| Working with others | ||
| IÕm just back from Indiana where I performed with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra Š doing some of my stories and songs arranged by my friend Paul Phillips. It was a lot of fun, and I hope to do more of that in the coming year. I also spent some time with the wonderful singer/songwriter Carrie Newcomer. IÕll be doing some shows next winter with Carrie and we did some songwriting and worked on material together. While I spend a lot of time on stage by myself (or at this computer) itÕs collaboration with others that gets me thinking in new ways. The shows with Carrie will be really exciting. More on that when we get close. | ||
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Bill performing "Come On Out and Play" with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra at White River State Park |
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| Looking ahead | ||
| I have a busy schedule in the fall, then plan on taking a step back in the winter and spring to work on some long range projects. In addition, IÕll start working with an agent, Mike Green & Associates in Ann Arbor, Michigan. My wife, Debbie Block, has booked me for twenty-five years, and while sheÕll still manage me (whatever that means) sheÕll let Mike and his crew handle performances. WeÕre excited (and sure, a little scared) about the change, but are impressed with the care Mike has shown in working with other artists and believe it’s a good change for everyone. (see "Booking Bill" section below) | ||
| Yes to Running! | |||
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Later this summer, weÕll release the concert CD and DVD "Yes to Running!" filmed by Montana Public Television and shown on their networks, and hopefully more PBS stations in the fall and winter. It looks like just me standing on stage, but itÕs a big pile of talented people working to produce the best show we could. The recording is almost two hours of my best material, and weÕre excited about what it does and what it means. You can pre-order through our website (see "Pre-Order New Releases" for the details) |
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| So long Utah Phillips | ||
| Folk music and storytelling lost one of its guiding lights this spring with the passing of Utah Phillips. Utah had a big influence on my work, and I will miss him. I did a tribute to him on "All Things Considered" you can listen here. IÕve been on NPR a couple times in the past several months, talking about everything from rubber boots to relativity (air date is TBA). | ||
| Magic Penny Award | ||
| I was completely flabbergasted and delighted to receive a call from Frank Hernandez informing me that I had been awarded the Magic Penny Award by the ChildrenÕs Music Network for lifetime contributions to childrenÕs music. IÕm very humbled and keep thinking of other people who should be getting it instead of me. To be in the company of other recipients like Woody Guthrie, Ruth Crawford Seeger, Malvina Reynolds and Ella Mae Jenkins is overwhelming. The award will be given this September in Chicago at their national conference, where IÕll also be giving the keynote. I really still canÕt believe it. If any of you are interested in attending the conference you can find details on the CMN website. ItÕs a great organization and the conference will be a wonderful gathering of songs, stories, workshops and people! | ||
| Books | ||
| Current favorites read include People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks Š a novel about the Sarajevo Haggadah which is really great, Frankenstein (yes, that one Š finally read it at the encouragement of my friend, storytelling genius Kevin Kling), Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation by Parker Palmer, and Sons of Providence: The Brown Brothers, the Slave Trade, and the American Revolution a great book by Charles Rappleye about the Brown brothers, Moses and John, and their involvement and influence on the slave trade in Rhode Island. Having lived in the Providence area for over half my life, it is reaaaalllllly interesting. Highly recommended. | ||
| Music | ||
| Boy, I just got a bunch of old Curtis Mayfield stuff. He is so great - so musical, so honest Š and that falsetto is killer. ŅPeople get readyÉ.Ó | ||
| Movies | |||
| Both Debbie and I loved Young At Heart Š about a singing group that you canÕt join until you are at least 72 years old and, The Visitor Š a tender and moving film that deals with illegal residents, chance encounters, transformation and drummingÉthis one stuck with us Š actually, they both did. As always, we'd love to know what you're reading, so drop us an email. And to see what other fans have suggested to us, visit our Books page. |
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