BETH WOOD

let’s do this!

Greetings, friends and fellow music lovers!

Well I didn’t have shows in Feb, but it was jam packed! Here’s what is coming up soon, and I hope you’ll scroll down for newsy news, show details, gratitude, random musings and pics of the cutest dog ever. 🙂

Fri, Mar 1 – Stand and Sway @ Concerts at the Barn – Kingston, WA

Sat, Mar 2 – Stand and Sway @ Chicken Barn Concert Hall – Clinton, WA

Sun, Mar 3 – Stand and Sway w/The Aurora Chorus – Portland, OR

Sat, Mar 9 – Stand and Sway @ Private House Concert – Medford, OR

Fri, Mar 15 – Little House Concert Series – Waconia, MN w/ David Stoddard

Sat, Mar 16 – Old Kitchen Rug Brewery House Concert – St Louis Park, MN w/David Stoddard

Mon, Mar 18 – Rosemary & Merity Wilson Harmony For Mayo Program – Rochester, MN

Fri, Mar 22 – Casa DeVilbiss House Concert – Colorado Springs, CO w/Edie Carey

Sat, Mar 23 – Swallow Hill – Denver, CO w/Edie Carey

Sun, Mar 24 – Little Tree Acoustic House Concerts – Lafayette, CO w/Edie Carey

Sat, Mar 30 – Stand and Sway @ Peninsula Arts Center – Long Beach, WA

Sun, Mar 31 – Stand and Sway Workshop @ Peninsula Arts Center – Long Beach, WA 

1. GRATITUDE. Thank you so much to Dan and Cheryl for hosting us in the Tiki Lounge and to all the good folks who came and made it such a fun night! 

2. THE NEWS. Well hold on folks,there is so much to tell you I hardly know where to start! Here goes…

I am still riding high on cloud 9 after the Oregon Book Awards announced that my poetry book Ladder to the Light is a finalist for the Stafford/Hall award. They held a lovely reception for the finalists last week and it was fun meeting new people and trying no to geek out seeing that little sticker on my book for the first time! It’s not too late to vote for the People’s Choice award, so please go cast your vote here if you haven’t already done so! (you can only vote once).

Speaking of books, I am so excited my third book is finally out! Thank you to Mezcalita Press for once again helping me get my musings out into the world in book form. This one is a series of funny little stories of awkward converstaions I have had at the merch table after shows. It’s called Facepalm: Stories from the Merch Table.  I have limited copies as I did a short run the first round just to make sure there weren’t any typos…but I have already ordered round 2 and it’s on its way! Here’s the link to where you can buy one my website if you are interested! I will also have them at shows to sell at…the merch table. So meta! You can also order from that big company that sells everything else — whatever works best for you. 

This month is jam packed with collaborations and fun shows! My new duo Stand and Sway with Ara Lee James Stand and Sway will be playing some wonderful listening room shows here in the NW and revisiting our collaboration with the Aurora Chorus women’s choir this month! Then I’m super excited to be playing some house concerts in Minnesota with my friend the great David Stoddard, and I’ve got three shows with the luminous Edie Cary in Colorado! Edie makes me cry every time she sings so we’ll see if I can keep it together on stage!

We had so much fun making our videos for The Rye Room Sessions! A particularly delicious bonus was that the great Anna Tivel joined us on these two songs! We are huge fans of Anna as a human and writer and singer and player and strong/tender spirit, and it was a dream to have her play and sing with us. Our song “Stand and Sway” brings poetry into the mix over intricate vocal layerings…we are excited to do more of this!

I am very excited about the teaching and workshops that are coming into my realm this year! I am offering guitar, voice, and songwriting coaching in our studio space in souteast Portland, and I’m having a blast with it. If you have any interest in one-on-one coaching, holler at me at bethwoodmusic@hotmail.com! 

I’m also thrilled and humbled to be a part of several AMAZING workshops coming up! First will be the 2nd annual Songsmith Gathering Song School in beautiful Brevard, NC May 16-17! The great Sarah Siskind and I started the song school last year, and it was magical. If you are in the southeast and you want to explore your creative side, I hope you’ll join us! Ara Lee James will also be there lending her voice and wisdom and experience to the camp. And right after song camp is the Songsmith Gathering. This year’s line-up is off the charts!

In June, Ara and I will be leading the two-day Women, Nature and Song workshop Stillpoint Farm in Veneta (outside of Eugene)! This land is sacred and peaceful and we will be sharing in the magic of supporting and learning from each other. Kathy and Gina have held many festivals and events on their beautiful land, and this will be a continuation of their work in their world to raise and strengthen women’s voices while celebrating nature, community, and creativity. Click on the link above to learn more! 

At the end of June/beginning of July, I am delighted to be leading a week-long retreat in Guanatuato, Mexico! It is called Songwriters Crossing Borders and could not be more excited to be a part of this sure to be magical experience! Also on staff will be the inspiring Chris Kokesh, Lupita Ye, Noah M and Suzan Lundy. We will explore creativity and songwriting, share and learn from each other, experience the beautiful scenery and learn about the music, ryhthms, food and culture of Mexico and more! Clich here to learn more about the Songwriters Crossing Borders retreat!

