September 2013 Newsletter
September 2013
This month’s newsletter is brought to you by a company that we did business with just this last week. The tub and shower area in our house was getting pretty bad; the caulking wouldn’t cooperate and with the hard water we have here, the mineral deposits were taking a toll on the fixtures. The tub was in pretty bad shape as well, so we decided to have the entire space re-done. I called Chris Garner AKA the “Tub Guru of New England”. Well, he and his trusty assistant, Dave arrived on time and got started. But the BEST thing about Chris was that there were some problems with the materials that we ordered from the home store and he made the return himself and got us a full refund! You can see the before and after pics on Tub Guru’s Facebook page. Did I also mention Tub Guru uses non-toxic materials and environmentally safe methods? Thanks, Chris and Tub Guru!
A Word About “Sponsors”: I have been asked if I accept payment from the businesses that I mention in the newsletter. The answer is an emphatic “NO!”. I believe in letting other folks know about businesses that do great work and take care of their customers. Even if they offered, I would not accept payment of any kind. If you are in the area where many of these folks are located (and I may even mention a business that I encounter in my travels) please do not take my word for it: check them out!
Nantucket, Here I Come Redux!
Again, I am very excited to be appearing in the 2013 Nantucket Maritime Festival that will be happening on Saturday, September 21, 2013, co-sponsored by the Nantucket Atheneum and the Egan Maritime Institute. There will be all kinds of activities for everyone. I am very pleased to be sharing the bill with my good friend, Rick Spencer of Catfeather Music. He and I will be doing a wee bit o’ collaboratin’ on some songs in each other’s sets.
Pacific Northwest and California
Pacific Northwest
After Nantucket, I’ll be winging my way to the Pacific Northwest. I’ve added a house concert in Eugene, OR on Oct. 4 with a very good friend of mine, Chico Schwall. We are still trying to find a kind soul to host the concert, but we have determined that it will be a fund raiser for Health Care For All Oregon. We have a similiar organization in Massachusetts of which I took advantage at a time when I did not have health insurance and I was well taken care of. Chico and I also have an interesting history; we went to the same high school and I knew his younger brother. Please take a look at the PNW schedule and if you can help get the word out about these shows, I’d really appreciate it.
California
John Roberts and I are still looking for a performance opportunity for our N. California trip in November. We’d love to fill the Thursday evening, Nov. 14 and the Sunday, Nov.17 if possible. Please contact me if you have any ideas.
Full Album Digital Downloads Now Available at DebraCowan.com!
I am now selling digital downloads of entire albums here on the website. All downloads include a PDF file of either the CD booklet or the notes and lyrics. Go to PRODUCTS and click on the individual CD to buy a download.
Goodbye to Louisa Jo Killen (1934-2013)
- Louisa Jo Killen photo taken March 2011
Louisa Jo transitioned from Louis on Feb. 28, 2010. I was going to pay her a visit a month later when I was on tour in the UK. When we were arranging the visit, she let me know of this life-change that she was making. When I arrived in late March, I was greeted by a very distinguished-looking lady and we had a lovely visit.
Like many singers who dabble in traditional songs and ballads, I knew of Louisa’s work many years before I met her. We finally did meet at a folk festival in 2001 and continued the friendship until her death last month. She was an inspiration to many and when it came to the old ballads and songs, a fantastic teacher. She was in the audience for one of my performances in the UK and afterward said to me “So much drama, Debra! Go back and listen to the source singers. They will teach you.” And of course, she was right.
Louisa’s death was notable in the many obituaries that were published. I have linked to my favorite from Colin Irwin, a UK music journalist. I am honored that Louisa chose to call me a good friend and she always had very nice things to say about my singing.
Colin Irwin’s “A Fond Farewell to Louisa Killen”
I’ll leave you with a video of Louisa as Louis singing her signature song “Pleasant and Delightful”. Man, I miss her.
[youtube]http://youtu.be/WG6lxxtOn3M[/youtube]
That’s all for now. Thanks again for helping me to do what I love and hope to see you at one of the performances.
Debra
