Music NEWS edition, late December 2015...

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This is the latest MUSIC NEWS edition, through late December, 2015.

There is ALSO a parallel, but separate, EVENTS edition, hugely updated between the Friday edition and the fresh SATURDAY edition for Dec. 19th, with events waaay into 2016, AND a first look at FESTIVALS coming up soon. All that is in the other edition.  Here's the NEWS.

Let's get started!

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List of news features in this edition:

1)  YOURS, FREE! YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING BAND RELEASES "KINFOLK COMMUNITY ALBUM"

2)  INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION (ISC) RE-OPENS ENTRIES FOR ONE WEEK, 'TIL DEC. 22

3)  “LOVE SONG TO THE EARTH” PERFORMANCE VIDEO OUT FRIDAY, FOLLOWING "COP 21" GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE AGREEMENT

4)  56th ANNUAL L.A. COUNTY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION — A PAST EMMY-WINNER, RETURNS FREE, DEC 24

5)  30th ANNUAL "ELVIS BIRTHDAY BASH" IN BURBANK, JANUARY 10

6)  THE WALCOTTS, AFTER MULTI CMA AWARDS & A GRAMMY NOM, DO UNLIKELY FOLLOW-UP

7)  2016 HOUSE CONCERT SCHEDULES TAKING SHAPE

8)  LIFE-AND-DEATH BATTLE FOR BRILLIANTLY FUNNY MUSICIAN KACEY JONES
(Because the need is great and urgent, this is repeated from the last edition.)

9)  REGARDING A POLITICIAN TOO FULL OF HIMSELF...

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# 1 news feature...

YOURS, FREE! YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING BAND RELEASES "KINFOLK COMMUNITY ALBUM"

A FREE new album? That takes some 'splainin'. In the beginning days of Yonder Mountain String Band, dedicated fans helped support the emerging group by recording their shows and following Yonder on the road. Free archives of YMSB's live performances quickly spread like wild fire to music fans across the country, and what began with only a few individuals manifested into a community known as "the Kinfolk."

That gets confusing for Southern California roots music fans, because we have a much beloved band hereabouts whose name us THE KINFOLK.

So getting into Yonder Mountain's longtime context requires shifting gears. For Yonder, manyof of THEIR "Kinfolk" still follow their band for strings of tour dates at a time. These Kinfolk have formed a close-knit fellowship, and the sound of Yonder Mountain String Band is the bond that connects them all. They're a central part of the band's heritage, and they continue to play a vital role in spreading the good word about all things Yonder.

Thus, YMSB currently counts more than 4,500 of their Kinfolk on the "Yonder Kinfolk" Facebook Group Page, where many have open forums about the shows, set lists, and the band.

To give thanks to the community that's supported Yonder Mountain all these years, the band is offering a free live music compilation to their fans, entitled the "Kinfolk Community Album."

YMSB put together every set list from each show from their recent Fall Tour 2015 and presented it to their Kinfolk on social media, so the community themselves could vote on the top songs from each night. The resulting product is completely powered by these Kinfolk.

This "Best Of Fall Tour 2015" compilation, released December 4, is now FREE for download and streaming on YMSB's website, at:

http://www.yondermountain.com/kinfolkcommunityalbum-fall2015/

If you haven't heard Yonder's latest live sets, the "Kinfolk Community Album" is a great way to check out what the band's been up to, on the road, and what's in store for their New Year's Eve run (Boulder Theater in Colorado, Dec 30 - Jan 2) as well as their upcoming Winter 2016 and Spring 2016 tours.

So it's totally FREE to check out, download, and enjoy the "Kinfolk Community Album" at the above link!

More at: www.yondermountain.com

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# 2 news feature...

INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION (ISC) RE-OPENS ENTRIES FOR ONE WEEK, 'TIL DEC. 22

With categories in "Americana" and "Folk / Singer-Sobgwriter" and $150,000 in prizes — including a $25,000 grand prize — this is as big as any"big deal" songwriter contest gets.