And in August, I am so exicted to be a part of the Harris Bridge Folk Festival again! Stand and Sway will be playing the festival on Friday night, and for three days leading up to the festival, the great Clara Baker and I will be leading a songwriting retreat at this unbelievably beautiful, magical setting! Clara and I both got to experience the eclipse at Harris Bridge Vineyard a couple years ago, and it was deeply moving to be in that place and experience the community they have built there. We hope you’ll join us! 

3. MARCH HAPPENINGS…Life is so uncertain, please call ahead.

Fri, Mar 1 – Stand and Sway @ Concerts at the Barn –  Kingston, WA. 28280 WA-104. (360) 271-9837. Concerts at the Barn is a beautiful venue created in the spirit of love and community. BW is thrilled to return with her new duo project Stand and Sway! Potluck from 6-7. Music starts at 7. $25 suggested donation. 

Sat, Mar 2 – Stand and Sway @ Chicken Barn Concert Hall – Clinton, WA. We are so excited for our first appearance at the Chicken Barn, a well-loved intimate venue recommended to us by our friend the great Nathaniel Talbot! 6:30 gathering, 7:30 music. $20 suggested donation. Please call or email 425 791-1192 or cflax@whidbey.net for info and reservations.

Sun, Mar 3 – Stand and Sway w/The Aurora Chorus – Portland, OR. First Congregational UCC, 1126 SW Park Ave. Stand and Sway is thrilled and honored to join The Aurora Chorus at their International Women’s day concert for another collaboration! Generation upon generation of women around the world have demanded, fought for and defended their rights to gender parity and self-determination. The struggle continues. This International Women’s Day, as Aurora Chorus honors this ongoing fight, we acknowledge and celebrate with song the courage of all women who have stepped forward, and who continue to clear the path, forging a future where equality reigns. Tickets are $12 in advance; $15 at the door. 4 pm.  

Sat, Mar 9 – Stand and Sway @ Private House Concert. 

Fri, Mar 15 – Little House Concert Series – Waconia, MN. With David Stoddard! Children welcome as long as they are old enough to remain quiet during the music. Doors at 5:30, with a potluck meal prior to the music. Concert begins at 7:00 PM. $20 suggested donation/$24 door. Please email Tim at waconiatim@gmail.com for reservations and info. 

Sat, Mar 16 – Old Kitchen Rug Brewery House Concert – St Louis Park, MN. With the great David Stoddard! $20 suggested donation/$24 door. For reservations please email alboyce@comcast.net. 

Mon, Mar 18 – Rosemary & Merity Wilson Harmony For Mayo Program – Rochester, MN. The Harmony for Mayo Program is a music series presented by Mayo Clinic Dolores Jean Lavin Center for Humanities in Medicine. These free concerts are held on Mondays from 12:00-1:00 pm in the Lips Atrium (subway level of the Charlton building). 

Fri, Mar 22 – Casa DeVilbiss House Concert – Colorado Springs, CO. With the great Edie Carey! For info and reservations please email Gary at garyc@adevtech.com. $25 suggested donation. 7 pm. 

Sat, Mar 23 – Swallow Hill – Denver, CO. 71 E Yale Ave. Founded in 1979, Swallow Hill Music began as an outgrowth of the Denver Folklore Center, a music store in Denver’s Swallow Hill neighborhood that offered music lessons and performances to the community in the 1960s and 1970s. When the Folklore Center closed temporarily in the late 1970s, a group of committed volunteers formed Swallow Hill Music as a nonprofit organization whose mission is to “bring the joy of music to life every day.” From these humble beginnings, we have grown to become a cultural asset and distinct thread in Colorado’s musical fabric. BW shares the evening with the great Edie Carey in beautiful Tuft Theatre. 7 pm doors/8 pm music. $18/$20. 

Sun, Mar 24 – Little Tree Acoustic House Concerts – Lafayette, CO. BW is thrilled to return to Little Tree with the great Edie Carey! Advanced reservations are required. Email info@LittleTreeAcoustic.com or call 303-620-6634. $25 sugguested donation. Note that this is a rare Sunday-afternoon show at Little Tree, with music starting early for us at 5pm and running right through the dinner hour, so we’ve decided to make a potluck of it. So, please, bring a dish you’re proud of, and come early and join us for a late lunch/early dinner, starting when we’ll open our doors at 4pm. With the great Edie Carey! 

Sat, Mar 30 – Stand and Sway @ Peninsula Arts Center – Long Beach, WA. 504 Pacific Avenue North. (360) 901-0962. Stand and Sway is a duo and the musical intersection of Beth Wood and Ara James. Please join us for an evening of song and musical mischief at this beautiful listening room and community arts center in Long Beach! Beer, wine, and other refreshments are available. $15. 6:30 pm doors/7 pm music.

Sun, Mar 31 – Stand and Sway Workshop @ Peninsula Arts Center – Long Beach, WA. Details TBA

Woohoo! New books are here! I just love the illustrations by Jen Blair!

oh my stars I almost fainted when I saw the sticker! 

