Archives: September 2002

Ryan Adams two days ago at the tiny little Granada Theater. America in four days at the big Texas State Fair. What a great concert week.

KevinS.

Thanks for the great review, Kim. If they didn't play the "long set" it sounds to me like they played most of the songs that are in the current set list. The "other" sound guy that you were referring to is Bill Crook. Both he and Pete DO work a lot to make the concerts what they are. Hat's off to both of them! Enjoy the Dallas show on Friday.

Yup, Amazon has shipped my 1st batch of copies. HOLIDAY HARMONY will make great xmas gifts. CHRISTMAS IN CALIFORNIA, song of the year !

Well, my husband and I made the trek to San Antonio for the concert Friday night and had an absolutely wonderful time. We left for SA early in the morning and got in about noon. After checking into our hotel we walked over to the downtown area and went through the Alamo (which is right in the heart of downtown)and then strolled the riverwalk. The riverwalk is also in downtown and is actually below street level. Most of the river walk is lined w/ restaurant's, bars and hotels, but it is done in such a way that there is lots of landscaping, arched rock bridges to get you from one side of the river to the other and is really quite lovely. The water you see from Gerry's VFTHW looks like a portion of the river walk to me and you can see people walking along the side of it.

According to our tickets the doors to the concert opened at 7:00 p.m., so about 6:30 we walked over to Sunset Station and found a line of about 30 people already there. (As all the seats were general admission I wanted to be sure we got a good seat!) We also found a sign saying the show wouldn't start until 9:30 pm. We were able to get 2nd row center seats and while waiting the 2-1/2 hrs for the show met a nice couple from SA who were amazed we had made the trip from Fort Worth for an America show. The concert was held in The Pavilion which is an outdoor stage and seating area that is covered. They pulled up to Sunset Station about 8:30 in vans and we could see them going back and forth from the stage to a waiting area. The guys came on at 9:30 to lots of cheers and whistles and launched right into Riverside. They played for an hour and a half and the set included Wheels Turning (which I had never heard live before and was awesome), The Border and Hangover. By the time they got through with Sandman people were on their feet, cheering. The sound was pretty good, thought it was sometimes hard to understand what Gerry or Dewey was saying. I attribute a lot of that to misting fans that were being used to keep the crowd cool (it was in the 90's), people ordering drinks at the bar and a lot of fan enthusiasm. One thing Gerry did mention was that they had a 5:00 a.m. flight out the next morning which meant an "all nighter" for the guys. That early flight also precluded any autographs from being signed. Anyway, we had a great time and I was able to take a bunch of pictures. If any turned out ok I'll try and get a few to Steve. My only disappointment is that they didn't play the long set. I was really hopeful they would as they were the only group on the bill and that was one reason we decided to make the trip. Oh well, I guess I'm greedy!

Oh, one more thing my hat's off to Pete and the other sound guy (can't remember his name). They both were there at 7:00 when we got there, and were still there at 11:30 tearing things down when we left. They must work a lot of hours and yet I saw Pete take time to talk to several fans and give a couple of kids picks.

Now I only have 4 days to wait until I get to see them Friday at the State Fair in Dallas. I am taking my kids to this one. They are only playing one show at 8:30 - maybe I'll get lucky and they'll play the long set there!
Kim

How sweet! Gerry and Dewey sure make an inpact on youngsters. My six year old nephew ("almost" seven, thank you) still talks about his America concerts and the waves he got from the stage, and his conversations with the guys! He really loves their music, and has trained his little sister("almost" 4) to ask for America songs whenever she gets in my car!

Recieved my copies of "Holiday Harmony" today,even though the official release date is tomorrow. I suspect we'll do well with this disk when we get closer to the Holidays. Disk doesn't come in the traditional Jewel case packaging,but rather the cardboard gatefold type. Bright & colorful in its look,and a nice shot of Gerry & Dewey on the back cover. Produced,engineered and arranged by Andrew Gold.
Seasons greetings a bit early,hope you all can find your own copy without alot of hassle!

I receive messages from America fans all over the world and some of them are so good that I just have to share them. Here's one I received from Canada:

"i own a taxi in niagara falls, canada, and can't tell you of all the nights the america songs have accompanied me over the years on the long hauls out of town. in july, i was lucky enough to have my son matthew invited onstage to sing horse with the band. he's 5 years old, loves gerry, (wouldn't get his customary brushcut this summer cause gerry didn't have one), and spends a lot of time with the headphones on and america in the cd player. except for the birth of my sons, brian and matt, i don't think i've ever been as excited as that night at the holiday valley concert. my favourite song is till the sun comes up again, and it's almost that time here so i better sign off. thanks
stoney."

Very cool Eddy. I'll be happy to post the tracks if you can get them to me. Thanks!

Got to see LOW last night in Duluth MN., they launched a CD release party, had a great time!~ (seeing them live is something else, it's like your in a different world!)
Picked up the new CD called "Trust", Gerry sings back up vocals on "In The Drugs" & "La La La Song" I'll try to send Steve the tracks so everyone can hear them! It might take me a week, I have been working on the house (tearing about 4 sheets of wallpaper down, & painting, what a job!) My wife won't let me set my stereo back up until I'm done & the new carpets in.
I have been enjoying the Christmas songs also.
Take Care everyone!

Hi Steve, Genevieve, Johnny, Ingrid and all
on the newspaper "Il cittadino" there is a wonderful new article about legendary band. AMERICA.
I send article to Steve
ciao
bruno

<<Now Johnny I tried to see Gerry wearing cowboy boots in this pic somewhere, but I can't see them, you must be using a magnifying glass!>>

Hi Nancy ~ No, no magnifying glass. The picture in the 1999 King Biscuit CD release is a different shot of the same event. You may wish to re-read my post. Otherwise, I'd also need x-ray vision to see Willie sitting at the drums behind Dewey. :0)

A correction: I initially said the Italian 45 picture sleeve was for the song "We've Got All Night". The correct title is actually "We Got All Night"...a very slight difference but a difference nonetheless. Did anyone catch the error? Does anyone else have the LP that song's from? Just kiddin'!

By the way Nancy (and all), Mark Lindsay performed in an outdoor nighttime free concert locally last month. He put on a tremendous show. The show was a lot more rockin' than I thought it would be. Although I had my binoculars, I'm still not 100% sure whether Lindsay was wearing a ponytailed toup although I think so. It wouldn't be the same appearance without the hairpiece, I suppose. Can't fault the guy for wanting to maintain the same look while wearing the Raiders garb.

Hi Everyone ~~
Thanks Steve for posting the pics ~~ Thanks Gerry ~~~ Aha ~~ soooo this is what San Antoio, Tex looks like, I have a friend Cheryl that lives there. Looks like a really neat City, those skyscraper's must really be tall ones, just look at how small the other buildings seem to be around them and look how neat that is that there is a bridge with water flowing through this busy City setting! Hmmmmmm ~~ I am wondering if Cheryl made it to the show? ~~~~~ This is a neat pic of Wabash, Gerry looks like you managed to still capture a hint of the rainbow colors in the sky through these great big floating cottonballs ~~ Nice! ~~ Now regarding this Gentleman out in the parking lot ~~ Looks as if he may be saying to himself "Darn I coulda sworn I parked my car here somewhere!" LOL!!! ooh well the mind is a terrible thing ~~ :)

Caio Gianni ~~ thanks for sharing Your pic & this article with us, Wow! that is a pretty neat hat Gerry is wearing there. Now Johnny I tried to see Gerry wearing cowboy boots on this pic somewhere, but I cannot see them, you must be using a magnifying glass! I also checked out the cover to We've got all Night~~ finally I know where I saw that pic of Gerry in the jeans! I had checked out these foreign covers awhile back, there is just a wealth of info on this great site, that I just keep going and checking it out again and again ~~ Thanks SteveL :)

Hi David ~~ Thanks ~~ Just goes to show that AMERICA's music is loved everywhere! Isn't it Great!

Well it is a beautiful sunny autumn day here in Pa., I went to my neighbor's daughter's wedding yesterday and had a great time. My daughter & I danced and I sang alot of good songs! I heard an old one that I haven't heard in a really long time......

~~~~ Why do you build me up, build me up Buttercup ~~ buttercup Baby, just to let me down, let me down ~~~ And worst of all, worst of all ~~ You never call Baby when you say you will, say you will, But I Need Youuuu still, Need Youuuuu , more than anyone Darling ~~~ Soooo build me up, build me up, Buttercup Baby ~~ but don't break my heart! ~~~~ Wow that one was an OLLLLLLLLLDDDDD one for sure, but it did bring back lots and lots of happy memories. :) It is getting sooo hard watching all of these kids get married, it just seems like it was yesterday that I held this girl as a baby, OOOOh yes I did get to hold their other daughter's 1 month old baby girl, and I was in Baby Heaven for sure, such an adorable sweet little bundle of Joy! I was smiling then for sure tooo!
Have a great day all ~~~ Nancy :)

Just to let you know that even in India, on an Indian music channel called SS (don't ask me what that means), the ad for one of the slots on the channel has "I Need You" playing in the background.

Speaking of AMERICA and Italy, Steve has kindly posted -- under "What's New" on the home page for everyone to see -- the picture sleeve of AMERICA's 45 release in Italy of "We've Got All Night". It's a different shot of the "Perspective" LP front cover. Thanks Steve! As you all may recall, it's the picture I mentioned this past week showing Gerry wearing jeans and a white belt. You might wanna check it out if you've never seen it before.

Regarding the photo in the Italian article that Gianni submitted, I assume that's Gerry sitting at the piano wearing the funky cap. A slightly different version of that shot is found on the CD insert of King Biscuit's 1999 release of the Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio live recording from 1982. In that photo, Gerry (if that's him) is shown wearing (cowboy?) boots! Something we rarely see after the "Hat Trick" LP, I think. In that 1999 CD insert, Willie is shown sitting at the drums behind Dewey. Fuzzy is present like he is in the Italian article photo. Dan, however, isn't shown at all...intentionally so, I would think.

Gianni Cordeddu, an America fan from Italy, sent me a photo of an America article from the Italy Giornale. Click here to see the article. Thanks Gianni.

Gerry is in Wabash, Indiana today. Click here to see the view from his hotel window.

Gerry was in San Antonio, Texas yesterdday. Click here to see the view from his hotel window.

Bones~ Thanks for the clearification about the year of the concert. No, I don't specifically recall "Greenhouse" being played, but it's not that I'm doubting you, I just don't remember that song in particular. Maybe it's because I had not yet had heard Hourglass. I can't remember the exact year I had bought Hourglass, but I believe that it was sometime after I had attended that concert.
I do remember that the concert was fantastic and incredibly excellent. It was the first time that I saw Dewey and Gerry with short hair-cuts, and Dewey without his beard. I thought everyone looked great. They must have been in their early 40s then. They could do no wrong that night, they were simply fabulous.
Congrats on the autograph. I tried unsuccessfully to get one too, but I was turned away by security.
I remember that Dewey had noticed me, probably because I was singing along all night. I was in the front row and near the end of the concert he pointed his finger right at me and gave me nod and a smile. That totally made the concert that much more memorable for me. My girlfriend was very impressed. She wasn't too keen on the idea that I had wanted to secure seats HOURS before the show started. But she thanked me afterwards for taking her. She kept saying "I couldn't believe that I knew so many of their songs, yet I didn't really know who America were!"
Do you remember the elderly gent with the bushy white beard, wearing a sailor's hat who was dancing near the stage all nite? No, that was NOT me. *LOL*. I remember observing the security guys debating wheather or not to escort him away from the stage and deciding not to because it was obvious that he wasn't causing any harm and he was kind of entertaining to watch 'cuz he had some pretty funny dance moves, ha-ha. ~Pat

What wonderful news, Janice! I will continue to pray for you. Glad you're getting a new computer, so you can check in more often.
The Christmas songs sound great. I'm one who starts listening to Christmas music in October or November because I love it, and have quite a large collection. This is going to be a wonderful addition!
ShariL <><

AmyMarie, hope you and your hubby(if he's going) have a nice time at the concert in Wabash tomorrow. Remember to post a review about it. Maybe they will dedicate Daisy Jane to you. Then tell us all about it next Wednesday live chat. Have a good time!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bones, why would I want an 8 track of Xmas music. You know I hate Xmas music until the day b4 Xmas.

Don't wash away Nancy........... Can you bottle some of that rain and save it for a not so rainy day. Hope your son is Ok from the school accident.

WABASH CANNONBALL

Public Domain

I stood on the Atlantic Ocean
The wide Pacific shore
To the queen of the flowing mountains
To the southbell by the door
She's long and tall and handsome
And loved by one and all
She's a modern combination
Called the Wabash Cannonball

Hi~~~ Hey it is Friday Everyone!
~~Whatever tomorrow brings I'll be there with open eyes & open mind, whatever tomorrow brings I'll be there with open arms and open eyes ~~ I'll be there, I'll be there ~~~ Incubus's ~~ Song ~~ Drive is playing here now~~~
It's a Rainy day here in Pa. ~~ Hey Bones ~~ is it raining where you are too? You have me here pouting big time :( ~~ Why ~~ You may ask, I am kinda hurt that you just want to send Red an 8 track of Holiday Harmony, I have an 8 track player, that my husband is hooking back up for me down in my office, Sooooo will you get me an 8 track to have for down there? Huh ??? LOL!

Hi Mark ~~ Nope I didn't happen to catch the ventura music clip on msnbc ~~ that is kinda neat how their music pops up here and there and everywhere ! I know one thing is for sure, I love when I am grocery shopping and From a Moving train comes on the store radio channel, this makes grocery shopping ooooh sooo much more bearable!

Ouch Nina ~~ I am with You there should be a law so that your Landlord would have to ask your permission to up your rent! I would need cassettes for the van and car too! I am gonna have to figure out how to copy this from the cd player here in the puter to my cassette! Only 4 more days till the day it leaves cd universe and heads to Mr. Mailman's mailbag!

Hi Amy ~~~ Nice to see your post ~~ You have a great time at the show tomorrow night and be sure and let us know all about it ~~ Okay! Hmmmm ~~ Are you sure you aren't going to take your Viola? ~~ Look at how neat that was that Steve got to play HWNN with them and sure he was probably a little nervous at first but I bet it was sooo relaxing once they started playing this great song, that Steve mellowed right into it...... Daisy Jane is such a great song, soo neat that you know how to play this! I got to see them indoors at Seven Springs and when they shut the doors and the show was about to start~~~ WOW! What a feeling of being away from everyhing else in the world I had, it was Sooooo Awesome, I am getting chills just thinking about it! So get ready to be taken way up above the clouds and enjoy this great High! :)

Hi Hekawi ~~~ Thanks for the info about Carly's up and coming Christmas CD release ~~~ I have always liked her music, and have my collection of them on lp, 8 track, and cassette (wore my cassette out), I will have to watch for it and get it. Nice to hear that there is a new original song by her and her brother in law on this too. She sure has a way with some neat song lyrics tooo! :)

Have a good day, and weekend too all ~~~ Nancy :)

~~~ Sooo whats this about your best friend, she's got a brand new shiny boy and their moving out to Malibu to play with all of his pretty toys, and you feel closed in by the same 4 walls, the same old conversation, with the same old guy you have known for years, just use your imagination, It's the Stuff That Dreams are Made Of, it's the slow and steady fire, it's the stuff that dreams are made of, it's your heart and souls desire ~~~~~ Sing it Carly ~~ Neat song listen closely holds alot of truth! :) Shoot the stars off in your own backyard ~~ don't look any futher and you will see it's the stuff that dreams are made of ~~~~~ it's the sails against the sky, it's the reason we're alive ~~~ Its the feeling here tonight OOOOOOH I've got to tell you~~~ I could sing the whole song :)

Another reason I was asking about "Holiday Harmony" on cassette is that I, too, would like to give it out as gifts to friends for holiday
listening...and we all know cassettes are usually cheaper than CD's. NOT that I'm cheap, mind you! It's just that my landlord is hoisting my rent up an extra $150.00 per month in October which will seriously cut into my Christmas cash flow this year. Ouch! (Aren't there laws about such a hike?!) Hi Bones! Hi PatB.!

LOL! I got a laugh out of the 8-track reference. Still amazes me that people haven't converted over to CD yet. Granted,I have a TON of tapes myself(and even some 8-tracks)but lets be honest: CD's are much more easy to access,especially going track to track! I don't want to offend anyone,because I still deal with people who don't own CD players. In that case,the best thing to do is get somebody to record it to cassette for you.

did anyone hear/see it? tonight on msnbc about 20 seconds of ventura highway was played as bumper music when ashliegh banfield was interviewing jesse ventura. yes!! it was all good!

Steve, any chance of it being on 8-track? I want to buy it and give it to RedOak for Christmas.

Hey Pat, remember them playing "Greenhouse"?
It was 1992 not 1993. Dewey signed my America Encore CD that night.

To those who are interested,"Holiday Harmony" is only available on CD from Rhino,not on Cassette. I have an extensive data base for CD or cassette releases,and I just double checked to see if it would be available on cassette--no go. Like Steve L said,just get the CD and have somebody transfer it to cassette for you. Retail price is listed at $17.98,but I'm sure a number of the various music related websites are offering specials.

Hello all...
I have been unable to get to the chat room for a couple of weeks. I really wanted to get there this week as I am preparing for the America concert here in Indiana on Saturday night. It seems like being on the live chat gets me really excited and VERY ready for the concert...I certainly missed that this week. However, I did just want to check in to say how anxious I am for Saturday to come. I really did consider bringing along my viola and begging to be allowed to play during Daisy Jane (thanks to all the encouragement I got a couple of weeks ago on in the chat room) ...but I think I have chickened out. It has been a while since I performed in public...so that would be very nervewracking...but I cannot even imagine how I could concentrate on the instrument considering the incredible talent of the company I would be in. I think I will be on cloud 9 just standing in the audience! I am looking so forward to the whole evening and I will post afterward to give my opinions of the concert. This will be the first time that I am able to see them in an indoor venue...which should be a pleasant change
Take care everyone...Amy

for those of us who are also carly simon fans, she is releasing a
christmas cd on october 22. at least one song is a carly original
with another being written by her former brother-in-law livingston
taylor. oughta be good.

Unlike actors, musical entertainers can wear pretty much whatever they prefer. Speaking as a member of the audience; I pay my money to hear the music but I also go to the concerts to WATCH and OBSERVE the musicians perform live as well. Just like bands who play the same songs in the same manner in the same rotation decade after decade, watching a musician (especially the lead singer) wear the same color or same clothes at every concert is BORING.
I remember seeing America perform at the Norwalk Oyster Festival sometime around '93. Dewey wore a very bright and colorful shirt. It's one of the COOLEST shirts I have ever seen, and I can still remember what it looks like.
When it comes to clothing, I prefer to see a variety. ~Pat

Hi Everyone ~~
Thanks Steve ~~ Wow ~~ Dewey you sing this one nice. I am kinda curious why on the Holiday Harmony CD Cover on the Venturahwy site page that the word Name is in this song title ( The First Noel Name)~~ Just wondering what that means! Good question Nina ~~ I too would like to have this on cassette too! ~~~ I like the sound of only 5 more days to wait until it is on its way to meeeeee! Yes! Yes! Yes! ~~~I've been a standin here a waitin Mr. Postman ~~ soooo patiently ~~ Please Please Mr. Postman Oooh Yeah ~~ come on deliver my CD the sooner the better ~~ tooo meeee ~~ Soo many days you pass me by, see the tears standing in my eyes, you didn't stop and make me feel better by delivering a card or letter for me ~~ why don't you check and seeee, wait a minute, wait a minute Mr. Postman ~~~ Hurry Please!
Hmmmmm ~~~ a minds a terrible thing ~~
Regarding Breathing ~~ This could be said of us Music Lover's too ~~ It is sooo nice breathing all of this great music in! And this seems to be quite the word found in songs too, have you ever noticed just how many songs have the word breathe in it! There are Lots! :)

~~~ When I'm feelin blue, all I have to do is take a look at you, and then I'm not so blueee, When you're close to me, I can feel your heartbeat, I can hear you breathing in my ear, Now wouldn't you agreee Baby ~~ You and Me got a Groovy Kind of Love ~~~~

Oooh yes, thanks for the nice time in live chat again last night everyone!

Hi Robyn, thanks for telling us about Matt's songs, I checked them out and I like them alot, looks like he has his Dad's magical touch!

Have a good day all ~~ Nancy :)

~~~~ I hear you in my sleep, I've fallen in tooo deep, sometimes it's hard to keep Secrets ~~ Secrets ~~ It's like a breath of air, I feeeel it everywhere, and still I can't declare ~~ Secrets ~ Secrets ~~ Gotta keep Whispering on the Phone at night, gotta keep whispering till we get it right ~~ Gotta keep whispering till the morning light~~~ What a song Gerry ~~ Thanks :)

Good question, Nina. I don't know the answer but so far it looks like it's only on CD. Even so, you can get the CD and then make a copy on cassette to play in your car (that's what I do).

SteveL...Will "Holiday Harmony" be released only in CD form, or will it also be released on casette tape? (I'd LOVE to have it playing in my car around the holidays, but my vehicle is equipped only with a tape player.) Thanks for all your hard work in keeping us updated and informed! Nobody does it better!

... my webmaster gave to me, lucky track thirteen from the Holiday Harmony CD.

Click here to listen to a soundclip from "The First Noel" in RealAudio format.

That's all of them, folks. Only 5 more days until that fantastic Christmas CD will be released! Some fans have written to me and indicated they will be giving away Holiday Harmony as gifts this year. That's a great idea.

--SteveL

To breathe or not to breathe. That's what Keith asks himself all the time. A mind is a terrible thing.

You leave me (breathe out...) (whisper:) Breathless
Oh, I shake all over and
you know why
I'm sure it's love and
that's no lie
'cause when you call my name
I burn like wood inflamed

You leave me (breathe out...) (whisper:) Breathless
Oh, baby! Mm-mm. Crazy!
You're much too much
I can't love you enough
Now it's all right to hold me tight,
but when you love me
love me right

"QUOTE OF THE DAY" From The New York Times......
"This is not something you retire from. It's your life. Writing songs and playing is like breathing you don't stop."
KEITH RICHARDS

And I'm sure "America" feel the same way too!

