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MARK ERELLI - JANUARY 2009 NEWSLETTER
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HOME: http://www.markerelli.com
COMMUNITY: http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/mark-erelli/
MYSPACE: http://www.myspace.com/markerelli
And on now on Facebook!

OUR HOUSE IS A VERY VERY VERY FINE HOUSE

The holiday crunch has come and gone, but I haven't had much time to dwell on New Year's resolutions here at Mark Erelli World Headquarters (or "MEWHQ," rhymes with "cuke"). Not that I have no need for self-improvement. Rather, I have simply been too busy unpacking boxes, screwing things into walls (with my new, very manly, cordless drill), sanding moldings, filling nail holes, rearranging furniture and knifing joint compound onto every available vertical surface to engage in much self-reflection. Why do I feel more like Bob Vila than a folksinger?

Well, we just bought our very first house.

The news is full of foreclosures, layoffs, bailouts, folks having to choose between paying for heat and groceries while we all watch our 401k's dwindle to all-time lows...great time to buy a house, right? I feel an odd mix of excitement and nausea, but nothing cuts through economic anxiety like seeing your son do laps around the empty rooms of your new house, gleefully squealing like the tires on some sugared-up, toddler NASCAR driver. There is something primal indeed about the pride that wells up inside when we think of home.

My trade requires me to spend a lot of nights away from home. Not surprisingly, the issue of leaving or coming home is woven into the fabric of many of my songs. As a renter for 12 years, home has seemed less as a place and more the people I know and love. For this reason, many places (e.g. the Pioneer Valley of western Massachusetts, Maine, Boston, etc.) have felt like home. Owning a house has added a more concrete dimension to my love of home. And each time I spend two and a half hours shoveling our gi-normous new driveway (three times in the week before Christmas alone), I really feel that pride of ownership in a sorely tangible way. No, these aren't Tic Tacs, they're ibuprofen.

I know this excitement in our new home will surely fade with time, hastening as things break and I wear deeper and deeper ruts in the road between our house and Home Depot. Still, I am confident that this is a fine place from which to begin 2009. And I will get around to that New Year's resolution, just as soon as I finish wet sanding the second floor walls, hanging some pictures, installing a chandelier, memorizing where everything is stored in the new kitchen, and, if the forecast changes for the worse, shoveling the driveway. Again.

"DELIVERED" PRESS: Santa was good to my new record, Delivered, and he brought it a heap of great end-of-the-year press. Check out Maverick Magazine (http://www.maverick-country.com), a great UK roots music mag now available stateside, has a two-page spread on me in their January issue (with Kenny Chesney on the cover). There is another great review on the Canadian music blog Fervor Coulee (http://www.fervorcoulee.wordpress.com). Lastly, I was fortunate enough to play two year-ending shows with the Lori McKenna Band that were the best we've ever done, period. The Boston Globe reviewed one, and you can check it out on http://www.boston.com.

WIN A FREE iPOD!: Since 1995, my record label Signature Sounds Recordings has offered the finest in acoustic music. For a limited time, sign up for their e-mail newsletter and you'll receive a free 6 song "Best of 2008" digital sampler including exclusive non-album tracks from Crooked Still, Kris Delmhorst, Sacred Shakers and yours truly. You'll also be entered in the drawing to win a new iPod with over 500 songs from the Signature Sounds catalog. Just visit http://festivalinkstaging.net/signaturesounds/php/sign_up.html and enter Redemption Code FL8SIG to enter the contest.

MP3 of the MONTH: In keeping with this month's theme of home, I'm posting a recent live version of "Compass & Companion" recorded with the Lori McKenna Band last month at Passim. It was, I believe, our best show ever, and even though I've posted several versions of this song previously I wanted to share this one with you. It's available for free download for the month of January on the Downloads page at markerelli.com.

THE SHOWS:

**A general note about the plethora of house concerts this month. A house concert is exactly what it sounds like: I come to your house, and give a show in your living room. They are usually done unamplified, and as such are an incomparably intimate to enjoy my songs. They are open to the public and attract all sorts of wonderful folks, so even if you don't know who's putting it on, don't let that keep you away. I'd love to see you at one of these dates.

Thu Jan 1st - House Concert, Seekonk MA 7 pm
What better way to kick off the New Year than with a Mark Erelli show in a living room? I will be able to see the rings of your eyes from staying out late partying the night before. Then again, you'll be able to see mine too, so we're even Steven. Call 508-761-4485 or email daltydew@aol.com to reserve your tickets.

Sat Jan 10th - Steeple Coffeehouse, Southborough MA 7:30 pm
It's wintertime, and that means the New England church coffeehouse scene is in full swing. I've never played here before, but from the venue's name, my guess is that this one is in a church. Call me crazy, but I've learned a thing or two about these coffeehouse names over the years. Should be a fun one...call 508-485-4847 or visit http://www.steeplecoffeehouse.org for all the details.

Sun Jan 11th - House Concert, Harrisville NH 6:30 pm
What better way to beat the New Hampshire cold than with a cozy living room show? I'll have to play all my songs about snow at this one. Call Deb at 603-827-3452 or deb@pfms.mv.com to reserve your seats.