In the spirit of the upcoming holidays, ISC is re-opening submissions for ONE WEEK ONLY (Dec. 15-22), and the fee is only $25 per entry. All entries will also be eligible for the overall ISC competition. Songs can be entered online through the ISC, Sonicbids, or Acceptd platforms, or by mail. There is no limit to the number of songs you may enter.

One lucky entrant will win $1,000 in cash, 4000 Radio Airplay credits, promotion on Radio Airplay's social media outlets such as Twitter and Facebook, and an artist spotlight feature in their blog and newsletter reaching over 65K members. All entrants to the Stocking Stuffer promo will receive 100 free spins to a Radio Airplay account.

This is the very last chance to enter this year's ISC, so enter now. Full info and how to enter, at:

www.songwritingcompetition.com

ABOUT ISC

ISC is dedicated to nurturing the talent of songwriters throughout the world and is the only competition in the world to offer such a high-profile panel of judges. The caliber of judges has always been a hallmark of the prestige and value of ISC. Entrants are offered the unprecedented opportunity to have their music heard by some of the most illustrious and influential recording artists and executives in today's music industry.

Winners have included artists such as Vance Joy, Gotye, Kimbra, Gin Wigmore, The Band Perry, Passenger, Bastille, Kasey Chambers, Gregory Porter, Lindsey Stirling, and many more.

ISC JUDGES...

Recording Artists:
Tom Waits; Lorde; Kesha; American Authors; Pat Metheny; Sara Evans; Bastille; Casting Crowns; Keb Mo; Avicii; Boyz II Men; Bill Withers; Keane; Hardwell; Robben Ford; Danilo Perez; Moby; Stanley Clarke; Jon Secada; Daddy Yankee; Afro Celt Sound System; Anthony Hamilton; Gerald Casale (Devo); Justin Townes Earle; Jean-Luc Ponty; Darryl McDaniels (Run D.M.C.); Chayanne; Shakey Graves; Joy Williams; Eric Paslay; Sean Paul; Los Amigos Invisibles; Hawk Nelson; Art Alexakis (Everclear); Alejandro Marcovich; Matt Maher; Mariana Vega; Far East Movement; Femi Kuti; Rodrigo y Gabriela

Industry Executives:
Craig Kallman (Chairman/CEO, Atlantic Records); Dan McCarroll (President, Warner Bros. Records); Sylvia Rhone (President, Epic Records); Jeff Castelaz (President, Elektra Records); Nir Seroussi (President, Sony Music Latin); Ed Vetri (President, Wind-Up Records); Rosie Lopez (President, Tommy Boy Entertainment); Glen Barros (President, Concord Music Group); Craig Balsam (Owner, Razor & Tie / Washington Square/ Kidz Bop); Daniel Glass (President, Glassnote Records); Steve Yegelwel (Senior Vice-President, Island Records); Bryan Stewart (VP of A&R, Curb Records); Jason McArthur (VP of A&R, Provident Label Group / Sony Music Entertainment); Bruce Iglauer (Founder/President, Alligator Records); Kevin Welk (Chief Creative, Vanguard / Sugar Hill Records); Edward Chmelewski (President, Blind Pig Records); Richard Stumpf (CEO, Atlas Publishing); Angel Carrasco (Latin Music Consultant/Producer); Steve Greenberg (CEO, S-Curve Records); Mike Flynn (Sr. VP of A&R, Capitol Records); Steve Lillywhite (Producer); Kim Buie (VP of A&R, New West Records); Albert Schilcher (VP of Music and Music Marketing, MTV International); Jamie Masada (Owner, Laugh Factory); Cory Robbins (Founder/President, Robbins Entertainment); Gary Briggs (A&R Executive); Sharon Tapper (Head of Publishing, Glassnote Records); Julie Kertes (General Manager, National Parenting Publications Awards, NAPPA); Claire S. Green (President, Parents' Choice Foundation); Cyndi Nelson (General Mgr, Zanies Comedy Club); Leib Ostrow (Founder/CEO, Music For Little People); Nate Dern (News Editor, Funny Or Die News); Wende Curtis (Owner, Comedy Works)

CATEGORIES...

