tag:connectionsband.com,2005:/blogs/connections-news--2?p=2Connections News2020-02-01T13:14:19-06:00Connectionsfalsetag:connectionsband.com,2005:Post/61998182020-02-01T13:14:19-06:002023-12-10T13:36:17-06:00A "Hiatus" for Connections, Coming Soon<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/121462/b5204294214e6df072871c2fad8fb74968bc1796/original/connectionsnewbanner2.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Dear Connections Friends, </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">As it says in Ecclesiastes, “For everything, there is a season….” </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">So it is that we are announcing to you that Connections Band intends to take an indefinite hiatus, following our current season of concerts. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Many of you have been fans and followers of our band for years, so we wanted to be sure you heard this word now. Know that this is a bittersweet decision for all of us, as the core members of the group. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The reality is that Connections’ shows always take a great deal of time, energy and commitment from our entire band. “Load in/Load out” for an average show means a full day of work for some of us. Rehearsals, booking, etc…the daily grind of any band…also takes up additional time. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">So, for this season, we feel that it is time for us to enter into a time of “hiatus.” To be clear, we are not “breaking up.” And there is absolutely no bitterness or animosity among our membership. We *love* what we do as a band. But we do not intend to book a “season of shows” past the current season. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Each of us also have other musical outlets, family, and church obligations that we feel the need to tend to, in the near future. Brian will soon be retiring. Rusty has several other musical projects, and may well continue playing shows with some of the current members of the band in another form. (If so, we’ll say more about all this as it happens…) Eric hopes to spend more time with his own music. Much of our horn section also plays with other bands too. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">In short, we’ll all still be doing music…and we’ll hope to keep publicizing that through our website…we just won’t be doing Connections shows. And, we certainly hold out the possibility of “reunion shows” down the road. In fact, we can all easily imagine that happening. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">So…when will this hiatus happen? </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Well, that all depends upon how many shows we book over the next few months. Which is to say: </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">If you’ve ever wanted to book, or rebook the band at your church or venue…now is the time to contact us! You can get in on this “Final Tour” year. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Contact any of the three of us if you would like to book us. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Finally, a word of thanks to all of you who have been such avid supporters of the band over the years. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Fourteen years ago, we started with one show. We never in a million years could have dreamed of all the amazing things we experienced since then…. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Playing for THOUSANDS of people…and more than 70 shows… </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Playing with an orchestra and choir…twice! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Raising $335,000 for charity… </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">And all this from a band fronted by Methodist clergy… </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">You couldn’t make up this story in a million years. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">It’s been such a blessing to be a part of this ride, and such a joy for each of us, and for all the members of our band. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We are not done. Let’s plan for a great final year together. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">But we thank you now for all the memories we carry with us, and for all your continued support. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Grace and Peace, </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Rusty King </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Eric Folkerth </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Brian McPherson</span></p>Connectionstag:connectionsband.com,2005:Post/43539022016-09-01T23:13:46-05:002023-12-10T10:45:50-06:00$300,000<p><img src="https://wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/giphy.gif?w=750" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="giphy" /></p>
<p>We passed a significant milestone with <a href="http://www.connectionsband.com">Connections</a> last Sunday night.</p>
<p><strong><em>We officially passed the $300,000 mark in funds raised by the band.</em> </strong></p>
<p>Wow. Pretty freakin’ awesome.</p>
<p>Key numbers:<br>
10 years.<br>
58 shows.<br>
$301,262 raised.</p>
<p>Below, you’ll find some graphs, that detail how much has been raised for each beneficiary, and how much was raised each year.</p>
<p><strong><em>We are grateful to all those who come to see our shows. As we like to say, you make the world a better place, just by deciding to see a concert. And you’ve done it to the tune of $300,000, all while enjoying some of the greatest music of our time.</em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>Thanks for all you do to make Connections possible.</em></strong></p>
<p><img src="https://wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/perbeneficiary.jpg?w=750" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="PerBeneficiary" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="https://wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/fundsperyear.jpg?w=750&h=700" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="FundsPerYear" height="700" width="750" /></p><br>Filed under: <a href="https://wheneftalks.com/category/connections-news/">Connections News</a>, <a href="https://wheneftalks.com/category/my-music/">My Music</a> Tagged: <a href="https://wheneftalks.com/tag/connections/">Connections</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godelicious/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3410/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/delicious/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3410/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gofacebook/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3410/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/facebook/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3410/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gotwitter/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3410/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/twitter/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3410/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gostumble/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3410/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/stumble/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3410/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godigg/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3410/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/digg/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3410/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/goreddit/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3410/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/reddit/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3410/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=wheneftalks.com&blog=61211481&post=3410&subd=wheneftalks&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />Connectionstag:connectionsband.com,2005:Post/40426662016-02-15T14:44:00-06:002022-05-31T05:40:27-05:00Thanks Again, James Taylor<p>We’re still tabulating expenses and computing exactly how many folks came to Friday night’s big show (We think: 500-600) in Allen. And we’re still figuring out just how much we raised for our beneficiaries.</p>
<div data-shortcode="caption" id="attachment_3132" style="width: 292px" class="wp-caption alignleft">
<img src="https://wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/12733409_10153931335314100_6221258353930418905_n.jpg?w=282&h=300" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="12733409_10153931335314100_6221258353930418905_n" height="300" width="282" /><p class="wp-caption-text">James Taylor Signs the Guitar</p>
</div>
<p>But one thing we do know: the heart and generosity of James Taylor helped us tremendously. In case you missed the incredible news, James Taylor (Yes, THE James Taylor) heard about <a href="http://www.connectionsband.com" target="_blank">Connections</a>‘s big show with the Allen Symphony Chorus and orchestra. He sent us an autographed guitar and some concert tickets to upcoming shows.</p>
<p>You can’t imagine what a thrill this was for all of us. Before the show, several of us in the band got to play the guitar a bit. Rusty ran through “The Secret O’ Life.” I threw down a little “You’ve Got A Friend.”</p>
<p>And we all said, <em>“Holy Crap, we’re playing JT songs on a guitar that JT touched!”</em></p>