Recently I was wondering how you were getting on. This is wonderful news! All the best.

Matt has put some new material up on his website. I really like them! check it out www.mattbeckley.com/music.

Dewey in black just goes to prove that good guys ALSO wear black!

Season Greetings you people,

I just finished listening to the clip of "Christmas In California" 50 times in a row, singing the 2nd verse (courtesy the lyric sheet), and inventing a bridge and big finish. Despite my singing, it's still an unbelievably GREAT song!

Peace,
Joe B

P.S. I second the motion to flood radio stations with requests once the holiday tunes hit the airwaves. If 'Christmas In Dixie' can become a yearly standard, "C in C" should be there too.

Most musicians I worked with wore black on stage because it looked best under all lighting conditions. The only drawback is that it can be very hot to wear.

Hi Everyone ~~
Hi Steve L ~~~~ Thanks for all of this Christmas Magic! It does bring a Smile to my day! I really liked Dewey's voice on Frosty the Snowman ~~~ Wow ~~ I have to say that I have sang that song soooo much along with my kids over the years! Todays clip is definitely an all time favorite of mine for sure, Gerry you sing it well, how I can remember holding each of my kids as babies and singing this to them, it always brought happy tears to my eyes for sure! I am really looking forward to the Mailman coming my way with this.

Hi David B ~~ I too agree with you that this is just like a New full release from Gerry & Dewey, I am sooo enjoying their special touch added to each of these Christmas songs Old and New alike. Sooo true it won't take long to learn the words to these songs! :)

Hi Jeff B ~~~ I went and checked out the Music site for the Yellowjackets ~~~ I liked their HWNN clip, Wow these guys reall cover a variety of different songs, ranging from all time frames. Thanks for sharing this with us. Isn't it Great having all of this Music to Enjoy!

Ooooh Red ~~~ Earth calling to Red ~~~~~ Time to come back down now! I would imagine you are still smiling after taking in 2 Great shows in one weekends time! Enjoy!

Wow ~~~~ It is Wednesday ~~~ Live chat tonight! I hope to make it there! Well have a good day all! and by the way, it is Jimmmmmmmm's birthday here in the US today, sooo Happy Birthday Jimmmmmm US time :) CHEERS AGAIN! Not bad getting to celebrate your birthday 2 days ~~ HUH! Nice talking to you my friend! :)

~~~~ was it all in vain, did the faces change, and i never questioned why, now the answer is clear, I need you here, cause everything I'll ever want, every I'll ever need, is in You Girl everything I'll ever want, everything I'll ever need is in you ~~~ You are my love today, my life tomorrow oooh my very soullll, and I've searched over the mountains all through the shadows, under the water tooo, all to find, just to find, that everything I'll ever want, everything I'll ever need is in Youuuuuuuu! ~~~~~ Now the answer is clear, I need you here ~~~~~~ Thanks Dewey ~~ this is one Great song! Sooo Nice :)

... my webmaster gave to me, track twelve from the Holiday Harmony CD.

Click here to listen to a soundclip from "Silent Night" in RealAudio format

I am sorry that some personal messages have gone unanswered, but I am on a NEW COMPUTER that was delivered yesterday..(yep) and my mail is on the hard-drive on my old one. A new Gateway..(nothing against the Dell Dude, mind you) but I love cows. :-)

I will try to access more mail when the old computer is hooked up in AJ's room, who took over Ryan's room (Ryan left for college and is in his own apartment in Peachtree City, 10 mins from here.) He still manages to show up around dinner time. Lol.

Anyway, thanks again for your wonderful responses to my news. My mailbox is full and I created a "to answer" file, on the old computer. In short:

I'm staying in Georgia. (Fall is my favorite time of year and I love the trees.) The beaches of the Carolinas and Florida are not that far away, and I have so many more lighthouses to explore on this coast! And okay...my kids are in college here, and I'm a mom. :-)

Yes, guitar lessons are on the horizon, but AJ tells me "the nails have to go"...no problem. :-)

A cabin in the mountains is booked for the 1st weekend of October!

Yes, I see a horse in my future...and guess what? I'M NOT GONNA NAME HIM!!!! Lol.............!!

Now, I want everyone to go out and "catch some magic leaves". God bless.

Janice

Funny you should say that,,, I remember not so long ago that you couldn't get Dewey out of a "White Tee shirt". And Woodzy, well, he's the "Mambo" surfwear king! I know they used to buy up big on Aussie surfwear when they came touring.

In the last 4 or so years, it seems that both Dewey and Gerry wear a lot of black clothing. I tend to think it's because they think it's a bit more "formal". This is just my guess.

I'm happy everythings going well w/you, our thoughts & prayers are allways w/you & your Family....

Shayne ~ I hope you are recovering well. You are probably back to doing some of your ol' routine. I hope so anyway. I sent you a personal message back when it was posted here that you were undergoing by-pass surgery, but my two messages bounced "Right Back To Me" due to your in-box being full. I don't have your email address any longer and didn't want to look back through all the postings to find it so I'm posting this message here. Let us hear from you!

Janice ~ That's wonderful news! I'm VERY HAPPY for you!!! May the blessing continue from this point on.

Hey Jimbob, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, guy!!! Enjoy!

Janice--Thank you for your very hope-filled message. Thank God for his many blessings. It sounds like you've got some fun-filled living planned. Go for it.

Janice~ Good to hear of the cancer's remission.

Every now and then we all receive a "wake-up" call from the Higher Power. My most recent wake-up call was the passing of my wonderful Grandmother last month. She was 85.
These days I try to live each and every day and each and every momment to it's fullest.

Now I'm going to go out in my back yard and try to catch me some of those "magic leaves". ~Pat

Thanks, Steve, for the individual song information...it DOES help me IMAGINE what's in store!

Janice...I truely believe in the power of positive thinking...I'm very happy for you!

What's up with Dewey always wearing black? He used to be such a colorful dresser. Just an observation, mind U! I am enjoying very much the Christmas music.

Go JANICE !!! CHRISTMAS IN CALIFORNIA ?

Janice, What wonderful news! I'm so thrilled for you. I just got back from outside and it is one of those perfect days here where the sky is blue, the temperature is perfect and you just know there is a God. Then I read your message and it is confirmed again.
I'll keep your continued recovery in my prayers.
Kim

By listing to all the reviews the new christmass CD by America sounds pretty good. I don't listen to holiday music all year around but Im looking forward to America's new Holiday Harmony CD for this holiday season.

YES! The power of prayer and positive thinking. LOve to you Janice!!!!!!

Hi Janice, my name is Nancy and it is a pleasure to hear from you,

God Bless You! HOPE IS ALIVE AND WELL IN YOU MY FRIEND! :) Thank you for your beautiful Post spoken from Your Heart! May God continue to watch over you and your family and may your Son's wish continue to stay on going and Granted fully. May You continue enjoying the Simple Things that Life has to offer, after all these are the things that really do bring True & Lasting Happiness! I too believe in Miracles and the Power of Prayer and in Little Children Wishes! I am sure this will be a very Special Christmas for You & Your Family. Enjoy the new Holiday Harmony CD and I will look forward to reading a post from you all about seeing AMERICA in concert in the coming year! Thanks again for sharing this with us. My Prayers will be with you too!

Have a good day all, Nancy :)

~~~~ These are the Moments I thank God that I'm Aliveeee , these are the Moments I remember all my lifeeee, I've found all I waited forrrr and I could not ask for moreeeee ~~~ Looking in your eyes seeing all I neeeeeed, everything you are, is everything in meeee, these are the moments I know Heaven must exist, these are the moments I know all I need is this ~~~ I've found all I waited for,n Yeahhh! and I could not ask for more, I could not ask for more than this time together, could not ask for more than this time with you, every prayer that I have has been answered, every dream I have has come true, right here in this moment is where I'm meant to beeeee~~~~~ :)

Here's a little bit of information for you Nina.

A Christmas To Remember - Dewey sings lead. It's kind of slow and mellow with lots of ooh's and ah's in the background (great harmony).

Christmas In California - Gerry sings lead. It's a breezy type of song kind of like Ventura Highway. It has a very light Latin touch with the lead guitar and bongos.

Winter Holidays - Dewey sings lead. It's a little slower than Christmas In California but still has a good beat. It kind of reminds me of From A Moving Train on Human Nature only it's not as fast.

October 1 will be here in 7 days and then you'll see (hear) what I mean.

--SteveL

Janice, that is the best news I've heard in a long time! I am so happy for you and your family. We'll continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Janell was just asking me the other day how you were doing and now I'll be able to give her a very upbeat report. As for the Christmas CD... It will definitely be something that will help you celebrate the upcoming holiday season. You'll love it! --SteveL

O.K. all you lucky people who have been able to hear the clips from "Holiday Harmony"...can you give the rest of us poor, unfortunates a hint about the three new Christmas songs? Is one slow and soft? Is another upbeat and bouncy? Who sings lead on each? I keep trying to guess by re-reading the lyrics! As you can see, I'm VERY impatient and can't wait until October 1st! Thanks!

I wanted to take a moment this morning to thank all of you that have kept in touch with me, and even those who haven't, but have kept me in their prayers.
I have just returned from MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and received the report that my disease is gone and I am officially in remission.
I believe in miracles, and know that wishes made by innocent children can be granted. I believe in the power of prayer. I thank God for this miracle, and I thank everyone for their prayers.
I thank my little boy, Ronnie, who on countless days stood beneath the trees in our yard, trying to catch leaves before they touched the ground. You see, someone had told him that these are the "magic leaves" that you can make a wish upon. I always knew what his wish was when he proudly brought me in a magic leaf and added it to his "wish cup."
Studies on the Gleevec that I take are not established, (as it was a clinical trial) as to when (or if) I can ever stop taking this form of chemo. But that's okay. I will continue to go to Houston for tests every 3 months. And that's okay.
"Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start now and make a brand new ending."
As for me, I'm gonna learn how to play that guitar that has gathered dust beneath my bed, buy a horse and spend more time in the mountains and at the beach. I am going to write a book (or maybe start with a poem), and enjoy this beautiful fall weather and the changing of the leaves. Sunrise and sunsets, time with good friends and a fire in the fireplace this winter. Christmas will hold special meaning (and I understand that I will have a special new CD to enjoy by my favorite band!) And yes, I am going to look forward to my next AMERICA concert. God bless all of you. :-)

Janice

CHEERS! to Jimmmmmmmmm (jimbob) in New Zealand! :)

Happy Birthday my friend, hope you Enjoy your day!
See you sooon, Nancy :)

~~~ Watch how she fades into the sunset, a vision spectacular in graceeee ~~~~~ Gifted Giftedddddd ~~~~~ and I'm away from homeeee, and it's a way of lifeee, and I'm a flyinnnn high, and I'm a wheeling gulllll, and now I come to rest, under a Lion Rock, over the reef and rest, where this time, in this time, where I stayyyyy, in this timeeeee and it's a way of Lifeeeeeee~~~~~ :)

... my webmaster gave to me, track eleven from the Holiday Harmony CD.

Click here to listen to a soundclip from "Frosty The Snowman" in RealAudio format

Yep, I indeed love the three new ones - but to me it's another full release - It just won't take me as long to remember the songs by heart

It's fabulous, simply fabulous. This release is going to attract major attention to AMERICA & we will see AMERICA's next CD of new material, their follow-up to HUMAN NATURE. Does AMERICA ever cease to amaze ? perhaps HOLIDAY II.

I really like this one too! Is that someone else, other than Gerry singing harmony or are my cheesy speakers deceiving me?

Also, I heard that David Dickey and another special guest were at the Lubbock show. Darn wish I could have been there! was anyone there who cares to post?

The Rochester yellowjackets A Capella group have covered 3 America songs..."Horse", "SGH", and "Ventura Hwy".

www.jackets.org/music.htm

A soundclip of "HWNN" can be heard.

JB

These last two originals are top notch. Looking forward to "the first Noel" and "Silent night" as they are two of my favorite trditional Christmas songs.

JB

Well said Jeff - or as Marv Albert says "YES!!!"

"Christmas In California" - Hot damn! It's gotta be their best track in years! I'm definitiely setting up my tent in front of Tower Records on September 30th!

john

Yep.

Thank-You, I just ordered mine through the same place. Should be good to hear the guys do some Xmass music with the season coming upon us in the near future.

Hi there,
Hmmmm I have mine ordered through http://www.cduniverse.com, Steve L had the site addr. posted here in an earlier post. Hurry and order it, it is a good one! Good Luck! Nancy :) Wow there is a song on the radio I haven't heard for a while ~~~ goes something like this
~~~~ Rock me gently rock me slowly, take it easy don't you know that I have never been loved like this before ~~~~ ain't it good, ain't it right that you are with me tonightttttt ~~~~~ Oooh no another one ~~~~ Babe I loveeeeee you sooooo, I want you to know that Iiiiii gonnna miss your love the minute you walk out that door, soooo please don't go, don't gooooo, don't take your love away, don't go awayyyyyy ~~~~ sing it KC & the Sunshine band! I know you all think she has flipped for sure! Maybe I have! :)

Five days until I make the 4+ hour trek to San Antonio for the America concert!!! Anyone out there going? We are leaving early Friday morning so we will have most of the day to enjoy the River Walk and Alamo. I can hardly wait. And then to think they will be at the Texas State Fair the next Friday too! I'm taking my kids to that one. I'm hoping they'll will play the long set at both venues as they are the only act on the ticket and they are only playing one show at the fair.

Kim

I ordered mine from cduniverse.com for $12.93 and received a message from them today saying my order was being "processed". I am hoping that means I will have it in my mailbox October 1st.

Kim

Anyone know how to order the new christmass CD by America. Went into Rhino.com and checked their search engine out for Holiday Harmong and said they could'nt find anything. I must be doing something wrong.

Hi Everyone ~~
Wow! What a way to start my Mon. morning off, I am just ECSTATIC here, this is One Great Song for sure. Gerry & Dewey you have managed to capture that AMERICA Magic that I have loved in your songs all of these years. Yes Yes Yes! In Christmas in Calif. you described the midwest to west holidays, and on this you described the mideast to east holidays to a tee. ~~~~~ Hey Bruce this one should get air play there in New York wouldn't you say so?????
I am just loving these lyrics they are giving me a rush of emotions ~~ Nice! :) ~~~when the house wakes up to icicles ~~~ See the moonlight sparkle on the snow (I just love when it is like that at night) ~~~ the fireplace in afterglow (doesn't that about melt you?) ~~~ It's winter, another winter ~~~ By December in the candlelight ~~ the decorations sparkle, in their splendor (captures the very essence of this time)~~~ Winter holidays, fill our Hearts with Love & Cheer ~~ How we Love our Winter Holidays ~~~~ Be sure and absorb as much of this as you can, enough to last throughout the year! I would say that these 3 Original AMERICA Christmas songs are GEMS! Thanks so much Gerry, Dewey & Andrew Gold too! ~~~~ Hmmmm you work well with our Guys, I agree with Red ~~~ Andrew should be the first guest singer to appear at one of their shows and sing the song Hat Trick with them ~~~ How about it????
Now here is a message to my friend Mr Mailman ~~~ Hurry please and bring this great CD to me the moment it is available, I will be counting the days till I have this! Hurry make it Quick! :)

Hi Pat B ~~~~ You have added a laugh to my morning as well. You are too much, You sure can come up with some good AMERICA Humor, and it takes a Die Hard Fan to appreciate this humor ~~~ Thanks I :o)

Have a great day all ~~ Nancy :)

~~~~~ A mirror pond reflects the dawn, and over the banks cross the emerald lawn, a breeze has come and I'm carried along, so follow the path through the knowing trees, and each time you Laugh it is Love you release, that Love will come back in the Garden of Peace~~~~~

Thanks Dewey for this awesome song! ~~~ Wow have I been carried away this morning already ~~ and it feels ooooh soooo good! See ya! :)

... my webmaster gave to me, track ten from the Holiday Harmony CD.

Click here to listen to a soundclip from "Winter Holidays" in RealAudio format
Click here to read the lyrics.

Hello everyone,I must admit "Christmas in California" is right out of the top draw, should this get airplay who knows? If this gets "our boys" some welcome publicity then good on them.What next after this project has to be the question?

<<"What's that great big "S" in the sky?">>

Perhaps Gerry has located that mysterious letter "S" that was removed from the T-shirt he wore on the cover of Homecoming?
:O)

Me Again ~~
Thanks Johnny ~~ these VFTHW pics are quite the sightseeing tour, and your extra input helped to make this area more familiar, sooo there really are Purple Mountains ~~ that is pretty neat! You are too much as usual ~~~ who knows maybe those black dots really are black crows with indigo glow ~~~ Toooo much! See how much wealth is in Gerry & Dewey's lyrics to all of these great songs! I guess it is back to Calif. for Gerry, Dewey & the Band.......

Good Night All ! Nancy :)

~~~~ There's a world a waiting just for you to unfold, how are you to know if you don't seeeee, if you don't seee, those yellow racin dreamboats, on california airrrr, there's a ticket waiting, I guess I'll catch you there, I guess I'll catch you thereeeee, soooo oohhhh babyyyyy hurry here to meee, ooooh baby come seeee meeee, oooh baby let the hours fleee, ooooh baby come seeee me, and ooooh baby hurrry here to meeee, ooooh baby come seeeee meeee, soooooo oooh baby ~~~~~~ I love this song oooooh sooo much! Thanks Dewey, Gerry & Dan :)

Just for the record, this too: I think Gerry's Albuquerque hotel window view was toward the north which is toward Santa Fe, Los Alamos, and Cathy's town of Taos. It was unfortunate that Gerry didn't get a room facing the east which would be toward the purple mountains of the Sandias. You can see the northern edge of the mountain range on the very far right of Gerry's picture.

Again for the record, that's not a dirty window. Those are black crows with indigo glow heading toward the highway. Just kiddin'.

Hey Moser ~~~

Just for the record I knew you knew that too, I was just taking it a bit further ~~~ and yes as Red always says " a mind is a terrible thing " Hey Red ~~ I bet you are still smiling today as you head off to the Eagles show ~~ Have a great time! :) Hey Mark's in 2nd place ~~~ hmmmmm looks as though Jimmy Johnson takes the checkered flag! These younger Nascar drivers are going to be a force to reckon with down the road here!

See ya all ~~ Nancy :)

~~~~ and take it tooo the limit one more timeeeeee ~~~~~ :)

I knew you knew Moser, and they should clean the windows better! lol

HAving spent ALL my Christmases in California, I really like this one! People always say that Christmas here isn't really "Christmas" It's sure to get airplay here in LA! ( are you listening Arrow93???)

Speaking of my local "classic rock station, about a year ago, I wrote a note to the program director to ask them about playing new stuff from classic artists. He said it did not fit in with the format. Now SURPRISE SURPRISE, they are adding new stuff to the format. Hope they add this.

I was just attempting a bit of tongue in cheek humor with, "What's that great big S in the sky?" Just for the record, I did know it was the Sheraton logo. The mind is a terrible thing....

Hi Everyone ~~ :)
Thanks Steve ~~ Now I see why you were sooo excited last week when you first posted about listening to this great CD all day long~~ I am loving this, even though the songs are all broke up on my real player,(because of my slow connection) these songs are sounding better and better. Nice :) Is it just me, or is anyone else hearing alittle bit of the Holiday LP sound coming out in this song? I am getting a kick out of Gerry's tone of voice when he sings ~~ and Mom & Dad can hardly wait for schooooool to start again~~~ and did you pick up on the added school bell ringing sound ~~ a little touch of the Hat Trick sound too in Gerry's voice ~~~ Tooooo Much! Gerry & Dewey sounds like you enjoyed making this, Thanks! As far as I am concerned this is just like new stuff from you guys! I appreciate it!!!!

Hi Cathy ~~ Thanks for the great review, looks as though you are on a AMERICA High too ~~ Doesn't it feeeeeel ooooh sooo good! :)

Hi there Johnny ~~ Sorry! You weren't able to make either of these shows. Nice to see your posts here! I like your comment about the Big S in the sky ~~~ Clever! Regarding your trivia about Gerry having Jeans on instead of what appears to be white pants, I too have seen a pic of this same cover showing them to be blue jeans. ~~~ Hmmmm I am wondering if it was on Amazon where I noticed this! I will have to go and check it out!

Hi Dan C ~~~ I agree something about Christmas In Calif. does stir the emotions! Nice :)

Hi Genevieve ~~ Nice to see you were able to check out the Christmas song clips! I hope you are still enjoying your Jeff Larson CD ~~ Mine was playing here again today ~~ such relaxing songs, kinda good for playing the Heart strings! ~~ Thanks Jeff for this great collection of songs. I did approach my friend the DJ about taking a listen to your songs ~~~ he was kinda busy. I will still keep after him to give these great songs a listen.

Hey there Jimmmmmm ~~~ Gen's right you probably can relate to what a Calif. Christmas is like, all those lovely islands over there in NZ ~~ Ahhhhhh ~~ Just the thought of it ~~ Sooo nice for sure! :) Brings some other special songs to mind for me also! ;)

Okay I am done, gotta get back to seeing who is gonna win this Nascar race~~~ Darn Rusty is falling back in spaces again! Come on Tony, or Mark or Dale Jarrett win this race!
Enjoy the rest of the weekend all! Nancy :)

~~~~ I don't want to wake you if you're dreaming, for dreams are hard to find, it takes a world of understanding ~~ and the time to make it shine ~~ with a Sparkle to it ~~ with a Sparkle to It ~~~ The new AMERICA CD sure does have A Sparkle to It ~~~ Nice! :)

If you all were like me, I assumed for years that Gerry was wearing white pants that matched his white sport/suit coat on the front cover of the "Perspective" album. I recently saw another shot from that album shoot and it showed Gerry was wearing blue denim jeans with a white belt...for whatever it's worth!