AAA (Adult Album Alternative); AC (Adult Contemporary); Americana; Blues; Children's Music; Comedy/Novelty; Country; EDM; Folk/Singer-Songwriter; Christian; Instrumental; Jazz; Latin Music; Lyrics Only; Music Video; Performance; Pop/Top 40; R&B/Hip-Hop; Rock; Teen; World Music; and Unsigned Only

Entrants may submit as many songs as they wish - different songs in the same category or the same song in multiple categories. Please note that when you enter the Unsigned Only category, you must enter the same song into at least one other category.

SPONSORS...

ISC is sponsored by: Ableton, Artist Growth, Berklee College Of Music, CAD Audio, Celebrity Access, D'Addario, Disc Makers, DW Drums, Focusrite, Gauge Microphones, George Stein, Esq., GigSalad, Gretsch, Indie Venue Bible, Latin Percussion, Lowden Guitars, Marshall Amplification, Musicians Institute, Ovation, Pacific Drums, Sessions Headphones, SongU.com, Thayers, The Music Business Registry, and Ultimate Ears.

International Songwriting Competition is based at 3940 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216; Phone: 615-251-4441; Fax: 615-251-4442.

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# 3 news feature...

“LOVE SONG TO THE EARTH” PERFORMANCE VIDEO OUT FRIDAY, FOLLOWING "COP 21" GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE AGREEMENT

• New Video Featuring Paul McCartney Makes World Premiere After Live Performance During COP21 Worldwide Released Friday, December 18, on iTunes, at: 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/music-video/love-song-to-earth-feat.-colbie/id1068592088

“Love Song to the Earth” was originally released as an audio track in early September. Since that release, the song has earned approximately 350,000 aggregate downloads and streams, and well over 100 million media impressions. Its original “lyric video” has racked up more than 250,000 views and downloads.

That original recording, a global hit anthem for climate change awareness, features performances by the stunning list of Paul McCartney, Jon Bon Jovi, Sheryl Crow, Fergie, Colbie Caillat, Natasha Bedingfield, Leona Lewis, Sean Paul, Johnny Rzeznik, Krewella, Angélique Kidjo, Kelsea Ballerini, Nicole Scherzinger, Christina Grimmie, Victoria Justice and Q’orianka Kilcher.

All the artists, producers and directors of the "Love Song" project are donating their respective proceeds to the environmental organization Friends of the Earth U.S. and to the United Nations Foundation.

The song was performed live as a component of Pope Francis’ visit to Washington, D.C. in September, following the Pope's issuance of his encyclical demanding protection of the planet by harnessing human-caused climate change. Following that performance, a number of "Love Song’s" artists underlined the event, hosting a press conference at the National Press Club.

Paul McCartney says, “I’m glad to be a part of ‘Love Song To The Earth,’ aiming to inspire people across the world to urge their leaders to act on climate change. We need to be fast and efficient, switching to renewable energy and eating less meat, for example. Big decisions will be made this week so I am doing everything I can to make sure governments sign up to an agreement, which can protect our planet. Now is the time to act. So please spread the word and help keep our planet safe!”

In addition to the listenable rendition gaining so much worldwide airplay, there are non-folk-friendly versions to reach the sh-thump-thud and short-circuit/siunds-of-electrocution ersatz music crowd: in October, German DJ, producer and label manager Rico Bernasconi dropped two EDM "dance" remixes of the song now being played on dance club floors across Europe and the US.

Today brings the latest dimension with release of the music video that premiered on stage at COP21, happening today on iTunes.

Like the all-star audio track, all proceeds from the sale of the video go to support climate change advocacy efforts by the UN Foundation and Friends of the Earth.

