Hello friends,
Well, happy New Year to you all. 2010 was challenging
to so many of us with the tourism industry suffering from the gulf oil spill and the national economic crisis still ongoing.
And yet, it was a good year for me and my family. My wife, Beryl, is healthy and happy and looking forward to getting her
new business well and truly zooming. Our son, Christopher started 1st grade and is the source of our continued enjoyment and
amazement. Beryl was able to participate in the Susan G. Komen 3 Day Walk in Pinellas County again this year. Thank you to
all who contributed to her fundraising goal.
Music too, was good this year. Some continued news about "The Fellas". Marty has been recovering well, albeit, with
a few "speed bumps" in his own words and has managed to start a monthly session at McKay's Pub in Daytona.
I was able to attend early last fall and had a wonderful time with some great players and wonderful energy. It was also a
treat to do a few tunes with Marty again. If you're ever over that way on the 3rd Saturday, be sure to stop in.
In Marty's absense, Darin Graves and
Trina Schyhol Barksdale have done a great job getting into the groove with Jimmy and I. Lots and lots of new material and
arrangements of the old with much more vocal interaction. What a treat it is for me to share the vocals and work harmonies. I
get to have them with me in Lakeland, Melbourne and Tampa and some of the library shows. I've really enjoyed how the
band has grown and each and every member, past and present, has brought a whole new dynamic to the mix and I am extremely
grateful to them all.
This year is a little slow coming in some respects. The economy still has a pretty tight grip on our industry but I'm hopful
that as we settle in, new venues and opportunities will bring us all together to celebrate music in our own way. Already,
I've added a pub in Columbia, SC called Delaney's Music Pub and hope to add more as the year progresses. I'll be sure to keep
my schedule up to date and accurate so I hope you'll manage to come by some night for some music. Please come by and introduce
yourself and let me know that you found me online. I'd love to add you to my emailing lists for future performances.
On YouTube, I got a real surprise. The
"Whiskey in the Jar" posting has climbed over 11,000 viewings and still climbing. Also, "Killkelly"
has taken off in a big way. Nice comments and it's nice to see the interest out there. Thank you again to my good friend Cheryll
for all her hard work in filming, editing and posting all these videos to YouTube. I'm hoping to make some new videos soon
featuring Darin, Trina, Jimmy and myself. I'll be sure to keep you posted.
Well, that's all for now. I wish you all the best of everything
this year with many blessings and the chance to make happy memories. Be well, enjoy your families and friends and keep loving
the music!
All the best,
Chris