Wed Jan 14th - Johnny D's, Somerville MA 7:30 pm
Entitled "Winter Warmer: A Benefit Concert for Mass Families in Need", this will be a great night of music for a great cause, sponsored by the United Way. I'll be doing a couple of my own songs, and also joining the house band to back up some of the other performers, including Alastair Moock, Merrie Amsterburg, Meg Hutchinson, Jennifer Kimball and others. Visit the http://www.johnnyds.com to learn how you can reserve your seat today.

Fri Jan 16th - Finch Coffeehouse, Newburyport MA 8 pm
I don't get to play too much up in Newburyport, so it's a real treat to make my debut at this coffeehouse. Come on out, and call 978-465-5767 or visit http://www.finchcoffeehouse.com for more info.

Sat Jan 24th - Narrows Center for the Arts, Fall River MA 8 pm
This show was supposed to happen last night, but we got snowed out (or Snowed In, as the song goes). I am glad I was available for the rescheduled date, as I love to do shows opening for Carrie Rodriguez. I usually get to sit in for a tune or two, and I'm looking forward to it. Visit http://www.ncfta.org for all the details.

ON THE HORIZON: Check out the website for the full details on these upcoming shows.
Feb 6 - Bellows Falls VT
Feb 28 - Cambridge MA
Mar 13-23 - UK Tour
Mar 27 - Hartford CT
Mar 28 - Reading MA

peace,
mark

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MARK ERELLI - DECEMBER 2008 NEWSLETTER
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HOME: http://www.markerelli.com
DISCUSSION: http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/mark-erelli/
MYSPACE: http://www.myspace.com/markerelli
And now on FACEBOOK too...

THAT GOOD OLE' SUDAFED HOSPITALITY

"Troubadour," as a general job description, is a word heavily steeped in romantic assumptions. Many of you likely envision me on the glorious open road, spinning songs out of thin air, just me and my guitar against the world. Like any cliche, there is a grain of truth to this description. However, sometimes the road conspires to remind you just how much you rely upon the support of others.

I received one such reminder on my most recent tour, the last one of the year. It began with my rental car getting towed in Washington DC, and ended with me losing what little voice I had left in Hickory NC. In between, I was laid up in Decatur, GA, coughing up stuff I won't describe in too much detail, sleeping feverishly for 3-4 hours at a stretch, and canceling one of two shows I had in the area.

I had only ever been so sick that far from home a couple times before, too ill to take care of myself. Luckily, I was the beneficiary of that fabled southern hospitality. Labelmate Caroline Herring brought me some Thai soup to help me soothe my voice. My hosts offered every over the counter medicine known to man, many of which I eagerly ingested (thanks Dawson family!). Darrell Scott had some very flattering things to say of my laryngitis-addled opening set at Eddie's Attic. Eddie himself was supportive and understanding when I had to cancel my second show at his venue the following night. Last but not least, the audiences were superb, and I could really feel them rooting for me.

This killer cold reminded me of how daunting my job would be without the great team that works tirelessly on my behalf. These are the folks who toil offstage, and no one ever applauds their job well done. My booking agent, Lori Peters, who has helped me put food on the table for 5 years now. Jim, Mark, Flora and Becca at Signature Sounds, who have been helping me get my music heard for a decade now. My wife, Polly, and my extended family, taking care of my son while I travel. I love to think of myself as a successful "independent" musician, but my whole deal would crumble if I ever lost the support of any of these people.

As the year winds down and I get my voice back, I have the chance to reflect and be thankful for these recent reminders of the importance of my community. Against the backdrop of our current economic malaise, I find myself taking refuge in the things I know are important. To do what I do, I need my family, my friends and colleagues, and I need all of you who buy the records, come out to shows, and turn others on to my music.

It takes a lot of people to make it look like one guy and his guitar are taking on the world. If you're reading this, you are a big part of making it all happen, and for this I am grateful. From my family to yours, I wish you a wonderful holiday, and I'm looking forward to making more music for you in 2009.

MP3 of the MONTH: In keeping with this month's theme of no man being an island, I offer up a demo of a recent co-write with my friend Lori McKenna. The song is called "Time I Spend With You," and it's all about how love can give you the courage to let down your guard every once in awhile. It's not available on any commercial release, but you can download it for free for the month of December on the downloads page at markerelli.com.

THE SHOWS:

Sat Dec 6th - North Star Cafe, Portland ME 8 pm
I have never played this room before, but it's hardly my fault. It's in my old neighborhood in Portland ME, but when I lived there, it was a dive karaoke bar called Bottomz Up (I couldn't make that up). I am thinking I will like better in its current incarnation, especially on this night, which is a co-bill with Sara Cox. Check out http://www.northstarmusiccafe.com for all the details and come out and join us.

Fri Dec 12th - Club Helsinki, Great Barrington MA 9 pm
What's better than getting to head west out to one of my favorite Berkshire towns? Getting to do it with my friend Jeffrey Foucault for a co-bill at one of New England's best live music bars. Jeff and I have been working on a record of murder ballads together, and I'm sure there will be lots of picking together at this show. Visit http://www.clubhelsinkiweb.com for all the details.