Duuuuuuuuuude.

So excited for this workshop and love the gorgeous flyer by Laura Golden!

Snow dog!! I mean come on. Isn’t she the cutest??!

Baily Pants has been promoted to Social Media Manager for Stand and Sway. She does this most of the day…she has a hands-off approach. Work smarter, play harder, she always says! 

4. THE FUTURE…Wow, things are really heating up! I’m excited for a Texas trip in April because who doesn’t love Texas in the spring time?! We’ve got lots more Stand and Sway shows coming up and we can’t wait to release our album into the world! Thank you so much for reading, for being a part of my creative journey. I hope to see you out there on the road! With much gratitude from your fan,

Beth Wood

PO Box 10141

Portland, OR 97296

 www.bethwoodmusic.com

www.standandsway.com

Holler at me: bethwoodmusic [AT] hotmail.com

Here I am with my face on Facebook.

I barely know how to use it but I’m tryin’ on Twitter

Find me on Instagram! @bethwoodmusic.com

For the love of Pete, somebody please help me with Youtube!

Down the road a piece…

Apr 1 – Songwriters in the Round @ The Vault – Portland, OR

Apr 5 – HPPR Living Room Concerts at the Chalice – Amarillo, TX

Apr 6 – House Concert – Lake Eufala, OK w/Tom Faulkner

Apr 7 – Private House Concert – Coppell, TX

Apr 10 – The Inaugural Spirit Garden Performance Series – Wimberley, TX

Apr 11 – Pilot’s Pub House Concerts – Spicewood, TX w/Tom Faulkner

Apr 12 – House Concert – Kingwood, TX

Apr 13 – Clear Creek Harbor House Concerts – League City, TX

Apr 14 – Backyard at Gruene – Gruene, TX

Apr 22 – Oregon Book Awards Ceremony – Portland, OR

Apr 26 – Stand and Sway @ Northwind Arts Center – Port Townsend, WA

Apr 27 – House Concert – Ranier, WA

Apr 28 – Private Event

May 16-17 – Songsmith Song School – Brevard, NC

May 18 – Songsmith Gathering – Brevard, NC

May 22 – BW Birthday Celebration/Stand and Sway Album Celebration at Alberta Street Pub – Portland, OR

June 1 – House Concert – Lowell, OR

June 21 – Stand and Sway @ Tsunami Books – Eugene, OR

June 22-23 – Women Nature and Song Workshop – Veneta, OR

June 25-July 2 – Songwriters Crossing Borders Retreat – Guanajuato, Mexico

July 20 – Stand and Sway @ Hayloft Barn Concerts – Salem, OR

bring me some sunshine!

Greetings, friends and fellow music lovers!

The scent of roses wafts gently through the Portland air as I walk around the neighborhood. I’m so grateful for the weather turning and for the return of our sun! And while basking in the sun here, I’m grateful for a little down time to rest and regroup (and go fishing). All good stuff!! As always I hope you’ll scroll down for newsy news, gratitude, random pics and musings, and show details. Here’s what’s coming up:

Mon, June 5 – O’Connor’s Vault – Portland, OR w/Richard Moore & Cal Scott

Sat, June 17 – Artichoke Music – Portland, OR w/Ara Lee

Sat, June 24 – Feel Good House Concerts – Boulder, CO

Sun, July 2 – Big River Music – Creede, CO w/Bob Heminger

1. GRATITUDE…Big heapings of thanks to these fine folks for making May so wonderful: PJ, Jeff and Jeff, Steve and Peter and Ann and all at Ocean View House Concerts, Billy and Dodee and all at Blue Rock, Ara Lee, Dirje Childs, Donna and all at the wonderful Wildflower festival, Cathy & Rick, Ann & Bop and the Texas Wood family!

2. THE NEWS…Well now it is official – I have played in all 50 states! The house concert in Hawaii was so dreamy. Peter and Ann’s house sits upon vast fields of lava rock that went on and on until dropping into the ocean. It was a spectacular scene filled with warm and friendly folks and we watched the sunset together and shared in an evening of music. I have checked that one off my bucket list and I’m thinking Europe might be next…stay tuned!

In creative news, my 20/20 project is going strong! In case you haven’t heard, I am releasing 20 new works this year in honor of my 20 years in music. The 20/20 project is a subcription service to receive those new works. (Think of it like a CSA for music!) I have released 7 songs so far and shared 2 poems for mother’s day. I’m starting to map out how the rest of the year will look and I am having so much fun sharing my new creations with you! If you wnat to learn more, check it out here.

I’m excited for two local shows coming up here in Portland! On Monday I will be playing the songwriters-in-the-round series with Richard Moore and Cal Scott at O’Connor’s. This is the last show before they take a hiatus from the series..so I’m sure it will be a fun one. The bad news is it’s already sold out but the good news is that I’ve got a show coming up at beloved Artichoke Music with the great Ara Lee!! Ara and I have been collaborating lately and the result is so magical. So Portland peeps, I hope you’ll join us at Artichoke on June 17!

