Untitled Document

JAMS newsletter for week of Dec 9 2004

The J.A.M.S. (hopefully) weekly newsletter

Joshua Tree Association of Musicians and Songwriters

A division of New Moon Records

PO Box 203

Joshua Tree, CA 92252

www.new-moon-records.com

Gig reports and editorial comments for the week Dec 7-14, 2004

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Hey, hey, hey-

Well, It’s been a tough couple months for losin’ my pals. Last Saturday, Ray Johnson died. A truly creative guy, he was a kingpin of the Playhouse when I moved here (for the 2nd time) in the 80s. He and his wife Lois have been good friends to the artistic community, having many gatherings at their house high above YV. Ray had been a college prof and a serious Democrat. He was a joy to talk to on any subject.We would go on into the night after everyone left; just a few true believers. I guess that opera we talked about writing together will have to wait for another lifetime. I think Ray just couldn’t stay around for another four years of Bush. Goodbye ol’ friend.

Talkin’ about ol’ friends and the Palace, the Buzz G wake was about the best vibe I’ve ever experienced at P+Hs, and I’ve spent a bit of time there. Buzz’s spirit was strong in the room. Pitown is a bit poorer without Pappy and Buzz and Aunt Bea, but it showed it’s will to carry on last week. I couldn’t go near the place after Pappy died, then Aunt Bea; I thought it would never be right again, but Buzz’z wake showed me that the place has it’s own life and we leave our sounds and memories as we move through. It’s all good.

On a brighter note, The DMF (Desert Music Foundation-formerly JAMS) scholarship recital went beautifully at the theatre last weekend. the young talent was so good; the vibe so upbeat; it made me feel very good about the musical future of the desert. Thanks to the Radniches for putting it together.

I hope everyone will come out to the Mafia Christmas Bash at the playhouse on Saturday. Also, on Monday, Leon Russell at the Palace. I and/or my crew will be providing sound for these events, as well as Thurs. night- Burrito Deluxe/Mojave Moon at the Palace. Also, Stevie Barsotti, playing at the SPRC Thurs. and Sat. night at the Water Canyon is a most unusual and highly skilled singer and player I highly recommend. See you out at some or all of these shows. Support live music!

Dat’s all for now…
PS. If you are interested, don’t forget to check out the JAMS political supplement attached.

Da prez

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***gig reports***

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**Thursday Night Songwriting, Poetry and Rhythm Club**

** Sponsored by The Sun Runner**

Thursday Nights at the Water Canyon in Yucca Valley, 7-9 PM (starts promptly- attendance will be taken)

This week

Musical guest: Stevie Barsotti

Spoken Word- TBA

(If you’d like to appear on the showcase, email me (da prez) at info@new-moon-records.com , let me know what you do, and when you’d like to appear)

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Water Canyon Coffee Company

Yucca Valley at 55844 29 Palms Highway. 760 365 7771

Dec 11

Saturday from 11am to 1pm

Jon Bertini (mandolin and guitar instrumentals)

Saturday from 8pm till 10pm

Stevie Barsotti (totally unique Bay area singer-songwriter)

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Thanks to everyone who came to Buzz Gamble's memorial last Thursday..It was a great party..I'm sure Buzz was smiling that reptile smile of his....

We have an Amazing week of music ahead...

Thursday, December 9th: Burrito Deluxe (featuring Sneaky Pete from The Flying Burrito Brothers & Garth Hudson from The Band) special guest: Mojave Moon an all girl band featuring Harriet Allen (the Harriet!), Cheryl Allen, Jackie Young & Carol-Ann

7pm $12

Fri & Sat, December 10th & 11th: 7pm The Hot Rods are back! Great nights for dancin', kids..