Thu Dec 18th - Club Passim, Cambridge MA 7 & 10 pm
The penultimate show of the year and what better way to bring it on home than with my annual show Under the Covers, a night of cover songs with Lori McKenna & Jake Armerding. We'll be playing songs by some of our favorite writers, backing each other up with the help of bassist Zack Hickman. I'm always trying to teach my son new things, so it's natural that this year I will be doing all songs with colors in their titles. I figure this is better than doing a whole night of songs about potty training. These shows always sell out, so visit http://www.passimcenter.org to reserve your seat today.

Fri Dec 19th - Narrows Center for the Arts, Fall River MA 8 pm
The final show of the year...opening for Carrie Rodriguez at one of New England's best music rooms. Last time I opened some shows for Carrie, I ended up sitting in for half of her set, so I'll be sure to bring some toys along with me. You can get tickets and all the details at http://www.ncfta.org.

SIDEMAN SECTION:
Sat Dec 20 - Club Passim, Cambridge MA with Lori McKenna & her band

ON THE HORIZON:
Jan 1 - House Concert, Seekonk MA
Jan 10 - Steeple Coffeehouse, Southborough MA
Jan 11 - House Concert, Harrisville NH
Jan 16 - Finch Coffeehouse, Newburyport MA

peace,
mark

LANDSCAPES, POLITICAL AND OTHERWISE

Last week, my wife and I caught a rare Northeastern appearance by Terry Tempest Williams at a local bookstore. Williams' writings, along with Edward Abbey, John McPhee, Wallace Stegner and Annie Dillard, were a very big part of my formative college years. Her book Refuge was an emotional tour de force, part elegy and part diatribe. Her passionate fusion of the personal and political is something I strive for in my own work.

Williams' voice, like all great writing, is infused with a palpable sense of landscape. I was drawn to primarily Western writers in college because their native country seemed so much more exotic than the Boston suburbs of my youth. I have since grown to appreciate that all landscapes abound with mystery, presenting us an opportunity for pioneering and discovery. If you approach each landscape with open senses and an appreciation of scale, the small suburban woodlot can be every bit as majestic as the wild American west.

The notion of 'landscape,' both literal and metaphorical, has come to the fore over the course of this election. Environmental concerns (or lack thereof) figure prominently in our quest for independence from foreign oil, and thus, matters of national security. The forecasts of doom in the economic landscape leave no one unscathed. There is war behind us and more on the horizon. On a more poetic level, this election more so than any other in recent history has been hotly contested against the backdrop of our national soul.

But America is not circling the drain. Though battered, we have survived these last eight years, proving we are more than any one man. I do, however, believe this election provides us with a shot at transcendence. To transcend outmoded and alienating binary worldviews. Transcend partisan notions of what constitutes the "real America." Transcend the rancor directed toward 'otherness,' yet to be exorcised from our national psyche. Transcend the cynical distraction of moral wedge issues such as abortion and gay marriage. Transcend the notion that government needs to be shrunken "down to the size we can drown in the bathtub," and move toward government "for the people and by the people." Finally, we have the chance to take the first step in transcending the damage we have done to our own Constitution and, by extension, to our reputation worldwide.

This is the opportunity that looms on the landscape stretched out before us. Terry Tempest Williams' "refuge" was in her capacity to love. My refuge is my belief in this landscape of fellow American citizens. We can do this work, start the healing together, and to continue the good struggle no matter who is in the White House. However, I believe that our efforts will only add up to something meaningful under the leadership of one of these two Presidential candidates.

I urge you all to take a moment and search the landscape of your hearts and minds, your hopes and dreams, and vote accordingly. I have done so, and I will be voting for Barack Obama.

ROCK THE VOTE: Do you want to hear your favorite track from "Delivered" on your local radio station? There is so much music out there and only so much programming space, so I need your help to make it happen. You can make the difference. Call or email your local radio station, request a song from "Delivered," and let your voice be heard. Any station will do, but some good suggestions would include WUMB (800-573-2100, wumb@umb.edu), WKZE (845-758-9811), WRSI (http://www.wrsi.com/form.php?form_id=66 or 413-586-8939) and WFUV (thefolks@wfuv.org, 718 817-4550).

STUDIO NOTES: There have been a lot of interesting opportunities that have come my way in the last month or so. I had the pleasure of a day in the studio with Antje Duvekot and producer Richard Shindell, playing some mandolin and singing harmonies for her upcoming record. I'm also working on tracks for Maine songwriter Sara Cox's new cd. I just finished a session with Josh Ritter yesterday, and am wrapping up a Lori McKenna track that I produced for an upcoming charity compilation. Busy is good! More info on all these projects and more as they approach release.

MP3 of the MONTH: In keeping with this month's theme of landscapes, a smoking live version of "Not Alone" will be available on the Downloads page at http://www.markerelli.com. It's available for your free downloading pleasure for the entire month of November...enjoy!

THE SHOWS:

Thu Nov 6th - Bieroc Cafe, McCook NE 7:30 pm
The babysitters are lined up, and I'm hitting the road for places beyond the northeast. First up, western Nebraska! I've never played here before but have heard so many great things about this room from my friends that I know I'm in for a treat. Visit the http://www.bieroccafe.com for all the details.

