a mistake.”
So, now for this month's question:
We all know Michelle claims her 'roots' are in East Texas - where else did Michelle live during her childhood (hint, there is more than one right answer? :)
This month's winner will receive an autographed promo copy of the 'A Hundred and Twenty Babies' songbook. Thanks, Michelle!
The email address for this is contests@michelleshocked.com. Remember, send your answer who will get the songbook.
Sending much love to you,
The Michelle Shocked admin / "get stuff done" team.