<div data-shortcode="caption" id="attachment_3134" style="width: 235px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img src="https://wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/ericandjtguitar.jpg?w=225&h=300" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="ericandJTguitar" height="300" width="225" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Eric Considers Running for the Door…..</p>
</div>
<p><strong>All told, the items James Taylor contributed raised an additional $4,000 for our causes!!</strong> How amazing. Thanks again to James….we are so grateful to him for thinking of us.</p>
<p>Turns out, the guitar found a good home. Dave Sherman and Beverly Sharpe ended up taking it home. I know Dave from song circles, down at the Kerrville Folks Festival. Nice that this “connection” got made.</p>
<div data-shortcode="caption" id="attachment_3133" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img src="https://wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/february-2016-128.jpg?w=300&h=225" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="February 2016 128" height="225" width="300" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Dave and Beverly</p>
</div>
<p>If we get some decent video of our two James Taylor songs, we’ll post those in coming days. But thanks again to Dave and Beverly….and especially to James Taylor!!</p>
<p>EF</p><br>Filed under: <a href="http://wheneftalks.com/category/connections-news/">Connections News</a>, <a href="http://wheneftalks.com/category/music-news/">Music News</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godelicious/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3119/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/delicious/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3119/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gofacebook/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3119/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/facebook/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3119/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gotwitter/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3119/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/twitter/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3119/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gostumble/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3119/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/stumble/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3119/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godigg/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3119/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/digg/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3119/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/goreddit/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3119/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/reddit/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3119/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="//pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=wheneftalks.com&blog=61211481&post=3119&subd=wheneftalks&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />Connectionstag:connectionsband.com,2005:Post/40426672016-02-13T12:40:05-06:002022-03-24T02:58:03-05:00Our Living Legacy<p>As many of you know, <a href="http://www.connectionsband.com" target="_blank">Connections</a> started with Dan Fogelberg. At the “core” of what drove us to ever get our crazy band together ten years ago was a chance to play Dan’s music, and to do in a BIG way…with a big band that could recreate some of the lush instrumentation that you’re used to when you hear his records. Many of you also know that he’s my all-time favorite songwriter.</p>
<p>We had a BIG show in Allen again last night….Connections…the Allen Symphony Chorus…an orchestra of about 20…approaching 70 musicians onstage. (I’m not sure we actually counted!)</p>
<p>We covered many great artists, and had some incredible support from James Taylor…yes, THE James Taylor….)</p>
<p>But the show also gave us the chance to pull out a show-stopper from our last big show: Fogelberg’s great opus <a href="http://www.danfogelberg.com/infoinnocentage.html" target="_blank">“Ghosts” from the “Innocent Age” record</a>.</p>
<p>The Innocent Age came out my senior year in high school. So long ago, that I had it on LP. That year, while several of Dan’s songs were charting on the radio, I was attracted to the whole thing…to the “song cycle” that was that amazing double album. Really, one of the last great concept albums, and certainly the last great double album for a generation.</p>
<p>I’d put on “side four” in my room, as I fell asleep at night. I’d crank it as loud as I could get away with, and in the dark, I’d fall to sleep to the sounds of this mysterious and ethereal anthem. What an incredible end to that record. And what a song filled with mystery and spirit. An anthem to the past, present, and future. A song about the mystery of spirit, all around us, if only we will be quiet enough to listen.</p>
<p><em>“Sometimes in the night I feel it…”</em></p>
<p>And I’d sit there in the dark of my room, learning now to feel it.</p>
<p>This is a BIG song….it’s deserves to be played big, like this. I think we did the song proud…</p>
<p><span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="620" height="379" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dTppgtSGHBI?version=3&rel=1&fs=1&autohide=2&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&wmode=transparent" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></span></p>
<p>It gave me chills to hear it last night…especially how the Chorus nails the ending…and I can’t believe how great this recording sounds here. (Thanks to Alison for capturing it…)</p>
<p>If we get a nice full recording of “The Reach,” I’ll add it to this post….and I’ll likely post additional video from the show, as it become available.</p>
<p>When <a href="http://wheneftalks.com/2016/01/18/glenn-frey/" target="_blank">Glenn Frey died</a>, I took the liberty of paraphrasing an old spiritual adage that gets passed around from time to time…</p>
<p><em>“a person dies three times: the first time when your heart stops; the second time when you’re buried or cremated; and, for songwriters, the last time your songs are played, sung, and heard.”</em></p>
<p>That’s true for Dan too.</p>
<p>It’s such a unique honor to be a part of Dan’s “living legacy,” the fans, musicians, and friends who honor his memory and keep his music alive. And…to be able to do so in such a bold and big setting…</p>
<p>How freakin’ lucky am I?!!</p>
<p>Could I have ever dream, listening in the dark of my room as that high school kid, that I’d ever sing that song with such a ridiculously talented cast of musicians?</p>
<p>Last night, then, as I was singing, I was thinking that “Ghost” of my own past….but I was also thinking of all our DanFan friends/family from around the country…many of whom were with us the last time we did a big show like this. I was most definitely thinking of Dan, and of Jean and her generous support to all of us who try to honor Dan.</p>
<p>I was thinking especially of our buddy, Sheldon Felich, whose <a href="http://www.danfogelberg.com/infoinnocentage.html" target="_blank">own killer band</a> is also one of the great “living legacies” to Dan. (Sheldon and Dan’s actual orchestral arranger, Glen Spreen, shared with us these arrangements you hear on this recording…)</p>
<p>But most of all, as I said from the stage, just after this video cuts off….</p>
<p><em>“That was for you, Dan.”</em></p><br>Filed under: <a href="http://wheneftalks.com/category/connections-news/">Connections News</a>, <a href="http://wheneftalks.com/category/folkerth-on-fogelberg/">Folkerth on Fogelberg</a>, <a href="http://wheneftalks.com/category/music-news/">Music News</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godelicious/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3103/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/delicious/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3103/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gofacebook/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3103/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/facebook/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3103/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gotwitter/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3103/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/twitter/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3103/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gostumble/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3103/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/stumble/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3103/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godigg/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3103/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/digg/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3103/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/goreddit/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3103/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/reddit/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/3103/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="//pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=wheneftalks.com&blog=61211481&post=3103&subd=wheneftalks&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />Connectionstag:connectionsband.com,2005:Post/40426682014-11-17T10:20:17-06:002024-01-02T04:16:32-06:00Honor Dr. Salia on Friday at Connections’ Show<p>Connection is playing <a href="http://connectionsband.com/event/1081110/98070520/connections-tribute-to-chicago-and-eagles-at-northaven" target="_blank">a show this Friday at Northaven</a>. We’re again raising money for a good cause: fighting the scourge of Ebola in Africa.</p>
