Hi all,
Here is a newsletter sent to my supporters a few years ago.
I hope you'll enjoy this glimpse into the past.
Sheryl
12/21/2004
Hello,
As 2004 comes to a close, I first wanted to thank you all for your interest in and help with my past and future projects.
This letter reviews my major milestones from 2004 and offers a peek at big developments coming in 2005 on the literary, musical and research fronts. Please check my website for further details.
book and CD tours:
As many of you know, 2004 marked the first year that I did not devote primarily to academic pursuits. Thanks to the flexibility this decision afforded and to the assistance of encouragement of many of you, I enjoyed two tours in the spring of 2004, sponsored by Pearl Street Publishing.
I shared my debut jazz novel Lady Bird (Pearl Street Publishing, 2003) and the entertaining jazz CD Songs from Lady Bird from Tangria Jazz Group while traveling throughout North Carolina and California receiving friendly receptions at libraries, universities, schools and bookstores, and stirring up media attention.
In 2005, I'll hit the road in North Carolina, California and maybe throughout the West and the Midwest (details below), expanding my creative networks and participating in more entertaining literary and musical events.
writing:
Throughout 2004, I've worked on several fiction (including a mystery, a play and a second novel), nonfiction and poetic works. Some of you heard selections from my poetry chapbook, which, along with Lady Bird and Songs from Lady Bird, is available online.
In 2005, look out for my February Black History month column at www.pearlstreetpublishing.com and for announcements of new publications. Also, check Pearl Street's website and my own website for new online and in-person locations holding Lady Bird and Songs from Lady Bird.
music:
2004 was an exciting year for me musically. I performed at wonderful venues, on TV, on the radio, and at festivals, and was recorded playing drumset and jembe with rock, avant-funk and jazz groups, including North Carolina's Vaughan-Spickard-Tegnell Group. The VST trio's grooving CD Vaughan Spickard Tegnell . . . plus one (sponsored by the United Arts Council) was just released to enthusiastic reception and can be purchased at www.svtrio.com.
In 2005, look out for my bands on their soon-to-be-released CD's, at clubs, at concert halls and in festivals in the South, out West and maybe in Europe.
I'll return to the studio in 2005 to record a sophomore CD, featuring my own compositions and performances from many of my great musical collaborators, especially Tangria Jazz Group.
research:
During the 2004 California tour, I presented research in chemistry education at the AFROGeeks conference at UC Santa Barbara. In the fall, I also started planning, volunteering and applying for funding for a research and action project fostering chemical literacy for underserved populations.
By the fall of 2005, I will launch the project (which should continue through my future career as a professor) as a postdoctoral researcher, uniting the efforts of chemistry educators, environmental chemistry researchers and community members throughout the country. If you're interested or curious about the project, please contact me.
In 2005, selections from my doctoral thesis, which details my first project promoting equity in chemistry education, may be available in various publications and will be presented at several conferences.
early 2005 public events:
Jan 2005: Sheryl w/ Bekka's Frogland Orchestra, Julia Lau Band and others in California
Feb 1-10, 2005: Sheryl's book, CD and live music tour in North Carolina
March 2005: Sheryl w/ bands plus a reading and live performance (3/12) in California
Feel free to spread the word to anyone who you think may be interested in my projects or events and to consult my website (www.geocities.com/sherylmebane) for the latest information, media links and event flyers you can download. Thanks again for your support. I'll hope to hear from you in 2005.
Best wishes for a joyous 2005,
Sheryl Mebane
www.geocities.com/sherylmebane