Fri Nov 7th - Listening Room, Hastings NE 8 pm
I've spent quite a bit of time in Hastings over the years, and despite it being the softball capital of Nebraska I've only played music here. I started writing "Unraveled" in the green room, who knows what inspiration I'll take home this time. Visit http://www.myspace.com/listeningroomhastings for all the info.

Sat Nov 8th - Folk On Mass House Concert Series, Lawrence KS 7:30 pm
It's always a challenge to visit Lawrence KS, home of one of the best guitar stores in the country. It's all I can do not to give in to the temptation. If you salivate at the sight of a nice guitar, you can catch me up close and personal in a living room house concert. All are welcome, but reservations are required. For more info on that, visit http://www.folkonmass.org.

Sun Nov 9th - Blue Door, Oklahoma City OK 8 pm
I've only played a couple of times in Oklahoma, but never in OKC. I like to drink the tapwater whenever I'm in Woody Guthrie's home state. You never know from what you'll absorb your influences. Visit http://www.bluedoorokc.com for all the details.

Thu Nov 13th - Lizard Lounge, Cambridge MA 8 pm
Sometimes, you have to invite a bunch of your friends down to the neighborhood bar and make a big noise on a weeknight. This will be a great night, with Maine singer/songstress Sara Cox starting off the night, followed by yours truly with full band, and finishing the night will be a solo set from Crooked Still's Aoife O'Donovan. There is nowhere in Boston you can have more fun for less on a Thursday. Get your tickets today by visiting http://www.lizardloungeclub.com.

Sat Nov 15th - Valley Players Theatre, Waitsfield VT 8 pm
It's been a few years since I've been in this great old community theatre, and this time I'll be joined by Zack Hickman on bass and pump organ, as well as very special guest Meg Hutchinson. This bill is a good way to stay warm on a chilly Vermont night. Check out the venue website for info on how you can reserve your seat today.

Thu Nov 20th - Ashland Coffee & Tea, Ashland VA 8 pm
I love this place, they always make me feel welcome. It's been almost three years since I was last here, so there's plenty of catching up to do. Won't you join me? Visit http://www.ashlandcoffeeandtea.com for all the details.

Fri & Sat Nov 21-22 - Eddie's Attic, Decatur GA 8 pm
What is better than one chance to catch me in the Atlanta area? Two chances! Nov 21 I'll be opening for the great songwriter and instrumentalist Darrell Scott, and Nov 22 I'll warm up the crowd for legends Chris Hillman (The Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers) and Herb Pederson. Get you tickets by visiting http://www.eddiesattic.com.

Sun Nov 23rd - House Concert, Hickory NC 6:30 pm
What better way to experience that southern hospitality at the end of a tour by playing a show in someone's living room? All are welcome, but visit http://www.bobsinclairmusic.com for details on how you can make your reservation.

ON THE HORIZON:
Dec 6 - North Star Cafe, Portland ME
Dec 12 - Club Helsinki, Great Barrington MA w/Jeffrey Foucault
Dec 18 - Club Passim, Cambridge MA **annual covers show with Jake Armerding & Lori McKenna

peace,
mark

BLINK AGAIN

We live in a culture of simple characterization and snap judgment. The ability to quickly and accurately size up a new person or situation, documented in the recent bestseller "Blink," is not without evolutionary advantage: the cavemen philosopher pondering whether or not the charging saber-toothed tiger feels emotion did not likely survive long enough to pass his genes on to the next generation. Our modern technology, from the 20 second sound samples on iTunes to good ole' channel surfing, subtly encourages and reinforces our tendency toward speedy analysis and judgment.

My non-musical background is in evolutionary biology, the kind that by some polls a majority of Americans don't seem to believe in. I am asked all the time how one goes from science to songwriting, as on the surface the two seem so disparate: science is cold and calculated, black and white, while art is subjective and traffics in shades of gray. This misconception stems from precisely our tendency to rush to judgment. Science actually deals less in certainty and more in degrees of probability, and requires an intense amount of creativity. Songwriting oftentimes involves careful and systematic observation. Persistence, attention to detail, and innovation...the same skill set is required of both disciplines.

We have heard the platitude warning us not to miss the forest for the trees. However, sometimes, in the rush to focus on the forest, we miss out on all the rich detail and complexity of the individual trees. This point was driven home recently when I took part in a film shoot for a new show on the Discovery Channel called Time Warp, set to begin airing on October 15th. The show uses high-speed cameras to film everyday phenomena, slowing things down to elucidate the underlying scientific principles at work.

I might think I'm simply strumming an E, but when filmed in high speed, there are strings oscillating at different rates in rippling waves that travel from my fretted finger to the bridge of my guitar. There are pulses of air moved by the vibrating top of the instrument, and this air reaches my ear, where there is a whole host of specialized machinery and circuitry that help me perceive the E chord as a pleasing event.

The lack of careful examination often makes things seem more monolithic than they really are, whether your talking about music, science or politics. Perhaps some have a problem with science because they are worried it will become a surrogate for God. I view it as a wonderful tool that helps us see the complexity of life. Every answer leads to another question, and yet the fundamental mystery of the beauty and intricacy of life persists, and inspires.