“Love Song to the Earth,” the video, was written by Toby Gad, Natasha Bedingfield, John Shanks and Sean Paul. The new “Love Song to the Earth” video, releasing today, features performances by many of the recording cast, including Paul McCartney, Colby Camilla, Natasha Bedingfield, Sean Paul and Q'orianka Kilcher.

The video is produced by Jerry Cope & Trey Fanjoy, (who’s directed and produced videos for Taylor Swift, Steven Tyler, Dolly Parton, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood and Blake Shelton among others) and directed by Trey Fanjoy with stunning nature cinematography courtesy the award-winning cinematographer Louis Schwartzberg ("WINGS OF LIFE"; "CRASH"; "MEN IN BLACK").

"COP21," the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris, produced the historic international agreement to limit greenhouse gases and limit atmospheric heating. It all came in support of the UN Secretary-General’s leadership on climate change.

The song, backed by the projected video, was performed live by Sean Paul at COP21 for Ban Ki Moon Ki-moon, UNFCCC Executive Director Christiana Figures, and other world leaders, following the introduction by Morgan Freeman, all during the conclusion of the United Nations’ “Momentum for Change” event, which preceded governments signing the landmark climate change agreement.

The music video and a standing room-only press conference accompanied the live performance with recording artist Sean Paul, producer/activist Jerry Cope, and filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg.

About the UN Foundation: The United Nations Foundation links the UN’s work with others around the world, mobilizing the energy and expertise of business and non-governmental organizations to help the UN tackle issues including climate change, global health, peace and security, women's empowerment, poverty eradication, energy access, and U.S.-UN relations.

About Friends of the Earth U.S.: Friends of the Earth U.S. fights to create a more healthy and just world. Our current campaigns focus on promoting clean energy and solutions to climate change, ensuring the food we eat and products we use are safe and sustainable, and protecting marine ecosystems and the people who live and work near them. Friends of the Earth U.S. are engaging citizens on the top environmental issues of our time through Earth HQ (http://earthhq.foe.org). Friends of the Earth U.S. is a member of Friends of the Earth International, a global network representing more than two million activists in 76 countries.

About The Climate Reality Project: Former Vice President and Nobel Laureate Al Gore is the Founder and Chairman of The Climate Reality Project. The Climate Reality Project is one of the world’s leading organizations dedicated to mobilizing action around climate change. With a global movement more than 5 million strong and a grassroots network of trained Climate Reality Leaders, we are spreading the truth of the climate crisis to communities everywhere and creating cultural momentum to solve it.

Learn more at www.climaterealityproject.org

Love Song to the Earth Credits:
√ Producers — John Shanks, Toby Gad.
√ Executive Director — Jerry Cope.
√ Written by Toby Gad, John Shanks, Natasha Bedingfield, Sean Paul Performing Artists: Paul McCartney, Jon Bon Jovi, Sheryl Crow, Fergie, Colbie Caillat, Natasha Bedingfield, Leona Lewis, Sean Paul, Johnny Rzeznik, Krewella, Angelique Kidjo, Kelsea Ballerini, Nicole Scherzinger, Christina Grimmie, Victoria Justice and Q’Orianka Kilcher.

Links / social media:
http://lovesongtotheearth.org
www.foe.org
http://unfoundation.org
https://www.facebook.com/lovesongtotheearth

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# 4 news feature...

56th ANNUAL L.A. COUNTY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION — A PAST EMMY-WINNER, RETURNS FREE, DEC 24

(Dec 18) — Hosts were named today for the big free show presented every Christmas Eve without interruption since 1959, live from the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion at The Music Center. The hosts are:
• Cas Anvar (Olympus, The Expanse)
• Marisa Ramirez (Blue Bloods)
• Brian White (Scandal)

The three will share hosting duties for the live and broadcast tv audiences at the L.A. County Holiday Celebration on Dec. 24.

PBS SoCal (KOCE HD) will broadcast the 56th annual free event, produced by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission.

The Emmy® Award-winning show is a holiday extravaganza — L.A.’s largest holiday show — featuring 20 music ensembles, dance companies and choirs that represent the varied cultures of Los Angeles County’s diverse communities.

