Also, there is a Special Mountain Mama Deluxe event coming up July 30 – August 3.  Check out my Singing Workshops page to find out more. THE Alice Gerrard is coming to lead workshops in singing styles.  It’s going to be so fun!

Winter workshops are taking place this weekend and the weekend of December 5 in Madison County, just north of Asheville.  You can read all about them on the Singing Workshops page.

Thanks for your continued support, amigos!

I have a newsletter tab that is working, so if you sign up for it (you can see it to your left), I promise not to inundate you with information, but rather send out notices for shows and workshops every month or two.

Thank you for keeping up with me!

The theme was Hazel and Alice, as in Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard.  A new level of appreciation and depth of feeling emerged as we studied the seven songs I brought to the group and found our own voices to put behind them, our own stories to tell because of them, and our own interpretations of them.  The gift of their music becomes even clearer when looked at closely and sung with full spirit and open space and easy safety.  For sharing in that happy task, I thank all of you mamas who were there doing all that with me.

I invite all who weren’t there to considering contributing your special selves to a future mountain mamas weekend.  The next one is September 25 – 27 and we will explore the Louvin Brothers.  There’s a Singing Workshops page right on this website where you can learn more.

I am reminded of my travels in Europe which began 18 years ago with a one-way ticket and a backpack.  I consistently met interesting people along the way, and I used to reason that I got along with such a large percentage of them (much larger than in real life) because of the filtering process that had to take place before we could even have the chance to meet: that is, they were, like I was, choosing to stray far away from home, to learn, to explore, and to grow a little bit by trading in familiarity for exploration.

Same goes for you, Mountain Mamas; you’re explorers, and you are a special lot!

Next weekend, May 29, 30, and 31 is filled with fun shows in the Piedmont, so pick one or two, and come see us!

First, in Durham, Friday May 29, it’s the Kari Sickenberger Band with Natalya Weinstein and John Miller from 6 – 8.  If you’ve never heard John Miller sing, you are in for a treat.  Natalya is the fine fiddler from Polecat Creek, so you know how great she is.  Bring your family and picnic on the lawn in the Tobacco Warehouse District; it’s a beautiful spot!

The next day, Saturday May 30 will be the Piedmont CD Release Party at one of our favorite spots, The Garage, in Winston-Salem.  We’re on at 8 and we’ll be joined by Vollie McKenzie and other guests to promote the new record, Settle Down.

Sunday May 31, Polecat Creek is playing a FREE concert in downtown Greensboro from 3 – 5.

I look forward to seeing you all soon!  Thanks for your ongoing support.

Laurelyn and I were privileged to have been a part of such a well-run operation such as A Prairie Home Companion.  Garrison Keillor and his staff had a way of creating an enriching and calming environment which brought out the best in everyone.  Theirs is a model of graciousness and excellence that I admire in teachers, parents, business and day-to-day life.  I will carry the experience with me as a highlight of my musical carreer, and my life.  Thank you, Prairie Home!

Hey – remember the CD RELEASE PARTY at the Grey Eagle this Saturday May 16!  Hope to see you there!

Now, Laurelyn and I are gearing up for our appearance on A Prairie Home Companion on May 9.  We’ll be sharing the musical stage with the great old-time band, Big Medicine, as well as with Robin and Linda Williams, so tune in!

Thanks for all the nice comments about Settle Down.  It means a lot to me to know that some of you really really like it!  You can now purchase it with your paypal account right here on this site.  Just go to the Music Projects page and the rest is easy.  I also have black Settle Down T-shirts for sale in all sizes.

Remember the big CD Release Party at the Grey Eagle here in Asheville on Sat. May 16!  Thanks for your support, Amigos!

kari@polecatcreek.net

Keep checking this site for sample tracks  – coming soon!  I appreciate you all!