<p><a href="https://wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/ebola-dr-salia-01-582x388.jpg"><img src="https://wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/ebola-dr-salia-01-582x388.jpg?w=150&h=99" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="ebola-dr-salia-01-582x388" height="99" width="150" /></a>But this morning, the show became a little more poignant. Hours ago, Dr. <a href="http://www.umc.org/news-and-media/sierra-leone-surgeon-with-ebola-arrives-in-us" target="_blank">Martin Salia died from Ebola in Nebraska</a>. What you may not know is that he’d been working in Africa, at our United Methodist Kissy Hospital in Sierra Leone. Recently, Dr. Salia gave an interview about his sense of calling to minister to those in Sierra Leone’s poorest neighborhoods.</p>
<p><span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="620" height="379" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VfAKd7V_tcE?version=3&rel=1&fs=1&autohide=2&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&wmode=transparent" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></span></p>
<p>Friday’s show was already poignant, in that Dallas had been affected by Ebola. In part, we were pledging to fight Ebola in Africa as a way of remembering how we are now Ebola free. Now, we also remember the true sacrifice that those fighting Ebola, through the United Methodist Church and may other NGOs, truly make.</p>
<p>Come to enjoy the music. But also don’t forget the truly important cause.</p>
<p>Your presence Friday, and your gifts, will make a difference.</p>
<p>Show information <a href="http://connectionsband.com/event/1081110/98070520/connections-tribute-to-chicago-and-eagles-at-northaven" target="_blank">here</a>. See you Friday.</p>
<div class="text_exposed_show"></div><br>Filed under: <a href="http://wheneftalks.com/category/angels-and-pins/">Angels and Pins</a>, <a href="http://wheneftalks.com/category/connections-news/">Connections News</a>, <a href="http://wheneftalks.com/category/music-news/">Music News</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godelicious/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/2455/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/delicious/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/2455/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gofacebook/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/2455/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/facebook/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/2455/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gotwitter/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/2455/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/twitter/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/2455/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gostumble/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/2455/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/stumble/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/2455/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godigg/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/2455/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/digg/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/2455/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/goreddit/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/2455/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/reddit/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/2455/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="//pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=wheneftalks.com&blog=61211481&post=2455&subd=wheneftalks&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />Connectionstag:connectionsband.com,2005:Post/40426692014-05-01T11:49:55-05:002022-05-14T03:48:26-05:00Friday’s Show: Please Spread The Word!<p><a href="http://imgur.com/0JWhe6C"><img src="//i.imgur.com/0JWhe6C.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /></a></p><br>Filed under: <a href="http://wheneftalks.com/category/connections-news/">Connections News</a>, <a href="http://wheneftalks.com/category/music-news/">Music News</a> Tagged: <a href="http://wheneftalks.com/tag/arkansas-tornadoes/">Arkansas Tornadoes</a>, <a href="http://wheneftalks.com/tag/connections/">Connections</a>, <a href="http://wheneftalks.com/tag/music/">Music</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godelicious/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/2048/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/delicious/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/2048/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gofacebook/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/2048/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/facebook/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/2048/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gotwitter/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/2048/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/twitter/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/2048/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gostumble/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/2048/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/stumble/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/2048/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godigg/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/2048/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/digg/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/2048/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/goreddit/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/2048/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/reddit/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/2048/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="//pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=wheneftalks.com&blog=61211481&post=2048&subd=wheneftalks&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />Connectionstag:connectionsband.com,2005:Post/40426702013-02-23T15:34:00-06:002023-12-10T10:56:09-06:00Near as Breath, Yet Untouchable: Reflections on Fogelberg Weekend<p><span style='font-family:"'><i><b>“Sometimes in the night I feel it,<br>
Near as my next breath and yet untouchable.<br>
Silently, the past comes stealing,<br>
Like the taste of some forbidden sweet.”</b></i></span><br>
<span style="font-family:Verdana, sans-serif;"><i> ∞</i><i> ∞</i><i> ∞</i><i> ∞</i><i> ∞</i><i> ∞</i><i> ∞</i><i> ∞</i><i> ∞</i><i> ∞</i><i> ∞</i><i> ∞</i><i> </i></span></p>
<p>A week ago <span style="text-decoration:underline;">right now</span>, we were rehearsing for that night’s Dan Fogelberg Tribute Show. It feels like just yesterday. It’s taken me a week to come down from the high enough to clearly write my thoughts. (That, and the fact that’s it’s been a busy week in the real world too…)</p>
<p>As I noted from the stage last Saturday night, you could argue that all sorts of incredible things started with the Dan Fogelberg song, “<i><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/old-tennessee/id198153713?i=198155068" target="_blank">Old Tennessee</a>.”</i></p>
<p>It was on a night many years ago, as I played that song for the first time with Rusty King, that something dawned on me.</p>
<p>We were at a clergy retreat, and I had never met Rusty. I knew we were both Methodist ministers. He, Paul Escamilla, and John Fleming brought their guitars up to my room to play music, while other friends just played games and talked the night away.</p>
<p>We started out playing songs we all knew, but that quickly drifted into Dan-songs. Then, into <span style="text-decoration:underline;">obscure</span> Dan songs. Songs you’d only know if you had a copy of <a href="http://amzn.com/0634050745" target="_blank">this</a>. One of those songs was <i>“Old Tennessee,”</i> and Rusty not only played it note-for-note, he also matched the harmonies.</p>
<p>And I thought, “<i>Who <b>is</b> this guy? He knows as many Dan songs as I do.”</i></p>
<p>That night of <i>“Old Tennessee”</i>-like songs, eventually led to a crazy <i>“what if”</i> from Rusty:</p>
<p><i><span style="text-decoration:underline;">“What if we did a Fogelberg “tribute show” to raise money for mission?”</span></i></p>
<p><a style="clear:left;float:left;margin-bottom:1em;margin-right:1em;" href="http://wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/2a718-firstshow.jpg"><img src="//wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/2a718-firstshow.jpg?w=200&h=150" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="150" width="200" /></a>I thought it was a crazy idea. Who would come?<br>
But Dan was <a href="http://wheneftalks.com/2006/02/16/dan-fogelberg/" target="_blank">my favorite singer songwriter</a> of all-time. Do you think I was gonna turn down the chance to sing his music, backed by a 20-piece band?<br>
Not a chance.</p>
<p>So we did the show. And what I assumed was pure self-indulgence on my part became two hundred and fifty people who belted-out the closing chorus of “Gambler” at the top of their lungs, and donated over $2,500 dollars to missions.</p>
<p>After a few days to allow the adrenaline to work itself out, we said, <i>“Hey. Maybe we’re on to something…”</i></p>