Highlights this year, among the MANY multi-genre acts, include:
√ Spanish Harlem Orchestra
√ Invertigo Dance Theatre
√ Mostly Kosher
√ MôForró
√ Run River North
√ Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles

See it free at The Music Center on December 24 from 3–6 pm. That's an annual "must-do" for a loyal cadre, and requires getting in line a few hours early.

Or do what most everybody does and watch on television — broadcast or cable OR online — on PBS SoCal (KOCE HD) or www.pbssocal.org

It's live on Dec 24 from 3–6 pm, and replays 9 pm–midnight. Then it repeats on Christmas Day, December 25th, at noon.

There's more info by phone at 213-972-3099 or online at www.HolidayCelebration.org

The website will have the full program, with schedule, just like the one attendees get.

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# 5 news feature...

30th ANNUAL "ELVIS BIRTHDAY BASH" IN BURBANK, JANUARY 10

It's a Guide "SHOW-of-the-WEEK" pick because, come hell or high (or no) water, ART FEIN always makes this happen with more good bands than you can count, each playing just one or two Elvis songs, backed, as needed, by an all-star house band. It's QUITE an evening.

This year, that happens Sunday, January 10, two days after Elvis' actual birthday, and it's moving to yet another new venue for 2016, this time in Burbank.

The 30th annual "ELVIS BIRTHDAY BASH" is now being planned, and at press time, info is still hard to find.

It'll be in "the hall next to the bowling alley across from Viva Cantina, on Riverside Drive in Burbank... Probably 3 til 9 (pm), [the hall] holds about a hundred. Not on the real Elvis birthday, but Sunday, January 10th. That way you can recover from all your January 8 celebratin’."

You'll need to stay on this and pay attention so you can get tix before this sells-out.

Info will eventually appear at:
www.sofein.com

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# 6 news feature...

THE WALCOTTS, AFTER MULTI CMA AWARDS & A GRAMMY NOM, DO UNLIKELY FOLLOW-UP

• Band wraps its sold-out West Coast tour that directly supported its multi-CMA Award-winner and Grammy-nom CHRIS STAPLETON

• Band's debut full-length album due in 2016

• Los Angeles-based nine-piece Americana-rock ensemble THE WALCOTTS partnered with PUREVOLUME.COM on December 16 to premiere their cover of Little Feat's "Spanish Moon."

A big deal, for an old cover? Whatever works. THE WOLCOTTS are hot, and Little Feat's music has been experiencing something of a revival among both classic rock and roots-Americana audiences.

The song — co-produced by Ross Hogarth (John Mellencamp, Keb Mo and Jackie Greene) and commissioned by Luke George, son of Lowell George (singer-songwriter-guitarist of Little Feat) — features special guest Rami Jaffee (keyboardist for the Foo Fighters and founding member/keyboardist of The Wallfowers). It's all about capturing the funky vibe of the original while bringing new life to the song. You can listen to the song via SoundCloud.

"Listening to 'Spanish Moon' by The Walcotts brings a huge smile to my face," says Bill Payne (Keyboardist/founding member of Little Feat). "It is humbling to hear another band salute the legacy of Little Feat in such fine fashion. Thank you for honoring Little Feat and Lowell's great song 'Spanish Moon!'"

THE WALCOTTS' vocalist and guitarist Tom Cusimano told PureVolume.com, "We as a band have always been huge fans of Little Feat. Their musicality, their storytelling and legendary live sound has influenced a lot of us individually before we even formed The Walcotts. Collectively, we as a band are now influenced by their music as well. We often cite their unique rhythms or song structures as direct influences."

THE WALCOTTS — a formidable outfit whose musical arsenal includes two singers, a horn section, fiddle player, pedal steel guitarist, pianist, and a rhythm section — wrapped their successful sold-out tour last month as direct support for this year's triple CMA Award-winner and Grammy-nominated country artist, Chris Stapleton. The West Coast run, which included dates in Seattle, Portland and San Francisco, concluded in grand style with a packed house performance at THE WALCOTTS' hometown haunt, the El Rey Theatre in L.A. on November 16.