I’m super excited for a trip to Colorado at the end of June. Colorado in the summer is one of my favorite things in the world. I can’t wait to play at Feel Good House Concerts (well, backyard concerts, really!) hosted by wonderful musician and human Lisa Bell. I met Lisa several years ago at a conference and was blown away by her voice and her artistry and her warm spirit. If you live anywhere near Boulder, come join us on June 24! And finally after some family reunion and fly-fishing time, I will be playing in Creede with my friend, brilliant saxaphonist and human Bob Hemenger! I am SO stoked for this show!!

3. TOUR DATES…Life is so uncertain – please call ahead!

Mon, June 5 – O’Connor’s Vault – Portland, OR. In the round w/Richard Moore & Cal Scott. This show is SOLD OUT…woop! Thank you to Matt Miner, Cal Scott and Richard Moore for many great years of this wonderful series.

Sat, June 17 – Artichoke Music – Portland, OR. w/Ara Lee. 3130 SE Hawthorne Blvd. 503-232-8845. Artichoke Music is a 40-year-old nonprofit music community center. We develop and support musicians, attract and educate audiences, and create a connected community of acoustic music lovers of all ages and backgrounds. Artichoke Music is an integral part of the creative community of musicians in Portland, Oregon and in the Pacific Northwest. BW plays the Artichoke Back Stage with the great Ara Lee! This will be your last chance to see BW at Artichoke before it moves to the new space. $15. 8 pm. 

Sat, June 24 – Feel Good House Concerts – Boulder, CO. “Feel Good” hosts singer-songwriters from across the country in Boulder. Each of the concerts features live original music by musicians who aspire to make the world a better place through their music and messages. These house and backyard concerts (in season) are a great way to meet new like-minded friends and develop a thoughtful and positive community. The great Lisa Bell opens. $20 suggested donation. 7:30 pm.  

Sun, July 2 – Big River Music – Creede, CO. w/Bob Heminger. Join us for a listening room concert at Big River Music in beautiful downtown Creede!! With the great Bob Hemenger on saxaphone! $10. 

Woohoo, we did it!! my bestie and I  ran the Avenue of the Giants Half Marathon in northern CA among the redwood trees. it was spectular and we got in the car and drove 9 hours home right after which in hindsight probably wasn’t a good idea… but somehow we can’t wait to do it again!

working on my set list for the house concert in Hawaii…sigh…

this was the Ocean View house concert pre-game shot…you can kinda see the fields of lava in the background

hawaii sunset…sigh…

our favorite bar in kailua-kona

the scene outside my window at Blue Rock…sigh…

the wildflower festival in richardson, tx sets aside its most beautiful performing arts center stage just for us singer-songwriters. i love it there.

however they have really weird pre-show rules…

one of my favorite moments backstage right after rehearsing ‘easy on me’ with RJ Cowdery and Ara Lee…

and after the wildflower festival my bro took me to see U2 in houston. it was a profound and amazing experience for many reasons… they scrolled poetry on the giant screen before the show. those four friends have been making music together for over 30 years and that in itself is amazing. and the music rose up and reminded me of what it meant to me the first time I heard it. Magic!

4. THE FUTURE…Oh this summer I am looking forward to some down time! Fishing and picnicking and playing tennis and hiking and reconnecting with all that makes me fee alive. I’m feeling the burn from all of this criss-crossing the country so I think a little time at home this summer is just what I need. I hope you have a little down-time to enjoy the beautiful summer that is ahead of us. And I hope you know how grateful I am for you!! With much gratitude from your fan,

Beth Wood

World Headquarters: PO Box 10141, Portland, OR 97296

 www.bethwoodmusic.com

Holler at me: bethwoodmusic [AT] hotmail.com

Here I am with my face on Facebook.

I barely know how to use it but I’m tryin’ on Twitter

Find me on Instagram! @bethwoodmusic.com

For the love of Pete, somebody please help me with Youtube!

Down the road a piece…

Jul 2 – Big River Music – Creede, CO

Jul 29 – Pederson Backyard Concert -Colorado Springs, CO

Aug 4 – Home By Dark – Alpharetta, GA

Aug 5 – Home By Dark – Alpharetta, GA

Aug 12 – Eurosports Beer Garden – Bend, OR

Aug 13 – Paradise House Concert -Estacada, OR

Aug 19 – Harris Bridge Winery – Philomath, OR

Sep 2 – Juniper Jam – Enterprise, OR

Hello, May…

Wednesday May 3, 2017

Greetings, friends and fellow music lovers!

Can you believe that autumn is upon us? The leaves are already starting to change here and things are getting outrageously beautiful! And September was outrageously awesome. Here’s what’s coming up. As usual, I hope you’ll scroll down for gratitude, news, musings, random photos, and show details!