<p>What we were “on” to was Connections. The clergy members who founded Connections(1) were soon meeting to dream of a future, and asking…</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><i>“What if we kept the band going, did 70s Shows, and raised money for mission?”</i></span></p>
<p>That question, and the ability to dream increasingly larger <i>“what ifs,”</i> has kept <a href="http://www.connectionsband.com" target="_blank">this wild and crazy band</a> going now for seven years now. We’ve played over 40 shows for tens of thousand of people and we’ve raised $240,000 for some really fine causes.<br>
<span style="font-size:small;"><br>
</span><br>
<span style='font-family:"'><span style="font-size:small;"><i><b>“Down the ancient corridors,</b></i></span></span><br>
<span style='font-family:"'><span style="font-size:small;"><i><b>And through the gates of time,</b></i></span></span><br>
<span style='font-family:"'><span style="font-size:small;"><i><b>Run the ghosts of days that we left behind.”</b></i></span></span><br>
<span style="font-family:Verdana, sans-serif;"><i> ∞</i><i> ∞</i><i> ∞</i><i> ∞</i><i> ∞</i><i> ∞</i><i> ∞</i><i> ∞</i><i> ∞</i><i> ∞</i><i> ∞</i><i> ∞</i><i> </i></span></p>
<p>We weren’t the only folks dreaming <i>“what ifs.”</i> Over in Peoria, Illinois, the family and friends of Dan Fogelberg were asking…</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><i>“What if we create a memorial to honor Dan, and invite fans/musicians from around the nation to come for the dedication?”</i></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a style="clear:right;float:right;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:1em;" href="http://wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/59e1f-img_0941.jpg"><img src="//wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/59e1f-img_0941.jpg?w=320&h=239" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<p>There’d never been a public memorial service after Dan’s death. And as time passed, it seemed more and more like something needed to be done to publicly honor him. So, a group that has now morphed into the <a href="http://dfpeoria.com/" target="_blank">Fogelberg Foundation of Peoria</a> was formed. Some really fine folks like Hugh Higgins, Eric Mills and Deb Jelinek worked to create a powerful weekend, where a memorial would be dedicated, and “DanFans” and musicians from around the nation could come and participate.</p>
<p>Deb asked me if we could come. Rusty, Mike Sheehan and me were all a part of that initial year. It was incredible. We played for 300 passionate DanFans from around the nation, for his Mom, wife, and family. It was electric.</p>
<p>So our little tribute band had led to being part of the very first “Fogelberg Weekend,” and new “connection” with souls around the country who keep the “legacy” alive.</p>
<p>Time passed. We kept doing shows. Mostly non-Dan shows, truthfully. (I think we’ve done the Fogelberg show five times?) Rusty got a new job in Allen, where he not only works for <a href="http://www.fumcallen.org/" target="_blank">the church</a>, but also with the Allen Symphony Chorus.</p>
<p>Ever the dreamer, Rusty asked his craziest question yet…</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><i>“What if we did a Fogelberg show, with a twenty-five piece orchestra, the Allen Symphony Chorus, and our band? And what if we invited DanFans around the country and had a “Welcome Party” like Peoria?”</i></span></p>
<p>The result of that craziest <i>“what if”</i> yet was last Saturday night at the Allen Performing Arts Center.</p>
<p>I added my one of my own <i>“what ifs,”</i> when I learned that he just lived down the road in Lago Vista…</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><i>“What if we invited Glen Spreen (Seven-time Gold/Platinum Record recipient for his work with Dan. Orchestra composer on almost all his most-known work) to come direct our orchestra?”</i></span></p>
<p>And so, the Fogelberg Weekend in Allen came together.</p>
<p>Days after our very first Dan Fogelberg Show in March of 2006, I wrote a blog called “<a href="http://wheneftalks.com/2006/04/01/a-magical-night/" target="_blank">A Magical Night</a>.”</p>
<p>So, what do we call last Saturday?</p>
<p><i>Ridiculous?</i><br>
<i>Awesome?</i><br>
<i>Beyond words?</i></p>
<p>What do you call a Tribute Show to Dan Fogelberg with Connections, a 25-piece orchestra, a 50-voice chorus, a thousand people listening, DanFam and musicians from around the nation, <b>AND</b> Glen Spreen?</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;" href="http://wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/69e5f-wholestageshot.jpg"><img src="//wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/69e5f-wholestageshot.jpg?w=640&h=480" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<p><i>“All of the above?”</i></p>
<p>We’re still pinching ourselves.</p>
<p>Here’s a pretty fine video of Nether Lands from the show. The balance may seem a bit off in parts…but all-in-all, it’s wonderful…</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"></div>
<p>On behalf of our little band, let me offer some “<i>Thank Yous</i>” we said that night and elsewhere, but that we cannot repeat enough…</p>
<p><b>First, thanks to Connections and our core members.</b><br>
When Rusty pitched the Fogelberg Weekend, I think that even many bandmembers didn’t realize just how cool the whole thing would be. So, thanks to Connections, and its core members, for being willing to to continue to dream these big “what ifs.”</p>
<p><b>Thanks to the DanFam members who spent their own money/time to drive/fly to Dallas to be with us.</b><br>
It meant a great deal to have you here, and we’re really pleased you got to be a part of it all and see what we do. The “connections” are now even stronger! Special thanks to Diane Panasci, who helped host a whompin’ load ‘of these folks.</p>
<p><b>Thanks to the Tribute Musicians from around the nation.</b><br>
Thanks to <a href="http://www.myspace.com/donniemills" target="_blank">Donnie Mills</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/JayDH100" target="_blank">Jay Hennesey</a>, <a href="http://steverodmanmusic.com/" target="_blank">Steve Rodman</a>, <a href="http://www.bomarandritter.com/" target="_blank">Bob Ritter and Mary Bomar</a>, <a href="https://www.reverbnation.com/timbotunes" target="_blank">Tim Pastor</a>, and Lee Giardina-Foran. Thanks for spending your own money and time to fly/drive here, and share your talents with all the folks in Dallas. It meant a lot, especially to me, Rusty, and Mike to have you with us.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;" href="http://wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/816ac-composite-gambler.jpg"><img src="//wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/816ac-composite-gambler.jpg?w=640&h=224" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="224" width="640" /></a></div>
<p>Thanks to our own members, Mike Sheehan and Paul Simonson for doing yeoman’s work all through the Friday night show and the Saturday one. Jesse Plymale sat in on keyboards during all of the Tribute Show too.</p>
<p><b>Special thanks to Sheldon Felich.</b><br>
Sheldon organized Friday’s show, and brought all the tribute artists together, played with us Saturday, and behind the scenes has done so much to continue the work of keeping Dan’s musical legacy alive, including our show. Y’all should check out <a href="http://riverofsouls.net/home.cfm" target="_blank">his great tribute band too</a>.</p>
<p>Here is Sheldon and our own Wendy Curran, doing “Only The Heart May Know”</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"></div>
<p><b>Thanks to Deb Jelinek for all her continued support.</b><br>
Thanks for singing with us, and for being a part of the <a href="http://dfpeoria.com/EventArchives.html" target="_blank">Fogelberg Foundation of Peoria</a>. Thanks, from afar, to good folks like Hugh and Eric Mills. We love you guys.</p>
<p><b>Thanks to the Allen Symphony Chorus and members of the Allen Philharmonic Orchestra for also being a part of this big dream.</b><br>
Thanks especially to all the behind-the-scenes work of Kathy Litinas, and other chorus members who worked hard to staff the Welcome Party.<br>
Thanks to Caryn Fecht who directed the chorus during the show.<br>
After the show, more than one chorus member said to me, <i>“We should do this again.”</i><br>
(That’s how the big-crazy “what ifs” start!)</p>
<p><b>Thanks to Glen Spreen.</b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a style="clear:right;float:right;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:1em;" href="http://wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/97dee-glenspreen.jpg"><img src="//wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/97dee-glenspreen.jpg?w=200&h=156" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="156" width="200" /></a></div>
<p>You can’t imagine what a thrill it was for you to be with us, and to have you conduct our orchestra. You are a kind and wonderful spirit, and we’re so pleased you seemed to enjoy the night as much as we did. We’re pleased the crowd gave you that well-deserved standing-O.</p>
<p><b>Thanks to James Miller, who wrote a whole ton of charts for this show.</b><br>
It was all wonderful, and the music wouldn’t have been there without your work.</p>
<p><b>Thanks to <a href="http://www.fumcallen.org/" target="_blank">First United Methodist Church of Allen</a>.</b><br>
