John Prine Birthday Tribute - less than two weeks away

The two week count down begins for the 6th Annual John Prine birthday tribute here in the Mid Ohio Valley (Parkersburg WV). These events are a benefit fundraiser for Children's Home Society of WV, and our work here locally with area children and families. We provide a wide array of services and assistance to many, many families across a spectrum of pre-natal, infant, school age, adolescent, and youth transitioning into adulthood. Most of our funding for the work we do comes from government contracts, also government and private foundation grants. We do such a wide variety of things, and work very hard to "fill in the cracks" for local families, that a lot of what we do is not "covered" by these sources. Thus we seek support from the community. Our agency is over 110 years old, and is statewide (having 12 sites around the state). We are proud of our local site, its one of the most vibrant, community-responsive sites of the agency. We have had a legacy of being innovative in our response to community identified needs, and energetic in bringing programs up to operation, and adapting things as we go along, and adapt to changing governmental funding priorities. We have a particular focus in our low income neighborhood where we are located, and try to be a positive presence and support for the residents of this neighborhood. These live music fund raisers, that are all gathered under the concept of Americana Music Series, support this work we do. Over the past 6 years, many have been "busts" with little money raised, many have been "passable" as fund raisers, but collectively they have made a significant difference, in our ability to continue to provide the help and support the families we work with need. We have also, with these live music shows, tried to build a little "community" itself, among music fans in the area, and each time, we are heartened by the enthusiasm and enjoyment folks get out of getting together around music. Your ideas and support are important, and valued, please stay in communication!
Anyway, the show is: Friday, October 10th, starting around 8 pm, $5 donation at the door. This event is going to be at the 5th St. Pub (can you guess its on 5th St.???) I think the address is in the 300 block. You can park at the United Bank lot after hours I think with no problem. There are other creative parking options in downtown Parkersburg at night; depending on what way you are headed afterwards!!! Scott, at the 5th St. Pub, is trying to build up his music venue, and so graciously agreed to give this a try. Those of you who have been around the Series, know I have been through a little chaos with venues in recent months, which I won't go into. We'll see how this one goes; what the reaction is, and go from there.
The musicians, the backbone of the series, are getting pretty well lined up. They are a stellar crew, though it kinda ebbs and flows. The Sound guys (JT and Cory) will be making the switch to the new venue with us, so we hope it sets up all right with them. They are troupers, who often get taken for granted, unless there are problems!!!
Musicians play a set of songs, 45 minutes or so. I intersperse the transitions with door prizes and attempts at contests, and announcements about upcoming events, and such.
This John Prine tribute is the longest running event; my personal favorite of course. I got this started before the others, just out of personal interest in giving such an event a try. Undoubtedly I stole the idea, but can't remember the details. Obviously, since, I've found out that there are similar events around the country; thanks to the fantastic website: www.jpshrine.org
The Johnny Cash tribute we hold in February, may have surpassed the JOhn Prine tribute in terms of community response and turnout, and that is understandable, in terms of Johnny Cash's more famous story, but the tried and true Prine fans, still quietly enjoy this one. Last year we gave away tickets to see John PRine in Charleston in December at this event; nothing quite so spectacular this year, but Becky McCrady will fondly recall her "first time winning something this good."
Contact me with any questions; please talk it up; and we'll be given a few more updates as the event approaches.