As songwriters, I bet we all have a copy of Tunesmith by the great Jimmy Webb. I would also wager we have at least one book written by Pat Pattison. But how many of you have a copy of Bird by Bird by Anne Lamont?

If I was forced to burn all my music related books but one, I would save Bird by Bird. It's not even about songwriting per se. It's about book writing. However, there is so much information applicable to our art and it is written in such a compelling way that it is the one book I can a… Continue

For those of you who like harps (harmonicas that is), I just got my new harp tune worked up that I've always associated with this Celtic new year [Samhain time for you Celtic folk out there]. Dunmore Lasses is a lively tune, and yet has a mystical feel about it that I've always loved. Hope you do too. Visit my KelticDead Music site at www.kelticdead.com.

Hi Folks,
Heres is how the CCSA is gaining some regional exposure. To all members or those of you awaiting your ticket to regional stardom, DU Uncuts is being shown in the following areas: Southwest Missouri on KOZK (3rd Saturday of the month) now showing, Kansas City on KCPT Sundays at 11pm (show started Sept 27th). Oklahoma on OETA (launching in November) and Arkansas on AETN (shows times TBA).
Many of your fellow CCSA members are on many of the shows. If you have friends in these areas, pass… Continue

Hello all.

Just an update,

For those harmonica fans out there, I reworked my Keltic Dead website to take advantage of the YouTube technology a bit more. I'll be putting out more Celtic tunes with my diatonic harmonicas. My featured video at this time is Roddy McCorley. Great little tune. Hope you like it.

Shaun of the Keltic Dead. [ www.kelticdead.com ]

This past weekend, I was privileged to participate in the Frisco Arts Festival as a performer, service provider, and festival-goer. I have to say this is the best I’ve experienced out of a very long chain of great Frisco events. From fireworks to concerts to storytelling, the city seems to have done it all—but this one takes the prize.

Over a hundred artists—painters, sculptors, photographers—showed up to sell their wares for three wonderful days in October (the 16th, 17th, and 18th). Newman Vi… Continue