They deserve <i><span style="text-decoration:underline;">copious</span></i> and <i><span style="text-decoration:underline;">overflowing</span></i> thanks. FUMC Allen put thousands of dollars into this production. They contributed the resources of several of staff members. They did publicity, provided dozens of volunteers for meals, set-up, refreshments, and many other behind the scenes tasks. All of you deserve <b>much</b> of the credit for this success.<br>
Thanks to our friend, Todd Harris, and to bandmates Brian McPherson, Rusty, and all the rest of the staff there.</p>
<p><b>Thanks to Rusty.</b><br>
Keep throwing out those crazy, <i>“what ifs”</i> my friend.</p>
<p><b>Finally, all thanks to God. </b><br>
Thanks to God for allowing us to continue this incredible work. With this show, we raised $12,000 for <a href="http://www.umcor.org/" target="_blank">United Methodist Committee on Relief</a>, and work they are doing to alleviate the suffering of Hurricane Sandy. We’re grateful that God keeps opening these doors for our band. We’ll try to keep walking through.</p>
<p><a style="clear:right;float:right;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:1em;" href="http://wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/f8d27-danfogelberg.jpg"><img src="//wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/f8d27-danfogelberg.jpg?w=131&h=200" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="200" width="131" /></a><b>And thanks to Dan.</b><br>
Thanks to Jean Fogelberg for being a gracious human being. We miss Dan a lot. Those of us who are “DanFans” miss him in a way that tugs at the gut.</p>
<p>Those of us who are privileged to play his music –across the nation, as solo acts or in large bands– we find ourselves with the feeling that we’ve been given a “legacy” to maintain. It’s a calling to make sure that others keep hearing the incredible music of this incredible artist and soul.</p>
<p>In fact, probably 90 percent of the audience Saturday night hadn’t heard a lot of this music. Most came knowing just “the hits.”</p>
<p>I’m <b>so</b> warmed by messages I got –one while we were still tearing down just after the show– from audience members who’ve said, <i>“I just downloaded some of the songs I’d never heard.”</i> They were downloading Dan’s music to their phone on the way home from the show!</p>
<p>That makes me smile. I’d hope it would make Dan smile too.</p>
<p><span style='font-family:"'><i><b>“Death is there to keep us honest,</b></i></span><br>
<span style='font-family:"'><i><b>And constantly remind us we are free.”</b></i></span><br>
<span style="font-family:Verdana, sans-serif;"><i> ∞</i><i> ∞</i><i> ∞</i><i> ∞</i><i> ∞</i><i> ∞</i><i> ∞</i><i> ∞</i><i> ∞</i><i> ∞</i><i> ∞</i><i> ∞</i><i> </i></span></p>
<p>I know I speak for me, and probably for everybody else on stage during Saturday’s show, but we knew in the moment that it was a one-of-a-kind night.</p>
<p>Many of you have mentioned our version of <i>“<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/ghosts/id201407149?i=201413402" target="_blank">Ghosts</a>“</i> last Saturday. Some have said it was a highlight of the show. (btw, it’s one of the songs folks have told me they’ve now downloaded for the first time!!!)</p>
<p>When Rusty first pitched the idea of a show with orchestra/chorus, I told him I only had two real “musts”:<br>
a) We have to do “Ghosts;” and<br>
b) I want to sing it.</p>
<p>Here’s a video. It’s never gonna capture the moment as it was, but it gives you an idea…</p>
<p><span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="620" height="379" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I0qiI1x21IQ?version=3&rel=1&fs=1&autohide=2&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&wmode=transparent" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></span></p>
<p>I used to listen to <i>“<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-innocent-age/id201407149" target="_blank">The Innocent Age</a>“</i> on my record player while falling asleep my senior year in high school. I’d been a DanFan for several years(2), but that seminal record came out during that seminal year of my life. Many times, I’d put on “Side Four,” and allow myself to drift off to “Ghosts.” So, it’s always been a personal favorite. (In fact, I just noticed that I cited it in <a title="Follow Up on Fogelberg" href="http://wheneftalks.com/2007/12/19/follow-up-on-fogelberg/">a previous blog</a>, written just after Dan’s death…)</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a style="clear:right;float:right;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:1em;" href="http://wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/fa7ba-dan_fogelberg_-_the_innocent_age.jpg"><img src="//wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/fa7ba-dan_fogelberg_-_the_innocent_age.jpg?w=200&h=200" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<p>Without drifting too far away from the general point of <span style="text-decoration:underline;">this</span> blog, let me opine that “<i>The Innocent Age</i>” was perhaps the last record of its kind.</p>
<p>Very few records would ever again be “double albums.” Very few records by singer-songwriters would ever again have that impressive a combination of chart-topping hits <b>and</b> richly artistic numbers.</p>
<p>In fact, I have made the case before that Dan Fogelberg was the last of the great chart-topping “singer-songwriters,” and that unbeknownst to all of us at the time, “<i><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-innocent-age/id201407149" target="_blank">The Innocent Age</a>,”</i> was the last great popular “singer-songwriter” album. Ever. (3)</p>
<p>“Ghosts” is an amazing song. The past, the present, the future, all morph into one in that song. And, I’d like to believe, all three came together on that stage, in that moment, last Saturday.</p>
<p>The morning of the show, I hurriedly penned a two-page journal entry. Knowing that nerves might well be a problem that night, I prayed:<i> “Let me just be in the moment…”</i></p>
<p>During the whole show, but especially during <i>“Ghosts,”</i> I really felt like that happened. Like we were <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><b>all</b></span> aware of just how special this was, and what an honor for each of us to play our parts.</p>
<p>It felt like we left it all on the stage.</p>
<p>For me? In that moment, I recalled all those nights, listening this song in the dark of my high school room. I thought of all the beautiful souls who love Dan’s music, gathered into that hall for one evening.</p>
<p>I even imagined Dan himself, having stepped into life beyond life, singing back to us: <i>“Death is there to keep us honest, and constantly remind us we are free.”</i></p>
<p>Now and then, past, present, future all <b>do</b> come together in one Kairos moment.<br>
<i><br>
</i><i><span style="font-size:small;"><b>For all of you who were a part of this special weekend….</b></span></i><br>
<i><span style="font-size:small;"><b>Thank you….thank you….thank you.</b></span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="font-size:small;"><b>(BTW…check <span style="font-size:small;">back, as I will add video clips to this blog as I can work them in….EF)</span> </b></span></i></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;" href="http://wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/d0d51-fogelbergshow-rustyericdoc.jpg"><img src="//wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/d0d51-fogelbergshow-rustyericdoc.jpg?w=640&h=424" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<p>Notes:<br>
<span style="font-size:x-small;">(1)Rusty King, Me, Frank Rahm, Paul Escamilla, John Fleming, Ann Willett</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:x-small;">(2) First, through the<span style="font-size:x-small;"> “FM” soundtra<span style="font-size:x-small;">ck, and “Gambler.<span style="font-size:x-small;">” That led to buying “Sou<span style="font-size:x-small;">veni<span style="font-size:x-small;">rs,<span style="font-size:x-small;">” to hear the original<span style="font-size:x-small;"> context. Then, I went back to “Home Free<span style="font-size:x-small;">” and worked my way forward in time.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span><br>
