March 10th, 2010

Hello Friends,

What a great couple of weeks we have had.  We left for our latest mini tour and just arrived home last night at 2:00 AM.  Driving the bus into the Keys is even great under the cover of darkness.  The waters were flat in the bay and the reflection of lights was great.  I knew I was close to home when I say folks fishing from the bridges and from boats. Cynderella and I got home just in time for her to help me pack a bag to head up to Indiana to visit my mom.  Cyndy then heads out tomorrow to see her mom.  Wow, this has been a whirlwind.

I want to thank everyone for your support of Care Camp.  It never ceases to amaze me the generosity that you all have.  While performing at the Nav-A-Gator we raised $2000 in a single evening; $1000 for the first margarita from the old Johnson thanks to Dave and Carolyn, and we raised another $1000 for turquoise hats.  At Stars we raised another $500 for the first margarita thanks to Tom and Pam, and $650 from turquoise hats and other donations.  Last November when we set our goal to raise $20,000 by May of 2010, I have to admit I thought we were reaching for the stars.  But I am happy to say we are almost half way there, thanks to you.  In case you don’t know Care Camp sends kids with cancer to summer camp.  It is an amazing program.

I am happy to report the new album is musically complete and we are now in the production process.  A big thank you to Tom Corcoran for his photography and design magic on this project.  All but one of the pictures was taken at our home and as I looked at the proofs today sitting in an airport, I realize how special the Keys are.  The new CD “Tunes In A Tropical Key” will be released March 27th – however it’s available for pre-release sale NOW!   Details on our website.

Friday March 12th

I will be heading home in two days and I am ready for a party.  How about a party and a pig roast?  It is all going to happen this Friday March 12th at the Sugarloaf KOA.  Big Jim’s Smokin’ Butts will supply the food for just $10.00 for a BBQ plate starting at 6:00 PM and we will supply the music starting at 7:00 PM.  Please come out and join us.  It will be good to be back home.

Saturday March 13th

Then on Saturday, March 13th it’s a double header.  Dave and I will perform an acoustic show at Breezy Pines RV Resort on Big Pine from 11AM to 1PM.  How about free beer and free food?  That’s right free beer and free food.  It’s open to the public!  Count me in.

Then we are off to the Marathon Seafood Festival with the entire band.  We take the stage approximately 5PM but there is music all day Saturday (10AM to 9PM) and Sunday (1PM to 5PM)!   There are games for kids, many vendors with fresh seafood, and wonderful arts and crafts!  It’s a fun place with a great crowd!

Sunday March 14th

Another double header for me!  I’ve agreed to perform solo at Boondocks for Ward Family Benefit.  The benefit is from Noon to 4PM and because of my double header, I’ll be leaving by about 2PM – so my performance will be earlier in their schedule.   John Ward was a friend, and the helicopter pilot that helped us film for our DVD “Live On Duval.”  He was killed in a helicopter crash while helping out in Haiti after the earthquake.  He leaves his wife and young son.  He will be missed.

Sunday also takes our full band to the world famous Geiger Key Marina to celebrate their 7th anniversary.  This is our first time playing here and I can’t wait.  They call themselves ‘the backside of paradise’ and it’s true!  Come and experience Geiger Key!

I have to run now but hope to see you this weekend. Until then, may the tide always pull you back.

Howie

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