Hey Friends,

For some reason I always consider the 1st of September  the beginning of Fall.  I know the calendar says different but it just feels like Fall.  So, I figured it was about time I sat down and thought back over the summer and its events.  What a summer it was! 

We visited Fremont, Newaygo, Reed City and Howard City to take part in their Music in the Park.  We had so much fun and met so many new folks.  We sold a few CD's!  That was fun!   We took part in other local events... fundraisers, city celebrations etc...each one special, with it's own memories. We just arrived home from a showcase opportunity in Kendallville Indiana.  We were thrilled to be asked to play, next summer, in both the Leslie and Marshall Bluegrass festivals!  They are wonderful festivals and we feel honored to be included.  We were also able to go play at a nursing home near Kendallville.  I can't even tell you how much fun we had!  The folks there were a great audience and made us feel so welcome.  We hope to get back there soon.  
We made so many new friends I can't begin to name them!  We have been blessed - GREATLY!  Everytime we are able to stand on a stage and do what we LOVE to do, I am reminded of just that.  Thank you to each of you who have been an encouragement to us as we have begun this journey.  You're loved much!  
That was a very short summary of the summer!  Oh, one thing I forgot - we've decided to only book gigs that are within 5 miles of a PizzaHut!  Hey - maybe they can sponsor us and get us a big ole' bus with some of those chocolate dunkers on the side of it.  YeeHaw!  Keep in touch - keep an eye on our schedule - we'd love to see you!  
That's all for now!  Thanks for reading
Missy
 

We are so excited for the month of March, for a few reasons....

1. It means that we are not "stuck" in the month of never ending winter.  That there really is another season besides snow and wind and ice and bitter cold temperatures!  That should be reason enough right?  Well hold on tight!  There's more!

2.  Anytime you start the month out playing music it's a good one, right?  We practiced late last night and brought in the month of March with some good pickin'.  We get to do it all over again today in Lowell at TJ's where the West Michigan Bluegrass Music Association is hosting a "Hot Bands" night.  I mean come on - they're calling us a "Hot Band"!  You gotta love March now! 

3.  I know, you're already completely overwhelmed and can't take much more.. But, THERE'S MORE!  Sunday March 2 we are doing a 30 minute set at the Ionia Theater.  It's a lovely little venue with great people.  If you get a chance stop over and support them.  Polly, the gal that runs it, is as sweet as honey.  We look forward to spending some time in Ionia. 

4.  Last, but not least, on March 15 we'll be playing at the Kent Theater in Cedar Springs.  Another great little old Theatre that they are bringing to life again.  We are excited and blessed to be able to play music in the first place but then to have  people actually come and listen!  Well, that's just the icing on the cake! 

So, maybe there is like 2 foot of snow in my front yard and the 10day weather forecast holds no good news, my warm summer clothes are a distant memory and I'm only writing this to convice myself that March is a good month, every day that goes by brings us a little closer to Spring.  So, celebrate we will! 

Come celebrate with us at any of the aforementioned places and we'll forget what it looks like outside and get lost in the music!

is often faced with excitement and maybe a little bit of fear.  I suppose you could say that is exaclty how we approach this new journey we have embarked on.  The Missy Kay & A Mess 'A Bluegrass band is just now taking those first few steps into the bluegrass world.  Four of us just returned home from SPBGMA down in Nashville, TN.  What an experience it was!  There were some GREAT shows and unbelievable pickin'.  As we practice for our first round of Summer festivals it was a great motivator to get our "stuff" together! 

   Everytime I return from a festival - tired, worn out, usually hoarse and always on cloud nine - I am amazed again at the Bluegrass world.  There is never enough time in the day to get all the playing/singing in that you desire.  It's as if the day that used to be a long 24 hours since the beginning of creation suddenly decided it just couldn't handle it anymore and was cut in half.  There is only so much time to meet new pickers and soon to be new friends...  You finally decide you just can't make your eyes stay open one more minute and admit defeat only to realize that the sky is starting to lighten again and another day for the "real world" has begun.  You sleep for a few hours and then start the process all over with great anticipation.  Is there any other music like this?  You leave wondering if you'll ever pick with those same people again and knowing that you'll meet many more! 
     So, today is a day of reflection and looking into the future... that's a good thing!