Sunday, December 12th: Open Mic with The Hi-Desert Flyers 5pm

Monday, December 13th: Leon Russell all advance tickets are sold out. you can try buying them at the door after 8pm

7pm $20

ps: make your reservations now for New Years Eve with The Sin City All-Stars & very special guests..! rock on, yo www.pappyandharriets.com

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Disco Christmas ..Hip Hop Santa …Egg Nog Groove ...it’s all possible

Especially with Arlan’s Organism

Crustacean Double Double Header

December 9 & 10 (Thursday/Friday)

December 17 & 18 (Friday/Saturday)

“The Funky Low-Down” 7:30 pm – 11:30 pm

No cover …Upscale…Pricey …Fun …Crustacian

464 N. Bedford Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90210

310 205 8990

On the corner of Bedford and Little Santa Monica -- in the heart of Beverly Hills --

-Tomorrow Night Concert with MamaSutra at the Malibu inn

-Friday Night December 3, 2004

10:30 pm concert time (there is an opening act)

...coming soon Look for NAAM Jams, Hi-Fi Recordings ...and many amazing collaborations

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Str8jackets’ Upcoming schedule

We perform Classic Rock At the following venues: December 4, 2004 The Handlebar & Grill 19-345 North Indian Avenue North Palm Springs 760-251-6474 December 11, 2004 Private Xmas Party Glendora, California December 17, 2004 The Handlebar & Grill 19-345 North Indian Avenue North Palm Springs 760-251-6474

Radio 60 Upcoming Schedule

December 3, 2004 The Handlebar & Grill 19-345 N. Indian Ave. North Palm Springs 760-251-6474 December 6, 2004 Pappy & Harriet’s 53-688 Pioneertown Road Pioneertown 760-365-5956 (Greg Veach solo act) December 10, 2004 Patty & Beav’s 35-756 Date Palm Drive Cathedral City 760-770-7335 December 16, 2004 Pappy & Harriet’s 53-688 Pioneertown Road Pioneertown 760-365-5956 For bookings and information call Greg Veach at 760-831-9805

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Reallyshooooooo

WEDNESDAY, December 8 PM LIVE FROM THE BEATNIK. Again we host with a theme "The Love & Laughter Show." As always all IS welcome, but we would like to put an emphasis on positive, uplifting and hopeful music. As we all know this is heard "all around the world" so let's send a positive message. Two songs each and hopefully a jam, horn players welcome - hint-hint.

SATURDAY, December 11 - pleased to have been invited to play at THE MERRY MAFIA CHRISTMAS SHOW - Thanks, Shawn.

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Every Sunday Guitarist Callan performs a recital of original Finger style guitar solo's from 11am till 2pm at Sunday Brunch a the 29 Palms Inn at 73950 Inn Ave 29 Palms 760 367 3505

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RITMO LOCO AFRO-CUBAN JAZZ QUARTET TO PERFORM AT “THE MERRY MAFIA CHRISTMAS CONCERT”

AT HI-DESERT PLAYHOUSE ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11th AT 6:00 PM

PROCEEDS BENEFIT PLAYHOUSE AND TENDER LOVING CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

(complete press release in announcements)

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JAMSannouncements

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DEAR FRIENDS,
WE WILL HAVE A CELEBRATION OF RAY JOHNSON'S LIFE ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER
19, AT 2:00 P.M. IN FRIENDSHIP HALL AT MENTALPHYSICS @59700 29 PALMS
HWY, JOSHUA TREE, CA. PLEASE BRING YOUR MEMORIES OF RAY. WE WILL HAVE A
CHAMPAGNE FOUNTAIN IN LIEU OF THE DRUNKEN BRAWL THAT RAY REALLY WANTED US
TO HAVE.
LOIS

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"Pappy's Originals"
*Sponsored by The Sun Runner Magazine
www.thesunrunner.com
P&H Monday Night Songwriter Showcase
starting this Monday and running every other Monday, local and out of town musicians, at least four or more performers, doing 30 to 40 minutes of original and cover tunes.
if you are interested in being one of the performers please contact:
JB SkyPillar@cs.com or
Joel desertdoves1@aol.com
Besides our amazing local talent, we'll also have great drink specials and $1 tacos!
Join the fun!
www.pappyandharriets.com

