Lisa Mann
Greetings, blues people! The band and I would like to thank the many among you who supported our Indiegogo campaign for tour sponsorship, and all the rest of you who sent us well-wishes. While we were sadly forced to cut the tour short, it was an adventure to travel the western states with Jeff Knudson, Brian Harris and the hilarious Dave Melyan. And thank you from Allen and I for the condolences on the death of his father. Hank Markel was a loving father and husband, a Korean War vet and a Yankees fan, he will be sorely missed.
The show must go on, as they say, and in July it is going on outside… July 4th we will be competing in the Journey to Memphis Finals at the Waterfront Blues Festival, the competition is from Noon to 3pm. Congrats to the Mojoblasters, Ben Rice Band and Tevis Hodge Jr for also making it to the finals! Then later that day, I will take the stage with the amazing Karen Lovely, as well as with United By Music. United By Music showcases people with intellectual disabilities who have musical talent. To learn more, check out www.ubmna.org. Also, Allen and I will be celebrating our wedding anniversary, at the same place we got married! I can’t believe it’s been only four years, I feel like I’ve been happily married to him forever.
Also at the Waterfront, I’ll be joining Sonny Hess for a Blues Cruise on Sat July 6th. If you haven’t done one, it’s well worth it- check them out on the WBF website. More outdoor fun includes a Wed July 10th show at Willamette Park with the Really Good Band, also Lavender Fest in Yamhill with Sonny Hess on Sun July 14th, another Really Good Band show at Linfield College on Tues July 16th, and then the following Tuesday in Newberg for “Tunes on Tuesday” on July 23rd. That show will feature original Really Good Band mates Dave Melyan and Alex Shakeri. On Sat July 27th I will be doing some solo performances between acts at the Artful Giving Blanket Concert- featured artists are Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Mingo Fishtrap, Monophonics and Linda Hornbuckle and Friends. All to benefit Randall Children’s Hospital…visit www.soulfulgiving.org to find out more.
Just a reminder about the upcoming festival season- be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and a breezy cover-up. Skin cancer prevention is WAY better than the alternative, trust me. Take care of yourself, and we can keep on letting the good times roll!
Lisa Mann