Sorry - I haven't time to chase news, but
you send it and I'll post it... if it is of general interest! 

British News (space to spare... for free...) Mainland European News

"So, as we do not believe in mourning the dead but celebrating a life, Friday the 3rd of June will be a party to which you all are invited to celebrate our venue. Nominally Grass Style will be the band but we are rather hoping that the bands that have given us such wonderful nights to remember will come as individuals or with your band to celebrate and we can go out with an evening to remember.

"No band fees will be paid, there will be no door entry fee and a free buffet will be provided.

"Please come and help make us a memorable night to mark our final show and share with us a celebration of some fantastic nights we remember at the venue.

"I must say at this juncture that the venue would have folded long ago if it had not been for the serious help that I have had from some wonderful folks that I am proud to call my friends.

"I know they will be disappointed that their work and plans for a bigger better calendar for 2006 have been set back.

"Obviously any band that was scheduled to play at the HOEBV in September 2005 and beyond, that engagement is now cancelled. We are very sorry for any inconvenience this may cause but hopefully the notice given should allow alternative arrangements to be made."

Best wishes,
Ron - Chairman

Laurie Lewis and Tom Rosum are looking for gigs in the UK from mid to end of November 2005. Anyone who can help e-mail Laurie at laurie@Xlaurielewis.com (without the 'X')

Liz Meyer writes,  19 Feb: "Hi everyone,

"Thanks again for all your lovely get-well notes, your donations to my medical fund, and for buying THE STORM. As many of you know, I had to beat cancer 3 times just to record THE STORM, and it's a pretty amazing project with many of my musical heroes backing me on my original songs. Finishing THE STORM was a miracle, and knowing that this little handful of my songs is finally getting a chance to escape my notebook and be heard is some of the best possible medicine for me.

"Now I need another miracle. I'm packing to leave this weekend for Germany for 3 weeks of cancer treatment. I found out Monday that this recurrence is pretty severe.

"I still have computer problems & owe many of you emails - just can't keep up! Meanwhile, a lot of good things have been happening too, and I'll try to update quickly.

"THE STORM entered the Euro Americana Radio chart at #10 in January, several months in advance of its official release! Radio shows that receive the Prime Cuts of Bluegrass samplers are playing a track from THE STORM called The Only Wind That Blows, with Emmylou Harris singing tenor harmony. Deejays generally schedule airplay based on requests, so _please_ request the song from your local bluegrass program. As a result of those events, we were deluged with deejay requests for THE STORM and are busy filling those along with the orders for advance copies. [Glowing comments]

"With the double whammy of my insurance dumping me with 4 years of hospital bills just as I need more treatment, our modest advertising budget for THE STORM was mostly swallowed up in one hospital payment. We are depending on ground level support - word of mouth, radio airplay, and press coverage - and I really appreciate your help with that.

"Please tell your friends about THE STORM. Until its release, advance copies are available ONLY from my website (www.lizmeyer.com), which does have e-commerce. I hope to find some time to add to the website as soon as I solve a few more computer glitches."

e-mail liz@lizmeyerXXX.com (cut the XXX)

1st December 2000