I always have to remind myself of this simple lesson: don't blink, you might miss something important.

DELIVERED: I continue to be grateful for your response to the new cd. Many of you are buying multiple copies to pass on to friends who would likely enjoy it. Keep spreading the word, your endorsement means more than any radio airplay or magazine review. You are all responsible for the good things that come my way, all the milestones I reach. I can't thank you enough and can only encourage you to keep it up!

TIME WARP: Check out this new show on the Discovery Channel. I'm not sure when the episode with my friends and I making music will air, but check http://dsc.discovery.com/tv-schedules/series.html?paid=1.15470.25889.33761.1 to see what's on tap. I will post something to my site when I have more specific details on my episode.

MP3 of the MONTH: In keeping with this month's themes of mystery and complexity, I'm posting a live cover of the U2-penned, Roy Orbison song "She's A Mystery To Me." It features Zack Hickman on pump organ is available for free this month at Downloads at markerelli.com. Check it out!

THE SHOWS:

Fri Oct 3rd - Me & Thee Coffeehouse, Marblehead MA 8 pm
This is the first of my big fall tour with Midwestern folk-heartthrob Jeffrey Foucault. He recently became a father as well, so we're calling it the "Sleep Deprivation & Dirty Diapers Fall Tour 2008." Two dates is all we could manage, but there will surely be more in the future! Visit the http://www.meandthee.org for all the details.

Sat Oct 4th - Unity Center, Unity ME 7:30 pm
I've not done a gig this far north in Maine in a long time, and I'm glad Jeff Foucault will be along to help me conquer the Great White North. We'll do our own songs and likely do a few selections from our record of murder ballads that we've been working on for the last couple months. Check out http://www.unitymaine.org/theater for all the details.

Fri Oct 10th - Iron Horse Music Hall, Northampton MA 7 pm
It's no secret, Northampton and the Iron Horse hold a special place in my heart. I always try and do something a little special for this venue. This night, I'll have Liam Hurley and Zack Hickman, the rhythm section from "Delivered," playing with me. Also, Austin Nevins (also from Josh Ritter's band) will be joining us on electric guitar. Miss Tess, that hip and sultry jazz songstress is kicking off the night. One for the books indeed. Check out http://www.iheg.com for all the details.

Fri Oct 17th - Hooker Dunham Theatre, Brattleboro VT 7:30 pm
Fair Brattleboro, I can't wait to return. I love this town, and it'll be a beautiful time of year to be in the neighborhood. I'll be performing solo, and Miss Tess will open the show. This is one of only two VT gigs this fall, so perhaps a road trip is called for? Visit http://www.hookerdunham.org for all the details.

Sat Oct 18th - Vanilla Bean, Pomfret CT 8 pm
It's always a bit difficult to work up the righteous indignation required for all folksingers when I play this room. The sound is great, the food is amazing, and everyone is so nice and accommodating. How can I be expected to work under these conditions? Visit http://www.thevanillabeancafe.com for all the details.

Sat Oct 25th - First Encounter Coffeehouse, Eastham MA 8 pm
I love the Cape, and it has special appeal this time of year once all the tourists have gone home. Locals, unite! Come on out for my only Cape Cod show for the rest of the year. No pressure. Visit http://www.firstencounter.org for all the details.

SIDEMAN SECTION:
Oct 2 - Atwood's Tavern, Cambridge MA (accompanying Jeffrey Foucault)

ON THE HORIZON:
Nov 6 - McCook NE
Nov 7 - Hastings NE
Nov 8 - Lawrence KS
Nov 9 - Oklahoma City OK
Nov 20 - Ashland VA
Nov 21-22 - Decatur GA
Nov 23 - Hickory NC

peace,
mark

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MARK ERELLI - SEPTEMBER 2008 NEWSLETTER
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HOME: http://www.markerelli.com
COMMUNITY: http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/mark-erelli/
MYSPACE: http://www.myspace.com/markerelli
And check me out now on Facebook!

CH-CH-CH-CH-CHANGES

My friend Charlie, a retired professor, seems to have a real life anecdote
for things I have only read about in books. Bumming around with Woody
Guthrie? Check. Visiting banjo player Bascom Lamar Lunsford's folk
festivals in North Carolina in the 40's? Check. Marching with Dr. King?
Check. During one recent conversation, astonished by his historical
perspective, I posed to him this question: Having witnessed so many big
changes in decades past, do you still have faith in America's capacity to
bring about bold and sweeping change today?

You might find this question a bit shocking. After all, I'm an optimistic
folksinger, singing about hope and our capacity for making things better
all the time. How can I even wonder whether big, positive change is
possible? The truth is that I sing in my songs I of the man I want to be,
about someone I strive to become. In reality, I struggle with cynicism
and frustration as much as anyone.

I am frustrated by the pace of positive change these days, when any
improvement seems incremental and easy to miss unless you're looking for
it. As Greg Brown aptly stated in The Poet Game: "I watched my country
turn into a coast to coast strip mall, and I cried out in a song / if we
can do all this in 30 years then please tell me you all / why does good
change take so long?." Sometimes it feels like we've traded the
groundswell for a thousand bloggers, each with his or her own agenda.

