Despite the worst spring allergy season on record (sky-high grass pollens and cottonwood blizzards), I've bludgeoned my asthma into submission with albuterol 4x/day and Singulair; and now I've been switched to Advair twice a day, with nary a wheeze. (Still being vigilant about my sinuses). Got my hair repaired so that it's stronger and won't frizz for at least the next three months. Fixed my malfunctioning machines (and replaced the one--Gordy's A/C--I couldn't fix).
And after several fun weekends gigging and also entertaining for just the fun of it, plus furiously proofreading and e-mailing, I am excited to say that the new Andina & Rich CD is now wholly in the hands of the pressing plant. Yup-they have the master, the artwork, the text and the payment. Soon as we get the hard-copy proofs back and approve them, pressing and packaging will be complete 16 business days later. And then, when the discs arrive, we'll schedule the release parties: one in Chicago, one in Madison, and maybe one even down near Sparta where the album was born. In any case, we will have the same instrumentation as we did on the CD so that what you'll hear on stage is what you'll get to take home (if we can't get the original studio musicians, we have some excellent subs at the ready).
We'll see you next at Cafe Carpe in Ft. Atkinson, WI on June 4 (co-bill with Rich Baumann, who may also join us on fiddle); and I'll be volunteering June 6 at the Sing Out! benefit concert at First Congregational Church (home of Two Way Street) in Downers Grove--tickets are going fast (Anne Hills is headlining). Then I'm headed to San Diego for a week of rest, relaxation and reconnection with friends---anyone down there who wants to host a house concert, let me know and I'll pack my guitar & dulcimer. And on June 19, we'll be in Berwyn at Grounds For Appeal!