If it wasn't for the fact that it would be 50 degrees colder - I wish it were the beginning of December.... That's got get lots of airplay
We may have to help push it - Rhino gets the CD's out there but I'm not sure they ever promote a song/single. Maybe another TV commercial pushing this CD and especially this song. Yep a few people have it said already. A very Special time of year - A very Special Group

Thanks so much Cathy for your Albuquerque review! I bet "Wheels" received a great response from the crowd. I'm very happy to hear you (and The Guys) had a wonderful time! I do wish I could have attended with you. It truly sounds like I really missed out, darn it.

I also wish I could have been there for the Lubbock, Texas show since it was "only" a hundred miles away compared to the 300 miles to Albuquerque, but unfortunately, I was on jury duty in Roswell at the time. Although I don't know, I suspect David Dickey was present in Lubbock since he lives only about 100 miles away in Sweetwater.

By the way all, I think Gerry was given the "S" hotel suite reserved just for "Super Singers and Songwriters"! :0)

Looking forward to getting a copy of "Holiday Harmony" especially since I haven't been able to hear any of the clips. Everyone's review of each song has me very eagerly waiting!

Genevieve, I haven't heard anything about the CD being released in Europe. If I hear anything, I'll be sure to post it here.

... my webmaster gave to me, track nine from the Holiday Harmony CD.

Click here to listen to a soundclip from "It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas" in RealAudio format

The two originals are two of my favorite America songs of all the songs they've ever done. Christmas to Remember really stirs the emotions for me. Amazing but not surprising.DanC.

Wow.... what an incredible show! Although it didn't start until after 9:30 and we had 2 1/2 hours of Rodeo beforehand (onstage, Gerry said they got to see about an hour of it and that that was special), the concert was fantastic. They sang and sang and sang and sang. I think they honestly had a great time. I know I did.

They played a beautiful version of "Wheels" and a delightful "Hangover" and just about everything in between. They chatted a bit, despite saying they'd "keep the chatter to a minimum" to be able to play everything. I was in too much of a "zone" to write down the songs. I'm thinking it was "the long set." It was super fantastic.

And even though I didn't get home until 3:00 in the morning, I'm so glad I went. It was the best America concert I've seen and heard!

Thanks guys soooo much!

Great song.

Sheraton! (I believe).

Thanks Gerry for the humour in your last pic! I was really great fun watching it!

A warm Hi to everyone!

Just mean to say I took the time to listen to the sound clips from the Xmas CD and do AGREE WITH what has been said on this folder! I enjoyed the songs VERY MUCH and certainly more than that , despite (and sorry for confessing it here) the 'réserve' I first felt when the project was officially announced... Moreover, I DO SHARE my fellow fans' opinion on 'Christmas In California '. This one has to be a hit IMHO. Wish it could reach those radio people's ears and minds !

SteveL, I missed a lot about the promotion of this album, but did Morey Manag. let you know IF it will be released in Europe ??? If the answer is yes, WHEN will it come out here, then? Thanks for letting me know if you find the info .

A special Hi to Nancy, Jeff B, Bruno and Jim. Will talk to you soon but I'm still very busy these days.
Hey Jim, this particular song (C in C) must all the more appeal to you as Xmas always takes place during the summertime in your down under place ! I suppose you must have the same sort of feeling, spending the Holiday at the beach (?) LOL

See you all very soon - Geneviève.

I've just listened to the track on the website and all I can say is Fantastic!!! (again)...
This track deserves some serious airplay, which I hope it gets in the U.S.. By contrast this track has a very "Summer Like" feel about it compared with the previous songs. It should be a good catchy tune for all those living in the hot southern hemisphere in December/January.

Hi Robyn & Moser ~~~~

I assumed that too Robyn, my first thought as this picture was downlaoding infront of me, was is this the bottom of the swimming pool at the Sheraton, and Gerry was taking it from up in his hotel room, then the rest of the pic was there and I thought WOW! a new concept a pic from the View Through the Hotel Window ~~~ Isn't it neat how clear the pic is even through this window, and did you notice how the big S is kinda peeling off or is on crooked up at the top side...... One thing is for sure it was one of those wall to wall blue eyes sky day there. Nice! Hey Moser I guess another way to take this big S in the sky is that the sun was taking a day off and left it's initial there~~~ LOL!!! :) I know the Mind is a terrible thing! :)

Hey Johnny did you happen to go to the show today?

Well this week has been kinda a trip through all of the seasons for me, what with all these great Christmas songs, Jimmmmmm telling me that it is Spring there in New Zealand and the buds are coming out on the trees, going to the nice fall festival of arts & crafts and hearing some nice America songs, and then listening to Dick Barkley's Saturday nights oldies show, Here is a old one, does this one sound familiar to any of you~~~~

~~~~ Slippin and a slidin all along the waterfall with You, You myyyyy brown eyed girllll, you myyyyy brown eyed girllll, remember when we used to sing Shalalalalalalala La te da, Shalalalalalala La te da ~~~~ Something how these older songs just go with Saturday summer nights ~~~ Wow what a week for sure! Good Night All! Nancy :)

I'm guessing they're staying at the Sheraton, am I right??

I've heard of crop circles but this is ridiculous. What's that great big S in the sky?

"Christmas In California" sounds great here on the other coast in New York City! Thanks Dewey & Gerry and Andrew for this wonderful original Christmas song! I hope we hear it on the radio here in the hardest-place-in-the-world-to get-your-song-played city of New York!

Gerry is in Albuquerque, New Mexico today. Click here to see the view from his hotel window.

Hi Everyone,
Yes I too agree this is one great song, an AMERICA Christmas Classic for sure! I really like the lyrics and the music is so well suited to these lyrics. This sure gives me a feel of what a Calif. Christmas is like compared to a Christmas here in Pa. I like the line ~~~ as the snowbirds make the scene (Wow~ does Calif. really have snow birds?) and then the line You'll find Christmas everywhere under palm trees, sun and moon. Nice! You can be sure I will be calling into my radio station and asking my friend Mr. DJ to play this song for me. Thanks Gerry & Dewey!

Hey there Red ~~ Thanks for the great review, I am sooo glad you got to hear the long playlist. Sooo tell me didn't it feel great leaving there feeling like you were walking on air. I'll bet you were smiling for sure! Sounds like it was a Lighthearted night there in Denver, I really liked your descriptive words for the guys! Regarding Kansas ~~ Hmmmm just wondering if one of the songs you got to hear them sing was Dust in the Wind? ~~~~ Now are you ready to see The Eagles tomorrow night? What a great weekend for sure! I know I have said this sooo many times in my posts but you will get to hear Timothy sing "I Can't Tell You Why" ~~~~ You lucky Guy you! :)

I went to a Falls Arts & Crafts Festival and they have this Guy there that plays live music, Just him and his accoustic guitar, well last year he was singing alot of Jimmy Buffet's songs and some of Jim Croce's, I had gone up to him and asked if he knew any of America's songs well he didn't last year, but guess what he was there again today and he play Lonely People, HWNN, Ventura Highway. I was smiling for sure! Lots of good homemade food and desserts, & soooo many nice crafts too!
Have a good day! Nancy :)

~~~~Now the leaves are blowing down the avenueee and the bells are ringing the love that I found in you, all around the city before the winter snow, the sidewalks are so busy, but I wouldn't even know, cause all the people in the whole wide world don't mean nothing if you ain't got your girl, all the people seem soo far away, because I only want you to stayyyy with meeee, with meeeeee ~~~~~ :) Thanks Dewey!

Can't argue with that. Darn good song.

This is a definite winner. This just may be the one we hear on the radio. Please call in your local radio station during the Holidays & demand this song. It is also rather unique, I think because DEWEY BUNNELL is the lead writer & it appears GERRY BECKLEY is doing the lead vocals. I think that's unique. Anyways the songs is quite splendid.

Just when I thought America couldn't sound any better, they sounded better! They exhibited more energy, enthusiasm, and more cohesiveness than ever before. Last night at City Lights Pavilion, the crowd was pumped up and it showed in America's performance. They were first up in the twin bill with Kansas(more on them later). Going first because of early flight to Albuquerque(wink,wink) was a blessing as they performed a 19 song set that was filled with delight. Dewey's guitar work was enthusiastic, Gerry's impeccable, Brad's exemplory, Woodsy's awesome, and Willie's drumming stupendous. Gerry's brother was in attendance 3 rows back from us. Tried to follow him back stage afterwards, but couldn't get past the gestapo.

As for Kansas, stayed for 2 songs, and then left. Too loud for my old ears, couldn't understand any singing and the sound was way too loud!!!!!!! I think if you're under 40, maybe OK but if older, NOT!!!!!!!!!

Following is the set list(which should be changed for next year)

Riverside
Ventura Highway
You Can Do Magic
Don't Cross the River
Daisy Jane
Three Roses
I Need You
I Need You(TRIBUTE TO GEORGE H)
Tin Man - really good by Dewey
Border - awesome drumming by Willie made this
Woman Tonight - could probably be taken off
Only In Your Heart
California Dreaming
Lonely People
Hangover - Dewey again superb
Never Be Lonely
Sandman - great intro by Gerry, Woodsy was awesome
SGH
HWNN - encore

Everyone had a great time. Come back soon America, as we always will support you here in Denver. Next time, play by yourself as the memories are better that way. Tx again for lighting up the night.

... my webmaster gave to me, track eight from the Holiday Harmony CD.

Click here to listen to a soundclip from "Christmas In California" in RealAudio format
Click here to read the lyrics.

Hi Moser :)
I like that one, you sure did train them well, keep it up! Hmmmmm Just about now Gerry may be singing this at the show for Red and his Family, I sure hope they are singing the long playlist tonight.
Hey did you happen to check out the awesome full moon tonight, I love it. It sure is a nice night out here in Pa! One of those nights to sit out on the deck and look up at the stars and the moon and listen to some really good music.
Good Night, Nancy :)

Went to Pizza Hut for dinner tonight with the fam. Gerry and Dewey joined us via the speakers singing I Need You. My kids knew it was America before I did. I've trained them well.

thanks for the reply.

JB

That would be great. If you get a chance to see AMERICA w/a symphony, I say go for it. That is a very special live show. Unless the unionized symphony has agreed to it, there is usually no recording allowed. 3 days !

I suppose there's always a chance but I haven't heard that it's going to be recorded.

any chance of the October Cincinnati Pops Orchestra concert(s)being recorded? Appreciate the Christmas songs. My wife has commented on them and she doesn't usually have much to say about music.

JB

I know it is Me Againnnnnn ~~
Thanks Gerry for the Pic ~~~ It sure looks like a nice day there in Denver.. Hmmmmm I am wondering which of these buildings Red works in. Hey look Gerry you caught the colors of the rainbow in the sky in this shot ~~~ Oooooh soo neat! I had my 2 and ahalf yr old niece here today and she and I listened to the Christmas Clips, she said more Aunt Nanny more, so I guess she likes them as much as me!
Have a good weekend all! See ya, Nancy :) I think I am done posting for today!

~~~~~I can see you your brown skin shining in the sun, You got your hair combed back and your sunglasses on Babyyyy~~~ I can tell you my love for you will still be strong after the Boys of Summer have goneeee ~~~~~ I never will forget those nights, I wonder if it was a dream, remember how you made me crazy, remember how I made you screammmm, I don't understand what happened to our love but babe I'm gonna get you back gonna show you what I'm made of, I can see you your brown skin shining in the sun, I see you walkin real slow in front of everyone....... sing it Mr Don Henley ~~~~~~~~ :) :) :)

Well, it's going on 3 pm here in beautiful Denver and the anticipation rises for 2nites Kansas/America concert. Temp around 78 degrees right now, cooler when the sun sets. Looking forward to the show with Kansas going first and America last. Great venue for the setting, hope a big crowd comes out. Either way, I know the guys will be awesome as usual and I will post a report tomorrow after I recover. Bye.

Hold me close
You turn nighttime into day
And you're the most
Brightest star that lights my way

So come home to me now
'Cause it won't matter anyhow
I've got this feeling that today's the day
I've got this feeling today's the day

Gerry is in Denver, Colorado today. Click here to see the view from his hotel window.

Me Again ~~~~ this is my third try ~~ I keep gettin invalid password error ~~ sooo here goes again!
Ooooh you are that Cathy, nice to hear from you, Have a great time at the show and be sure and let us know all about it ~~ Okay?
Yes Red will be still floating high up in the clouds when you see your show, and then when he comes back down it will be time for He and his family to head to the Eagles show, and to hear Timothy B sing "I Can't Tell You Why" ~~~ Wow talk about Double Happiness! For sure!!!! Enjoy the shows Red! :)

Hi there Jimmmmmmmm :)
Hey Dan C ~~ I Hope all goes well for you today!
Hi Gen ~~ How are you???? :)
Johnny oh Johnny come back soon! :)

Gotta go for now, seeee ya Nancy :)

~~~~Yes that's your Spirit inside you just waiting, it's time to move that much you must know ~~~~Albuquerque will be there in the morning, purple mountains will rise up from the floor, after that you can just lift up that curtain and the whole world will be there at your door ~~~ Those wheels are turning once again, thunder in the canyone, waking up the night, waking up the night ~~~ black crow with an indigo glow, on the highwayyyyyy ~~ barking in the canyon, waking up the night, black crow with an indigo glow, on the highwayyyyy, those wheels are turning once again, they've always been your truest friend ~~~ Soooo nice !!!!! :)
Wow You Guys will get to hear this great song! Enjoy! :) :) :)

Sorry for the double posting...guess I'm as excited as Red to see the guys... In Albuquerque TOMORROW NIGHT!!! Have to endure a rodeo but what the hay... they're worth it!

Hi Everyone ~~
Yes, Yes, Yes it is Friday, Sept. 20th and the big day has arrived for Red and his Family to see AMERICA tonight at the City Lights Pavillion there in Denver!!!!!! Wow~~~ Have a great time Red and you better be sure to let us know all about it ~~~ Okay! :)

Hi Gerry & Dewey ~~~ I am hoping that you saw Red's request to get to meet you and have some pics taken with his family, this is a very special night for all of them indeed and by you honoring this request it will make it oooooh sooo much more special! Thanks you Guys are Great! :)

OOOOOH Steve L ~~~~ Thanks for counting down the days of Christmas, Dewey is ~~~ Sounding Good singing Silver Bells, what a classic song for sure. Only 10 more days till the release date on this, and then I will anxiously be awaiting for a visit from the Mailman! :) :)

Hi Brad ~~~ Glad to hear that your Nephew enjoyed the CD's and that he did recognize some of their songs too. Neat that he has an Uncle that shares this great music with him! :)

Hi Lisarose ~~~ Hmmmm maybe your Rabbi would like hearing these songs too. Hey there are so many different Christmas songs, maybe Gerry & Dewey can release a Holiday Harmony 2, and on this one include Christmas songs from different Faiths and Nationalities! :)

Well gotta run for now, have a good day all! Nancy :)

~~~~ Does she really love me, I think she does, like the stars above me I know because when the sky is bright everything is alright ~~~ Flying me back to Memphis, Honey keep the oven warm, well the clouds are clearing and I think we're over the storm, Well I've been pickin it up around me, Daisy I think I'm sane , and I'm aweful glad, and I guess you're really to blame, blameeeeee, Do you really Love me ~~ Ihope you doooo, Like the stars above meeee, How I love youuuuu, when it's cold at night ~~ Everything's alright~~~~~~ OOoh what a nice song, thanks Gerry! :)

great, yet another Christmas spent under the tree weeping... but this time it will be to the most beautiful Christmas songs I think I've ever heard.

great, yet another Christmas spent under the tree weeping... but this time it will be to the most beautiful Christmas songs I think I've ever heard.

... my webmaster gave to me, track seven from the Holiday Harmony CD.

Click here to listen to a soundclip from "Silver Bells" in RealAudio format

LisaRose...I can't quite picture Gerry singing "Dreidle, dreidle, dreidle"! (But, then, I've been wrong before!)

Can you tell that this Catholic, Italian-American girl has NO clue how to spell "dreidle"?!

LOL Robyn....but I just love "Silent Night"!! Ya know am just busting chops!!! Although, still would love a Chanukah Album by the guys..hey if Barbra Streisand can do a Christmas CD,why not?

Strange thing--the CD sites that I went to that USED to show the original cover, now show the one that is on your site/ventura highway site. I agree with Nina--the first cover was the better one--at least it had a connection with music, what with the guitar ribbon ornaments. Any reason why this "test" didn't work? Rhino should get feedback on both covers, and then decide!!!

Hi, Nancy. Thanks for remembering about my nephew and the CDs. Good memory! He did enjoy them and realized, of course, that he did know several of the hits. I haven't gotten many specifics from him about which songs he likes best, dislikes, etc. If I do, I will pass it along to the chat board. Take care all, Brad

Don't worry Lisa Rose, with the exception of the last two songs ( Silent Night and The First Noel) the "Christmas" music is pretty secular. Maybe if you promise not to listen to the last two....

What an amazing peformance...might have to bend and purchase a "Christmas CD"??? What will my rabbi think??? All aside, am really enjoying these clips...thanks Steve!!!

Don't be sorry, Steve...(that Gerry and Dewey's photos don't appear on the cover of "Holiday Harmony")...their faces are etched in my mind
eternally!

P.S. I STILL like the first cover you showed, the best!

Here's the scoop. The first cover that I posted was an unapproved test that somehow got included in the Rhino mailer. It will not be used in any markets so don't look for it on your music store shelves.

Hi Everyone!
Hmmmm ~~ It is raining here in Pa today, I won't complain though ~~ we really need some rain!
Oooh Gerry & Dewey ~~ Sounding better and better each day! My real player kinda breaks the songs up (My slow connection), so it will really be nice to hear this CD play on my cd player.

Hi there Mo ~~~ Nice way to start the day! :) Glad that you popped in last night to say hi in the live chat! Nice talking to all of you, it was fun! We were all kinda disappointed because Farmgirl didn't show up, at least not while I was there!

Hi Jimnak ~~~ Nice lyrics you posted~~~ Nice song as always been a favorite of mine!
Have a good day all! Nancy :)
~~~ Sun radiates gold infrarays, Time to prepare for the fall, Harvest the corn, watch for the storm, Soooon we will hear winter call~~~~ Wind chimes along, rising at dawn, seasons in circles too match, Each comes along,singing his song, Buying thoughts of the past~~~~ Nice song!! Kiss of life is coming on now, I better go before I want to sing it all ~~ oh how i love this song toooo :) :)

... my webmaster gave to me, track six from the Holiday Harmony CD.

Click here to listen to a soundclip from "Sleigh Ride" in RealAudio format

Mo, the last time I spoke with Gerry and Dewey about the recording of this album, they said it was done in their "spare" time when they were home between tours. Typically, that would give them only a few days in a row, at most, so you can imagine what a grueling effort it must have been. They sure did a great job doing it with such a limited amount of time.

All I know is that I found the cover on the Japanese web site and I assumed that it was the real cover so I used it on the America Fans web site. Then I received a message from Morey Management asking me to remove it and replace it with the real cover which they sent me. I'm guessing that it may be the case of a domestic versus import cover but I really don't know for sure. If I find out, I'll be sure to let everyone know. (P.S. Good to hear from you, David, all the way from India.)

Hello everyone,I wasn't to thrilled that America were releasing a Christmas cd,the best thing to be said about it is that Warner Rhino will promote it.The first two tunes were ok but a "Christmas to Remember" just not my bag.While I'm standing on the soap box a matter of concern is America's leaning to private functions and commercial gigs,It is my earnest belief that this band has plenty to offer as the last two studio albums will atest,strange thing that nothing has been heard from Oxygen after its so called multi album deal.Perhaps if the Ventura Highway sight was up to scratch America may have more chance of selling their wares.

I made my family listen to the Holiday Harmony clips from Steve during breakfast this morning. My husband wonders when the heck they've had time to record this? On the bus?

oops . . . that should have been that the cover with the guitar ribbon ornaments is the cover that is shown.

You know, I'm wondering if that Japanese cover is actually the U.S. cover, because when I went to internet CD shops, the cover with the guitar ribbon ornaments is the cover that I show. Do you know anything about that, Steve?

Interesting thought... point taken David, thanks for the comment.
I've just listened to the sample tracks,,,, sounds great!!! and I'm just about ready with the Visa Card... Shhhh don't tell the wife!

Hi Goanna . . . oh, definitely, I am glad a new America album is out, no doubt about it. But I often wonder why foreign editions of albums (usually Japanese editions) have more thought, liner notes, photos, etc. For example, the U. S. versions often do not have lyrics, but Japanese editions always have lyrics and sometimes comments on the band/album by a reviewer.

Fantastic!!!...
Sorry David, I'd have to disagree... The U.S. version cover is much better. Clean simple and to the point.
Personally, I'm just thrilled the guys have brought another album. It proves that Dewey, Gerry & band are always trying to be innovative.
maybe I'm just a die-hard at heart.........

Is the holiday harmony cover on the Japanese link you gave us in post 24090 (HMV Japan) the Japanese version? Because if it is, it's a much better cover than the U.S. version. The Japanese version has two guitars on the cover like ribbons around a present. A much better look than the "weak" U. S. version.

I am completely psyched about the CD! The Holidays have been kind of difficult for me- but hearing this CD will definitely help to get me- and many others- in the Holiday Spirit. Hello to all! Long Time- no chat, I'll be in touch! TT

Heck if you think listening to Xmas songs is tough in Sept., imagine writing xmas songs in July ! HOLIDAY HARMONY helps round out AMERICA's diverse & depthful portfolio of music.