I would never imply any moral equivalence between, say, civil rights and
the independent music scene, but I see a parallel trends towards
incrementalism in the music scene since my last full blown studio release
in 2006. There are no more shared musical experiences that unite vast
swaths of the American public, no "Ed Sullivan" moments. Everyone has
their own iPod, tuned in to their personalized radio station via
headphones. Nowadays, artists hardly sell any records, so everyone is
touring to make ends meet. Such stiff competition makes even a small
audience a real victory. If you're reading this newsletter now, I have
fought to reach you, one or two at a time...literally.

This month on the 16th I will officially release of my seventh record,
"Delivered." I could not be more proud of this one, though its impact
cannot possibly live up to my teenage rock 'n roll dreams. I work with
modest tools: the best songs I can write, recorded organically and
passionately as possible, and then I get in my car and drive from town to
town playing them for you, selling a few cds at a time. Small steps,
incremental progress, but every step is real.

My friend Charlie mulled over my question before answering. He said that
change is indeed incremental, but he found that to be cause for hope.
Sometimes you can't change the world all at once, but you can change one
thing here, improve another thing there, and eventually, you've
accomplished something beautiful and bold.

DELIVERED: You can order the new cd online from http://www.markerelli.com
now! It will be officially available in stores and for digital download
on September 16th. Thanks to the barn-raisers for helping to make this
release a reality. Advance reviews online have been great, saying things
like "(Delivered) is one for the books...a magical experience" (Wildy's
World) and "(Mark Erelli is) one of a handful of singer songwriters poised
to join the upper pantheon of folk artists like Greg Brown, John Prine,
John Hiatt and Steve Earle" (songs:illinois). Don't take anyone else's
word for it, though. Order your copy today and hear it for yourself.

PODCAST: I sat down with Greg Pool, moderator of the Mark Erelli Yahoo
Discussion group, last month in Utah to talk about the story behind the
new cd. You can find out more about how "Delivered" came to be by tuning
in to the podcast at http://treehouseconcerts.libsyn.com.

ONE PERCENT FOR THE PLANET: I am proud to announce my partnership with
this wonderful organization, which is putting the principle of incremental
yet meaningful change into practice. One Percent for the Planet helps put
its members in touch with organizations who are making a real difference.
When you buy your copy of Delivered at one of my shows, or from my
website, I will donate 1% of the revenue from the sales to a local
environmental group making a real difference where I live.

NEW LOOK: Have you visited http://www.markerelli.com lately? If not, stop
on by, the site has just been redesigned and has a great new look, as well
as a bunch of new content.

MP3 OF THE MONTH: This month's track was recorded at WRSI, Western
Massachusetts' best radio station and long-time supporter of my music.
Myself and the band huddled around a couple of mics in the control room
and played a stripped down, acoustic version of "Baltimore," arranged
right there on the spot. It's available for free for the month of
September on the downloads page of my website.

THE SHOWS:

Wed Sept 3rd - One Longfellow Square, Portland ME
Thu Sept 4th - WAMC Linda Norris Auditorium, Albany NY
Fri Sept 5th - Cafe 939, Boston MA
I've grouped these three dates together because they are part of a
Northeast swing where I'll be opening for Carrie Rodriguez. We met on a
bill together in Austin TX, hit it off, and have been looking for
opportunities to do more shows together ever since. Carrie has a really
new record out, and I am honored to be kicking off each of these concerts.

Sun Sept 7th - Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs NY
I played this historic folk venue eight years or so ago when I opened
for Lowen & Navarro. I always wanted to come back, and good things come
to those who wait. Won't you come out and join me for the first night
of my own in this legendary room? Visit http://www.caffelena.org for
more info.

Fri Sept 12th - Railway Cafe, North Adams MA
It's been a few years since I've been to North Adams, and I always look
forward to visiting. The drive along the Mohawk Trail is one of my
favorites in the region, and better yet, there's a great gig waiting for
me when I get out of the car. Visit http://www.railwaycafe.org for more
details.

Sat Sept 13th - Center for Creative Education, Stone Ridge NY
I've never played here before, but I'm a fan of both creativity and
education, so any place that puts them together is alright by me. Visit
http://www.cce-kingston.org for more details.

Tues Sept 16th, Lizard Lounge, Cambridge MA
Zack Hickman, producer of my new cd, is a natural ringmaster. He enjoys
gathering together a bunch of seemingly disparate and unrelated phenomena,
folksingers, fast pickers, burlesque girls, booze pinatas, etc, and
forcing them to put on a show together. He calls these nights "Zack
Hickman's House of Ill Repute," and they'll be happening every Tuesday in
September at the Lizard Lounge. Because this Tuesday will coincide with
the official street date of "Delivered," Zack has invited me and the band
to the House of Ill Repute to do a set of songs from the album. In
addition, Laura Cortese and The Proclivities will be there. This will be
one for the books, so come on down and misbehave. Check out
http://www.zackhickman.com for all the details.

Sat Sept 27th - Living Room, New York NY
This club is becoming a sort of home away from home in NYC. It's always
fun to return, and doubly so when I get to bring Zack Hickman with me to
help flesh out the tunes from the new cd. Come on out, and visit
http://www.livingroomny.com for more details.