That L.A. finale inspired VENTS Magazine writer RJ Frometa to rave,"The Walcotts delivered that magic. They pounded out a generous set of 12 songs, all so high powered and fast moving that you could almost feel the air being pushed off the stage like the exhaust of a jet plane."

Additionally, in the spirit of the holidays, the band recently released their original Christmas song, "Christmas Is Leading Me Home," which can be streamed via Spotify and purchased on iTunes.

THE WALCOTTS will kick off the New Year with a special stripped-down acoustic performance at Los Angeles' Harvard & Stone on Tuesday, January 5 at 9 pm, as they ramp-up to release their debut full-length album (details TBA).

Previous releases by THE WALCOTTS generated plenty of music media buzz:

"Dr. John and Tom Waits spend a night drinking together somewhere between New Orleans and Los Angeles. A great cross-pollination of R&B, Soul and Country." — Terry Roland, NODEPRESSION.COM, December 11, 2012.

"If you are missing the music of Levon Helm, look no further" — Debbie Del Grande, LA RECORD, February 25, 2013.

"The Walcotts know what they're doing. Raise a glass to the late Levon Helm - in fact, make it strawberry wine - and be thankful the Walcotts aren't making emo with a banjo." — Kevin Bronson, BUZZBANDS.LA, August 22, 2013.

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# 7 news feature...

2016 HOUSE CONCERT SCHEDULES TAKING SHAPE

Still early, and plenty more bookings and announcements are ahead. But it would be a good idea to get these series on your radar, and make reservations while seats are still available.

• "Russ & Julie's House Concerts" (the granddaddy of the genre) in Oak Park (T.O. / Agoura Hills area) 91377; info@houseconcerts.us; site with info, www.houseconcerts.us

√ Jan 9: Steve Seskin, Craig Carothers, and Don Henry.
√ Feb 20: Jim Kweskin (king of the jug band revival).
√ Mar 17: Jon Pickow and Susie Glaze (great bluegrass / nugrass).
√ Apr 2: Snowapple.
√ May 14: Alice Wallace ("a must see artist." - the Guide's editor).

• "Noble House Concerts" in Van Nuys 91411; 818-780-5979; barb@noblehouseconcerts.com; site with info, www.jrp-graphics.com/noblehouse

√ Jan 23: "Noble House Classical" with Taiko Drumming, classical guitar, and Theremin.
√ Feb 6: The Folk Collection (all the hits of the '50s-'60s folk revival).
√ Feb 27: "Noble House Classical" tba.
√ Mar 20: Steve Gillette & Cindy Mangsen (his songs are on big star's records; touring constantly everywhere, faves in SoCal for decades).

• "Live at the A-Frame" in Kagel Canyon (above Lakeview Terrace / Sylmar) 91342; Coddy.Nuckols@gmail.com; 818-486-8505.

√ Jan 23: Rebecca Troon (one of the Honeysuckle Possums reverts to her celebrated solo role for a night).

Of course, there are a couple dozen more presenters in Southern California. Russ & Julie's website does a good job of rounding-up many of them.

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# 8 news feature...

(Because the need is great and urgent, this is repeated from the last edition.)

LIFE-AND-DEATH BATTLE FOR BRILLIANTLY FUNNY MUSICIAN KACEY JONES

Wait. Hold on. Please read this — because it gets life-and-death serious, really fast.

We can't spend time telling you that she has been acclaimed by everybody from "People" magazine to USA Today to Kris Kristofferson, sung duets with Garrison Keillor on "A Prairie Home Companion," done tv's "America's Got Talent," that she was a favorite guest on our old "Tied to the Tracks" radio show, that she's a longtime full-time musician who produced the # 1 Americana record of 1999 (making her a GRAMMY-nominated record producer), that she has enjoyed platinum and gold success with her songs performed by Ray Stevens and John Michael Montgomery, that she is solidly accomplished all-around, very talented, VERY funny, and that, throughout her career, she's generously played benefit shows — a lot of benefit shows. 