Fri, Oct 7 – Lincoln City Cultural Center – Lincoln City, OR
Sat, Oct 8 – Pistol River Concert Series – Pistol River, OR
Wed, Oct 12 – Sun, Oct 16 – FAR-West Conference – Bellevue, WA
Thu, Oct 20 – The Purple Onion – Saluda, NC
Fri, Oct 21 – Private House Concert – Cary, NC
Sat, Oct 22 – Private House Concert – Cary, NC
Sun, Oct 23 – The Rooster’s Wife – Aberdeen, NC
Fri, Oct 28 – O’Connor’s Vault – Portland, OR
Sat, Oct 29 – FARM Conference – Iowa City, IA

1. GRATITUDE. Oh, how full and beautiful September was! Special thank yous to all of these folks who made it wonderful: Angela and all at Silvan Ridge Winery; Ann & all at Art In The Pearl; Brad, Tom, Sean, Laura, Jaimee, Jack, Anna, Dennis, Teachey, Kathy, Benji, Patrick, Brent, Dave, Kyle, and everyone at the Sisters Americana Song Academy..best year yet! Thank yous to Brad and all at Sisters Folk Festival for trusting me with Sunday morning’s community show, to Joe Werne and everyone at Little Tree; T, Gia & Chris, Doug & Maggie and everyone at Five Points Live!; to Jill and all at Wild Bear Mountain Ecology Center; to the folks at The Carousel of Happiness for staying open late just for us; to Joe & Donna and freinds; and to Bill & Sue and all at Peninsula Arts Center

2. THE NEWS.  I am still flying high from wonderful September. Being a part of the Sisters Folk Festival and Americana Song Academy contintues to be a joy in my life, a gift that keeps on giving by breathing life into my creative dreams and helping me feel connected to an amazing community. This year was beyond wonderful. There are some great pics from the fest if you’d like to see, just click here.

And I love this video put together by the folks at The Oregon Daily Upload about the Americana Song Academy, starring our friend Richey Bellinger and many more! If you’ve ever wondered what “song camp” was about, watching this video is a great place to start.

The news is that this will be a very busy fall with lots of comings and goings, and I feel blessed by it all. I’m excited to do some shows close to home, then head back over to my beloved southeast for a few. I get to attend two regional Folk Alliance conferences… FAR-West in Bellingham, WA and FARM in Iowa City, IA with my buddy David Stoddard. And I’m really excited to share the stage with the great Anne Weiss here in my new hometown. WOOP!

I love all the bird songs y’all have told me about at shows…I hope you’ll keep those ideas coming! You can always email them to me at bethwoodmusic@hotmail.com if you are so inspired!

And in other news, I got a new (to me) car!! The trusty ol’ Honda had over 200k miles, and the transmission kept growling at me, so it was definitely time! I am so excited for this new chapter. She is a 2013 Kia Rio, and I have named her Sophia. I have a strong feeling she will be a fabulous tour vehicle! I’ve also promised myself to keep her clean and shiny, we’ll see how long that lasts. 🙂

3. OCTOBER HAPPENINGS…Life is so uncertain, please call ahead!

Fri, Oct 7 – Lincoln City Cultural Center – Lincoln City, OR. 540 NE Hwy 101. 541-994-9994. BW returns to the beautiful Lincoln City Cultural Center! $15 in advance; $17 at the door. $2 discount for LCCC members.

Sat, Oct 8 – Pistol River Concert Series – Pistol River, OR. 541-247-2848. 24252 Carpenterville Rd. The Pistol River Concert Association is a registered, non-profit, member based, Oregon corporation with an all volunteer, twelve member Board of Directors. Concerts are presented once a month throughout the year and with enthusiastic community support, the down-home flavor of the Pistol River Friendship Hall. $15. Tickets available online or at Gold Beach Books (541-247-2495) or Wright’s Custom Framing in Brookings (541-469-7900).

Wed, Oct 12 – Sun, Oct 16 – FAR-West Conference – Bellevue, WA. Folk Alliance Region West (FAR-West) is the western region of Folk Alliance International including in the USA: California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Alaska and Hawaii, and in Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon and Northwest Territories. We host an annual four day conference open to artists, presenters and supporters. FAR-West’s ongoing mission (since 2002) is to foster and promote traditional, contemporary and multicultural folk music, dance, storytelling and related performing arts in the West.

Thu, Oct 20 – The Purple Onion – Saluda, NC. 828-749-1179. 16 Main Street Saluda, NC. The Purple Onion was conceived by two sisters in 1998 who envisioned a gathering place which would reflect the gracious casual pace which has characterized Saluda for years; a third place, a neutral place away from home or work for friends and family to come together for good food, good conversation and live music. Located in Historic Saluda, with outdoor dining available and live music on Thursday and Saturday night, The Purple Onion features a variety of ethnically inspired dishes with an emphasis on the Mediterranean’s simple and healthful cuisine. Music at 7:30 pm.

Fri, Oct 21 – Private House Concert – Cary, NC

Sat, Oct 22 – Private House Concert – Cary, NC

Sun, Oct 23 – The Rooster’s Wife – Aberdeen, NC. 114 Knight St. 910-944-7502. The Rooster’s Wife is a private non-profit association organized to celebrate the performing arts in Aberdeen, North Carolina. Created to serve the community by preserving our cultural heritage and presenting the talent of the next generation, the Rooster’s Wife is committed to offering affordable programs for every age to enjoy. Co-bill with the great David Jacobs-Strain. Tickets are $12 adv/$15 door. 6:46 pm!