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The second annual Merry Mafia Christmas Concert

6 p.m., Saturday, December 11

Hi-Desert Playhouse

61231 Twentynine Palms Highway, Joshua Tree

Tickets: $10 donation (tax deductible), benefits Hi-Desert Playhouse and Tender Loving Christmas

Hi-Desert Playhouse Box Office: (760) 366-3777

Tickets available at Hi-Desert Playhouse Box Office, Rock-It Man CDs, 56318 Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley, (760) 228-3304, and The Sun Runner, 6455-C Mesquite Avenue, Twentynine Palms, (760) 367-6410.

Hosted and produced by: Shawn Mafia and Shanghai Brown

Bands include: Shawn Mafia and the Ten Cent Thrills, Ted Quinn, Ritmo Loco Afro-Cuban Jazz Quartet, Rojer Arnold band, Really Shooo, Bob & Allison Garcia, Callan, Jemma, Sue Bradley, Shanghai Brown, Mighty Jack and special surprise guests.

Media information and photos: Steve Brown, (760) 367-6410.

Sponsored by: The Sun Runner desert arts and entertainment magazine.

Webcast on Beatnik Radio, www.beatnikradio.com.

A holiday tradition begins…

After a successful and sold-out Merry Mafia Christmas Concert, December 7, 2003, Shawn Mafia and Shanghai Brown decided to continue the holiday benefit and make it a seasonal tradition.

"The Hi-Desert Playhouse is a remarkable local venue for hi-desert theater, music and special productions," Brown noted. "And Mara Cantelo of Tender Loving Christmas is proof positive that one person can make an incredible difference in the lives of others. Both are well worth supporting."

Mafia and Brown noted that last year’s marathon benefit concert was enthusiastically received by the capacity audience and they believe this year’s concert will be even more successful.

"We have an amazing variety of music from Latin jazz and eclectic cabaret, to singer/songwriter, original blues and rock and dark, film-noir folk-rock. It’s a showcase of the impressive talent that is home-grown right here in the hi-desert," Brown said. "We did invite the band, Mighty Jack, to join us this year. They’re from the Coachella Valley. We met them at a musician’s showcase in Palm Springs and enjoyed their performance."

Local musicians enjoy performing at the concert partly because of the large stage, concert seating for the audience, and the light and sound system. The audience is treated to high-energy performances, with a variety of special guests joining the groups on stage. Last year’s guests included Victoria Williams and Juke Logan. This year will feature the debut of Shawn Mafia’s Christmas song, "Last Call on Christmas Eve," as well as special guests on stage.

This year’s concert will also be webcast internationally on Beatnik Radio. Desert music lovers who are not able to make it to the live performance may listen in over the Internet.

All proceeds from the concert are split between the two non-profit organizations. Ticket prices are tax deductible donations. The musicians, hosts, producers, sound and lighting personnel, and theater ushers and concession sales people all volunteer their time and talent for this annual event.

"It’s all about supporting our community," Brown said. "We are grateful for the enormous outpouring of volunteer support the Merry Mafia Christmas Concert receives. These organizations provide a great benefit to our community and we’re all pleased to do what we can to help them continue the services they provide."

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NOT TO BE MISSED!

harmonicBliss presents: "Journey Out Of Madness"

Awesome performance in Friendship Hall at the Institute of Mentalphysics.

Be swept into the enchanted world of artistic reflection as we captivate you with our muses. We will take you on an aesthetic journey that will touch your inner being. We, as an Ensemble, have cherished our talents as vehicles that deliver us from the madness that lurks ominously, one step beyond our complacency. We strive to bring the divine into focus.

Uniquely cultivated dance styles, spiritually-inspired original music, rare bamboo flute, percussion, sax, harmonium, acoustic guitar, keyboard, dramatic reading...