" Ice on the pond, won't stay too long
Too thin to walk it today
Ice on the pond, something went wrong
Frost must be lost on the way ..."
D. BUNNELL

I am thoroughly enjoying the clips, Steve. Thank you for doing this. In our house, the seasonal music starts around Dec.1st and last until Jan.1st. We seem to always, for that month, have at least a couple of Christmas disks in the changer. I am sure that this one won't ever be taken out. Question. Whose idea to fuse the nuances of the original riffs and chords from Tin Man And HWNN into the traditional songs? Gerry and Dewey's or Andrew Gold's? Brilliant.
j

<<"....my wife came into the room and said: Why are you listening to Christmas songs in September!? And she was dead right. Why?">>

Jason~ While I agree that listening to Christmas songs in September is unusual, I think that any time of the year is a good time to celebrate the birth of Christ. There are 365 days a year that are available for worshiping. Practicing one's faith doesn't have to be restricted to just the Seasonal Holidays. ~Pat

Steve, I checked vh.com again and it is now up. Thanks for responding I was afraid I was being a total computer dolt and doing something wrong!
Kim

I haven't been able to access it either. --SteveL

Is anyone else out there unable to access the vh.com website? I've been trying all morning and keep getting the message the URL bandwidth is unavailable.
Kim

Is anyone else out there unable to access the vh.com website? I've been trying all morning and keep getting the message the URL bandwidth is unavailable.
Kim

Hi Everyone,
Thanks Steve ~~~ I have waited patiently to hear this one, and OOOooh Gerry I Love It~~ Wow You really sing it nice, this is my most favorite Christmas song. I could listen to this all year round! Smiling here from ear to ear for sure! Thanks Gerry for this great song! WOW! It took my real player a while to get its act together, but it finally did and I have listened to this 4 times already..... Soooo nice for sure!
Hi there Jason ~~~ Nice to hear from you. Sorry but I have to disagree with you about this Christmas album. Tell me ~~ Why can't you listen to Christmas songs any old time you want too. Did you ever hear the song on Sesame Street ~~ Keep Christmas with You All Year Long ~~~~ I agree with Big Bird ~~ I love keeping that Christmas spirit alive all year long. I know these are Christmas songs and that oooh soo many people have sang their version of them, but I love the uniqueness that Gerry & Dewey have added to these songs, their own special touch and I love it!
Oh my friend Mr. Mailman ~~~ I will be looking forward to seeing you again, You can't deliver this CD fast enough! Let me know how you make out with your app. Okay????? :)

Hi Brad ~~ Hey how did your nephew like the CD's you made up for him with the AMERICA songs? I feel like you about the Christmas CD, It does have 3 new songs on that Gerry & Dewey wrote, and I am sooo much looking forward to hearing the Live Cayman CD too.

Hi Dave ~~ I think if kids had it their way it would be Christmas time all year long :) I can't tell you how many times I have listened to the Alvin & The Chipmunks Christmas cassette or watched all of the Christmas shows on TV. LOL!!! Maybe that is why I love listening to Christmas songs all year long. Regarding the song on the movie Philadelphia ~~~ I have never heard it, has me curious now that you mention it sounded like Saturn Nights.....hmmmm I will have to watch for it to come on, so I can check it out.

Ohhhhh yes it is Wed. time for Live Chat ~~ I hope to make it there!

Have a good day all~~~ Gerry is still singing to me, and I love it! :) Nancy :)

~~~~ Hang a shining star upon the highest bowel, and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas nowwwwwwww! ~~~ Nice :) :) :)

Erin Edwards of Morey Management was kind enough to track down the REAL CD cover for Holiday Harmony and send it to me. It has been posted on the America Fans web site. Sorry Nina, but it doesn't have a picture of the guys on the it.

So, there is still a chance we might see Dewey and Gerry's lovely faces on the CD? That's O.K. by me!

FYI - the CD cover that I currently have on the America Fans web site is NOT the actual cover. I haven't received the official artwork from Rhino yet. The cover that I'm using came from the Japanese web site that I referenced in my previous post. I found out from Morey Management that this is NOT the actual cover. I apologize for any confusion that this may have caused.

... my webmaster gave to me, track five from the Holiday Harmony CD.

Click here to listen to a soundclip from "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" in RealAudio format

If any of you have a few yen to spare, here's a link where you can pick up "Holiday Harmony" in Japan.

Jason, I appreciate your comments but as one who has listened to the entire album many times already, I have to strongly disagree. I was listening to the album all day Saturday as I was doing my chores around the house and outside and I enjoyed the songs so much, it didn't matter that they were Christmas songs. Also, releasing a Christmas album gives the band a chance to have their songs played again year after year because people break out their Christmas albums every year for a month or two (or three...). I don't think this album will hurt them at all, in fact, it could help them if some of the radio stations pick up the new songs. "Christmas In California" could turn out to be a classic as could either one of the other two new songs. That's just my two cents worth. Thanks again for sharing your opinion.

I hadn't played Winter Wonderland - I like that

First Neil Young, Someone tell me but the song at the end of the movie Philadelphia - a song I heard once when I saw the movie - but the Neil Young song at the end of the movie sounded exactly like Saturn Nights - tell me if I'm wrong - but it's the first thing I thought of - In fact I hung around for the credits thinking it was Dan Peek singing.

Holiday Harmonies to me - can't hurt America especially if one of the songs gets some good air play. I personally will buy a few copies and mail them to some of the Hartford radio stations promoting a song. Especially if there is an upbeat one that could really catch on in a hurry. It didn't hurt Bruce, although I know it was only one song. With everything that is going on in the world this album (CD) may be a very good thing for them. I do agree I would love to hear some new stuff too but there are new Christmas tunes on this album. I have to admit, although we have two little kids, so the Christmas spirit starts early, so I'll probably be playing this often a day after Thanksgiving. I like the Tinman twist that they put on White Christmas.

Just wanted to throw in my thoughts, Jason. I can understand your feelings that the album is not one you would listen to year round, but I, for one, am looking forward to enjoying it between its release and the holiday season (and maybe beyond). If I had to choose between a regular studio album and this one, I probably would choose a studio album also. However, why not enjoy the Holiday issue, the upcoming Cayman live and just hope for a new America / Beckley studio release soon?
As for the critics, I don't think that matters at all. You are right that Hourglass and Human Nature got a few good reviews, but did that help make them big sellers? Obviously, no. The few reviews, good or bad, the Holiday album gets won't matter one bit in regards to how well it sells or how America is perceived in the music industry. It is simply more music from our favorite band to be enjoyed, in my opinion. Take care, Brad

I really like the cover of "Holiday Harmony"...looks like a PRESENT...which it IS to all of us die-hard America fans!

Not to be defeatist but I can't help myself having doubts about the new Holiday Harmony CD. I'm not questioning the musicmanship which I'm sure will be excellant it's the concept that bothers me.

For one the critics are going to hate it. Any band releasing a Christmas CD always gets bad press. You may say, so what as long as I like it who cares, which is right of course. However, the last 2 studio albums got good press and it seems a shame to lose that.

Personally though, I can't see myself buying or really wanting to play it. I do own a few seasonal CDs which I do play Christmas eve and Christmas day, but that's it. They then collect dust until next year.

I was listening earlier on to one of the samples and my wife came into the room and said "Why are you listening to Christmas songs in September!?" And she was dead right. Why?

I think my main gripe is that I want new AMERICA recordings but have a feeling that the new ones offered won't necessarily appeal. Of course it's wrong to make snap judgements especially as I haven't heard the album yet but does anyone kind of understand what I'm getting at?

Jas

Robyn, Yes, sure. Thank you. His name is Jack McBride.

My dd and I will be walking on October 5 in the Carl Wilson Walk. Anyone else going to be there? Moser, may we honor you father and his fight? Anyone else want to add a name to our list? I have added Warren Zevon who is fighting lung cancer...

Wow, this song is so...beautiful and done so beautifully!!! Kind of makes me want to get the CD when it comes out...although still wish there was at least ONE Hanukkah song on it!!! Oh, well guess that will NEVER happen :(. Moser, I am saying a prayer!!! Maybe it won't be his last Christmas!

Pat, that is excellent! Couldn't agree more! To the untrained ear, HMNN possibly does sound like Neil, but I have to say I have not ever thought so. Ive seen Neil in concert twice and apart from the acoustic guitar have never heard any real similarities between the two. Likewise speech, I find it difficult to believe Neil would be pissed off having to meet America; I cant see how he wouldn't think it anything but a great song. And HORSE was just the beginning of Dewey's sound, not Neil's, as Ventura Highway was soon to prove.

<<"...America's moronic "Horse With No Name".">>


I couldn't resist the temptation of looking up the word "moron(ic)" in Webster's Dictionary.

Moron [noun] 1. a retarded person mentally equal to a child between eight and twelve years old. 2. a very foolish or stupid person. 3. Jimmy McDonough.

*LOL*

Hi Moser ~~
Sorry to hear this about Your Dad ~~ I will keep Him in my prayers and have Hope that this won't be his last Christmas. Nancy :)

My father is being treated for lung cancer. This song brought me to tears knowing that this Christmas may be his last. I pray it will not be.

I have a hard time believing that Neil Young could become genuinely "pissed off" about someone trying to introduce America to him, or sincerely be grousing about accolades and attention being afforded a "copy band." He is by most accounts a fairly eccentric guy with a dry sense of humor. I would guess he was goofing, but who knows? One thing I do know: although Dewey and Neil really don't sound anything like each other when you really listen, the music of America and Neil Young often does flow together quite seamlessly (at least the earlier stuff). I'm repreating myself here, but I find playing Neil's Tonight's the Night LP, then Hat Trick (or vice-versa) creates a real mood. As for "Horse With No Name" being lyrically "moronic," that's just more America bashing. I've never been able to figure out how it was that surrealism in Dewey's hands was "moronic," but in Neil Young's hands it was (almost) always lauded as "genius?"

Hi Everyone~~
I knew I would like this one~~ Sounding good Dewey & Gerry, I love the line ~~~ It's time to pull out the ornaments, the train ~~~ The kitchen towels with Santa, the lights and candy cane ~~~ Inside each box of treasure from the Christmas that's gone by, and how each one will remind us how they flyyyyy~~~~~ OOOOh Yes this is just how I feel every year getting the big box of Christmas things out, what a trip down Memory Lane it is for sure! Hmmmm I think I will be singing this one lots! :)

Hi schawn ~~~ Nice to hear from you again, thanks for letting us know about the show. Nice seats you had, and Yes they are pretty nice guys aren't they, they are the Best! It is fun getting to see all of these Cities through Gerry's pics. ~~~~~ Hmmmmm You being a fan of Tony Stewart's ~~~~ How about the crap that is being thrown Tony Stewart's way? Can't they see he just has that drive and want to do good at the races. As far as that being a Smack that he supposedly was to have given that Guy ~~ what a bunch of bull, he just needed his space at that time and moment and this person didn't respect this wish of his. Anyway back to AMERICA ~~ Keep on enjoying their great music!

Hi Harry O ~~ Thanks for sharing this neat info with us.
<<<<< Well, I found out later that Elliot had brought America up to meet him, and Neil was so pissed off there was no way he was going to meet them. He was just hiding out." >>>>>> Wow, this is too much! Am I taking it the right way that the Mr. Neil Young was kinda afraid of the Talent of AMERICA and how much their sound came sooo close to His, that he didn't want to face it???? Wow! Too much that even his own Dad thought that AHWNN was Neil's song! How interesting!

Have a good day all! Nancy :)

~~~~~ Old man look at my life, 24 and there's so much more, live alone in a paradise, that makes me think of two, love lost ~~ such a cost, give me things that don't get lost, like a coin that won't get tossed rolling home to youuu.... Old man take a look at my life , I'm alot like you, I need someone to love me the whole day through , wild one look at my eyes and you can tell that thats true~~~~~ So Neat for AMERICA to be mistaken for the talent of Neil Young! Speaks Volumes wouldn't you say sooooo????? Nice :)

All I can say is... October 1st can't get here soon enough! I love this song - hey, did they grow up in my house?!!!
Kim

... my webmaster gave to me, track four from the Holiday Harmony CD.

Click here to listen to a soundclip from "A Christmas To Remember" in RealAudio format
Click here to read the lyrics.

I'm currently reading the Neil Young biography, Shakey, by Jimmy McDonough. Here's an excerpt that mentions America:

Ironically, "Heart of Gold" would be bumped from the charts by a clone - America's moronic "Horse with No Name". Young even received a congratulatory phone call from his father, who heard the record on the radio and assumed it was his son. Amazingly, Elliot Roberts [Neil Young's manager] immediately signed the band to a management contract, a bit of information Nitzsche and Mazzeo [Young's friends] would use to wind up Neil. Mazzeo: "I remember him callin' Elliot, yellin' and screamin'--'Waddya spendin' time with this copy band when you've got the original right here, Elliot?'"

Jeannie Field [another Young friend] recalls Young showing up for dinner one night around this time. "I was really surprised. He didn't usually hang out with us--it was so unusual. Well, I found out later that Elliot had brought America up to meet him, and Neil was so pissed off there was no way he was going to meet them. He was just hiding out."

hey, I live here and not all of okla. is flatland, but, I do think the guys got ripped off. What a nice view of the Fowler car dealership and I-35 (not really). Wish they could have gotten a better view of a pretty great city, of all the hotels,it just had to be one that faces the highway. I, however the view looks, think it's great the guys give the fans a view of places traveled. Schawn

I went to see america on friday in norman okla. I just want to say what a fabulous concert. my friends an I have front row center seats and they were worth every penny. The guys are soooo nice and funny. they hung around after the show and signed autographs and I thought that was really nice of them, because I know they had to be tired.
thanks guys for a such wonderful evening.
Schawn

Pat,you hit it right on the head. I had no idea what type of show Orlando is now presenting to his fans prior to going to the show. I'm sure that unless he's actually doing a reunion with "Dawn"(which is in discussion for a few dates)most shows are now presenting "some" of his hits with a variety of cover songs and such. I guess I was under the impression he still did alot of them. My mistake for not soliciting info on that. As for my wife,she isn't into Music like I am--I tend to go to the extremes when going to concerts. I've got a network of friends who are quick to critique a show of what any given act DIDN'T play during a show.
If I'm going to see Gerry or Dewey play,I can pretty much hear anything. However,even I would feel for the Masses if songs like "Tin Man" or "Sister Goldenhair" were omitted(to use a couple of suggestions). As for songs Orlando omitted which I thought would be performed included Top 10 hits like "Say,Has anybody seen my Sweet Gypsy Rose"(#3 hit),"Steppin' Out(Gonna boogie tonight)"(#7),"Look in my eyes Pretty woman"(#11) and "Mornin' Beautiful"(#14)--just to name a few. He had a number of other minor hits too. I realize that all the tunes won't get played;I just expected more than 4 charting songs. I don't mind some cover songs either,but I wasn't the only one complaining about the lack of "hit material".

Steve~ How many years has it been since Tony Orlando parted ways with
Dawn? I think it's been quite awhile now. Could it be that Orlando is not interested in presenting to his audience an older version of his former self? If he didn't sing the hits, then what exactly did he sing? Which songs of his were you expecting him to sing that he omitted? Could it be that the reason that your wife enjoyed the show and you didn't was because she went to the concert without expectations and you went with a preconcieved idea ("prepped") of what Orlando's show was going to be like? Very often people get dissapointed when their expectations arn't met. ~Pat

Hey You Guys ~~~~ Thanks ! :)
Wow Red seeing the lyrics made it come right back to me in a flash, and I can now sing it as good as gold. You are too much! What a song that was Huh! Gotta go get the kids from the bus now, and I am smiling from ear to ear! OOOOh the good old songs of yesterday! :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

I have fumblitis or is it phlebitis?

KNOCK THREE TIMES
TONY ORLANDO & DAWN

Hey girl what ya doin' down there
Dancin' alone every night while I live right above you
I can hear your music playin'
I can feel your body swayin'
One floor below me you don't even know me
I love you
Oh my darling
Knock three times on the ceiling if you want me
Twice on the pipe if the answer is no
Oh my sweetness
Means you'll meet me in the hallway
Twice on the pipe means you ain't gonna show

KNOCK THREE TIMES
TONY ORLANDO & DAWN

Hey girl what ya doin' down there
Dancin' alone every night while I live right above you
I can hear your music playin'
I can feel your body swayin'
One floor below me you don't even know me
I love you
Oh my darling
Knock three times on the ceiling if you want me
Twice on the pipe if the answer is no
Oh my sweetness
Means you'll meet me in the hallway
Twice on the pipe means you ain't gonna show

Thanks for the link Steve. I have ordered mine. Last time I ordered on-line I had the cd waiting for me in my mailbox the day before the "official" release date. I am keeping my fingers crossed the same thing will happen this time too.

Eleven days 'till my husband & I make the four+ hour trek to San Antonio for the concer at Sunset station. Anyone else out there going? Then one week later they are going to be in Dallas at the Stater Fair. I can hardly wait. I promised my 7 year old daughter that I would take her along w/ the rest of the family. She has started making her Christmas list and the first item on it was an America cd of her very own. She sure does know how to butter her ol' Mom up!

Kim

Nancy,

Twice on the pipes, if the answer is no.

I Think!!

Hi Steve O ~~~
Regarding your post, I can say I would have been disappointed to not to hear him sing his hits. I have been listening to my Barry Manilow cassettes and I tried to picture if I would go to a lounge type show of his only to find that he would sing more of Tony Orlando's songs than his ~~~ Nope that wouldn't be too much fun for sure. It must be that he is sick of his own songs. Like Red I think too, if the people stop showing up for his shows just watch how fast he will return to singing all of his hits for sure. I have the Tony Orlando Hits Greatest Hits album, and I do have to say that it really isn't one of my favorites, it kinda got old really fast. I guess too much of a good thing turned boring. You know what I am trying to remember the words to the song Knock Three Times and for the life of me they won't come to me.... Now there is one for you all, I wanted to post the lyrics to this song, but I can only remember the line ~~~ Knock Three Times on the ceiling if you want me ~~~ LOL! Wow! I thought I knew these songs sooo good! Too much! I am sure glad I never forgot my AMERICA songs!
Gotta go, Nancy :)
~~~ Iiiii was listening to the radio, I heard a song, reminded me of long ago, that sail of thought that things were never gonna change, it used to beee that I never had to feel the pain, I knowww better things will never bee the same now, I wanna go back and do it all over, but I can't go back I know, I wanna go back and cause i'm feelling soo much older, but i can't go back I knowwwww ~~~ :)

Me Again ~~
Erin from Morey ~~~ If you can somehow do this for Red I know it would be appreciated. Thanks ooooh sooo much! :)
Okay I guess that is all for now! See ya, Nancy :)

I was afraid any Holiday CD would be well, lame. So far it sounds great. I especially like the version of White Christmas. Dewey's vocals sound great and the arrangements very interesting. The glimpses of some well-known America songs hinted at by the arrangements sound familiar, yet fresh and new. I can't wait to hear the rest of this.

Rich

Hey thanks for telling us about this, I just ordered mine! Now Mr. Mailman I will be waiting for you to deliver this shortly after the Oct 1st release date!
Okay I know it has only been a week since I bugged about this, but I am wanting to know when I can get my hands on the Live Cayman CD, will I be able to have this before Christmas? I am sooo hoping!
Hi! Erin of Morey ~~~ Could you please get Red some back stage passes to the Denver show this coming weekend. I would love for this to come to be for him. He will be bringing his Daughter to the show and this would really help to make for a Complete night. I sure hope you get to see this.

I've been checking the various online music stores and I found that CDUniverse.com has the Holiday Harmony CD on sale right now for $12.59 (list price is $17.98). Click here to go to the CDUniverse web page for Holiday Harmony.

Good Monday Morning All~~
Thanks Steve! I just listened to the White Christmas sound clip and ooooh I dooo like this one oooh soo much, sounding good Dewey, I love that nice added touch that tin man adds to this and your voice sounds sooo nice on this too. Now for the Second Day of Christmas clip, this one is neat Gerry it kinda has a 40ish sound to it, Nice! and then the First Day of Christmas ~~~~ I think the Horse sound is very appropriate for this song. I am placing my order for this cd today, Hey wish list here I come!

Sorry Nina that you aren't able to hear these clips, they are good, so the CD will be a pleasant surprise for you when you get it. I must say I am getting anxious to hear the clips to the new AMERICA Christmas songs!
Looks like Christmas can't come soon enough, I think with this CD I will have Christmas whenever I feel like it! :)

Lots of great movies were on this weekend, and I have been listening to my old Barry Manilow cassettes and their sure are some romantic classical ballads here for sure! Not to take away from you Gerry & Dewey but Mr. Manilow does have a way about him. Kinda relaxing and inspiring, leaves a glow about you!

~~~~Spirits move me, every time I'm near you, whirling like a cyclone in my minnnnd, Sweet Melissa angel of my lifetime, answer to all answers I can find, Baby I Love You , Come, Comeee, Comeee into my arms, let me know the wonder of all of you, and Baby I want you nowwww, nowwww, nowwwww and hold on fasssst, Could this be the magic at last...... and then that beautiful piana piece, with the hauntingly music added, leaves you feeling the very atmosphere of this whole song ~~~~~~ Lady take me high upon a hillside, high up where the stallions meets the sun, I could love you , build my world around you, never leave you until my life is doneeee, Baby I love you, commmmme commmmeeeee, come into my armssss let me know the wonder of all of you, and Baby I want you nowwwohhhh nowwww, nowww, nowww, oooohhhh nowww, and hold on fast, ooooh could this be the magic at last, could it be magic, come onnnn ,nooow, comeeeee on nowwwww. Wow! What an awesome song!~~~~ Sorry I kinda got taken away with that one!
I also checked out one of the Low sound clips, I will have to take more of a closer listen, Kinda different music then I was thinking for a group with the name Low! Have a great day All! Nancy :)

Today's Joke
I hear a California lawmaker wants to impose a 5 cent tax on each bullet sold in the state.
Gang leaders, however, are protesting. They're saying since they already pay a gasoline tax that this would subject "drive-by shootings" to double taxation.

On the subject of "playing the hits", I would surmise that Tony O is sick of the Dawn days and wants to distance himself from everything except "TIE A YELLOW RIBBON." Now he's trying to imitate Wayne "Fig" Newton so those hit songs don't apply now to his audience. When people don't go to his shows, watch how fast those songs return. The best combo is of hits and favs from over the years by your fav artist. America does it very well, except the playlist needs to be changed for next year.

Whoa, tie a yellow ribbon 'round the ole oak tree
It's been three long years
Do ya still want me? (still want me)
If I don't see a ribbon 'round the ole oak tree
I'll stay on the bus
Forget about us
Put the blame on me
If I don't see a yellow ribbon 'round the ole oak tree

I can't pull up these sound clips at school...and no computer at home...Arghhhh! Steve, you're torturing me! Can't wait to hear these Christmas songs, old AND new!