Fri, Oct 28 – O’Connor’s Vault – Portland, OR. 7850 SW Capital Highway. Venue phone: 503-244-1690. Matt Miner Presents: A co-bill evening with Anne Weiss and BW! 8 pm.   

Sat, Oct 29 – FARM Conference – Iowa City, IA. Folk Alliance Region Midwest (FARM) is a regional chapter of Folk Alliance International (FAI). Our purposes are to promote traditional, contemporary and multi-cultural folk music and dance and related performing arts in our region, hold an annual regional conference, represent the interests of our members to FAI and carry out such other projects as are of benefit to FAI members in the Midwest. BW & David Stoddard will perform an official showcase.

the glazed look of bliss and sleep deprivation on our last night at Sisters Americana Song Academy…with Brad Tisdel and Pete & Mike from Good Time Travelers…

 I got to do my own set at Sisters Folk Festival in a gorgeous listening venue that used to be a church..the Belfry. Joined on a few songs by my amazingly talented  friends  Ara Lee (below) and Kathryn Claire…I was so honored to share the stage with these women who elevated my music to a new place! It was a glorious day!

 I can’t get enough of singing with these amazing beams of light! 

 As usual, the Sunday Community Celebration at Sisters Folk Festival was off the charts awesome!! It felt like church in that tent and for two hours we celebrated, danced, sang, laughed, cried, and our hearts were opened! Here we are doing our opening song, “Get You A Healin’ “by Paul Thorn…thanks to Rad, Naomi & Rob, Ara, Kathryn, Benji, Patrick and Shireen for being my kick-ass pop-up band!

 Dude. Seriously. I can’t even wrap my head around the greatness…

 Joe Werne, I love this! Can I have one for my house?? 🙂

 Little Tree Acoustic Concerts was wonderful..a back yard full of warm and generous people on a gorgeous September Colorado evening. Thank you, Joe for sharing these awesome pics!

 I’m having so much fun sharing my poetry these days!

 I thought I was in heaven when I saw this book before my gig at the Wild Bear Mountain Ecology Center. I wonder what their Ten Commandments are.

 had a little help with soundcheck from a teenage mutant ninja turtle

 ahhhh…the gorgous Peninsula Arts Center..I love it here!

And now for a bit of bird geekery: I took my folks to see the Vaux Swifts at the Chapman school here in Portland…it’s a thing! Every evening in early fall around sunset they amass by the thousands and swirl down into this chimney in a great turning tornado of birdy-ness. It was spectactular! 

aaaaaaaaaaand…drumroll please…..meet my new car, Sophia!! With 201,ooo She’s a beaut! I love her so much I have started inventing reasons to run errands around town. 

4. THE FUTURE. Next month I am SO excited to head to the Moab Folk Festival for the first time!! I have been hearing wonderful things for years and I finally get to go!! And the same goes for Fischer Fest in TX. My cup runneth over!!

As I round third base on this year, I feel so very blessed and supported in my path. Thank you for being a part of that, for supporting my live shows and CDs an poetry, for reading this silly newsy news. I hope to see you out there on the road very soon! With much gratitude from your fan,

World Headquarters: PO Box 10141, Portland, OR 97296

www.bethwoodmusic.com

Holler at me: bethwoodmusic [AT] hotmail.com

Here I am with my face on Facebook.

I barely know how to use it but I’m tryin’ on Twitter

Find me on Instagram! @bethwoodmusic.com

For the love of Pete, somebody please help me with Youtube!

Down the road a piece…

11.4 Moab Folk Festival – Moab, UT

11.5 Moab Folk Festival – Moab, UT

11.9 Pagosa Springs Workshop & Concert – Pagosa Springs, CO

11.10 The Living Room at The Line – Richardson, TX

11.11 Fischer Fest – Fischer, TX

11.12 Russ & Julie’s House Concerts – Oak Park, CA

11.13 The Cellar Sessions – Pasadena, CA

11.16 Wine and Song Series -Pasadena, CA

12.9 Eugene Songwriters Benefit for Egan Warming Center – Eugene, OR

1.6 Chosen Bean Concert Series – Chatfield, MN

1.7 Acoustic Renaissance at UU of Hinsdale – Hinsdale, IL

1.9 Harmony at Mayo – Rochester, MN

Sun, May 3 – Patrick’s Place Music Series – Coppell, TX

Wed, May 6 – Axe & Fiddle -Cottage Grove, OR

Sat, May 9 – Rogue Valley Roots Festival – Ashland, OR

Sun, May 10 – Rogue Valley Roots Festival – Ashland, OR

Sat, May 16 – Peninsula Arts Center – Long Beach, WA

Fri, May 29 – University Club – Albany, NY

Sat, May 30 – Private House Concert – West Chester, PA

Sun, May 31 – Artsville NY House Concert – Brooklyn, NY

June 4-8 – Wood and Stone Songwriting Retreat – Crisfield, MD

1. GRATITUDE…Um, wow. So many wonderful folks helped me have an awesome April! Special thanks to my band (Tyler Fortier, Peter Perdichizzi, Milo Fultz, Merlin Showalter, Erik Berg-Johansen and Erin Flood-Fortier) for bringing it big time. Thanks to Axe & Fiddle, O’Connor’s Vault and Matt Miner, Richard Moore & Cal Scott, to the Mazenko family, Lynn & Terry & Lynn & Brenda, Chris at Southwest baggage services at Jacksonville airport, Craig & Alexa & Gayle, Jessica and everyone at the Barnacle State Park, Keith, the Oxford-Pickerals, Steve and Debbie Gibson and all the Avalonians, the Howe family, Jim and all at the MCL Grand Theater, Tom Faulkner and Michael Hearne, Bill & Micki, Jerry & Pam, and Matthew and Tweed for the inspiration.