<span style="font-size:x-small;"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:x-small;">(<span style="font-size:x-small;">3</span>) This is not to say that Dan did not have success after this. He did. Nor is it to say that others have not had it since. They have. But in the early 1980s, pop music was just about to change <span style="text-decoration:underline;">drastically</span>. The era of the singer-songwriter dominating the airwaves of pop radio…which you can trace all the way back to folks like Dylan, and then through folks like James Taylor, Carole King, Cat Stevens, Harry Chapin, Jackson Browne, Stephen Bishop…even bands like Eagles…that era was drawing to <span style="font-size:x-small;">a</span> close.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:x-small;">Dan, being among the youngest of this generation, produced IMHO, the last, great opus of that era: “The Innocent Age.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:x-small;">Again, all these artists continue to produce excellent work to this day. That’s not what I’m saying. What I’m saying is, <span style="text-decoration:underline;">the combination of their artisanship being rewarded with hits on the pop charts</span>…that era was drawing to a close. Dan, I have argued many times, was the last of the great American singer-songwriters on pop radio, and “The Innocent Age” was the last great singer-songwriter record. It’s a tour-de-force, and a fitting end to that era. He didn’t intend for it to be this, but with 20-20 hindsight, we can say this now.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:x-small;"><span style="font-size:small;">(<i>Leave a comment below via your Twitter, Facebook or Google+ account. </i></span><i><span style="font-size:small;">And, if you like this post, then “share it” or “like” it on Facebook by clicking the box below, so others can see too…) </span> </i></span></p><br>Filed under: <a href="http://wheneftalks.com/category/connections-news/">Connections News</a>, <a href="http://wheneftalks.com/category/folkerth-on-fogelberg/">Folkerth on Fogelberg</a>, <a href="http://wheneftalks.com/category/music-news/">Music News</a>, <a href="http://wheneftalks.com/category/my-music/">My Music</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godelicious/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/917/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/delicious/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/917/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gofacebook/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/917/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/facebook/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/917/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gotwitter/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/917/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/twitter/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/917/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gostumble/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/917/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/stumble/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/917/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godigg/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/917/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/digg/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/917/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/goreddit/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/917/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/reddit/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/917/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="//pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=wheneftalks.com&blog=61211481&post=917&subd=wheneftalks&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />Connectionstag:connectionsband.com,2005:Post/40426712013-02-17T00:50:00-06:002024-01-02T04:16:32-06:00Tell Us What You Thought of the Show/Weekend<p>It’s late at night, after the Fogelberg Tribute Show in Allen tonight.<br>
I’m still exploding with adrenaline and love for how it came out…</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;" href="http://wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/516f6.jpg"><img src="//wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/516f6.jpg?w=400&h=300" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<p>1,000 of you came.<br>
We raised over $12,000 for the relief of Hurricane Sandy.<br>
80 musicians did our best to honor the musical legacy of Dan Fogelberg.</p>
<p>Here’s what I’d like you to do:</p>
<p><b>If you were there, tonight, or last night, please leave a comment HERE at the end of this blog.</b></p>
<p>Yes, some of you have probably already commented over on Facebook. But those comments sort of vanish away forever. And we’d like to be able to keep your thought in a file for future savoring.</p>
<p>So…</p>
<p><i><b>What did you like?</b></i><br>
<i><b>What will you remember?</b></i><br>
<i><b>What feedback for any of us band, orchestra, chorus folks do you have?</b></i><br>
<i><b>Would you change anything?</b></i></p>
<p>Thanks in advance for leaving your thoughts here.</p>
<p>(<i>Note: comments are “approved” on the blog. That can take hours, really. So, if they don’t show up right away, patience. The next time I’ll sign on, I’ll get to them….EF</i>)</p>
<p><span style="font-size:x-small;"> (<i><span style="font-size:x-small;">Leave a co<span style="font-size:x-small;">mment vi<span style="font-size:x-small;">a your Twitter, Facebook or Google+ sign<span style="font-size:x-small;">-in. </span></span></span></span>As always, if you like this post, then “share it” or “like” it on Facebook by clicking the box below, so others can see too…) </i></span></p><br>Filed under: <a href="http://wheneftalks.com/category/connections-news/">Connections News</a>, <a href="http://wheneftalks.com/category/folkerth-on-fogelberg/">Folkerth on Fogelberg</a>, <a href="http://wheneftalks.com/category/music-news/">Music News</a>, <a href="http://wheneftalks.com/category/my-music/">My Music</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godelicious/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/915/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/delicious/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/915/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gofacebook/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/915/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/facebook/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/915/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gotwitter/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/915/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/twitter/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/915/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gostumble/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/915/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/stumble/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/915/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godigg/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/915/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/digg/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/915/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/goreddit/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/915/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/reddit/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/915/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="//pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=wheneftalks.com&blog=61211481&post=915&subd=wheneftalks&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />Connectionstag:connectionsband.com,2005:Post/40426722012-02-11T10:18:00-06:002022-06-01T20:18:29-05:00$100,000<p>One hundred thousand dollars is an awful lot of money.</p>
<p>So, this morning, we pause in awe to reflect on this:</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.connectionsband.com" target="_blank">Connections</a> has raised over $100,000 to eradicate malaria from the face of the planet.</b></p>
<p>We passed this milestone last night, at our Denton show. We’re grateful to <a href="http://www.fumc-denton.com/" target="_blank">the good folks in Denton</a> for putting us over the top, and for coming out to enjoy the great music.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;" href="http://wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/f4458-bandshot.jpg"><img src="//wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/f4458-bandshot.jpg?w=320&h=203" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="203" width="320" /></a></div>
<p>I know I speak for all the members of the band, when I say that we stand in awe and amazement. The idea for this band started out with just five us us, saying “What if?”</p>
<p>It’s grown into a beautiful thing that allows us the chance to play great music for thousands of people, provide a quality evening of entertainment, and raise money for several good causes. You can learn more about our band, its history, and its mission, by <a href="http://www.connectionsband.com/our-mission" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.</p>
<p>Today, however, we pause to specifically give thanks that we’ve been able to raise so much for malaria prevention. For those of you unfamiliar, you might be saying “why <i>that</i> cause?”</p>
<p>Mainly because it’s an absolutely preventable disease that still kills far too many people, mostly on the continent of Africa.</p>
<p>When we began this work, it was to directly support a project called “<a href="http://www.nothingbutnets.net/" target="_blank">Nothing But Nets</a>,” which was a project focuses exclusively on providing bed nets for Africa.</p>
<p>Within a few years, smart folks realized that bed nets were absolutely an important part, but to literally eradicate the disease, it would also take prevention, treatment, and education.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;" href="http://www.imaginenomalaria.org/" target="_blank"><img src="//www.imaginenomalaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Imagine-No-Malaria-Logo_150_90.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a></div>
<p>Thus, “<a href="http://www.imaginenomalaria.org/" target="_blank">Imagine No Malaria</a>” was born, our current beneficiary of our anti-malaria shows. The ambitious goal of this project to literally eradicate the disease from the face of the planet. It can be done.</p>
<p>It’s a joint project of our own United Methodist Church, the United Nations Foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and several other very worthy NGOs.</p>
<p>Here’s an overview video for the project:</p>
<span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="620" height="379" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2Db8OyZ9fuY?version=3&rel=1&fs=1&autohide=2&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&wmode=transparent" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></span>