Because, right now, Kacey Jones is the one who needs help. Your help. And urgently.

Pause if you want, and enjoy her music at the link. But don't get lost. We need you back here. So go enjoy, but come back...

https://www.reverbnation.com/kaceyjones?popup_render=%2Fpage_object%2Fshare_page_object%2Fartist_1524407%3Ftab%3Dembed

The Guide recently did a news feature to direct you to hear Kacey Jones do a live performance on KABC radio in Los Angeles, when they flew her to L.A. to do her 10-year-old song about Donald Trump that is a sudden hit since that object of her barbed wit decided to play politician.

In fact, in Kacey's last email newsletter, she said, "I'm still having fun with 'Donald Trump's Hair.' The slide-show video has nearly 7,000 YouTube views and the LIVE version has over 15,000. If you've not yet seen it, here's a link to the slide-show video: https://youtu.be/-u0ObmB6lIo My sincere thanks to those of you who've played and shared the videos on YouTube. I hope to see you again soon, till then enjoy this beautiful Fall season. — Cheers! Kacey Jones."

And she closed, as usual, with her website address — www.kaceyjones.com — and email address — kacey@igorecords.com (again, don't run-off and get lost).

Kacey seemed to be on a roll, enjoying well-deserved success.

Then came this:

"Hello friend and thank you for being here,

"My name is Kacey Jones. I'm a professional singer, songwriter, musician, and humorist residing in Nashville, Tennessee. I'm a big believer in 'laughter is the best medicine' and I've had the pleasure of earning a living by making people laugh for over forty years. But sometimes you need more than laughter to meet a challenge. Sometimes you need a little help from your friends. This is one of those times.

"Nearly two years ago (January 30, 2014) I was diagnosed with stage-3 colorectal cancer. In my case, specifically, it's rectal cancer, which is not the most 'glamorous' type to have (as if there were such a thing) but hey, I've been a 'pain in the butt' to some people long before this!

"Within the first few months of my diagnosis I was told by three major hospitals that my 'only hope' was a protocol that included six weeks of chemo and radiation five days a week, followed by the surgical removal of my uterus, anus, and vagina, followed by six more months of chemo. That scared the heck out of me.

"I'm not afraid of dying, but I have a healthy fear of being poisoned, burned, and butchered. For the record, I have nothing against conventional medicine and I'm sincerely happy for those who've had success with it. But having watched my mother die a slow angonizing death after months of chemo and radiation, I decided long ago that it was not the path for me.

"Instead, I embarked on a wellness plan that includes althernative treatments and therapies, organic supplements, and a radical change in diet. Both of my holistic doctors are licensed MDs. I chose them because they also believe that cancer can be treated successully without chemo and radiation. I'm not cancer-free yet, but I believe I will be if I can just stay on this wellness path that I began nearly two years ago.

"The good news about the organic protocol I'm on is that my cancer has not metastacized. My vital organs are clear and I'm still in one piece, so I know we're doing SOMETHING right! And, though I'm not keeping my normal tour schedule because of the pain (which can be exhausting at times) I still feel well enough to perform an occasional concert. In fact, in an effort to give myself something to look forward to in 2015, I was a contestant on 'America's Got Talent.'

"The 'bad' news about my organic protocol is that none of my alternative treatments, therapies, and supplements are covered by insurance.

"I haven't gone public till now because I had hoped to be cancer-free by the time I'd gone through my savings. But the fact is, I still have a ways to go and I'm nearly out of funds.

"That's why I've launched this campaign. I'd love to stick around for a few more years and in order to do so, I need your help. I need to keep off the road so I can stay home and be completely committed to my healing. In the meantime, I still have to pay rent and utilities, buy groceries, pay bills, and continue with my alternative treatments and supplements, all of which equate to over $4,000.00 a month.