... my webmaster gave to me, track three from the Holiday Harmony CD.

Click here to listen to a soundclip from "White Christmas" in RealAudio format

Sitting here in summer heat ( September is really the third month of summer here and it is hotter than most days in June) What a treat to hear songs about snow! I feel cooler already. Thanks Steve for posting them. and thanks to Dewey and Gerry too!

thanks for keeping us filled up Stevo ! That's our GERRY !

Duluth's band Low will be releasing it's new album titled Trust on September 24th. Trust features some cameo appearances by the one and only Gerry Beckley. Click here to go to the official Low home page (www.chairkickers.com). There you will be able to read more about the new album and even find a link to a few soundclips from the album. Congratulations Gerry! Do you ever sleep (LOL)?

that's a tough one; they can be damned when they do & then they can be damned when they don't. most likely mass market forces prevail, so they usually play the hits.

I'd like some feedback on something that happened to me Friday Night. I'll pose the question to all of you here so I can get your take on it,and if situations like this even matter to you. I went to see a Tony Orlando show with my wife at a nearby Casino Friday Night. To make a long story short,Orlando omitted all but 4 of his "Dawn" era hits. His shows are long on "Variety" and short on hit material. My problem was I had "prepped" myself into thinking I was getting a "Tony Orlando & Dawn" type show,when in essence I got a Las Vegas style Lounge act. With the wealth of hit material Orlando has had over the years,it was extremely disappointing to me--although my wife really enjoyed the show. To any of you who have Orlando's "Greatest Hits" via Rhino records,he did 4 tunes and omitted everything else. My question is: Don't we,as paying customers,deserve better? I did learn a valuable lesson though;In the future,and prior to attending ANYBODYS show,I will log into an acts website and solicit comments and opinions as to what I can expect a show to contain. I can't tell you how personally disappointed I was the other night over the lack of "hit" material done. It ranks up there with groups who continue to tour without key members/original vocalists....

It's still a few more hours before the Third Day of Christmas arrives, but here's a little something for your Christmas stocking. It's the 1978 Special of the Week featuring America with Robert W. Morgan. I have converted it to MP3 and will leave it on the chat folder for a week or so for you to download. It's rather large so you'll have to be patient (it took me 22 minutes on a DSL connection to upload both parts). Click on the links below to download/listen:

Part 1
Part 2

Can't believe Dewey didn't wish "Ladd" a Happy Holiday Season in the credits.
See what happens "Ladd" when you make negative comments about someone who's been busting his ass for the last 30 years and for putting a smile on the faces of people for many years.
Thanks for the music guys.

Was this recorded in Nashville...?

According to the release notes that I have, the entire CD was recorded at QuarkBrain Studios (Andrew Gold's studio). Here is all of the information from the pre-release notes:

AMERICA
GERRY BECKLEY: lead & backing vocals, additional guitars
DEWEY BUNNELL: lead & backing vocals, additional guitars

ANDREW GOLD: all instruments, additional background vocals
NOVI NOVOG: viola on "Let It Snow"

Recorded & Mixed at QUARKBRAIN STUDIOS
Mastered by DAVE SCHULTZ & BILL INGLOT at DIGIPREP

Special Thanks To: JIM MOREY, ERIN EDWARDS & MOREY MANAGEMENT GROUP; HOWARD GROSSMAN, MICHAEL JORDAN & JP MORGAN CHASE, AKIKO ROGERS & THE WILLIAM MORRIS AGENCY; MARY LOVING; DAVID McLEES, RHINO ENTERTAINMENT & WARNER STRATEGIC MARKETING; RUTH McCARTNEY & McCARTNEY MULTIMEDIA, STEVE LOWRY, BOB & JUDY BUSH
Our Band & Crew: BILL CROOK, WILLIE LEACOX, PETE LEONARDO, BRAD PALMER, MICHAEL WOODS
From Dewey: "My love and happy holiday wishes to PENNY & DESTRY. Love and happiness always to DYLAN & LAUREN. Seasons cheer to DAD & TEDDY, TRINA, WILL & CHRIS."
From Gerry: "Love to KATHY, JOE & MATTHEW. A special thanks to my mother, SHEILA, for encouraging this project."

Hello everyone,must say I'm enjoying the tunes from the "Holiday Harmony" set,my advance copy must be in the post LOL!.Now as for the VTH site this is a major disappointment with new albums to be released in the very near future does not exactly inspire.Perhaps with America creating a new record label we may well look forward to a studio album of new material,perhaps with so much time on the road it may not help with songwriting who knows? One would have to say the offical site is in need of"tarting up".Steve's site really is one of the best music sites on the web,you would be hard pressed to find as much info on any other site,a job very well done, Steve is to be commended.

Was this recorded in Nashville because it very much has a Grand Ole Opry feel to it? Are the boys looking to cross over to the ever more (much to my chagrin) popular country music craze?

Hey TK, long time no hear. Thanks for poppin' in.

"Houses In White" is our "Norman" for the 90's decade. Seems there has to be one every ten years or so.....(C;

TkH<-----+=! No Boundary

Just poppin' in to say "Hey baby, HEY"
Hope all's well with everyone.
How bout that HOLIDAY MUSIC? It's about time...(lol)....

TkH<-----no boundary +=!

Keep'em coming Steve. We're not worthy...

... my webmaster gave to me, track two from the Holiday Harmony CD.

Click here to listen to a soundclip from "Let It Snow" in RealAudio format

Just enjoyed "Winter Wonderland" with my Sunday morning Coffee! This version is great- Thanks so much Steve! The quality is really good on the clip you posted. So now I'll think of a horse at Christmas time! I can't wait to throw the CD on around the holidays and see if the folks gathered around recognize either who's performing or the obvious other reference. The OTHER great version of "Winter Wonderland" is by Darlene Love on the Phil Spector Christmas album, available on CD with the Spector boxed set.

Thanks to all who responded to my question regarding the above mentioned topic. It is much appreciated. Now,....Is there ANYONE who might have some influence, who could possibly sway Mr. Beckley into adding "Houses in White" to a cd? :)

.."Once I saw it all so clear..Miles and miles away from here.
The bridge of trust was burned back there.
We all have ashes in our hair."

These guys never cease to amaze and astound me! What talent!

SteveL...Thanx to you for keeping up this great website!!!!! No matter if I need tour dates or just to check out the archives and sound clips, this is the place to go! I always suggest this site to any other "America" fan that I run into!! Keep up the good work!!

Have a good day ya'll, see ya later this week. I gotta get to bed now...Workin' with trauma patients really takes it outta ya.

Adding their signature to the arrangements...Yep.

JB

Thanks Steve for this unexpected treat.

One of my sons who is a jazz musician is going to the US with friends soon to perform in several cities in California. My husband is going along to see them and was hoping he might be able to get to an America concert while he was there. The only Californian show is at Bakersfield and that day my guys pass through LA on the way to a gig in San Diego that night. Unfortunately the America concert is looking like an impossibility. He'll have to wait patiently with me for the next tour to Australia.
Gerry, you were in our thoughts this week. I hope the memories of your birthday celebrations will be as treasured as the memories of my last birthday are, thanks to our extended America experience. We wish you well.

Hi Everyone ~~ It's Me & I Guess I am here in the Wee Hours of the Night!
Hi SteveL ~~~ WoW! What a neat way to spend the day! I just checked out the Winter Wonderland clip and YES I see what you mean about this nice touch of AMERICA's own unique sound that adds to these classic Christmas songs ~~~ Nice I like it alot, and Yes I am definitely going and getting this CD, I have it on my wish list now. Sooooo Mr. Mailman I guess I will be counting on you to get this to me as quickly as you can! :)
Regarding Gerry's song Houses in White ~~~ The first time I heard this song I found it soooo mesmorizing, I listened to it over and over again and again, and I always wondered about the Lady that talked at the beginning of this song. I also checked out the Heaven is Beautiful page ~~ Wow! Gerry ~~ This is such a nice & touching story how this came to be. Hey Gerry would you consider putting this on your new CD that you are working on? It is such a beautiful song!

~~~~ Highlite pilot fly me home, let me sleep with clouds below, there's mixed emotions they overflow, now's the time to be alone, houses in white ,ohhhh how they take me back, there was a time when I lived inside, but nowww I think twice and I walk quickly by Houses in White ~~~~ Thanks Gerry!
And now for the VFTHW Pics ~~~~~ All 3 of these are kinda different than the rest. The one from Texas ~~ well it would have been neat to see your reflection taking the pic of these windows in the windows! Then the one from Norman was really different, lots of action here, the highway, the car dealership the spread out city ~~ Wow! and did you happen to catch the Blazer pulling that big boat ~~ this brought the song Norman right to mind for me :), and then the pic from Hot Springs, Arkansas ~~~ Wow ~~ this was a great shot of Hmmmm (is this the Mississippi river?) Looks like you & Dewey are staying at a remote site here ~~ Nice ~~ Hope you take in some of the atmosphere! Thanks for the relaxing trip! :) You are spoiling us! ~~ Keep it Up! :)
Hey Dan C ~~~ Nice talkin to ya!

Well I am off to my dreams now! Good night All! Nancy :)

~~~ Have yourself a merry little christmas, let your heart be lite, from now on our troubles will be out of sight, have yourself a Merry Little Christmas, make the Yuletide gay, from now on our troubles will be miles away, here we are as in olden days, happy golden days of yours, faithful friends that are dear to us gather near to us once more , through the years we will all be together if the fates allow ~~~~ Oooooh I can't wait to hear Gerry & Dewey sing this one for sure! :)

thanks, Steve. Sounds great. Love the HWNN la, la's.
j

was there any doubt that this would be fantastic? Thanks Steve for the preview. I can't wait to hear it coming through a good set of speakers and a glass of fine merlot. Ahh Christmas in October. DanC

... my webmaster gave to me, track one from the Holiday Harmony CD.

Click here to listen to a soundclip from "Winter Wonderland" in RealAudio format

Wow!! Excuse me while I try to settle down. I have been listening to a pre-release copy of Holiday Harmony off and on during the day and all I can say is that it's totally AWESOME!. The traditional songs are sprinkled with very interesting arrangements that make you think of other America songs (Horse With No Name, Tin Man, etc.). The three new songs are sure to be America Christmas Classics. Overall the album is quite acoustic and full of harmony like you haven't heard in a long time. I would buy this album to listen to any time of the year, not just at Christmas. Rhino has indicated that it will be released on October 1st so it should be available in your favorite store in a little over 2 weeks. It is already available at many of the online stores to pre-order.

I think I'm going to do a little Twelve Days of Christmas (plus one) for you all. Each day I'll create a soundclip of one of the 13 tracks on the CD and post it here for you to listen to. You'll need a RealAudio player in order to listen to it.

Happy Holidays!

Moser,,,
A timely remark and also very accurate...
Without trying to "bag" anyone to severe I would agree that the Ventura Hwy site does leave little in the way of "REAL" content.
As an I.T. professional for many years, one of the most important aspects I look at when sourceing information on a corporate or recreational website, is to look at the websites' "content", eg; what does it offer, what is the "guts" of the site...
All too often the front page of a website is the focus and the rest of the website is allowed to just hang in there - especially since the invent of "Macromedia Flash". I think both Gerry, Dewey & Management should really sit down & think about what their getting for the money the money their outlaying.... Remember, when your advertising or wanting to make an impression, it's not just the "Front Door" of a store that's important, it's what's inside that also counts.... Therefore, if the Ventura Hwy site is meant to be the "Official" WWW.com portal into the group, then lets "Get Real" about it or fold it up... Just my opinion...
As for Steve's website.... as far as I'm concerned it's the only true "America" website, a credit to you Steve.

Would u please read my email message to you. Tx.

I just checked out the Houses in White web page. Three things strike me: 1. The instrumental portion in the middle of the song is reminiscent of the instrumental soundtrack in Risky Business during the train scene near the end of the movie. I think that is done by Tangerine Dream although the brain cells may be failing me on that one. 2. It's a very good song and I hope it finds its way onto an album sometime soon. 3. I've been fartin' around on this website for about 8 months now. I am continuously amazed at the depth and breadth of the material that Steve has included here. It must take up so much of his time. I don't think I've seen all of it yet. Thank you, Steve. Which leads me to the striking part. GERRY, wake up and smell the heart times coffee. Whatever you are paying to McCartney Media for maintaining the VenturaHighway.com site is too much because it is basically useless. They don't deserve to be paid for the lame and unchanging content that is presented there. You can't even post pictures there because the mailbox is always full. On the other hand, this website maintained by Steve really rocks. Have you ever considered dumping McC. Media and replacing them with Steve and his site as the official America site. If not, please consider it. This site is great and deserves our and your recognition and support. Thank you, carry on.

Gerry is in Hot Springs, Arkansas today. Click here to see the view from his hotel window.

Nice to see your name on the chat folder, missed you. Thought maybe you were banned from appearing. Remember, all work and no play makes Ingrid dull & boring. Because you are in the late time zone, it's hard for me to stay awake and chat, but I will try next Wednesday. You would enjoy chatting with farmgirl as she is a fiesty one. Take care & will be looking forward to your input next Wednesday. Bye.

I used to be a renegade, I used to fool around
But I couldn't take the punishment, and had to settle down
Now I'm playing it real straight, and yes I cut my hair
You might think I'm crazy, but I don't even care
Because I can tell what's going on
It's hip to be square


Huey Lewis

Hey Red, the feeling is mutual! I was very disappointed to hear that I had joined the chat too late to enjoy your company. So who is this farmgirl? I am also intrigued. Nancy and I talked about some intriguing things as well . . . : ) A little bird told me that almost Everyone Nancy Meets Is From California. : ) I'll try to be there next week. If someone would e-mail me that day to remind me, it would almost be a sure thing. Can't Remember Stuff . . .

Aging but still Awesome : )

Go to the Houses In White web page to read all about the making of this song. So far, it hasn't been included on any albums.

HOUSES IN WHITE is superb. Gotta get this one out. A song written by GERRY BECKLEY'S good friend Bobby Woods & so finely & uniquely interpreted by GERRY's genius for emotion & melody. I am convinced that only GERRY could pull off this one.

To my knowledge, Houses in White has yet to be included on any America or Gerry Beckley album. It was "released" only via this web site.

Hello, everyone! :P Just wanted to wish Mr. Gerry Beckley a late "Happy Birthday!" and may you have many, many more!!
Now... For my song question...Dear husband and I were at the sound index to listen to "Houses in White" and we were wondering, Is this song on another album/cd that we've missed somewhere along the line?

Thanx for reply...Have a good day all..

What I appreciate most about Gerry's VFTHW is that, having only travelled through Washington, Oregon, California and Hawaii, I get a glimpse of the landscape that makes up the rest of America. The armchair traveller thing. Many surprises.
j

Wow, now that's some flat countryside. I guess they have to go on vacation to get any purple mountain majesty.

Farmgirl: never met you, never talked with you but the legend builds and builds. Your reputation precedes you.

Gerry is in Norman, Oklahoma today. Click here to see the view from his hotel window.

Yes Me Again~~
First Thanks Steve that is a very inspiring pic. As I was driving downtown yesterday there were flags lining each street and the wind was rippling through them, I loved it, it gave me such a calming, reassuring feeling. Thanks for sharing this with us, and very well put, God Bless this Country of ours, and this great Band that we know as AMERICA :)
Hi Moser do you get the feeling that we have been put in the Dog House somehow, or got caught with our dirty fingers in the cookie jar ~~ LOL! What can I say, I love to talk to people and having fun in the live chat just makes the time fly by. I think Red would have still been there too if his BUTT didn't get soo STIFF on Him! You wanna see someone who is up to the WEE HOURS of the night, just join in on the live chat next week and if this Farmgirl is there she will put us all to BED ! :)
Hahahahahahahah!!!! Should be very interesting Indeed! :)
See ya ~~~ Nancy :)

~~~~ We were too hot to think of sleeping, we had to get out before the magic got away, we were running with the night, playing in the shadows, just you and I, till the morning lightttttt, we were running , running with the night ~~~~ The fire was in us we were burning, we were gonna go all the way and we never had a doubt, we were running with the night, playing in the shadows, just you and I girl it was sooo right, running with the night ~~~ This Farmgirl she is a one to reckon with !!!!!! OOOOh Nooooooo!

Red Oak, are you spreading rumors about Nancy or me?? Wee hours?? Who us? Nah. I'm only allowed to stay on late if the hubby falls asleep on the couch watching baseball!!!

Sandy City, where America played a few weeks ago, had a beautiful patriotic display of flags this week. Click here to see a photo of the flags. God bless America (the country and the band)!

I missed Ingrid on last nite's chat!!!!!! Damn, I'm going to have to get a pillow to sit on so I can stay on longer. Hope you are on next week, would like to see you there. Nancy stays on til the wee hours & so does Moser. Maybe farmgirl will join us next week. Take care.

Let's go down to the Sunset Grill
We can watch the working girls go by
Watch the "basket people" walk around and
mumble
And stare out at the auburn sky
There's an old man there from the Old World
To him, it's all the same
Calls all his customers by name
Down at the Sunset Grill
Down at the Sunset Grill
Down at the Sunset Grill
Down at the Sunset Grill


Don Henley

Hi Everyone, Yes it is Friday~~~~ soooo coool here, a little too cool. I miss the summer already, I would never have believed myself saying that.... I must be cracking up for sure! The music has been on here all morning long, playing song after song...... God I would just die if someone took my music away from meeeeeee.
Red you are just too much, this song by Don Williams is ooooh sooo nice. he has such a gentle way with his songs. Right this moment Michael McDonald is singing with Patty Labelle, On my own once again, one more time by myself.... noone said it was easy, nooooo, but it once was sooo easy, well i believe in love, now here i sayyyy i wonder whyyyy, im on my own, why did it end this way, this wasn't how it was supposed to be, this wasn't how it was supposed to end..... what a song, sorry for getting carried away there..... :)

Yes I too would love to hear from someone that was at the Amarillo show, did you guys sing Happy Birthday to Gerry! You Lucky Prairie Dogs You! Getting to spend the evening with Gerry on his birthday..... WOW!!!!
UhOOOOH Stevie Nicks is coming on here, she will liven this post up~~~ LOL
Just wanted to say ~~ I really enjoyed the live chats the last 2 nights, it was fun...... Nice talking to all of you. Hey Vic come back again sometime. I even got to talk to Ingrid after everyone left, nice to talk with you Ingrid :) Oooh Red get yourself a better computer chair~~~ Okay :).Hey there Jimmmmmmmmm (bob) wish you could come to the live chats, we will have to get you a java script for your computer my friend! :) Yes and Bones ~~ I will be expecting to see a pic posted of you soon! are you still smiling today?
Everyone have a good day and weekend tooo!
Gotta go for now, See ya all, Nancy
Now and Forever ~~~~~

you are apart of me and the memory cuts like a knife, didn't we find the ecstasy, didn't we share the daylight, when you walked into my life, now and forever, i'll remember all the promises still unbroken and think about all the words between us that never needed to be spoken, we had a moment just one moment, that will last beyond a dream beyond a lifetime, we are the lucky ones, some people never get to give, never to live, I will always think of you now and forever..... OOooh sing it Carole King such a beautiful song ~~~ sometimes I wish i could always be with you the way we always used to do, now and forever I will always think of you, now and forever I will always be with you ~~~ my friend! ~~~~ Nice! :)

Yes, everyone is pooped out. Even Gerry must have slept in as no tumbleweed pic from Norman yet. Wonder if Okies think America is country? A mind is a terrible thing.

I don't believe in superstars
organic food and foreign cars
I don't believe the price of gold
the certainty of growing old
that right is right and left is wrong
that north and south can't get along
that east is east and west is west
and being first is always best.

But I believe in love, I believe in babies
I believe in mom and dad, and I believe in you.

Don Williams

Man, it's so quiet in here today one can almost picture the tumbleweeds rolling across the dusty ground. So Gerry's big day is over and we've all wished him well. That doesn't mean we have to shut up and retreat to our respective corners. It's a great day to be alive. We're having another gorgeous late summer day here in Upstate. Anybody else out there? All Around on the playlist. Okay now Sergeant Darkness. Looking forward to a fun-filled weekend of birthday parties and football games. As they say in the 'Burgh (Pittsburgh), HEY Y'ANS GUYS----IT'S FRIDAY!!!! Have a great one, everybody.

It's your shout at the bar Gerry!!! Happy 50th...

I hope I look as good as you when I'm the same age. Best Wishes.


Greg & Lili (Australia)

XXX

Happy 50th Gerry. You're a BABE. : )

Ingrid.

Thanks to all who joined in tonite. sorry I had to leave early but we are still dealing with a family thing. Nice to talk to you all!

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Hope it's fun and filled with good times, good health and family!!!

Wo! What an awfully boring view. This one should be called View OF a hotel window (instead of "from"--get it?) Okay, dopey joke. Carry on.

I wish for you a very happy birthday and many more happy and healthy years to come!

your welcome.

Hi Jeff ~~
Thanks for the site, I will check it out. I know so many of their great songs thanks to my Aunts, I listened to all of this great music when I babysat their kids. I really like the song Never My Love! Regarding the song Windy, my one Aunt named her daughter Wendy because of that song. See ya, Nancy :)
~~~ You asked me if there'll come a time when I grow tired of you, Never my love, never my love, You wonder if this heart of mine will lose its desire for you , Never my love, never my love, what makes you think love will end, when you know my whole life depends on you ~~~~~~~ Wow! :)

...was looking for some info on "The Association" and found this site with some live versions of a few of their songs including "Windy" which was/is a great song.

www.theassociation.net/cgi-bin/cwload.cgi?page=1981icehouse1

JB

Gerry is in Amarillo, Texas today. Click here to see the view from his hotel window. Happy Birthday Gerry!

I thought Dan put out "Guitar Man" on a shoestring budget, without any label support at all.

Pat,I admit in younger days I would buy a CD or an LP just because of the cover art. Hey,some of them can be pretty appealing. But in the big scheme of things its the music that counts. With regards to Dans artwork for "Guitar man"...did you ever get an original CD copy of "Bodden town"? Now that was a mess,that was later rectified somewhat. But alot of these artists who are putting out CD's on their own labels may not have the resources or money to get much more elaborate than they already are. I guess as fans we just have to try & be happy with what we get!