2. THE NEWS…Friends, there are a few spots left at the Wood and Stone Retreat that is happening June at beautiful Jane’s Island State Park in Crisfield, MD. I am absolutey thrilled to have been invited to be a part of this year’s fun along with founders Jen & Scott Smith (Naked Blue) and Phil Madeira. (Phil and I wrote “To Get To Zero” together…how fun is that??! Who knows, maybe we’ll write some more!)  Check out the Wood and Stone Retreat here!

May is loaded up with wonderful shows! I am so thrilled to be sharing the stage again with the great Tom Faulkner at the final concert at Brazos Valley House Concerts! Ok here’s a Brag Alert, y’all: this wonderful concert series was started by my parents and their friends to bring music out to PK Lake. They have hosted wonderful shows that enriched the community and supported touring artists for the last five years. I gotta admit, I’m really proud of them for putting their beliefs and values into action, and I’m super excited to play the final show of the series! There are a few spots left– email Bob at bob@abwoodpk.com for info and reservations. And then it’s off to Coppell to Patrick’s Place Music Series to make up for our show that got iced out a couple winters ago! This Sunday afternoon show will be in a lovely garden setting and all ages are welcome!

I’m super excited to play at Axe & Fiddle again this month.. this time solo acoustic as a co-bill with the wonderful duo Freddy and Francine. I met these guys in California and was instantly blown away by their harmonies and awesome stage presence! I secretly want to be the third member of their duo.

I was thrilled to get the call from Ben at Gaia Concerts to be a part of the very firstRogue Valley Roots Festival in Ashland, OR on Mother’s Day weekend! The line up for this festival is out-of-this-world awesome. Peter Rowan, Shook Twins, Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen, The Dustbowl Revival, Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys, Liz Longley, Honey Whiskey Trio, Anne & Pete Sibley, Misner & Smith, Anthony D’Amato and lil ol’ me! I will be opening the festival on Saturday and also hosting the community hour concert on Sunday, where we will celebrate mothers and women and life and music and community…I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather be!

And I was thrilled to be invited to perform at the Peninsula Arts Center in Long Beach, WA before heading off to the northeast for a few wonderful shows at theUniversity Club in Albany, a house concert inWest Chester, PA and and Artsville NY House Concert in Brooklyn!

Here’s an awesome video that Marty took of our band playing “Uncover You” at the Axe & Fiddle! Brought me back to the good old Atlanta days when I played with my band of redheads! 🙂

Well, my guitar and I had a scare there in Jacksonville! After being rerouted due to weather to St Louis, back to Chicago, through Nashville and finally to Jacksonville, my guitar apparently did not take the same journey that I did. But here’s the beautiful part. I put out the call and within minutes, I had a beautiful Martin guitar to borrow for my house concert that night, thanks to Lynn and Lynn and Brenda and their generous neighbor John. And then dear friends Scott and Michelle Dalzieldrove up to the house concert and brought me a capo and some hugs. And lo and behold, Chris from Southwest Airlines baggage office in Jacksonville tracked down my guitar and had it delivered to my hotel to be waiting for me when I got back that night. It was scary but also a beautiful lesson in reaching out for help and trusting that the universe will provide. Good stuff!!

3. MAY SHOWS. Life is so uncertain. Please call ahead!

Sat, May 2 – Brazos Valley House Concerts – Graford, TX. This is the grand finale of this long running house concert series at The Cliffs. With the great Tom Faulkner! For info, reservations and directions, please contact Bob at bob@abwoodpk.com. Suggested donation $15-$20. 7:30 pm. 

Sun, May 3 – Patrick’s Place Music Series – Coppell, TX. Concert will be held at Patrick’s Place Garden, Church of the Apostles, 322 S. MacArthur Blvd. In lieu of tickets, donations are accepted at the door (suggested donation $15). All proceeds go to the performer. For information: patricksplacemusic@gmail.com. 3 pm. All ages welcome.

Wed, May 6 – Axe & Fiddle -Cottage Grove, OR. 657 East Main St. Another great night at the Axe & Fiddle! BW will play a solo set. This evening is a co-bill with the incredible duo Freddy & Francine!  $7. 8:30 pm.

