Well, many of you've wondered what's next for Shannon Cain. You've been so kind to call, email, or catch me out at shows wondering what I'm doing with the album, with tour dates, with radio, with all of it… and I haven't had much of an answer, unfortunately. You see, it's been a wild ride lately; we cancelled the CD Release show in October because I was diagnosed with a raging case of Chicken Pox and then rescheduled for December, thinking I'd easily be 100% by then… but, even though we packed the Rutledge and turned out a really solid show, I still wasn't fully recuperated. The holidays hit, so we took a break with no idea when we'd be able to get back to work.
As for the health issue, I'm still making regular trips to the doctor for blood work and other tests. Seems that Chicken Pox in adults is a really dangerous thing and I've done some damage to my system… and they're not sure yet what all's going on. I've had a couple band shows since, along with the occasional acoustic gig but, with my strength gone I'm realizing I need to lay low a while. I could probably coast through shows but I don't feel it's fair to venues, to my audiences, or to the guys who bust it for me on stage. You all deserve my best every time. And, those of you who know me understand how my frustration grows when I'm on stage and know I'm not getting it done. So, for now, I'm working on getting the word out about the album and making some longer range plans for shows. I'm just not sure how much I'll be booking between now and March. Plus, after paying for two CD Release Shows and several higher profile band shows over the last few months—along with co-pays and such from medical—I need a little time to get finances back in order. Still, I'll keep everyone posted and hope to do an occasional show around town.
As difficult as this all has been… to finally feel we were making serious strides in this town only to be shut down by lagging illness, it's been made so much easier because of your continued support. I said it before but it needs repeating; I know what success in the music industry looks like because I've experienced it thanks to all of you. If what I've had to this point is all I ever get to experience in music, I count myself blessed with tremendous opportunities and the best friends and supporters a man could ever ask for.