Hi Robyn,
I'm game for another live chat. I have to go to meet my Son's Teacher this evening. Sooo hopefully I will be able to join in around 10 pm here my time. See ya later, Nancy :)

~~~~ It's a long long way from here to there
Silent shadows over the dateline
We both stare at the same blue moon
Under the Sheltering Sky

Some say love is the rarest word
Some say truth's just a point of contention
I know we have a love never mentioned
Under the sheltering sky

Will we wake from an endless dream
Will our worlds come tumbling around us
I can hear a silent scream
Cryin in the night

Am I fading in your eyes
is my memory as clear as the day we met
but for now we must both remain
under the same sheltering sky
under the same sheltering sky
Thanks Gerry, Your songs have been playing here all day long ! :)

I remembered! I was walking, on my way to work when I just suddenly remembered because for some reason,, I thought about Sister Golden Hair...I think I heard the song in my head.

Anyways, here's wishing you all the best, snd all the time to enjoy them. Happy birthday, Gerry!

Hi to all you guys here!

Any day is a good day to chat, count me in. Last night's list of celebs was gracious, so let's make 2nites one better. I'll be tuning in about 7:30 MT, 6:30 PT, 8:30 CT, and 9:30 ET. See ya there or be square. See if Erin from Morey can join us.

Wonderin' how to cross the river
On a cold and windy night
With the water ragin' higher
By the moon's shinin' light

Suddenly a man stepped forward
And he looked at all around
He said, "We all must cross this river
We all stand on common ground"

Though I was standin' amongst strangers
I did not know their names
I realized they were with me
And our journey was the same
As he spoke out loud, I looked around me
I could see they knew it, too
We would cross or die together

No one man could make it through
There was shelter across the river
Across the water deep and black
As a storm moved in behind us,
There was no way to turn back
So I stepped right up beside him
And took one last look around
That before my eyes I realized,
We all stand on common ground
We all stand on common ground

So many years have come and gone
Since we crossed that river wide
When I look back on that night
It still moves me so inside

This world today is like that river
Its water cold and black
We all must cross together,
For there is no turnin' back

For the mountain high or a city street,
It's the same old world below our feet
It's time to wake up, people, and take a look around
We all stand on common ground

It's time for every woman and every man
And hold the future in our hands
Wake up and look around,
We all stand on common ground
We all stand on common ground

--Glenn Frey and Jack Tempchin

I just heard that Warren Zevon has lung cancer. I haven't purchased his last cd, but the one before this "Life will Kill you" is a worthy addition to anyone's collection.

Gerry, Happy Birthday from your first "hometown" - Fort Worth Texas!!! See you all soon in San Antonio!

Kim

How about another chat this evening? Sorry I could not make it last night, but the situation being what it is I was too busy to go online. Post here and let me know if you are interested in a day late chat!

Have a wonderful day, Mr Beckley!

Happy Birthday to one of the World's Greatest Songwriters:

G
E
R
R
Y

B
E
C
K
L
E
Y

Steve~ I agree with you. The Music is First and Foremost.

What good is a record album or CD that has eye-catching artwork on the cover, yet contains music that just plain sucks? And I will admit that I HAVE bought some record albums in the past because I thought the cover was real cool, only to discover that the cover was the best part of the record. What a waste of my money. :O(

Dan Peek had obviously put alot of time, effort, and energy into writing and recording his Guitar Man CD. I wish he had put a little more effort into the packaging as well. One thing he could have done was to put that cool looking guitar-guy that's on the CD cover, onto the CD itself. I'm very surprised that he didn't do that. Instead he chose that "woodgrain" look.
Hey, I know, it's HIS CD, and of course he's allowed to decide what it's packaged in. I'm curious to know why he chose that woodgrain look for the CD. ~Pat

Good Morning Everyone~~~ What a beautiful crisp late summer day here in Pa!
Thanks Gerry~~~~ Enjoy your day! Would love to have a bonus pic, hmmm I was kinda thinking one from the view of the stage with You singing, hmmmm maybe Daisy Jane! I am smiling for sure! WOW! :)

Hi Moser~~~ Thanks so much for the awesome pics, I can tell by the smile on that face of yours that you were in AMERICA Heaven for sure! Soooo Nice! You are soooo Lucky my friend, You got your pic taken with Gerry & Dewey! Nice talking with you last night on live chat, same goes for the rest too, hmmm let me see there was twinkle toes, ( who promises to post a pic soon)and there was Redoak, and Mel and American Girl, and then we had a new visitor named Meri, just stayed for a brief but nice visit. It was alot of fun, thanks everybody! :)
Have a great day all Nancy :)

Ooooh Gerry this is my most favorite song of yours~~~
~~~~When you love someone, its gonna take some time, come on and saveeee me, saveeee meee, pull me from deep water, give the kiss of life, nowwwww is the moment treasured breathe the kiss of life into the words we speak intooo the words we speak, come across the meadow like a slow moving train, long determination, over every name, when you love someone, its gonna take some time, come on and saveeee me saveeee me, pull me from deep water, and give the kiss of life, now is the mommmment treasured, breathe the kiss of life intoooo the words wee speak, into the words weeeeee speakkkkk Yeaahh~~~ Give the kiss, give the kiss, give the kiss of live, saveeee me, give the kisss, give the kiss of life, when you love someone give the kiss of life,when you love someone, its gonna take some time, breathe the kiss of life......I LOVE THIS SONG! Thank You Gerry! :)

~~~~

Gerry asked me to thank everybody for their birthday wishes. He also sends his greetings from Texas. --SteveL

Bruce,like you said...."Its all icing on the cake"!

Hi Gerry,
I just wanted to take a minute to wish you a very Happy 50th Birthday!!You are like fine wine-you get better and better
with age-referring to your looks and music!! Enjoy YOUR day !!
Maureen

Happy Birthday...to one of my favorite guys! (Take comfort in the fact that many of us here on the chat folder are running neck and neck with you as far as age is concerned! It's been nice to make the journey together!) Hope you have a wonderful birthday, Gerry!

Happy 50th Gerry! The last time I saw you in Englewood, New Jersey you looked great- certainly not 50. I'm almost there myself, so I certainly can relate. Thanks to all for your thoughts to us in New York City re: 9/11. To this day, even a year later, everytime I look south (only a short distance) it's still hard to believe that the Twin Towers are gone. Many times I find myself looking back again- it's just still so surreal. Steve, as far as cover art, you got that right! It's just the icing on the cake. I mean, how many people buy an album (ok, CD!) for the artwork? But I DO always appreciate when the lyrics are included.

Me Again ~~
Hey Red ~~~ Bread does compare with Ambrosia ~~ being that they both have some really great Love songs (Make Out songs as you call them), Now You definitely know what you are talking about with Lobo, His songs could pass for a Bread song anytime for sure. A really nice one you quoted lyrics too. Hmmmmmm ~~~ Do you remember this one of His??????
~~~~~ When your eyes met mine, I knew thatI had better play it cool, I'm doing my best tryin to resist, cause I ain't no fool, where in the world did you come from baby, you waited just a little too long to look my way, now it's a little too late, where were you when I was fallin in love, I was lookin for you baby, where were you when I was falling in love ~~ If I'd ever looked in those eyes before, we'd be together tonight I'm sure, Where were you when I was fallin in loveeeeee ~~~~~~ Ooooh the goood old days and the good old songs~~~~ Ooooh sooo nice for sure!
Good Night All ~~ I am off to my Dreams Now! Nancy :)

Hmmmmm Gerry ~~~ You are in Texas now, sooooo it should be just after Midnight there! Like I said on the other message board, I don't have the greatest singing voice, but I do love to sing soooo here goes Gerry! Now you have to picture these words to the song Happy Anniversary by Little River Band Okay! :)

~~~~ Happy Happy Birthday Gerry ~~ Hope you're feeling Fineeee ~~~ Happy Happy Birthday Gerry Got You on my Mindddddd~~~~~ Happy Happy Birthday Gerry ~~~ You're Looking Ohhhh soooo Fineeeeeee~~~~ Happy Happy Birthday Gerry ~~~ One More timeeeeee! :)
My wish for you on your birthday is that it holds all that makes you happiest, and that you will have the time to enjoy the Simple Things, the things that make for lasting Memories! A Bunch of Blessings too! Nancy :)

~~~~~ Looking back now, there's not much that I would change, I am happy to watch the time go byyyyyy, eye to eye, watching the time go by, gooo byyyy ~~~ oooooh watching the time go byyyy ~~~ day for night, watching the time gooo byyyyy, gooo byyyy, nothing like timeeeee, watching the time gooo byyyyyy~~~~ goooo byyyyy ~~~ watching the time ~~~~ Thanks for all of your great Talent ~~ I surely do appreciate it! :)

It is officially Sept. 12th here too ( 7am actually).

So, Happy B-Day to you from France , Gerry !

Sorry for the double post. It's late. Forgive me.

Well we had a lively chat this evening. We even got to chanting a bit. A few of us diehard no-lifers as Red so fondly calls us decided to stay on until midnight and be the first to wish Gerry a great big happy birthday for the 5-0. Those decade birthdays are a bitc*, aren't they? Nobody lets them pass by quietly. Anyway, I know this will post as if it is not yet midnight based on time zones and crap. But let me assure you, on the East Coast--where it counts--it is now officially Sept. 12th. So, Gerry, happy birthday and many more.

Well we had a lively chat this evening. We even got to chanting a bit. A few of us diehard no-lifers as Red so fondly calls us decided to stay on until midnight and be the first to wish Gerry a great big happy birthday for the 5-0. Those decade birthdays are a bitc*, aren't they? Nobody lets them pass by quietly. Anyway, I know this will post as if it is not yet midnight based on time zones and crap. But let me assure you, on the East Coast--where it counts--it is now officially Sept. 12th. So, Gerry, happy birthday and many more.

Hope you have a Happy Birthday,and many more to come!!!! God Bless Mel:)

Such a very sad day today....it really cheered me up to listen to America's song "Hope". If you haven't listened to it lately, it really is the perfect song. My heart goes out to those who were directly affected by this tragedy, and to the rest of us as a whole.

Just wanted to reclarify my stand on cover art again,as I've had more time to think about it. First and foremost,I want the music.
If an artist decides to take the time and put some elaborate packaging
together(Lyrics,detailed liner notes etc)thats certainly a bonus. But in the end,it all comes down to the Music.

The other day I inadvertently compared BREAD to AMBROSIA in a post. What I meant to say was BREAD reminded me of LOBO. LOBO sounded like BREAD and both had great songs to listen to. A mind is a terrible thing.........

I'd love you to want me
Lobo

When I saw you standing there
I about fell off my chair
When you moved your mouth to speak
I felt the blood go to my feet

Now it took time for me to know
What you tried so not to show
Something in my soul just cried
I see the want in your blue eyes

Pat,
In regards to Packaging,it really doesn't matter to me. First and foremost,I want the Music. Why do some artists include Liner notes and elaborate packaging and others don't? I think you'd have to ask artists like Dan Peek and Jeff Larson. Yes,the "Guitar Man" packaging was a bit skimpy,though I liked the cover art. Would have been nice to have lyrics in it. In contrast,Larsons Packaging for both the Domestic and Japanese versions are striking--and obviously enhances the whole listening experience. Let me put it to you another way: I have alot of Bootleg shows of Not just America but a number of other artists WITHOUT any kind of Cover art. And,I'm just grateful to have the Music. If somebody told me I could buy a Copy of the Caymans show as just a single disk without artwork...yeah,I'd get it. To each his own though.

Gerry is in Lubbock, Texas today. Click here to see the view from his hotel window.

<<"The packaging is generally second to none! The artwork is very colorful and impressive, and there is no shortchanging on the Liner notes which includes lyrics to all the songs in both English and Japanese.">>

Steve O.~ A few months back I had expressed my very low opinion about the packaging of Dan Peek's Guitar Man CD.
And you defended Mr. Peek's cheap, unprofessional packaging by saying that fans don't care about the packaging, they only care about the music inside.

Since when did you start to care about the packaging?

I hope to be able to make the chat this evening myself. Due to a death in my rather extended family, I am not sure what I will be doing this evening. On this very sad day, cherish your friends and family.

Me Again ~~
Hi Genevieve ~~~ Sooo nice to hear from you, and I am glad you finally got your copy of Jeff's CD, I agree with you on how Nice and Simple Jeff's song lyrics are, some really nice sincere songs for sure. Enjoy listening to it, I know I love mine, and I look forward to getting the Rocket Mp3 and hearing it, Wow I really like the song Heavy Rain, and I imagine the instrumental to this is nice for sure! I am still hoping to hear Jeff's songs playing on my radio station one day!
Regarding the song World of Light ~~ Such an appropriate message in this song for sure. I am soooo glad to have all of these great AMERICA songs in my life for sure. Take care Gen! :)
I am hoping to make it to Live Chat this evening, Open house night at my Daughter's school so I have to go and meet her teachers.
See ya, Nancy :)

~~~Rainbows over the world of light, People rushing to the holy site, Sidewalks sizzle in the summer night ~~Of Love ~~~~ Come on Baby hold me tight, Everythings gonna be alright, I can't wait for the morning light ~~ to come ~~~~ Let it Rain, Let it Rain, Let it Rain ~~~ You know You can Succeed! ~~~~ Thanks Gerry & Dewey :)

Don't feel too bad Spurs, a lot of AMERICANS think it's in DC too!

I remember we had several discussions about the song not so long ago. I've already had the opportunity to tell my perso feelings and say how great the song is to my ears. My only regret is that IMHO it wasn't given the chance it deserved in Europe in particular, not being released on the "Definitive" CD. Many of my friends discovered this title here at my home at parties and seeing their reactions to it, I have come to think we could have made a radio hit out of it (?) You never know before you try of course but... Well, just MY opinion. See ya all very soon. BFN - Gen.

Hi everyone,
Steve L, just want to say I agree with you, as I received my copy of the French release a few days ago, and found it wonderful. Concerning the bonus tracks I do love the instrumental version of Heavy Rain and Rocket is a very good song too. Mr Larson's words are simple and touching. His melodies are delicate and inviting. Great job they all did on this CD! ...Several potential hits for Europe I think. Keep my fingers crossed.

As you said, RTL radio (one of the most important here, especially if you are a westcoast music or American music fan) is planning a JF Special and the programme should be accessible to all his fans via internet ( Hey, Jeff B!!! that's for you!) . I hope we'll get more details about it very soon. Plus must absolutely find the pertinent link to it ... Gen.

Hi Everyone~~
Thanks for all of your wishes and thoughts ~~ Our fellow fans and friends from other countries. ~~ I live in Pa. and near to Shanksville Pa, where flight 93 went down, and it is amazing how many people from other States & Countries have come to this Flight 93 site over the past week & summer. This outreach of support shows that we truly are a United Country! Nice :)
Hey there Spurs ~~ The thought behind the post is what counts, thank you!
Just wanted to say that all of my thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected by this unforgettable trajedy. "Hope" is Alive and may this Hope help everyone through their rough times! God Bless Us All! Have a good day, Nancy :)

~~~~~ If tomorrow all the things were gone I'd worked for all my life and I had to start again with just my children and my wife, I'd thank my lucky stars to be living here today cause the Flag still stands for Freedom and they can't take that away, and I'm Proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free, and I won't forget those that have died for me ~~~~ :)

France's eyes and hearts are also turned to America today, as we are willing to share the pain and loss with your people and with the victims' relatives & friends. May indeed LIGHT come to this WORLD of ours, along with a real desire for peace and a greater respect of human dignity !... Geneviève.

Please forgive my appalling faux pas as my geography has let me down.Thinking of all you people in the U.S ,take care .

Don't mean to be picky, but it was Virginia that was attacked a year ago, not Washington, DC. The Pentagon is in Virginia.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Hello everyone,I'd like to echo Goanna's words on this sombre occaision.Bless you all.

To all our U.S. America Fans & friends, and its people...

We are thinking of you all on this your sad and memorable day
our hearts and love go out to you all.

PEACE be with you.


America fans - (Australia)

XXX

Don, yes there has been some discussion about Gerry's "World of Light" but I haven't heard from Gerry where the inspiration came. If you read last year's archives, you'll find several discussions about it. I think the first one begins with message #18884 by Chris. Click here to go to the September chat archives and then you scan scroll down to #18884. You can also go to the search engine and search for "World of Light" to find all of the archives where something was said about it.

I agree with you that the words are very relevant and poignant!

SteveL:

Has there been any discussion concerning Gerry’s inspiration for “World of Light”? I know the song was written before 9/11/01, but the words are very relevant and poignant. Love that song. Thanks, Don

If anyone is interested in getting the Japanese version, the cheapest place I found was at CDUniverse.com for $31.49. It was $33.49 at Amazon.com and $35.99 at CDNOW.com. The domestic version is $14.99 at Amazon.com and you can always download the "Rocket" MP3 from Jeff's site later on.

I too recieved my copy of the Japanese Version of "Fragile Sunrise". If you've never purchased a Japanese Import,you're in for a real treat. The packaging is generally second to none! The artwork is very colorful and impressive,and there is no shortchanging on the Liner notes which includes lyrics to all the songs in both English and Japanese. The Bonus cut "Rocket" continues Jeff's Tradition of "rollicking" Beach Boys/America type harmonies--a very welcome addition away from the Domestic version. The 2nd bonus cut is a gentle instrumental version of "Heavy Rain". I know I am a bit biased,but to those of you who have not indulged yourself on "Fragile sunrise",by all means purchase a copy! Its one of the best CD's I've heard this year!

Very good Steve. Wonder would any of the new radio satellite stations play some of this music?

JB

Yesterday I received the Japanese release of Jeff Larson's "Fragile Sunrise" CD to complete my set (I now have the domestic, French, and Japanese releases). The packaging is very nice and it has been fully remastered. There are some very subtle differences in the songs such as the breath being omitted from the beginning of "Norman" and "Faraway Mary"). I also noticed that Jeff's Web Site has been updated with some reviews and other miscellaneous stuff. He'll soon have information on an RTL Radio Special in France with emphasis on the new CD and he'll also be posting the full MP3 version of the "Rocket" bonus track which is on the French and Japanese releases. FYI: RTL is the largest radio in that area and Europe in general so it should be a good promotion. Congratulations Jeff!

Never gave the expression a second thought until now. Glad to have made a ripple.

Cool.

I believe that your "combat cartridge" phrase has the potential of becoming a part of everyday audiophonic-lingo. And when that happens, I'll be able to brag to all of my music friends that I know (sort-of) the person responsible for inventing the phrase! :O)

For what it's worth, the phrase just popped into my head one night. I had spent a long time looking for an out-of-print LP on Tiffany Records by an early 70s band called Brethren (great record, by the way.) I finally found a copy for a dollar in a trading-post-type store known as the Pennsauken Mart, but it looked like it had been skated on. I bought the LP anyway and determined that I would play it once, record it onto a chrome cassette and, in that way, be able to experience the music. When it came time to actually put my expensive Grado stylus to the vinyl, though, I got squeamish. Then I got the idea to go and fetch one of my old cartridges, because I'm a pack rat and never toss anything. I plugged the older cartridge into my tone arm and, as I recorded the scratchy Brethren LP (which was rife with ticks, pops, crackles and clicks) ... it occurred to me that the cartridge and stylus should get "combat pay" for being raked over this flea-market-frisbee of a record. From then on, I used that older cartridge to play or record old and imperfect LPs and called it my "combat" cartridge. Incidentally, and I realize this is far more than you want to know, a possible subliminal source of inspiration was a newspaper co-worker of mine who was very much into high-end audio equipment ... a real fuss-bucket. One time prior to the Brethren LP episode, he made some comment that cracked me up to the effect that tracking your tone-arm at heavier than two grams is like "tying up, blindfolding and torturing your stylus." Maybe that thought lingered in the back of my mind and contributed. By the way, I have since obtained a clean copy of that Brethren record, which is excellent and fairly tough to locate. It was a band that included drummer Rick Marotta, and played a blend of hard-to-pin-down, rusticated rock, folk and country funk. Dr. John wrote the liner notes, and described it as a blend of city and country, with a dash of "church" thrown in. Obvious reference points are The Band, Creedence and The Allman Brothers, but it sou nds like nothing else.

Good Morning All~~
Wow Gerry these are sure some Nice Pics ~~ Thanks :)~~~ Soooo you were in Nev on my b'day, I love how you can see for miles and miles on here and such a nice wall to wall blue eyes sky with a couple legless sheep floating along, and so close but oooh soo far away from those overlapping mountains. Wow~~~ Talk about catching the Stillness of the night you sure managed that with this pic taken at 6 am, easy to get lost in the calmness of this pic, what a way to greet the sunrise ~~nice bonus pic, and then the Wash. pic another beautiful setting for this hotel, looks like the colors of the rainbow were here to see in this Pow Wow of smoke signal clouds here in this blueeeeeee sky. I just love the clarity of these digital pics, looks like you can step right into them for sure. Thanks for the trip, I enjoyed it immensely!

Oooh Mark ~~ What a shame ~~ Windwave wasn't apart of your show, sooo you did get to hear "Year of the Cat" WOW and Ambrosia added their touch to this song along with Al, that had to be a unique blend for sure! Hey I don't know the names of the singers in Ambrosia either!
Hey Moser ~~ I came home from work last evening to a not so happy hubby, the Steelers weren't getting their act together too well I guess, hmmmmm did they win? ~~~~ I tooo have so many vinyls and 8 tracks that are calling out to me PLAY ME ~~ LISTEN TO ME PLEASE! What a shame we can't trade them all in, but then again, I don't think I want to give up my AMERICA collection quite that easily!