Sat, May 9 & Sun, May 10 – Rogue Valley Roots Festival – Ashland, OR.At Southern Oregon University Music Hall, 405 South Mountain Ave. For info call 541-708-0715. The GAIA Project presents the “Rogue Valley Rootsfest 2015,” a weekend long boutique festival celebrating American Roots Music. Eleven nationally and regionally known performers will be producing some of the best Roots music this side of the Mississippi! Included in the line up are past GRAMMY winners and nominees and current GRAMMY nominees. Festival line up includes: Peter Rowan, Shook Twins, Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen, The Dustbowl Revival, Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys, Liz Longley, Honey Whiskey Trio, Anne & Pete Sibley, Misner & Smith, Anthony D’Amato and BW!! Because the festival falls on Mother’s Day weekend, we have something special planned for the mothers and wives in the audience. BW opens the festival at noon on Saturday and hosts the community hour on Sunday morning!

Sat, May 16 – Peninsula Arts Center – Long Beach, WA. 504 Pacific Ave N. The Long Beach Acoustic Music Series presents the best and brightest in the Northwest music scene in an intimate house-concert-style setting with professional production and staging at the Peninsula Arts Center on Pacific Avenue in Long Beach. The Peninsula Arts Center is a Fair Trade Music venue. Tickets are $12 at the door. We take cash, credit cards, and checks. Wine, beer, and other refreshments are available for purchase. Concerts benefit the Long Beach Peninsula Acoustic Music Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization. 7 pm. 

Fri, May 29 – University Club – Albany, NY. 141 Washington Ave. The University Club of Albany was founded in 1901 by prominent citizens of the Albany area in order to “establish and maintain assembly rooms, promote social activities among the members and cultivate and maintain university spirit in the City of Albany.” More than one hundred years later, the history and tradition endures. The University Club continues to attract the best and brightest from all walks of life and to offer services and facilities that respond to the current social and business needs of a diverse and unique membership. This concert is a fundraiser for repairs to the National-Register listed University Club building! All are welcome! $25. 7 pm. 

Sat, May 30 – Private House Concert – West Chester, PA

Sun, May 31 – Artsville NY House Concert – Brooklyn, NY. Artsville hosts intimate live music experiences called house concerts. Tickets available now on the Artsville NY website! (You get the secret address when you buy a ticket. Seating is limited.) Tickets are $15. Doors at 7:30 pm. Music at 8:00 pm.

June 4-8 – Wood and Stone Songwriting Retreat – Crisfield, MD. Jane’s Island State Park. The Wood and Stone Songwriting Retreat was dreamed up by musicians Scott & Jen Smith (of the duo Naked Blue) to continue and celebrate the learning and community that takes place in their Baltimore studio. Every June, Scott & Jen host their Songwriting Retreat at Jane’s Island State Park in Crisfield, MD, as well as assorted Day Workshops in a variety of convenient locations. BW is thrilled to be a part of this year’s retreat along with Scott, Jen, and the great Phil Madeira. Let the fun begin!! Info about registration is here:http://www.woodandstoneretreat.com/registration_info.html

4. CUTE PICS AND STUFF

Dude. Our band show at Axe & Fiddle was EPIC!! Thanks to this amazing band and all the awesome folks who rocked out with us!

We had so much fun at the Songwriters in the Round show at O’Connor’s Vault! Richard Moore and Cal Scott sure know how to crack me up. 🙂 Thanks Charles Perry for the great shots! 

 Well here we are…reunited! Whew. That was a close one! I wonder what my guitar did on his 24 hour walkabout?

This was my morning view in Miami. Thanks to brotha Keith for letting me stay on his boat!

 The “before” pic of our show at the MCL Grand Theater in Lewisville. It is truly grand.

It was an absolute dream to share the stage with Tom Faulkner and Michael Hearne. I had to pinch myself several times. Lots of really nice folks braved a stormy night to come out and be with us. I think we are going to call our band Song Sammich. Thanks Gary Busk for the photos! 

 the “after” pic!

My point of view at Concerts at Our House in Seattle. Note the cupholder on the mic stand. This is a first class place! 🙂 What an amazing night we had..thank you Bill and Micki!

And this is the view behind me at the Words and Music series in Vaughn, WA. Absolutely took my breath away! Thankfully I got it back in time to sing some songs…

Thank you Ken Johnson for sharing this artsy shot from Words and Music!

 This was happening in my neighborhood one morning recently.

Timber and Coda update: they are still very, very cute. 🙂 

5. THE FUTURE…This summer I am giving myself the gift of returning to Lyons, CO for Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Song School! I can’t wait for some time there by the river to write and connect with good friends! And let’s be honest, I will have to do some fishing, too. 🙂 There is so much great stuff happening that sometimes I have to pinch myself that I get to do this for my job. It is only possible because of YOU, dear Reader. Thank you for cheering me on and for supporting my musical journey! Hope to see you down the road.  Your fan,

World Headquarters: www.bethwoodmusic.com

Holler at me: bethwoodmusic [AT] hotmail.com

Here I am on Facebook.

I barely know how to use it but I’m tryin’ on Twitter

Does anyone go to Myspace anymore? Seriously. I haven’t been there in years. I think I just saw a tumbleweed.

For the love of Pete, somebody please help me with Youtube!