I am writing again from Norilsk.

For those who didn't read my blog a couple months back, Norilsk is in Northern Siberia, the only true city in the world (over 250,000 people live here) above the Arctic Circle. A former Gulag and the nickel and copper mining capital of the former Soviet world, Norilsk is now one of the biggest environmental disaster sites on Earth. Closed to foreign visitors and even cut off from the rest of Russia except by prohibitively expensive flights from Moscow, it is also the home of a rare magic and intangible beauty.

Last May, through a chain of circumstances, I was invited to perform here while I was on tour in Europe and Russia. The concert was such a success, that the organizers insisted on flying me back for the city's 55th Anniversary Celebration, this time with my entire Russian band.

The show was last night. Apparently the tickets were gone as soon as they were made available. I am told there were about 1,500 people in attendance, which makes it the largest headlining show I've ever given. The other big event for the anniversary was a concert by the the old Russian Band "Time Machine" - maybe only comparable to the Rolling Stones in terms of longevity and output. But by all accounts, my show made a bigger impression.

It is surreal. I'm not used to actually being treated like a rock star. People recognize me on the street, they applaud when I walk into a restaurant. It is strangely humbling. What have I really done? I live such a blessed life, traveling all over the world while these strong hearted people are trapped in this harsh frozen city with poisonous air. Yesterday, as I was walking in the streets, I met an older man who was a part of the choir that sang with me at the concert. Tears filled his kind eyes as he embraced me.

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THE COST OF LIVING - IN STORES AND ON VINYL:

In less exciting news, my new-ish album, "The Cost of Living" is finally available in stores. If you are the sort of person who doesn't like to buy things on the internet (I am still actually kinda one of those people myself) you should be able to now find the new album in record stores all over the country (and supposedly in some stores outside the US.) If your store doesn't have it, please ask them to order it from my distributor, Lumberjack-Mordam. The entire Eleven Records catalog should also be available, as well as through digital download outlets like i-Tunes.

I've just printed up a limited run of 12" vinyl records of "The Cost of Living." I'm really excited about how these turned out. The record is pressed on beautiful black and orange colored vinyl. Only 1,111 copies were made and each record comes with a free copy of album on CD.

Also, I've dug up the last remaining copies of the "Only Just Beginning" 12" LP from 2004. There were supposed to be 1,000 of these, but only 500 ever got printed. I think I just have about 80 of them left to sell.

You can order either from:
http://www.jasonwebley.com

I've also sent copies of the new record to most of the college and alternative radio stations in the country. Please call your local stations and request that they play something from the new album!!


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MINI CAMP TOMATO:
On Sunday, August 3rd, there will be a modest gathering of tomatoes in Seattle.

My schudule has been too crazy to properly organize the great grand return of Camp Tomato that I've been dreaming of. But rather than let the tradition die, I'd love to get together on a sunday afternoon for a few hours of food, song and perhaps a little game of Tomato Raid. Please come join us if you can, and help sow the seeds of future, bigger Camp Tomatoes.

Little Camp Tomato 2008 will be at the picnic area of Ravenna Park in Seattle. We will begin with a potluck lunch at 1 pm. Then there will be some games and a bit of music. More details and directions are at:
www.jasonwebley.com/events.html


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MONSTERS OF ACCORDION 2008
Last year's Monsters of Accordion Tour was one of my favorite parts of 2007, and I am happy to say that we've put together an even more amazing line-up for this year. This time I will be joined by Mark Growden, Amy Denio and Duckmandu for ten nights of accordion mayhem all along the West Coast.

Aug 14 - Santa Rosa - Church House Theater
Aug 15 - Los Angeles - Safari Sam's
Aug 16 - San Francisco - 12 Galaxies (21+)
Aug 17 - Oakland, CA - 21 Grand
Aug 18 - Garberville, CA - Octagon
Aug 19 - Ashland, CA - The Black Sheep
Aug 20 - Eugene, OR - Wow Hall
Aug 21 - Portland, OR - Kennedy School Theater
Aug 22 - Spokane, WA - Caterina Winery
Aug 23 - Seattle, WA - Fremont Abbey (upstairs)

Mark, Amy, Aaron and I will also be joined by special guests in most towns. For more details about the tour, the players, music samples and tickets, please visit:
http://www.monstersofaccordion.com

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THE FUTURE:
At the end of September I am touring Ireland, the UK and Germany with Amanda Palmer of the Dresden Dolls, and then playing a big accordion festival in France. Then I come home for a weekend of Halloween shows in the Northwest. After that, I am not exactly sure... In 2009, the Evelyn Evelyn full length album should be done, as well as the next few installments in my series of Eleven Collaborations.


That's all for now!

From Siberia with love,
-Jason