Leslie and her Ding LeMei-inspired songs, Bira and Kitty doing songs inspired by the Vedas and Life, Stevie Barsottie gleefully presents his modal nature songs, Kieth Anderson reads 'blues' poetry and plays sax, Geoffrey Earandil dances Bhutoh and plays harmonium (not at the same time), Kathy Penney as Flamenco Soul, Rick Dunlap plays percussion and flute, and...

you.

December 12, at 7pm, Friendship Hall, Mentalphysics

59700 29 Palms Hwy, Joshua Tree

questions: 760-220-4877

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Friends Of Big Morongo Canyon Preserve

On Saturday, December 11th, take a guided Nature Walk through the wetland and into the arid desert, all within the same trail system. Ideal for birders and those who like diversity in their nature walks, this 1.5 mile hike is easy paced and has a slight elevation gain, with several points of interest to stop and enjoy. Watch for animal signs and tracks as you learn about the plants, and their historical uses. Bring a snack, water, sunscreen a hat and good walking shoes. The Nature Walk begins at 9 AM. Meet at the Kiosk in the BMCP parking lot.

If you prefer something a little more challenging, there are still openings on Monday, December 13th for the hike down the West Canyon Trail. This excursion takes hikers through the wetlands of BMCP, as well as seeing the desert scrub vegetation and the mesquite thickets, as you walk leisurely along. There are some short “steep” ups and downs, but the trail is well maintained. Bring a snack, water, sunscreen and a hat. Hiking boots are recommended. The Hike begins at 9 AM. Meet at the Kiosk in the BMCP parking lot.

Groups are limited to 25, so make your reservation today by calling (760) 363-7190. These programs are free to the public, but donations are accepted. Visitors are also welcome to visit Big Morongo Canyon Preserve to explore and walk the established trails as individuals or in self-guided groups.

Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is located at 11055 East Drive, Morongo Valley CA. For more directions and a map, or to see previews of the trails, please visit our website at www.bigmorongo.org.

Thank you,

Betty Zeller, (760) 363-7190

Preserve Administrator

Resident Host

Big Morongo Canyon Wildlife Preserve

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Debora Iyall

Once again I have an original artwork up for sale at Ebay. Proceeds from
the auction will go to People For the American Way, a non-profit
non-partisan political organization committed to promoting political
awareness, civic participation and providing legislators with the support
they need to counter the agenda of the extreme right and protect against
encroachments upon our freedoms and civil rights.

item . 3763583072

Debora hand-printed only 10 copies of this unique and powerful image. After
the election on November 2, Debora and the folks here at the Auction For the
American Way thought it even more appropriate that we offer another of these
very special prints this year. This is an opportunity to own one of these
rare, living works of art, which measures 15" x 11."

This auction is for one of the 10-- hand numbered and signed by Debora, of
course. Proceeds from the auction will go to People For the American Way, a
non-profit non-partisan political organization committed to promoting
political awareness, civic participation and providing legislators with the
support they need to counter the agenda of the extreme right and protect
against encroachments upon our freedoms and civil rights. "

We thank you in advance for helping support our organization¹s important
work.

Please allow 7-10 business days for shipping and handling of all items
within the continental United States. We prefer to ship FedEx two day (FedEx
ground is not available from this location), however, other arrangements can
be made particularly for larger items and international bidders. Please
check out our other auctions going on now by visiting our ME page. Thank
you. PAYMENT: PayPal or money order

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ANDROMEDA SOCIETY – Sam Davidson 228-1977

STAR PARTY

Saturday, Dec. 11, 5:00 p.m.

The public is invited to a star party at the Hidden Valley Picnic Area in the JTNP Saturday starting at 5:00 p.m. A new comet (Comet Machholz) near Orion will be among the attractions. The Summer Triangle dips in the northwest with the Northern Cross yielding a seasonal sight. A laser lighted tour of the sky will be given by club members.

There is no additional charge other the than park entrance fee.

Info at (760) 228-1977.