Have a great day all~~~ Nancy :) I have been checking out Timothy B's new songs The Shadow ~~~ all I can say is WOW!

~~~~ There's a shadow outside my window , and I'm just trying to be true and I can't stop thinking of you, sometimes I dream in color, it always happens when I find myself with others that don't pretend, I see you in the ocean, I hear you on the phone, I feel your touch and wonder why I'mmmm alone, peeple say that I should simply let it be, I don't know if I could, there is a shawdow outside my window ~~~~~ wow what beautiful lyrics!

Speech~ I love new phrases, and I absolutely love your phrase:

"Combat Cartridge".

What a perfect way to describe the record cartridge that
one uses to play imperfect record LPs!

I never heard it before.
Are you the author of this clever phrase,
or did you hear it before from someone else?

Just quickly checking in for a bonus picture. Hey, what do you know, we got a bonus picture. I guess if you can't have ocean, you may as well have a mountain sunrise. Thanks, Gerry. Gotta run. Steelers vs. Patriots on the tube. Me from near Pittsburgh. Hubby from near Boston. Somebody's not gonna be happy when this is over. So much for make out songs tonight!!

jamey karr--here's your setlist--the standard fare for a short set.
1. riverside
2. ventura highway
3. magic
4. don't cross the river
5. daisy jane
6. i need you (america version)
7. tinman
8. woman tonight
9. only in your heart
10. california dreamin'
11. lonely people
12. never be lonely
13. sandman
14. sgh
15. horse

nancy--alas, no windwave. you never get windwave with the short set. it would have been a most appropriate song for the venue! maybe hank didn't know how to play the plastic cups :-).

about ambrosia--yes, they were really good. sang about a dozen songs or so. al stewart's set was all acoustic guitar, solo, with the exception of 'year of the cat', which ambrosia performed with him. the lead guy for ambrosia (sorry, i don't know his name) said (just a little tongue in cheek) that they play with al stewart on occasion, oftentimes in casinos in the dakotas. he also made a comment that kind of stuck with me--that the band gets together at times and goes on the road, but left me with the impression that they all had lives, jobs, and primary sources of income apart from the band. that was my read, anyway, on his comments.

jimnak--were you there? i would consider it a privilege to meet you sometime. we had dinner across from the high school before the concert. now i know why it took us a half hour to exit the parking lot there--the football game.

i've violated my own rule (short posts) with this dissertation.

Once again, I must say how much I appreciate Gerry's photos. The composition is always interesting, and I love being taken along on the journey.

Thanks Gerry!

Gerry is in Spokane, Washington today. Click here to see the view from his hotel window.

Click here to see a bonus view from his bus that was taken at 6 am.

Gerry was in Genoa, Nevada yesterday. Click here to see the view from his hotel window.

setlist man...setlist.

WO, Speech, I AM IMPRESSED. You the man. I guess I will have to shake my penny jar and get a few cartridges while I can. I would definitely need to label one of them the "combat cartridge" since many of my LPs are wounded from my younger, less respectful days. Some I played to death, some just had trouble surviving the continuous moving that college is.

I'm actually right there with you on four of the artists you've named.

I own every Lp by Pousette-Dart Band, I own the David and david LP, and one LP each by Andreas V. and Robin lane and the Chartbusters (the debut).

I share your frustration, although, for my own protection, I own three working turntables and a stable of Grado cartridges, everything from a new one for playing records in stellar condition to a "combat" cartridge for playing rare LPs I locate in lousy condition but still can't pass up.

I'm in full agreement, though. A trade-in approach would be great!

Really??!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That is *A*W*E*S*O*M*E* News!!!!!!

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, Red Oak!!!

I just wrote it down on my calendar.

Thanks Again. ~Pat

Ambrosia will be in Uncasville, Ct at the Mohegan Sun on Sept 28. Make ur reservations now.

Rainbow, risin' up on my shoulders
Love flows, gettin' better as we're older
All I know, all I wanna do is hold her
She's the life that breathes in me

Speech~ I couldn't agree with you more about Ambrosia's "Life Beyond L.A." It's one of the most important records in my collection.
Unfortunately, I havn't had the privledge to experience Ambrosia live (yet). If they ever come around my area, I will definately be there.
~Pat

Some songwriter once said, "...I think my dreamin' brought you here." Well I think my daydreamin' did its job because I saw a message on the other chat folder from Jack about the boys playing in April at Casino Rama which is north of Toronto in Canada. Well as I've said here previously, it is my daydream to have America play for my 40th. After checking the concert schedule here, I see that the Casino shows are on April 4 and 5--only two days after my BD. Well it ain't exactly in my backyard but it's within the previously mentioned 200 mile radius. And since the venues around here are mostly outdoor summer sites, this is likely the closest they will come during April. Besides, it sounds like a fun place. Pack the suitcase, drop the kids at some unsuspecting friend's house for the weekend, grab the significant other (husband), and go. ROAD TRIP, BABY!!!! I wonder...do these guys take requests for special occasions? Can't wait.

Attended an America/Ambrosia/Orleans (Budweiser welcomes) concert at Pompano Beach Amphitheatre (FL) on Mar. 24, 1995. Got the T-shirt. Young Moon was played and I recall they opened with Tin Man.

Not to start a new debate (but wouldn't mind), there are some who think that CDs at the current popular sampling rate leave a lot to be desired in quality and depth when compared to good old analog such as quality tape or vinyl. These "some" include artists like Neil Young of (Crazy) Horse fame.

tt <--- Holy Moses... remember Redbone? (musicons): "This Bud's for you..."

Sorry for the messages I've posted lately with all of the same name of "America." In my haste to spout off, I have forgotten to type in a subject title and therefore gotten the default title of "America." Hence, if I only had a brain.

You know, it never ceases to frustrate me that I have an extensive vinyl recording collection that basically is wasted since the change to CD. I have an equally extensive collection of CDs but have only scratched the surface of replacing what I have already paid to own on vinyl. For a while--until the needle went kaput--one could enjoy both mediums. Obviously it's more pleasing to hear the digital recordings but either would work for me. Last year I went on a search and found a replacement cartridge for my turntable and had a brief two week honeymoon of listening to my records. Well that all ended when I dusted the *!? thing and broke the needle right off. Okay, housekeeping is not my strong point, I admit it. I am hesitant to replace the thing again soon at the price of $50. And how soon will it be completely impossible to replace this at all? So one is left owning a deluge of irreplaceable music history the likes of which will not show up on reissued CDs from any record company with profits in mind. Consider the following list and tell me if you have ever seen any of them on CD. Heck, I'd be impressed if any of you ever even heard a single track from these artists. I think its called eclectic taste or perhaps foolish spending in my youthful days!!
Robin Lane and the Chartbusters
The Pousette-Dart Band
David and David (ok-this one is a bit more mainstream)
Robert Ellis Orrall
Jon Butcher Axis
Charlie Sexton
Andreas Vollenweider
Planet P
Most of these were faves from the college years (early 80's) when one could buy cut-outs or recycled promotional discs at second hand record stores for $3 or less. It's been so long since I've heard some of these that I don't remember which song I liked or if I liked the album enough to spend money on replacing it. (If it was available on CD.)
I will get off of my soapbox now. The reason I bring it up is, I have that One Eighty Ambrosia album on vinyl. I remember that song Speech refers to (No Big Deal) in his post. Wouldn't I love to just go play it right now. But can I? NOOO. If you're gonna change the format on us, could you set up a trade-in program, please. **Got the vinyl? Yes. Okay, drop by the record store and trade it in for the same recording on CD. Yes, we realize you've already paid for it in 8-track, LP, & cassette. So we thought we'd cut you a break and give you the CD for free!!** Yeah right. That'd be the day.
Carry on.

Yes Steve, the Ambrosia Anthology CD is definitely a keeper. Such soothing music from great musicians.

Sunrise, there's a new sun a-risin'
In your eyes I can see a new horizon
Realize, that will keep me realizin'
You're the biggest part of me

Stay the night, need your lovin' here beside me
Shine the light, need you close enough to guide me
All my life I've been hopin' you would find me
You're the biggest part of me

I could never figure out why David Pack's solo LP stiffed (it contained the minor hit "That Girl Is Gone").
And Pack, who clearly decided somewhere along the line that Darryl Hall needed some competition, probably would be flattered by the "make out songs" reference.
However, given the band's total body of work, I gotta believe it would leave some members of Ambrosia scratching their heads to be compared to Bread.
Even as they got slicker and poppier (long about the time of "Life Beyond L.A."), they still put together some, relatively speaking, adventurous music -- check out "Art Beware" and "Apothecary" from the "Life Beyond L.A." LP. Clearly the guys were trying from day one to incorporate jazz and "progressive" or "art rock" influences, and later tunes like "No Big Deal" (from the "One-Eighty" LP), while not exactly The Clash or Aerosmoth, chugs along in a fashion that Bread never did -- and I love Bread. I think the hits and the CD anthologies have really misrepresented Ambrosia's body of work.

America played with Ambrosia back in 1998 at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. Click on the following links for some great photos of the concert:

Group 1
Group 2

Following that concert I picked up the Ambrosia Anthology CD and it has been a favorite of mine ever since.

Hi Everyone~
Hey Red I couldn't agree more, to see Ambrosia & AMERICA together all in one night would be the Ultimate for sure and Ooooooh Soooo Breathtaking! WOW!!!
Hi Gerry ~~ I agree with Moser sure would love to see a Bonus pic, this Oceanside concert site sure sounds inviting for sure, I would have loved to be there to take this all in !!!!
Have a good day all! Nancy :) ( Thinking of you Shayne~~ Our prayers are with you) :)

~~~ How's your life been going on now, I've gotta wife now for years we've been growing strong..Oooooooooh noooo there's just something that I have got to sayyyy ~~~ sometimes when we make love I can still seeeee your faceeee ~~ oooooooh just try to recallwhen we were as one ~~~ that's how much I feeeeel for you baby, that's how much I neeeed your touch, that's how much, that's how much I neeeed your Loveeeee~~~~ Nice :)

Ambrosia produced some of the best make-out songs ever recorded. To have them perform before America would be the ultimate. They reminded me of Bread in their heyday. To hear Ambrosia & America together would be breathtaking.

When the pain of love surrounds you
And the world may be unkind
I'll put my loving arms around you
And take you far from this place and time because
You and I've been in love too long
To worry about tomorrow
Here's a place where we both belong
I know you're the only woman I've been dreaming of
Baby you're the only woman that I really love
You're the only woman
I know you're the only woman
Well now you're the only woman

re: attendance. Timing not the best. Street Fair w/a dozen bands & top rated high school football game (3,000 locals show) all on the same nite plus chance of rain. AMERICA as always played their hearts out.

Okay--the view from the hotel window is a wonderful and welcomed idea for us (somewhat obsessive/compulsive) fans to keep up with America in their travels. But a view from the Oceanside Amphitheater sounds like a great bonus shot. msmith described it and it sounds great. How 'bout it Gerry? Did you take any shots that you could share with us? Sometimes we get bonus tracks on CDs or bonus songs on the second set at a concert. Why not a bonus picture too? Greedy, I know. It's just that I haven't seen the ocean for a while. In fact I haven't seen the Pacific Ocean for like 27 years or so. Gotta get back out there some time. Yada, yada, yada, I digress. Have a great day everyone.

Hi Mark ~~~
Nice to see your review. Really sounds like a nice setting for a Show. I'll bet Gerry was smiling most of the night, havin mB back home and joining them on the encore! Nice :) Did Al Stewart sing Year of the Cat? Wow You say you have never heard Ambrosia before! They had some really good songs! Sounds like it was really a good show! A perfect setting for the song Windwave ! :) Thanks Mark!

Did Ambrosia sing this one? ~~~~~ Ohhhh More than an easy feeling she brings joy to me, how can I tell you what it means to me. More like a lazy river, for an eternity I've finally found someone who belives in me..... Ain't life grand ~~~~ Soooo make a wish baby and I will make it come true, make a list baby , all these things I will do for you ain't no risk now baby, ...... beside me, need your lovin here beside me, keep it close enough to guide me, gotta a feeling forever we are gonna stay together from now until for ever You're the Biggest Part of Meeeeee~~~ You're the life that breathes in me~~ Your're the biggest part of meeeeeeee!!! ~~~ Wow what a good song!

That's scary to think he had a heart attack. He's young, isn't he? I hope everything turns out okay for him and his family.

KevinS.

Hi Everyone!
Thanks Jimmmmm for the nice wishes! :)
Hey there Moses (Oooops I mean Moser) Thanks for your congrats too. I guess my birthday wish was kinda like a daydream too, Ooooh well I survived another birthday! I guess I will just have to wait for this release date longer....... That is neat that you contacted the Finger Lakes PAC about seeing if they would book AMERICA ~~ now this is just too much, my son is finishing up his last year at IUP and then guess where he will be heading to finish his courses, You say what the heck does this have to do with anything, well he will be going to the NY Chiro. College there in Seneca Falls, and it is very close to the Finger Lakes region. How about that! Hey that would really be neat if you would come to the show next Apr. at IUP, just think you and I were at the Seven Springs show and who knows maybe we were even close to each other at one time and didn't even know it..... Yes it would be fun to meet the person that goes with the name wouldn't it!
Happy Belated Birthday Boner! (Oooooops I mean Bones) That is pretty neat that Little Baby Renee was born on your birthday, Hmmmmm ~~~ Hope you had a good day! Are you into just celebrating the day and not really counting the years like Me?

Good Night All ! Nancy :)

~~~~ Fascination~~with the light in your hair, a celebration, nothing else can compare, an invitation to share my life with you, stepping forward reaching out for your hand, hear the music of the sea on the sand, like a vision rising out of the blueeeee, looking like a Young Moon in the heaven, Mother to the stars, Young Moon guide us tonight, elevation to a place high above, the combination you and me and our love, determination to spend my life with youuuuuuu, looking at you face to face with my world, the quiet beauty, not like just any girl, moving slowly from the dark into view~~~~~ Thanks Dewey~~~~ I could sing this whole song it is soooo nice~~~ :)

shayne, just wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers will be with you along with many others on this board. mark

a beautiful venue--an amphitheater on the coast. the beach was 20 yards in back of the stage. there were four groups that sang--a sort of local group called the kelly bowlin band, al stewart, ambrosia, and AMERICA. al stewart sang about 6 songs, followed by ambrosia who i'd never heard before but really liked. AMERICA closed it out with a short set of 15 songs. they sounded as good as ever! hank linderman stood in for woodsy, but g & d never mentioned why. hank did a fine job, even picking up woodsy's vocals on 'woman tonight' & 'magic'. mB, recently back from australia, joined his father for the encore of 'horse'. it was a beautiful night and an equally beautiful venue on the beach. the whole gig was quite poorly organized which i think accounted for the poor attendance. only about 1/3 of what i estimated to be about 2,500 seats were occupied.

Yuk. Yuk. Yuk. You funny.

Has anyone noticed that if Bones & Moser exchanged the last 2 letters of their names, we'd have Boner & Moses. That sounds like a good comedy team or a law firm. A mind is a terrible thing.

Nancy - cheer up, little Renee was born on my Birthday.

Dear Nancy: Congrats on your new baby niece, Renee. What a beautiful name. Hope she likes Sponge Bob!! Happy early birthday to you. Perhaps Erin Edwards, the America manager will have some good news for you regarding the release date soon. Your bd is close to Gerry's day, how cool. As far as booking America for my birthday, I was just daydreaming. But I am trying to get a couple of the closer outdoor venues in this area to book them for next summer. I sent an email to the Finger Lakes Performing Arts Center and got this response, "Thank you for your suggestion. We'll look into it for next summer. Finger Lakes PAC is now closed for the season. Thanks again." So, that's better than no response at all. Hopefully they do actually check out the booking information that I sent (from this website). The other place I'm going to pesticate (my sister's own word) to book them is Six Flags Darien Lake. Any concert within 50 miles of here would be a great bd present. And any within 200 miles is still a possibility. Maybe I'll show up at IUP next Spring!! That would be fun. Talk to y'all soon. Have a great day.

Happy Birthday Nancy! Enjoy your day! Cheers, Jim.

Hi Everyone!
Hi Moser ~~ I can hear you loud and clear about this developing BS, is for the birds. Time to get a digital ~~~ Yes I too have reached that point of frustration also! Especially with seeing how nice the pics are that they take and how you can do so much with them on the computer... Oh Yes and any news on the booking of AMERICA for your birthday yet? What a way to bring in the 40's for sure~~ Nice! :)

Yes I have an announcement to make regarding the new little expected baby that will have the Spongebob nursery. Are you all listening? ~~~ A new little baby Girl named Renee was born on friday afternoon, Mom & Baby are doing well. This little girl came a couple days too soon, so she will not have the same birthday as Me.~~~ Stay tuned to see just how she accepts this Spongebob nursery and what type of an affect it will have on her! :)

Hi Jamie ~~~ Just wanted to say I liked the song Nautical High too!
Good Night everyone! Nancy :)
~~~~~ Somewhere over the rainbow bluebirds fly and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true, if pretty little bluebirds can fly over the rainbow then why oh why can't I ~~~~ I see skies of blue and clouds of white, ~~~ and I think to myself what a wonderful world, the colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky are also in the faces of people walking by ~~~~~~ I hear babies cry and I watch them grow, they will learn much more than we will know and I think to myself what a wonderful world for sure~~~~~~~ :)

Ooooh Mr. Manager Man do you have an announcement to make today regarding the release date for the Live Cayman CD ~~ Do You??? Time is running out for this birthday wish of mine to come true ~~~ Please if you can hear me, Let us know just when we will be able to get our hands on this long awaited CD! Thanks! :)

Pictures from the NY State Fair show will be back tomorrow. Yea, great, wundeebar, can't wait. This developing BS is for the birds. Time to get a digital!!!

Shayne~ Best Wishes for a successful surgery.

(I know that you're in the hospital and you can't read this now, but hopefully you will be able to when you get out.) ~Pat

Hi Erin ~~ I would like to extend my wishes of Sympathy to you and your family. So Nice that your Grandmother was a fan of AMERICA's music, nice that she passed this on down to you also. I am sure you have lots of special memories of her and these will live on in your heart! Take Care! :)
I have been catching up ~~ My husband had to have his shoulder operated on yesterday, so I spent the whole day at the hospital. His surgery went well, this was done microscopically, so he should have a quicker recovery. I had to pick him up and take him to get the dressings changed on this at the Dr.'s. today and he is back home now! We are very thankful this all went well!
Hi Steve ~~~ Regarding your trivia question! Sara came to mind for me first, How about the song Valentine, Jim Brickman also has a song called Valentine ~~~~ Then there is ~~ In The Country, and Three Dog Night has a song called Out In The Country, Sandman ~~~ Enter Sandman by Metallica ( my son's song) & Seasons ~~ Season's Change by Expose .
Have a good rest of the day all! Nancy :)
~~ Something whispers in my ear
~~~~~ That you were not alone, I am here with you, though you're far away I am here to stay, you were not along I am here with you, though we're far apart, you're always in my heart~~~~~~ :)

Hi Everyone!
Thanks Shayne Friend! For letting us know about about this. I am sorry to hear this Shayne. I too want to say that our thoughts and prayers will be with you for all to go well with your surgery and that you will have a good recovery. Best wishes to your family also! Please keep in touch!
Take Care Shayne, Nancy :)
~~~~ He's a friend of mine, known him all my life, and his wife, neat the swayin pine and the clingin vine ~~~ Just before he left he said now young man take good care and don't let the bed bugs bite, please be sure and say a word at night for all your brothers feeling bluuuue, blueee, blueeee, blue all the time~~~~~

Sounded like something was up when Shayne's subject was "Shayne". My thoughts are with you, Shayne. Expect to hear from you soon. Thank-you "Shayne's Friend" for letting us know and may your next post be under better circumstances. In any case, welcome!

Sending good thoughts to Shayne and his family.

Sorry to hear of Shayne's misfortune. Hope the surgery goes well & he is back in shape in no time. All the chatters will say a prayer for him & keep him in our thoughts & prayers.

I'm friend of Shayne, FYI, Shayne had a heart attack, but is resting comfortably now. He is scheduled for a triple by-pass on Monday and is expected to fully recover. He asked me to let ya'll know. He is at Maimonedes Hospital in Brooklyn, NY.

Thank you.

Yes, the booking info is correct.

Mad Dog (song & album) John Entwistle

Dear Steve L., We were talking on the live chat last night about booking America for my 40th birthday party. Obviously in jest unless I hit the lottery really soon. Anyway, instead I thought I would take Jimnak's advice to someone in Germany and suggest to some local people to invite America to a venue nearby. So, (finally she gets to the point!!) is the booking information listed here on your site the current info?? Please let me know. Thanks.

Bones, I've always liked the "popular" Yes songs and those are all included on the "Highlights" CD (hey, there's another "H" title). In addition, there are some other great songs that I had to listen to a couple of times but the more I listen to them the more I like them. There aren't any duds on the CD so I'm very pleased with it. Besides, I had a Media Play coupon which allowed me to get it for $9.99 (you can't beat that!). --SteveL

Steve, How do the "Yes" CDs sound? I've been thinking about buying it.
Thanks

Hi...No reason actually.. Was just curious. They are doing a 3 day run, and after reading how they recorded the cayman gig, the thought just crossed my mind. It was nice to get to chat with you the other night..
Take Care,
Robin C.

Just wanted to extend my condolences to you and your family. She'll live on in your hearts forever..
Take Care,
Robin C.

Erin, I'm sorry to hear about your grandma and extend my condolences. Take advantage of the time you will be able to spend with your family. There will be other concerts in the future.

Jerey, I don't know if the set list will be different or not. The arrangements will certainly be different. Don't be surprised to hear Miniature played by the orchestra as the intro to Tin Man. --SteveL

I've been waiting all summer to see the guys at Genoa this Sunday...but my grandma (who took me to my first America concert five years ago and got me hooked!) died Tuesday night...so I'll be with family this weekend....guys, have a great show...I'll miss being in the front row...come back again soon...and play Sister Golden Hair for my grandma...it was her favorite song!
Everyone who will be there...enjoy the show!

Erin :o)

How about Sarah and Sara by Fleetwood Mac.Granted the spelling is different but the name's the same.Let's keep those answers coming.Great question Steve
Steve

I am absolutely looking forward to the Cincy concert. I got tickets to the Sunday evening performance. I got the tickets from the Pops in two days. All this talk about the orchestras gets me excited about the show. I was wondering if Steve L or others on the board know if the concert set is different than the regular show. CAN'T wait!

