Newsletter

   The news is a little late this month.  I find myself swamped with music chores and related items.  In between, we managed to watch LSU win the College World Series, which was just a blast of a time!  It’s great, during the dog days of summer, to have a little more time and passion with local sports.  One of the great things about the South, with all its purported economic and dietary (hehe) woes, is athletics; and being around here when LSU is winning is hard to beat.  Of course, us Southerners don’t buy into all the bad press.  And… I’m ready for some football now! 

It’s been dry here for some time (if you are reading this from afar).  My yard is struggling, but I’m keeping the gardens and plants happy with extra watering.  I didn’t plant anything this year, so I’m thinking of looking at some fall color to put in the ground in a few weeks. 

Business is really going well, with a ton of private parties, many of which I haven’t been able to do.  I’m flattered to be requested and recommended so much, lately.  The compliments after have been very fulfilling, too.  I feel I’ve really made some good contacts and friends in this business, of late.  And, I think I’m helping lots of other musicians get out there and perform. 

Looking back at June:  the gig with Chris LeBlanc at Onezia went tremendously well.  So much so, that we hope to line that up again – maybe in July.  My calendar will change a lot, so keep logging in to www.kirkholder.com to see any changes and special gigs.  Opening for Long Neck Society was an honor.  Strange feeling, for me, on a big stage – hope I can do that for them again. 

On July 3, I was lucky to be able to take the night off and listen to John Fohl at On the Half Shell, Prairieville.  He is one class musician!  I hope we’ll be able to get him back up here, but he is in high demand, and touring with Dr. John often.  I’m excited to be able to get some New Orleans musicians over this way for some shows at clubs I’m booking.  I’ll keep you posted about those – for instance, Brint Anderson is coming to OTHS P’ville on July 25.  Great blues guitarist!  One of my goals is to have Dave Malone of the Radiators and John Fohl together – maybe Spencer Bohren, too. 

The Elvis and Jesse show is coming up, and I’ve had to hold my enthusiasm for a bit.  We are unable to lock in a venue, just yet, that is meeting the standard we have set for that show.  We are unable to get back in Sullivan’s.  And the Varsity in BR could not work out a deal with us.  This is all because the ABC Board is causing such difficulty for bars/restaurants in BR, with its ridiculous alcohol restrictions.  No one there wants any attention drawn to themselves, being open and serving on a Sunday.  We have always had a Sunday show, because it works out for so many of our friends to attend.  Why it’s different this year I have no idea.  This year, Elvis’ date of passing falls on a Sunday, so the show is probably gonna be on Sunday, Aug. 16.  We will likely do it in Ascension Parish, which has no such restrictions.  There are still some options and we will get this all decided and rolling, soon!  Keep checking here, please, because it’s THE show of the year!!

OK, here is some news – Thursday, July 9, I do my first monthly show at Sullivan’s Ringside, in BR.  I’ve lined up one of these a month through the end of 2009, and I’ll be jamming with my good friends at each gig.  Matt Doran, Chad Braud, and Dan Bourgeois will round out the lineup, and we might see a few friends join in.  I’m hoping to pick up some new (yet old) dance material that suits my tastes (or lack thereof… hehe).   I think we’ll have some good vocals going, and these guys are all very talented instrumentalists.  No cover at Sullivan’s.  We could use some support, because I want to be able to keep a good band gig going, like we used to have at Superior Grill. 

I’m doing a private party on July 11 with Phat Hat.  This may be the first of other opportunities with this group.  They already have a wonderful singer, but I can fill in, if I do a good job this time.  And, that is always a good jam.  Phat Hat has many great players, and is a great party band.  Also, I’m doing my yearly gig in Grand Isle for the Louisiana Dental Association’s fishing rodeo.  That’s a good gig, and I always get tons of raw shrimp and fish in a big cooler to take home and cook! 

Thanks for the support at all my gigs.  Life is good and I’m lucky to have your help and friendship in all I do.  I’m so proud and lucky to be an American.  I’m always tempted to write my political thoughts, especially, around Indpendence Day.  I’ll just say I just listened to a WWII vet tell his story of landing on D-day.  Made me cry to think how many gallant men and women serve and have served in the US Military, and have stories of pain, battle, survival and triumph.  They are the best, and many are coming home now.  Don’t forget them and make sure you acknowledge their return and the pride we have in them.  I’m yet to have a long visit with Sgt. Clay Jenkins, but I’m glad you are home, buddy.  God Bless the USA and ya’ll keep your eyes open – don’t be so tempted to believe the government can run anything better than the private sector can.  I think I’ll tell my representatives that we’ll look at national health care if they will relinquish their own coverage and sign up! 

There’s a ton of fun left in summer.  I’ve gotta get to learning some songs for the gigs this week.  I hope we get some rain!  I hope things are going well for you.  If a song or two and a cold drink will help things along, come out and sit a spell with me.