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Hi All, After the first of the year Telemarketers will be able to call you
on your cell phone running up your minutes for no reason. Go to this
website to register your number as a "Don't call" to avoid this
crap!! www.donotcall.gov BILLY

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ONLY FOUR MORE PERFORMANCES OF DAVID MAMET’S CONTROVERSIAL AND PROVOCATIVE DRAMA, OLEANNA

AT GROVES CABIN THEATRE IN MORONGO VALLEY

SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS THROUGH DEC. 12

Who’s the “good guy,” and who’s the “bad guy” here? He said it was a lesson. She said it was sexual harassment. What side will you choose; whose side will you be on? These are the questions raised in Pulitzer Prize winning (Glengarry Glen Ross) playwright, David Mamet’s controversial and provocative drama, Oleanna, playing at Groves Cabin Theatre in Morongo Valley on Saturdays at 8:00 PM and Sundays at 2:30 PM through December 12.

Oleanna centers on the relationship between a student and a university professor. She goes to him for extra help in his class—but she may be just trying to set him up for a sexual harassment lawsuit. He tries to help her with her studies—but he may be trying to dominate and have inappropriate relations with her. As the relationship turns into a struggle, playgoers will find themselves switching sides early and often. The tension building on stage becomes the viewer's tension—tension and suspense that will escalate to a fever pitch in the play’s shattering finale.

The drama’s appropriate tagline is, “Whatever side you take, you’re wrong.” Oleanna, also made into a motion picture, is a seething investigation of “political correctness” and “civil rights,” and has been accused of being anti-feminist, lauded for being pro-feminist, hated for being anti-establishment, pro-establishment, sexist, etc. In reality, it is all and none of these things; Oleanna serves as a mirror that forces us to examine and discuss our own convictions. In its 1992 review, the NY Times declared, “Oleanna is likely to provoke more arguments than any play this year.” What side will you choose?

Wendy Cohen, who directed last season’s successful If We Are Women at Groves, directs the compelling drama, which features Desert Theatre League award winning actor Bob Harrison as John, the professor, and Keri Rivers in the part of Carol, the student. “This is very personal, very nuanced theater,” states director Cohen, “Mamet’s play is very ambiguous, and asks one to deeply examine who is the ‘good guy’ and who is the ‘bad guy.’ The audience will leave the theater with lots of fuel for discussion.”

Groves Cabin Theatre has won multiple Desert Theatre League awards for its high-quality productions. The 24-seat theater offers one of the most intimate theatrical experiences in the world—that experience having been described as being “like a fly on the wall, witnessing real life happening before my eyes.” Less than 100 more people will be able to see this fine show before it closes, so early reservations are a must.

Oleanna will be performed Saturday evenings at 8:00 PM and Sunday afternoons at 2:30 PM, through December 12. Groves Cabin Theatre is located at 8768 Desert Willow Trail in Morongo Valley north of Highway 62 (look for the large red, white, and blue stone on the north side of the highway). Tickets are $10 ($8 for seniors 60+ and students). For additional information and reservations call! (760) 365-4523.

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'HAPPY TRAILS TO YULE" FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS CHRISTMAS PARADE DECEMBER 18, 2004 IN OLD TOWN YUCCA VALLEY Plans are being finalized by the Old Town Merchants Association and the Town of Yucca Valley for the 7th Annual Festival of Lights Parade to be held on SR 62 Saturday December 18. The parade will begin at Fox Trail and proceed east to Remembrance Park and loop back on SR 62 to Pioneertown Road to end at the Elks Lodge at 55946 Yucca Trail. Entry forms are available at the Yucca Valley Chamber of Commerce office or by calling 365-0044. Commercial entries are $25. and non-profits are donation with the proceeds from the parade entry fees going to the Morongo Basin American Red Cross. Volunteers are needed to assist with the parade lineup and viewing. Call and sign up now. SCHEDULE:

4:30 PM LINE-UP BEGINS ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF SR 62 ON FOX TRAIL AND ON SANTA FE TRAIL WEST

5:30PM PARADE BEGINS

6:00 - 8:00 AFTER PARADE PARTY: VIEWING: Floats & entries will be on Yucca Trail after the parade in front of the Elks Lodge FREE PARTY: Visit Santa inside the Elks Lodge and see a FREE continuous live puppet show by Becky's Puppets. Hot cocoa, cider, coffee and snacks will be available for a small charge by the Emblem Club.

