Press Conference proceedings

A press conference was held today at Children's Home Society of West Virginia-Parkersburg site, 1739 St. Mary's Ave. (Suite 4) in the chaotic jungle of the clothing closet, and computer boneyard of the "Tinkers" computer recycling project, and the "listening room" of the vinyl record on-going sale's shop. "Tucked" away in the far corner, by the "Medusa" like strands of thousands of computer and phone cords connecting the server and internet connections, sits Steve Tuck, ready to make an announcement:
"Thank you all for coming to hear this announcement of an exciting new event sponsored by Tuck's Music Journal, and the Children's Home Society of West Virginia Parkersburg site. Most of you know we have been holding benefits for several years now to support the work of the Society here in the community with children and families. These benefits combine my fervor for live local music, particularly in the "Americana" vein, with the opportunity to let the community engage in our work with children and families, and if we're at all lucky, raise a little money. Most of these events have been local musicians paying tribute to a particular "icon" of Americana music- Johnny Cash, John Prine, people like that. I have also been gradually, slowly trying to bring some great musicians I have been in contact with to Parkersburg. Our most recent event was a Bob Dylan tribute in May, for which we had a great line up of local musicians, and had a fun time. The next event in THAT particular series, is scheduled to be October 10th the 7th (I believe its the 7th event) annual John Prine birthday tribute show. It will be at 6 Pence Pub. I am still working on a few other ideas for this year, too.
But what I am here to announce today is a brand new concept for the Americana series. In July we will be holding a first ever "Tuck's Music Journal Mid Ohio Valley Americana Music Festival for three days. This will be the line up of events:
On Tuesday, July 28th Stacey Earle and Mark Stuart will be returning to Parkersburg for a coffee house concert. Stacey and Mark came in February to play at our store front coffee house on St. Mary's Ave. They are fantastic singer songwriters, musicians, who sing great duets, have a unique guitar style, and are great storytellers and travelers and promote the Americana music all across the country and world. Their show will be at 8 pm that night at our storefront at 1739 St. Mary's Ave. Earlier that day, at 2 pm, they will be conducting a free music and songwriting workshop for the public, and particularly for some of the youth connected to our agency's programs. More details about this workshop will be provided closer to the time, but mark your calendars. Mark and Stacey are very personable folks, with a wealth of experience in music, and a great adventurer spirit of playing at all kinds of venues across the country. They are tireless performers traveling in their Suburban with over 400,000 miles on it. Visit their my space site and "twitter" about their daily adventures!!! Because they are such a treasure and opportunity to see and hear, they will be kicking off this three day festival with a great flair! On Wednesday night, July 29th, we will be having the middle day of the festival feature the showing of two documentary movies of two of the most intriguing and influential musicians in the Americana music vein. We will be showing: the Margaret Brown movie: "Be Here to Love Me"- about the life of Townes Van Zandt, and the Ganduif Hennig movie, Fallen Angel" about Gram Parsons. These movies will be shown also at our 1739 St. Mary's Ave. community center, (the third suite)- the exact starting time will be announced later, but probably 7 pm or 8 pm. We have tried some Americana music documentaries before, and liked the arrangement and set up, but wanted to revive the concept as part of this three day festival. And finally, on Thursday night, July 30th, we will be bringing back to Parkersburg the Weedhawks (from Morgantown) to perform a show at 6 Pence Pub on 7th St. in Parkersburg at 9 pm. The Weedhawks are a very energetic and entertaining duo in the Americana vein, who performed last summer for us, around this same time.
There are a few more exciting details to announce at a later time, but we wanted to get the word out about this premiere Americana festival so people could begin to share the news and get involved in the promotion and build up. I am just a few steps away from announcing a big raffle event in conjunction with this festival, that will hopefully be centered around attending the Americana Music Association annual event in Nashville in September. Details of the costs for the whole festival, or the individual events will be announced next week. The Tuck Music Journal is sponsoring this event, so that the proceeds can support the work of the Society in the Parkersburg area. Thanks for listening, and we'll be back to you soon with more details!!!!!