"I am not a cancer 'victim' because I refuse to hand over my power to this illness. I am a Wellness Warrior, and with your help I'm going to win this battle, not only because I have more songs to write and because I still find beauty in this world, but also because I want to be an example of hope for others who may have received a cancer diagnosis but are hesitant or too frightened to consider alternative medicine and the organic approach.

"During the course of my career I've been honored to perform at dozens of fundraisers to help cancer research and awareness and to support such organizations as St. Jude's, Alive Hospice, and the YMCA After Breast Cancer series. And I don't mind telling you, it's a lot easier being on the giving end of that equation.

"The chronic pain is a challenge, but thus far I've been able to manage it with pain meds. Ocassionally, when it gets me down, I remind myself how blessed I am to know so many good people. I'm extremely grateful for my precious Sweet Potato Queen gals, my 'Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour' friends, my fellow musicians, songwriters and Frank Brown Festival pals, my Mickey Newbury Gathering family, and the many friends and fans I've met in cities all over this country and around the world.

"To those who've complimented me on my weight loss and asked, 'How'd you do it?' I want you to know that I was telling you the truth when I said, 'I've been juicing.' I just didn't tell you the whole truth. I hope you can forgive me for that and try to understand that I needed to keep my life as 'normal' as I could for as long as possible so I could continue to work.

"This campaign will run indefinitely during which time I'll be posting video updates.

"Every little bit helps! My online campaign is called The Kacey Jones Wellness Warrior Fund and it's at

www.gofundme.com/kaceyjones

"If you prefer to donate with a check my personal snail mail address is:

Kacey Jones, P.O. Box 121253, Nashville, TN 37212

"(I will send a personal Thank You note to confirm receipt).

"My friends, it's not easy for an independent redhead like me to ask for assistance, but I am sincerely grateful for your help and for your compassion.

"With Love and Gratitude,
Kacey
xoxo"

* - * - *

The Guide's editor adds this: please help. And we note the additional poignancy of the title of Kacey's latest recording. You'll see it in the following comment:

"'Amen for Old Friends' is one of the best records to come out of Nashville since Willie left Dodge." — Kinky Friedman.

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# 9 news feature...

REGARDING A POLITICIAN TOO FULL OF HIMSELF...

This seems appropriate as a follow-up to the preceding feature on KACEY JONES, whose song from the mid double-oughts, "Donald Trump's Hair," has become a phenomenon in the past few months. (Or maybe the needed follow-up would be "Donald Trump's Mouth." You decide.)

Kevin Nealon, former SNL cast member, guested recently on Larry Wilmore's "Nightly Show" on Comedy Central. Nealon told a story, saying, "I live in Los Angeles so I see bumper stickers. A car passed me with a Trump sticker. I'd never seen one before, and I'm wondering who supports him, so I caught up to see who it was. The windows are up and they're tinted. So I follow them for like twenty minutes to see who gets out. You know who it was? Trump."

Veracity went unquestioned, thus unverified.

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★ We close with our wishes to you and yours for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy start to the New Year!

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Be sure to check-out the Guide's NEWEST  EVENTS edition covering THIS WEEKEND and waaay beyond, published separately, and available right here on the Guide's site.

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♪ The ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC GUIDE endeavors to bring you NEWS and views of interest to artists everywhere, more specifically to musicians and the creative community, and music makers and fans of acoustic and Folk-Americana music, both traditional and innovative. From the deepest roots to today’s acoustic renaissance, that’s our beat. We provide a wealth of resources, including a HUGE catalog of acoustic-friendly venues, and schedules and inside info on FESTIVALS and select performances in Southern California, in venues monumentally large and intimately small and cozy. We cover workshops and other events for artists and folks in the music industry, and all kinds o’ things in the world of acoustic and Americana and accessible classical music. From washtub bass to musical spoons to oboe to viola to banjo to squeezebox, from Djangostyle to new-fangled-old-time string band music, from sweet Cajun fiddle to bluegrass and pre-bluegrass Appalachian mountain music to all the roots of the blues and where the music is now.
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