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**JAMS Comments**
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Hope you had a great Thanksgiving! Gee, we really do have a lot to be grateful for, don't we? It's cool that we have set aside a day to remind ourselves to reflect upon that aspect of our lives; may we all be inclined to remember that frequently throughout the year.

To contribute to your holiday season delight, I invite you to join me along with all of other the fine performers that will be creating "The Merry Mafia Christmas Concert" at the Playhouse this Saturday, December 11th (details in the press releases included below). I’m scheduled to play with four of the groups that will be appearing, and we'd love to see you there—to be able to share our joy in making music with you and experience some holiday cheer together. The price is right (a bargain!), the causes are worthy and of benefit to our entire community, and the evening of music promises to be a definite “YUM!”—looks, sounds, and feels like a win/win opportunity to me.

So, I invite you to take a time-out from the normal holiday preparation routine crazies, and treat yourself to a fun, friend filled, and enjoyable evening of great LIVE! musical entertainment—with offerings for most any musical taste. Come as you are...and, be sure to say "Hi!" and exchange a holiday hug. I sure hope to see you there.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season,

~Sam

PS: The Playhouse only seats around 170 people, so you may want to get your tickets early.

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Hey y'all... thanx for getting the word out on BUZZ... WHAT are we gonna do without that sonofabitch??... Tellya this: NOBODY best step up on the Pi-Town stage & sing a blues without TRUE HEART & soul in the mix, or Buzz'll zap 'em. I LOVED that guy & I LOVE that guy... Robyn - thanks for the insanely cool tribute you wrote. I'll be there Thurs. nite - hope a 6:30/7pm arrival won't be too late to pay props... See y'all then - Juke "Let's BUZZ awhile........................." Juke

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Man; have there been some good shows lately. Janet Robin inspired me to get off my butt when I perform -- music that is. The gal can play, too. A lot of polish and E for effort went into her act.

I heard Rocco did a great job at Water Canyon. He'll do our showcase up at P&H's Monday, Dec. 20th.

Speaking of Pi-town - sadly Buzz Gamble is gone, but what a send off. I've never seen guitarist Doug Anderson so inspired. All soggy eyes were scorched by some blazing fretwork. First time I heard Glenn Patrick. He smoked. His pal Jamie St. James is a hell of good drummer. Fun to watch, too. I thank everyone who pitched in on the party.

Mike Stinson brought his band up for a gig at Pi-town. There's something eerily reminiscent of Gram with this guy. Maybe it's that cracked glass voice - or just a presence, but this guy has it. Great band -- Tony Gilkyson is a master of rockabilly. And what a rhythm section -- tight as a sealed barrel. After I complemented the bass player (OOPS I forgot his name), he said this was only his and the drummer's second gig together.

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If you know anyone whom you think would like to receive this newsletter, please forward me his or her email. Also, lately, some of the big inet providers are filtering out newsletters of this type (blind copied) assuming it is spam. If anyone you know received this publication before and doesn’t receive it now, it is probably for that reason. If you have that problem, you need to set the filtering to allow emails from www.new-moon-records.com through. If you don’t use filtering, just be sure that the address info@new-moon-records.com is in your address book. Finally, if you would prefer to not receive this newsletter, or have received it by mistake, send an email back saying ‘cancel newsletter’ in the heading. Your excuse may be written, if you like, no less than 100 words, in the body of the email.

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Every decent man is ashamed of the government he lives under. H. L. Mencken