"Honey"/Bobby Goldsboro
"Mad Dog"/Deep Purple/THE HOUSE OF BLUE LIGHT
"Hat Trick"/The Mollys/HAT TRICK
"Midnight"/The Monkees
"Tin Man"/Arthur Shettle/TIN MAN

Good one John.

The Border by Mr. Mister.

"Horse With No Name" by Neil Young? :)
j

Please be advised that the America show scheduled for 9/7 in Fresno, CA has been cancelled. I'll be updating the concert list as soon as I can to reflect the cancelation. --SteveL

Cinderella by Firefall?

to all who joined the chat last evening. I am sorry I had to leave early, but a family crisis prevented me from staying any longer . Hope everyone had a nice time, it was good to see you all albeit briefly.

Over the weekend I bought "Highlights - The Very Best of Yes" and they have a song called "Survival" on it. This morning I've been listening to "Highway - 30 Years of America" and it also has a song called "Survival". It made me wonder how many other songs by America have the same title as songs released by other groups. I'm not referring to cover songs performed by other groups, but different songs with the same title. An obvious one comes to mind: "I Need You" by Gerry Beckley and by George Harrison because they currently perform both of those in concert. Now for the trivia. What other songs do you know that have the same title as an America song? It will be interesting to see how many we can come up with. We've got two so far.

Oops, my first double post. Sorry muchly.

I was reading the paper this morning and noticed that Willie has a twin--House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt, D-Mo.

Robin, I don't know if they'll be recording the concert but I kind of doubt it (at least not legally). I wish I could be there because I'm sure it will we fantastic!

I was reading the paper this morning and noticed that Willie has a twin--House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt, D-Mo.

I'm just curious RC, do you have a reason to suspect they will be recording the Cincy concert? Rumor perhaps or a hunch maybe? Just wondering.

Hi Steve,
Would you know if by chance they will be recording the Cincy concert w/Pops Orchestra for possible future live release? Was just curious
Robin C.

Nina, I don't know how many times America has performed with a whole orchestra but I saw them with the Vancouver symphony (I know, many of you have heard me rave about it before) 6 or 7 years ago. Has got to be the absolute best concert I have ever seen. The sound a full string section can add. We also got to hear some real gems, some of those tunes geared for the orchestral accompaniment that never seem to make the playlist. If you can, make every attempt to get to the Ohio shows.
j

Here is an original MP3 from Jamie Magaldi. Click here to download/listen to Nautical Wind. It will remain on the Chat Folder for a week or so. He should have Hat Trick by the end of the week.

>>And how exactly DOES Gerry find the time to do these things?<<

My theory is -he's twins.

Hi Kevin,
You wanted to know what an emoticon is, Well it is pictures of little things like smiley faces, music notes, rainbows, cakes, and sooo on.
Thanks Steve, When Riverside started playing in my headphone, I just thought wow I would love to be able to put down some music notes for the guitar part.... I just love typing songs while they are playing, I guess you all know by now that I love alot of great songs!
See ya, Nancy :)

You made me hope for something better, you made me reach for something more~~~
~~~ You taught me to run, you taught me to fly, you taught me to be the me inside, help me hear the music in my heart, help me hear the music in my hear, you opened my eyes, you opened the door to something I've never known before, and your love is the music of my heart.~~~~~ Cause you always saw in me all the best that I could be, it was you that set me free, you taught me to run, you taught me to fly, taught me to free the me inside, help me hear the music of my heart~~~~~ and your love is the music of my heart, music of my hearttttt ~~~

GERRY BECKLEY is always working at his craft, he never stops, illness/injury or otherwise. If fact I don't think he has ever called in sick, not 1 day. He has said that he is a working musician, pure & simply stated. He has appeared on so many other projects, it would be nice to have a list, but likely impossible to know.

I spotted this message about the band "Low" on the Kranky Records website:

Low recorded their sixth studio album in the spring of 2002. Trust features cameo appearances by Gerry Beckley from soft-rock giants America and was mixed by Tschad Blake (Latin Playboys, Lisa Germano, Pearl Jam, etc.).
The new allbum features a number of recent live favorites like "In the Drugs", "John Prine", "A Little Argument with Myself" and "Canada." Tschad Blake's presence is immediately apparent with the bells, whistling and echoing drums on "(That's How You Sing) Amazing Grace" and those extra touches continue across the album. Trust is the most assertive and expansive Low album yet and matches big sounds with meaningful sonic details. This record grazes you with a brick then knocks you over with a feather.

Does anyone know any details? or Gerry's connection to Low? Would it be possible to get some of Gerry's thoughts on this project? And how exactly DOES Gerry find the time to do these things?

Rich

What the heck is an emoticon?

Hey Steve we need to get some emoticons for the chat folder......... :)

Nancy, I'm not a big fan of emoticons but I know a lot of other people are so I'll look into it. I don't think it would be terribly hard to add, but it will take some time and I don't have much of that right now. I'll put it on my "to do" list and see if I can add it the next time I make an update to the chat folder software. --SteveL

Ooooh Red~~
You wanna know what day my birthday is, well if by chance we recieve good news about the Live Cayman CD kinda soon like within a week and by some off the wall miracle my birthday wish comes true. I will let you all know what day my birthday is for sure. It is sooon within a week before Gerry's. As for my age you all should know my age by now. How about we make that the trivia question of the day~~~ How old will Nancy be on her birthday which is this coming week sometime?

Aha ~~~ This is good I will get to see just how many of you listen to the posts that you read on here.
Regarding what time Erin from Morey came to the live chat last wed. Hmmmm ~~~ I think she came just before you did Red. I was asking her about the show at my son's college and she went and checked on it for me. I am hoping to make it to live chat, but it will be harder now getting there early, with the kid's homework and bedtime being right around this time. Soooo I guess it will be back to me getting there after everyone has called it a night!!! I hope not!
Hey there Jimmmmmm in NZ ~~ it is Spring time there now! Just wanted to say Hi! :) okay gotta go again, Nancy :) the music is still playing here ~~~~ Hey Riverside is just starting here ~~~~~~~~ I wish I could make some music notes, Hey Steve we need to get some emoticons for the chat folder......... :)

~~~~ And tell me when will our eyes meet, when can I touch, when will this strong yearning endddd, and when will I holddddd you again ~~ Time in New England took me away to long rocky beaches and you by the bayyyy, we started a story whose end must now wait, and tell me when will our eyes meet, when can I touch youuuuu, when will this strong yearning endddddd, and whennnnnn will I hold you againnnn... I feel the change coming I feel the wind blow, I feel brave and daring, I feel my blood flowwww oooh with you I could bring out all the love that I have, with you there's a Heaven so Earth ain't sooooo bad. ~~~~~~ WOW! Nice song ;)

Oh Nancy, when is ur B'day & what number will that be. Are u close to senior status with the rest of us yet. What time was Erin from Morey on the live chat last week. I got in on the tail end(which is normal) so missed some of the train of thot. Tx.

We do so many shows in a row
And these towns all look the same
We just pass the time in our hotel rooms
And wander 'round backstage
Till those lights come up and we hear that crowd
And we remember why we came

Jackson Browne

Good Morning Everyone :)
Houses in White is playing here now LOUD! I love it :)
Hi Moser ~~~ Guess where I just got back from ~~ I had to take my daughter's swimming stuff to school, no sooner had she gotten to school she called home and said Mom I forgot my swimming stuff ~~~ sooooo off to school I headed and then did some of my other runaround errands too. OOOOOH my I hate to say the summer is gone and I know what you mean about that feeling you get the first day of school. You know what ~~~~ Seeing them get off of the bus with a smile on that first day helps that feeling to go away fast. Enjoy your quiet time they will be home before you know it Moser :)
Hi Steve ~~~ I am one of those ones that have a sloooooow connection, I do have the new media player soooo I will check this ZZTop Part Deux out! Sooo neat!
Hi Beth ~~~ WOW Up Close & Personal ~~ I like the sounds of that Nice! I liked your story about seeing Gerry walking down the sidewalk, I got pretty close to this same situation myself with Dewey. Back at the show I saw in Feb., my husband & I were sitting out in the lounge where they were having the show, and who happens to walk right past us, yes Dewey and I saw him and I said to my husband Hey there goes Dewey Bunnell, Dewey heard me and turned around for a short second.... He did come back through and even slowed down by our table and said Hi, well guess what happened to this big DUMMY ME ~~~ I froze, I had no voice and my insides were just screaming hey stop I want your autograph and pic......ooooooh noooooooo! Darn It! Well I have to do better at this show next April, I have to talk to them and get some pics for sure! I saw Gerry too, but he was walking kinda fast. They were headed back to their room to get ready for the show! I love how they are such casual everday guys! Sooo Nice :) I Can't Wait for next April to come!!!!! Yes Yes Yes! I get to see them again! I will have my Harbor & Hat Trick posters with me for sure to get them signed to get framed and to hang them in my office! I promised myself this and I have to do it!
Hey Red ~~ I sure hope Erin or someone can get you some backstage passes for the show on the 20th there in Denver. I am sooooo excited for you getting to see them. Oh yes and let's not forget the Eagles show toooo, WOW! You get to see Timothy, how I would love to see him, I like the rest of the guys but he is my favorite, I just love his voice! Tonight is live chat~~~~~
Hi PatB ~~ Hey that one was tooo much, a Child with No Name ~~ it would truly take an AMERICA fan to come up with that one and to appreciate it too. LOL! Hmmm this is my sister's in laws little girl that likes Spongebob, and her name is Casey, they are not sure what the expected baby is. Hey my birthday is coming soon and she very well could have this little baby on my birthday. I guess if I can't have the release date for the Live Cayman CD on my birthday, that this would be pretty neat for this new little baby to be born on my big day!!! I celebrate my birthday, I just stopped counting the years! I'll let this little one count them for me.... I love little babies! I will let you know when the little one comes and the name! :)
Have a good day all, it sure is a beautiful one here~~ Gotta go for now, Nancy :)
~~~~~Well it's not far down to paradise at least it's not for me ~~~
and if the wind is right you can sail away and find tranquility~~~ Ooooh the canvas can do miracles just you wait and see, believe meeeee, it's not far to never never land, a reason to pretend that if the wind is right you can find a joy of innocence again, the canvas do miracles just you wait and seee ~~~ Oooooh sing it Chris Cross ~~~ I just love this song, I have it blasting! See ya :) :) :) :)

Howdy all. Listening to Daisy Jane. Yes, the summer is gone. Packed the lunches and sent the kiddies off to school today. I guess it's just Pavlovian conditioning or something but I STILL hate the first day of school. Give me summer any day. This folder sure is quiet lately. Everyone must be really busy. Well off to my quiet day alone. Guess I'll just have to play some good music really loud to fill the house.

Those of you who were patient enough to download the MPEG video of me doing the ZZ Top move with the band may want to take a look at another video taken from a different angle. This is a 9 second clip that was taken by Erin from the side of the stage. It's 3.43 MB so it will take a while to download on a slow connection. The format is AVI which means you'll either need the latest Windows Media Player with all of the AVI codecs to view it or Apple's QuickTime player. It was fun to see this close up video. Thanks Erin for sending it to me!

Click here to download/view the AVI video.

Nancy - They sounded GREAT up close!!! We were probably hearing more from their monitors than we were from the speakers. I worried about that, too, if we'd be TOO Close...we had some poor festival etiquitte going on around us and so sort of got smooshed up front, but in hindsight, the closer, the better! What an experience!

Earlier in the afternoon, while driving around Oshkosh, I spotted Gerry walking down the sidewalk! I got such a kick outta that! I go, "Hey - there's Gerry Beckley!" and my son and husband didn't believe me! Jordan looked back and recognized him, too, and begged my husband to stop the Jeep. It would've been sorta funny if he had, and I would've gone up to him and said, 'Excuse me, sir, we're trying to find WaterFest!!' We didn't stop, but I was wishing later that we had, as we ended up so close to them, it would've been sorta cool.

As it was, it was pretty dern cool all by itself!!! So yes, Nancy, get as close as you can. Any eye-contact you will make more than compensates for any distortion in sound. You can play your albums at home anytime, it's not often you can see them in real life - Go For It!

Stay Tuned!
Beth

Nancy~ Congratulations on your family's (soon-to-be) new arrival.

Do you have any names picked out yet? What are they?

Just in case you're having a difficult time choosing a name,
you can always name him (or her) "Child-With-No-Name".
*LOL* (just kidding)

Hi all! Was looking over the concert schedule and noticed that in October, America is slated for a few shows in Ohio with a Pops orchestra. Just curious and wondering...have the guys done many of these kind of shows, with backing from a large orchestra?

In regard to Spongebob...my "almost 7" year old nephew has no interest in Spongebob at all. He's very much into Harry Potter. Right now he's mortified because we couldn't find him a Harry Potter backpack to start the school year off with and he has to use Scooby-doo! Hey, New Yorkers...Lisarose, Andy,...is there still a big Warner Bros. store in Times Square?( Warner's has the merchandising rights, I think.)

Am curious to read how the concert was yesterday in Clarkston, Michigan with Kansas/America. Would like to know how long Kansas played preceding America. Since Kansas will be performing with America in Denver on Sept 20, maybe I can estimate when to arrive for the show. So, if anyone attended yesterday's show, let me know here on the chat folder.
Also, I was wondering how one goes about getting a backstage pass for an America concert, short of a big bribe. If anyone knows, let me know.
Real nice pix from everyone that's attended a show recently. Keep up the good work!
Gerry & Dewey, take care of those pipes so that when I see you on the 20th, you'll be in prime shape. Not sure it will be a sellout or not, but as you well know, the Denver crowd is one of the best.

Why are you in so such hurry?
Is it really worth the worry?
Look around, then slow down.
What's it like inside the bubble?
Does your head ever give you trouble?
It's no sin, trade it in.

Hi Again!
Regarding Spongebob ~~ It seems that this show is a favorite of a 1 yr old too girl too. Whenever her Mom turns this on ~~ she just sits in awe watching it, stays still for the whole show ~~ LOL! This very Mom is also expecting her second baby within a week or two and since this character has this affect on her daughter, she did the new babies nursery up in no other than ~~ You got it Spongebob, she did the wall paper boarder the decals for the wall, anything she could find in Spongebob she put in the room. I am anxious to hear the affect this will have on the new baby when she has it. I will let you all know Okay! ~~~~ Toooooo much! :)
Hi Beth ~~~ Nice to hear about the Oshkosh show, You say you were leaning up against the stage, Wow you were pretty close to them weren't you. I am wondering how the music sounds up this close, they are coming to my son's college next Apr. and I want to call for my seats, I was seriously considering getting very front row center seats, but this may be toooo tempting for me to just want to go right up on stage! Especially if Dewey were to sing Garden of Peace and Gerry were to sing Kiss of Life ~~~WOW that would be tooo much! Nice that your son went with you... I am all for a new generation of AMERICA Fans. Nice :)
Hi Jerey <<<<Awesome when your kids think the stuff you listen to is COOL! Jerey >>>>> Yes isn't it though! That would have been neat to hear her calling out There's Dewey & Gerry! I am sure this will be one memory you will recall with her down the road Dad ~~ Nice!
Good Night All ~~ Nancy :)
~~~~ It's hard to figure out a place to start ~~~ when you are only a kid at heart ~~~ From a childhood memory ~~ You know my hearttttt ~~ To a place we'll never seeeeeee ~~~ Look what you've doneeeee ~~~ I know you're only a kid at heart, only a kid at heart ~~~~~~ :) :) :)

Everybody now " who lives in a pineapple under the sea..." lol, Moser, Spongebob is a fav of teenage girls, at least the one who lives in my house and all her friends. When we went to Universal this weekend, the Spongebob sighting was one of the highlights!

I saw the guys at Ashland, KY and had my 9 y. o daughter with me at the show. We weren't as closre as you were but we were about 9 rows back. When she saw the guys through the curtain she started screaming there's Dewey and Gerry as if she had been a fan for years. Awesome when your kids think the stuff you listen to is COOL!

Hello All You Friends! Haven't posted here in a while, have been lurking....Have seen a few on the Live Chat....

Went to see America last Thursday - Oh my Gosh!!! I believe I stood right next to Michelle!!! After singing California Revisited, Gerry leaned over and gave a guitar pick to my 11-yr old son!! Too Cool!! Jordan had been singing along, and Gerry caught that, and gave him the biggest grin! How awesome!!! Yea!! I've got some pics, too. I'll give Steve a holler and find out the best way to send those up for y'all.

We were leaning against the stage. Almost too close, but then again, NOT! What a Blast!! Jordan is already talking about "at my next America concert..."!

Stay tuned!
Beth

Pat B.: Eddy is right. Sponge Bob is a curiously popular cartoon character who apparently appeals to anyone under the age of 15 or so. Unfortunately for those of us over 15, there are really only 2 episodes of Sponge Bob it would seem. Either that or every time I watch it, I unluckily catch the same GOOFY episode. If you ever tune in to Nickolodeon and it is on, turn the channel really fast!!!

It's a cartoon on Nick, my 2 year old is watching it right now.....

Moser~ What are Sponge Bob Squarepants?

Hi Everyone ~~~ Happy Labor Day! ~~ the sun is shining here :)
Thanks Steve for posting the concert pics and keeping this site so up to date, I really enjoy it alot!
Hi Gerry ~~ I really like both VFTHW pics, Both places sure look like nice places to visit for sure.I love all the green trees in the NY pic, and by the looks of the rooftop that can be seen among the trees this looks like a really nice House or Inn. This Hilton Suites looks like a fairly new place, Nice. Did you happen to see the guy standing out on the balcony the 2nd floor from the top. I hope You, Dewey & the band will enjoy some fun & relaxation in between the shows on this Labor Day! Thanks for all of your great music!
Hi Moser ~~ Nice that you were able to make it to the fair, sounds like you had a rather interesting day to say the least. You sure sampled some different foods! Hmmmm you mentioned you took in a show by some group named AMERICA ~~~ Hmmmmm seems like I have heard of them from somewhere ~~~ not just sure where I heard of them. I will have to check them out one of these days! For Sure! LOL!!! Lucky you getting to see them 3 times now this year! Nice! :)
Hi Robin ~~~ Glad to hear you had a good vacation! Nice you will be getting to see another AMERICA show soon!
Hi Mary ~~~~ It's soooo nice seeing your pics posted here, from the Disney show, Thanks for sharing them with me and letting me forward them on to Steve for all to see, You sure got some good ones my friend! This has been a great summer for you & your sister getting to see so many great concerts! :)
Thanks to Vic, Linda, Michelle, Moser, and all the rest that have sent their pics for us to see. Wow ~~~ What a great summer this has been for seeing our Guys! Nice!
Hi Genevieve ~~ Good to hear from you. Yes I did get your email, sorry about not getting back to you. I'll bet you are enjoying all of the concert pics, I know it isn't like really getting to see them, but it does kinda give you a chance to see them. Take care, I will email you soon! :)

Enjoy your day everyone! Nancy :)

~~~~Then in the morning summer breezes will be coming my way ~~~ And in the evening I'm believing I'll be ready to say ~~ That we're all living here in paradise (AMERICA music paradise :) ) And though the sun will fade away they say, there's so much more to fill a day ~~~ Thanks Dewey & Gerry ! I love living here in AMERICA Paradise! :)

Gerry is in Auburn Hills, Michigan today. Click here to see the view from his hotel window.

Just back from the NY State Fair in Syracuse, NY. It was a great time. Got to see lots of dairy cows (Brown Swiss, Guernseys, etc.) and draft horses. Sampled the frozen mudslides. Had to get some Dinosaur BBQ. Treated the kids to one ride on the midway. Tried to win a Sponge Bob Squarepants. Didn't. Tried to bribe some girl to SELL me her Sponge Bob Squarepants. She didn't. Sampled the mudslides. Had the fried dough. Brought home some free wiper blades. Sampled the mudslides. And, oh yeah, almost forgot, saw this great band play a few of their songs. You may have heard of them--America. If you ever get the chance to check 'em out, you should. They seem like really nice guys. Fantastic show, as usual. Thanks. Glad to be one of the nine. Very cool.

Re the photos from Gerry. Well they can't all be lush gardens and sparkling waters, thanks again Gerry for taking us along on the trip!

Been on vacation this week, picked up my tix for the Agoura Hills Show! ALso got to be in da house when the WNBA Sparks won the championship! What an AWESOME game!

I have received and posted a hundred or so concert photos over the past week. If you haven't checked them out, go to the America Fans home page and scroll down to the What's New section. There you will find links to photos from 7 different concerts. I'm sure that there are a lot more on the way as this tour continues.

Have a safe and fun Labor Day holiday to all of you USA fans.

--SteveL

Tried to post before but don't think it went through but if this is a repeated message, I apologize. I absolutely love this picture. The olive green trees are beautiful with just enough houses showing through. My brother and his family just came back from the Syracuse fair -actually New York State Fair(they saw Laura Branigan)and the first thing out of his mouth was "America, your band will be playing there on Saturday"..well, it's a little too far for me. Am envious of all that could make it. What could be bad? A great fair and a great band!!!

Hi everyone,
Hope you're all having a great week-end.
Just want to thank again all the fans who constantly send their pics, documents, audio-files, opinions and concert reports to the web site or post on the folder, thus allowing us , far away supporters to share and get up-dated info very easily. Thanks guys! Don't let us down!

Thanks gerry for still sharing your hotel views and for the bonus pics ... I've just checked out those posted by Steve the past week and some of them are purely wonderful... keep them coming, please! We LOVE them!

Hi Nancy! Hope you got my e-mail from a while ago ( I replied to your 'unicorn' message ). To answer your question, I'll be back to school tomorrow :-( The show must go on!!! LOL . Need money to go to more concerts and buy cds - well I'm kidding of course! Autumn is a good period for taxes, I'm afraid! I'll let you know about the story of J.Larson's cd. See you very soon.

I'm impatient to hear the Cayman release!!! A taste of past holidays! LOL
BFN - Geneviève.

Gerry is in Syracuse, New York today. Click here to see the view from his hotel window.

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Last Revised: 10 October 2002