July 2009 E-News

1. Quote of the Month

"The only tool you need is kindness." Yogi Tea label

2. Blog

We welcome in July and begin to say goodbye to fireflies. Those precious little angels that wing across our evening summer skies. Since moving to Piermont, NY last month we've been treated to some magnificent fireworks by these splendid little creatures. We're also visited by a small herd of deer that casually graze across our property during the day and frequently bed down in our side yard, especially during evening rains. The huge oaks that line our driveway have kept them fairly well sheltered from the relentless storms. It seems our northeast weather patterns have become reminiscent of the great northwest this past month. Let us begin to petition Sun Ra. Did I mention our wild turkeys too?

The month of June brought many wonderful shows including a marvelous surprise 50^th birthday bash for our pal Budd Mishkin of NY One. July bodes well as well. You must see Infinity Music Hall in Norfolk, CT, even if it's not to see us perform our S&G Songbook show with Pete Fornatale on July 24. If you love the music of The Band (and who doesn't) we hope you'll come see us play with The ‘THE BAND' Band, an amazing 5-piece group that devotedly tributes the music of this iconic American roots band. The remarkable Jon Pousette-Dart Band and Beaucoup Blue, the equally remarkable father and son duo from Philadelphia will also join us on July 18 at Mitchell Farm in Salem, CT. This annual event that ATS helped launch in 2007 has now blossomed into a full blown festival to support their home for retired horses. This is one great cause. TTBB will also be performing other NE dates this summer so please check their website for more details. www.theTheBandband.com.

Last but not least, Renassiance Records in conjunction with It's About Music has just released a 44-song compilation of our past recordings in a tidy two-disc set. The cover art, conceived and designed by Dean Sciarra of IAM, is almost as surreal as it's title, The Persecution & Restoration of Aztec Two-Step. We hope you'll support this endeavor. I've been nudging Neal about making a new studio album this year. I want to record it live with our dear Freddy Holman on bass. Live is where our magic lies. Our shows have been stupendous with Fred back on board these past several weeks. The healing has begun.