Sun Sept 28th - Iota Club & Cafe, Arlington VA
Last time I did a show in DC, it was a few records ago and I was playing
western swing music. I can't believe it's been that long, but it'll be
great to get back down to the capital to share the new songs with you in
person. I'll be bringing my handlebar mustachioed sidekick Zack Hickman
as well...can you handle it? Visit http://www.iotaclubandcafe.com for
more info.

SIDEMAN SECTION:
9/20 - Somerville Theatre, Somerville MA (with Lori McKenna Band)

ON THE HORIZON:
10/3 - Marblehead MA (co-bill with Jeffrey Foucault)
10/10 - Northampton MA (cd release show with band)
10/18 - Pomfret CT
10/25 - Eastham MA

peace,
mark

Hi folks...I just wanted to let everyone know about a cool way to sneak preview my new cd, Delivered, in stores on September 16th. You can hear streaming audio of each song, read a little bit about the stories behind the songs, get tour dates and a lot more info by viewing the ecard, which is at:

http://www.lotosnile.com/markerelli/erelli_flash.html

Enjoy!
mark

GONE FISHING

Phenology, from the Greek "phainomai" (to appear or come into view), is the study of the timing and dates of natural events. From my days studying evolutionary biology, I am in the habit of being on the lookout for biological harbingers of the passing seasons. Mourning cloak butterflies mean that spring is coming, lilacs bloom in May and the bullfrogs thrum like banjo strings in the heat of a summer afternoon.

The other day while walking with my son, I saw my first monarch butterfly. The monarch is an insect celebrity, famous for its long distance migration of successive generations north from Mexico all the way up to Maine, and then back down to Mexico for the winter. Here in the northeast, spotting the first monarch tottering southward is like seeing the edge of summer. It's a reminder to savor the rest of the season, to make time for what remains of those glorious, slow-motion late summer afternoons.

This time of year, relaxation is on nearly everyone's minds. Europe virtually shuts down on holiday, and in stateside offices Thursday is the new Friday, as folks try and stretch the weekend. I am not good at slowing down, but I always make an effort to relax a bit at this time of year. So, this month's newsletter is the internet equivalent of a "Gone Fishing" sign hung up on the general store door. Instead of stressing about what to write about this month, I'm keeping it short and sweet and taking it easy.

Of course, taking it easy for me means a run of dates backing up Lori McKenna, a recording session playing guitar on my friend Jake Armerding's new record, and preparing for the official release of my seventh record, Delivered. But after all that, it means heading down to Cape Cod with my family, going to the beach, seafood, getting drunk enough to bring my guitar over to our friends' back porch for an impromptu concert, and come Labor Day Weekend, my anniversary.

I hope you all have a chance to unplug (after you read my newsletter and mark the shows in your neighborhood in your calendar, of course) and unwind this month. After all, before you know it the Rose of Sharon will drop its blossoms and tomatoes will linger unripened on the withering vine. The nights will turn cooler, a few leaves on the red maple will burst into crimson, and the monarchs will be gone.

DELIVERED: My seventh cd will released officially on September 16th, and I couldn't be more proud of this one. The barn raisers have had their copies for awhile, and you can get yours before the release date if you come to a show. For those of you hungry for more info on this release, I sat down with Greg from Tree House Concerts to record a podcast interview. It features some of the stories behind the songs and the recording sessions, and it's a nice little snapshot of our conversation. Head on over to http://treehouseconcerts.blogspot.com/ to listen to the podcast.

MYSPACE.COM: We're smack dab in the middle of redesigning http://www.markerelli.com, so I thought I'd take the opportunity to give my MySpace page a little facelift as well. Head on over to my profile for streaming mp3s of a couple tracks from the new record, some new photos and a complete list of my upcoming tour dates.

UK: It's been far too long since I have had the opportunity to return and play for my friends in the UK. I am proud to announce that I will be coming over a couple times in 2009. In March, I'll head to Shrewsbury, birthplace of Charles Darwin, to take part in a week-long songwriting retreat to come up with tunes inspired by the life and work of Mr. Darwin. I'll be staying a few days extra to visit Bob Harris at the BBC, and do a couple shows in Twickenham and Sussex. Then I'll be back in late August to perform at the Shrewsbury Folk Festival, and I hope to have a few more shows on the books then as well.

MP3 of the MONTH: In keeping with the theme of late summer, this month's free track is a bedroom cover of Greg Brown's classic "If I Had Known." This track is available for the month of August for free, so head on over to the downloads page and get your copy today.

THE SHOWS:

Fri August 22nd - Children's Museum, Boston MA Noon
In keeping with the theme of end-of-summer lazy days, I have only one gig this month. It's right down the street from my house so I hardly have to do any work to get there, and it's FREE, so you don't have to sacrifice anything either. It's an outdoor show, so I guess all we have to do is pray for some decent weather...you do not want to be in the Children's Museum on a rainy day in late summer....trust me. Come on down, bring the family and a brown bag lunch. I'll be solo, doing some kids songs, traditional folk songs, and a few of my own.