<p>We’re honored to be partners with them in this effort, and to be doing our part to help.</p>
<p>Here’s another short video, featuring Pauley Perrette, who plays Abby Sciuto on NCIS, and is a member of the Hollywood United Methodist Church:</p>
<span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="620" height="379" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2McxrvGRQ0U?version=3&rel=1&fs=1&autohide=2&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&wmode=transparent" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></span>
<p>Every forty-five seconds.</p>
<p>That means that, likely, four people have died of this preventable while you read/watched this here. In the time it takes to play a Connections’ show, 113 people die.</p>
<p>But, here’s the awe-inspiring thing. In terms of bed-nets, <b>the funds that Connections has raised in our shows, have saved 20 to 30,000 lives!!!</b></p>
<p>We’re so deeply grateful to be a part of it all.</p>
<p>If you’ve never contributed and are moved to do so, <a href="https://civi.umcom.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=7" target="_blank">click here</a> to donate online right now.</p>
<p>We want to specifically thank all of you who sometimes drive great distances to hear the band, and to all the churches who have hosted our anti-malaria shows. In addition to Denton, here are the other churches who have hosted a “Nothing But Nets” or “Imagine No Malaria” show:</p>
<p>Walnut Hill<br>
Sachse<br>
Lovers Lane<br>
Richardson<br>
Suncreek<br>
Northaven<br>
Coppell<br>
Rockwall<br>
McKinney<br>
Wylie<br>
Paris<br>
Garland<br>
Greenville<br>
And, last but most definitely not least, Kaufman County.</p>
<p>This last group absolutely deserves special note. In two concerts, <span style="text-decoration:underline;">the good folks of Kaufman County, mostly small lakeside churches, have raised more than $25,000!!</span> That’s one quarter of all we’ve raised in this effort. Copious thanks to them, and especially to our friend and colleague, Eston Williams.</p>
<p>Here’s the crazy thing. We’re not done celebrating great milestones.</p>
<p>In fact, at our next show in Allen, we’ll very likely pass <b>two more</b> significant fund-raising milestones.</p>
<p>Stay tuned. And <a href="http://www.connectionsband.com" target="_blank">come and see us</a>.</p>
<p>And thanks to God, and all of you, who have supported us along this amazing journey.</p>
<p><i>(As always, if you like this post, then “share it” or “like” it on Facebook by clicking the box below, so others can see too…) </i></p><br>Filed under: <a href="http://wheneftalks.com/category/connections-news/">Connections News</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godelicious/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/815/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/delicious/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/815/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gofacebook/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/815/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/facebook/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/815/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gotwitter/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/815/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/twitter/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/815/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gostumble/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/815/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/stumble/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/815/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godigg/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/815/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/digg/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/815/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/goreddit/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/815/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/reddit/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/815/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="//pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=wheneftalks.com&blog=61211481&post=815&subd=wheneftalks&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />Connectionstag:connectionsband.com,2005:Post/40426732012-01-26T14:40:00-06:002022-05-10T04:16:41-05:00Running the Numbers on 2011<p>We’ve got some year-end stats now for Connections in 2011. And, the results are pretty amazing.</p>
<p>It was clearly our best year yet. This was on the back of our single-largest concert ever: <i>“The Concert for AMK,”</i> last June. That one show, by itself, surpassed our fundraising for every other single year in our history. Pretty dang amazing.</p>
<p>This first graph shows our all-time funds raised over time.</p>
<p><b>As of year-end, we’ve raised $180, 547!!</b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="http://wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/06d84-fundsraised-alltime.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img src="//wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/06d84-fundsraised-alltime.jpg?w=640&h=368" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="368" width="640" /></a></div>
<p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"></div>
<p>This graph shows the funds raised, per-year:</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="http://wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/4ddbd-findraised-byyear.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img src="//wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/4ddbd-findraised-byyear.jpg?w=392&h=400" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="400" width="392" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"></div>
<p>As you can see, 2011 blew the roof off of every other fundraising year we’ve ever had. The “Concert for AMK” was. of course, the thing that more than doubled our fundraising over every previous year.</p>
<p><b>However! <u>When you factor out the “AMK Show,” 2011 was still our second largest fundraising years ever</u>!!</b></p>
<p>Taking out that show, for an apples-to-apples comparison with other years, <u>not only was 2011 our second largest fundraising year, but it was only $350 from being number one!! </u></p>
<p>So, it was an incredible year, no matter how you run the numbers.</p>
<p>Finally, a breakdown of the funds raised, per beneficiary. Our two primary beneficiaries are <a href="http://www.connectionsband.net/page3/page11/page11.html" target="_blank">UMCOR</a>, and “<a href="http://www.connectionsband.net/page3/page12/page12.html" target="_blank">Imagine No Malaria</a>.” (Follow the links to learn more about each). The “Other”category is the “Concert for AMK.”</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="http://wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/19087-fundsrasied-bybeneficiary.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img src="//wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/19087-fundsrasied-bybeneficiary.jpg?w=400&h=400" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"></div>
<p>Connections’ 2012 Spring schedule is now available at our website. At all our Spring shows, we’re rolling out our new show: <i>“Superhits of the 70s, Part II.”</i></p>
<p>Check out the dates <a href="http://www.connectionsband.net/page17/page17.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and come out to see us.</p>
<p>Connections continues to be an incredible gift to all of us in the band. We’re grateful to be able to share great music, offer fun shows, and raise money for these incredible causes. We are profoundly grateful to the thousands of people who, simply by coming to see our shows and enjoying some music, make a difference in the world. </p>
<p><i>(As always, if you like this post, then “share it” or “like” it on Facebook by clicking the box below, so others can see too…) </i></p>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit Eric’s original blog here: <a href="http://www.wheneftalks2.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.wheneftalks2.blogspot.com/</a>
</div><br>Filed under: <a href="http://wheneftalks.com/category/connections-news/">Connections News</a>, <a href="http://wheneftalks.com/category/music-news/">Music News</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godelicious/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/809/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/delicious/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/809/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gofacebook/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/809/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/facebook/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/809/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gotwitter/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/809/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/twitter/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/809/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gostumble/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/809/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/stumble/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/809/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godigg/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/809/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/digg/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/809/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/goreddit/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/809/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/reddit/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/809/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="//pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=wheneftalks.com&blog=61211481&post=809&subd=wheneftalks&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />Connectionstag:connectionsband.com,2005:Post/40426742011-06-30T17:16:00-05:002020-10-09T00:38:43-05:00Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me (from the AMK Show)<p>As you may have heard, Monday’s show for Ann Michele King was an amazing outpouring of music, love and community. More than 1,100 people packed the sanctuary of FUMC, Richardson for this special show, benefiting Ann Michele and the King family.</p>