SIDEMAN SECTION:

8/7 - Deer Path Park, Readington NJ ***with Lori McKenna
8/8 - Community Cultural Center, East Hartford CT***
8/9 - Jonathan's, Ogunquit ME***
8/10 - Nashua River Valley Folk Festival, Lancaster MA***

ON THE HORIZON:
9/3 - One Longfellow Square, Portland ME *opening for Carrie Rodriguez
9/4 - WAMC Linda Norris Auditorium, Albany NY *
9/5 - Cafe 939, Boston MA *
9/7 - Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs NY
9/13 - Center for Creative Education, Stone Ridge NY
9/16 - OFFICIAL RELEASE DATE OF "DELIVERED"

peace,
mark

ON LOVE

In the months leading up to my son Owen's birth, many people were very, ahem, "free" with advice on what to expect upon becoming a parent. Most of these pearls of wisdom boiled down to "your whole life is about to change," delivered with that kind of barely-disguised doomsday tone in their voice. In case I could not imagine how things would differ, some would get really specific for me (e.g. "so I assume you'll stop touring and playing music, because it's really hard to do that with a kid").

It was always a relief to run into friends who had a slightly different take on things. Instead of emphasizing all the things that were about to end, Lori McKenna and Jim Henry both said something to the effect of "wait til you see how much bigger your heart becomes." I always appreciated this sentiment, that I was on the precipice of being able to know some deeper sort of love, and was eager to see how it felt once Owen arrived.

As I write this, Owen is almost two months old, and it's been quite a ride thus far. Sure, he's had sleepless nights, crying jags, smelly diapers, but somehow the stress and anxiety from that stuff comes and goes. What persists is a degree of love that is very hard to describe. It's like sitting so close to the movie theatre screen...I can't see the edges. I have been loved this way by my parents, but never knew what it was like to give it, to radiate it. It's nothing like any other kind of love I've given. It is ostensibly for someone else, and yet that someone else is also part of me. And so this love folds in upon itself, like a mobius band or an Escher drawing. It has extended from past generations through me, some primal echo from an ancient chord, ringing with no beginning and no end.

All of this is not to say that I don't have enough love left over for all of you, so hopefully you can join me at one of my handful of concerts this month. They'll be joyous and triumphant affairs, and hopefully not just because I will simply be out of the house and awake past 9:30 pm. For those of you who don't live in New England, have no fear, I will continue to travel farther afield in the coming months, I'm just knee-deep in Babyland right now.

MP3 of the MONTH: Most of this month's shows are in places I have considered my hometown at one point or another, including one in my actual hometown where I grew up. Keeping with that theme, this month's free track is a cover of (you guessed it) "My Hometown," by Bruce Springsteen. It's available this month on the downloads page under the music menu at http://www.markerelli.com.

BARN-RAISING...is still on. Thanks to all of you who have contributed thus far. I've generated enough pre-orders to start pouring the foundation and get the walls up (e.g. booked studio time, completed basic tracks, started overdubs), but I've still a ways to go before we put the roof on and get drunk in celebration. You can still pre-order your copy of my next record, just head over to http://www.markerelli.com for more info.

THE SHOWS:

Sat Oct 20th - Parker Middle School, Reading MA 7:30 pm
I grew up in Reading, where I acted in school musicals, sang and "drummed" in bands, and played a lot of tennis. I have not been back to do a show of my own, and I'm thrilled to finally get the chance to do so. The night will benefit the Friends of Reading Tennis, who are raising funds to repave all the town's courts, as well as make a few of them handicapped-accessible. And let me stop it before it starts: no, I won't do any songs from Bye, Bye Birdie! Visit http://www.friendsofreadingtennis.org/index.html for more info.

Tue, Oct 23rd - Concord Festival of Authors, Concord, MA 7 pm
What do literary heavies Ha Jin, Augusten Burroughs, E. L. Doctorow have in common with yours truly? Absolutely nothing. But I have been asked to be part of a panel discussion on the life and work of Bob Dylan, and I'll do a concert afterwards featuring a smattering of the Minnesota bard's tunes. Visit http://www.concordfestivalofauthors.com for more info.

Wed, Oct 23 - Bluebird Cafe, Nashville TN 9 pm
A benefit for ASCAP's Musicares foundation, with my friend (and personal Emmylou Harris) Lori McKenna, Lance Miller, and The Warren Brothers. Should be a fun night of critically-lauded, commercially successful, catchy tunes...and some of mine as well. Visit http://www.bluebirdcafe.com for more info.

Sat, Oct 27th - Iron Horse Music Hall, Northampton MA 7 pm
What can I say about the Iron Horse and my Pioneer Valley fans that I haven't already? It's always a treat to play this room for this audience. It'll be me, a few guitars, mandolin and a tenor guitar and anything you want to hear. Visit http://www.iheg.com for more info.

Wed, Oct 31 - Lizard Lounge, Cambridge MA 8 pm
Lastly, I'll be doing an hour-opening set for Boston rock legend and personal hero Dennis Brennan. I realize this show is on Halloween, so I'll be sure to have my Mark Erelli mask on. Visit http://www.lizardloungeclub.com for more info.

SIDEMAN SECTION:
September 28-29 - Grand Ole Opry, Nashville TN with Lori McKenna

peace, mark