<p>Here’s the amazing view we had from stage:</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="http://wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/07946-263856_1962862904245_1023024667_31812291_2550023_n.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img src="//wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/07946-263856_1962862904245_1023024667_31812291_2550023_n.jpg?w=400&h=300" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<p>It was just an amazing night. Most amazing of all was the outpouring of support. At this point, we’re estimating at least $27,000 dollars raised to help with medical expenses for Ann Michele, as she continues her seven year battle against cancer.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="http://wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/17bf0-268043_1962862784242_1023024667_31812290_1748691_n.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img src="//wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/17bf0-268043_1962862784242_1023024667_31812290_1748691_n.jpg?w=320&h=240" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<p>One of my favorite songs to do in our shows has been Elton John’s “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me.” I get to sing it, and I LOVE singing it. And the entire band plays. It’s just one of those “big” numbers in our shows. And, as has happened several times before, it got a standing ovation Monday. It’s just a great effort by the whole band. You can hear it here:</p>
<p>What a great privilege to be able to be a part of this special show. What a crowd. What support for an incredible family, and incredible woman. I’m privileged to know Ann Michele and completely inspired by her faith and her courage facing her challenges. I know everybody feels the same way.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="http://wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/a0e48-270929_130457093702852_100002156854957_225606_1305256_n.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img src="//wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/a0e48-270929_130457093702852_100002156854957_225606_1305256_n.jpg?w=148&h=200" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="200" width="148" /></a></div>
<p>Of course, we all love Rusty too, and a part of why we did this show was to be there for our band-brother, and musical director.</p>
<p>We love you Rusty.</p>
<p>This one was for you too.
</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit Eric’s original blog here: <a href="http://www.wheneftalks2.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.wheneftalks2.blogspot.com/</a>
</div><br>Filed under: <a href="http://wheneftalks.com/category/connections-news/">Connections News</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godelicious/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/601/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/delicious/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/601/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gofacebook/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/601/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/facebook/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/601/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gotwitter/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/601/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/twitter/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/601/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gostumble/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/601/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/stumble/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/601/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godigg/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/601/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/digg/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/601/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/goreddit/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/601/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/reddit/wheneftalks.wordpress.com/601/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="//pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=wheneftalks.com&blog=61211481&post=601&subd=wheneftalks&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />Connectionstag:connectionsband.com,2005:Post/40426752011-06-25T17:05:00-05:002023-12-10T11:57:11-06:00A Connections Concert for Ann Michele<p>As many of you know, our band, Connections has done some incredible shows for some incredible causes over the past five years. We’ve played for thousands of people, and raised more than $135, 000 for the two worthy causes of “Imagine No Malaria”<span style="font-size:x-small;">(a)</span> and UMCOR. In ways that defy our wildest imaginations, we’ve been successful beyond anything we could have predicted. </p>
<p><b>This Monday, we’ll do a show unlike any other, but for an equally good and special cause.</b></p>
<p>As some of you may or may not know, Ann Michele King, the daughter of our band’s musical director, Rusty, has been fighting hard against a very persistent cancer for now almost seven years. </p>
<p><b>Monday night, Connections will be doing a show to benefit Ann Michele and the King Family. </b></p>
<p>Seven years of treatments –at multiple hospitals and states– have really taken a toll on the family’s finances. And there are more major expenses on the way. And so, we’re breaking what has been our hard-and-fast rule to do shows that only benefit those two causes. We’ve been asked <b>numerous</b> times to benefit other causes in the past, and we’ve always turned those down (and probably still would…). We even considered doing a show for Ann Michele in the past. But the timing didn’t seem right.</p>
<p>But this time, the other founding members of Connections said “yes” without hesitation, and so did the rest of the band.<br>And so, here goes….</p>
<p><a href="http://wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/1c42e-annmichele.jpg" style="clear:left;float:left;margin-bottom:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img src="//wheneftalks.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/1c42e-annmichele.jpg?w=141&h=200" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="200" width="141" /></a><span style="font-size:large;"><b>“The Best of Connections”<br>Benefiting Ann Michele King<br>Monday, June 27 7:00 pm</b></span><br><span style="font-size:large;"><b><br>First UMC, Richardson<br>503 North Central Expwy</b></span><br><span style="font-size:large;"><b>Richardson, Texas</b></span></p>
<p>Click <a href="http://www.connectionsband.net/AMKflyer.pdf">here</a> for the official show poster.</p>
<p>For those on Facebook, you can find an event page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=227718710572052">here</a>. </p>
<p>Rusty will be playing with us (can you imagine him not?!). We’ll do songs from:</p>
<p><i>Chicago<br>Bill Joel<br>Stevie Wonder<br>Doobie Brothers<br>Dan Fogelberg<br>James Taylor<br>Carole King<br>Bad Company<br>Steve Miller<br>Fleetwood Mac<br>Elton John<br>Earth Wind and Fire</i><br><i>And many others…</i></p>
<p>We’ve taken the best songs you’ve heard us do in other shows, and put them together in this one show for this one special night. You won’t want to miss it.</p>
<p>Even if you don’t know Ann Michele, even if you’ve never seen Connections before, it would be a wonderful thing to have you with us, to help us support Rusty, and the whole family. We all love Rusty like a brother, and the whole family means the world to us. We would do anything for them. One thing we can do is sing.</p>
<p>And, it will be a great night of music, featuring songs you’ll want to sing along with.</p>
<p>Much thanks to Mark Vowell, and all the great folks at Spring Valley…to Clayton Oliphant and all the great folks at FUMCR…and to Todd Harris and all the great folks at Allen. Many many people are coming together to make this show a reality, and it’s lovely to see.</p>
<p>Hope to see you there.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:xx-small;">(a)our first few years, the beneficiary was “Nothing But Nets,” but both are companions in the same cause to eliminate malaria from Africa…</span>
</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit Eric’s original blog here: <a href="http://www.wheneftalks2.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.wheneftalks2.blogspot.com/</a>
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