Johnsmith 2009 Spring News

Hello folks.

Hello Everyone, long time no hear from me it seems. I hope 2009 is off to a good start for most of you. It's been a big family year so far. Birth and Death have visited our lives since the new year. Jan 10th our daughter Elisi ( ee lee see) gave birth to a 7lb 7 oz baby girl, Juni Rae Waller. What an amazing couple of days, it was a very long birth and my wife Jo and I were blessed to be there along with Elisi's husband Tim and a couple of midwives. We are totally smitten with little Juni.

On the other side of the coin, on my birthday Feb 17th my mother Evelyn Smith passed away at 89. She had been failing the last year and had been in the local nursing home the few years. She was receiving hospice care the last couple of months. I gotta say, she went peacefully. She had 7 of us 8 surviving kids of 10 all around her bedside the whole last day. We cried, laughed, sang songs, and held her hand. The wake and funeral were a great tribute to her. You can see her obit at here, then click on the 'View Photo Tribute' to see photos put to a few of my songs. She was a very sweet salt of the earth woman.

Big upcoming news that I will begin recording a new CD Mar 16th in Dallas Texas with my dear friend Tom Prasada Rao. I'm pretty jazzed to say the least and will let you know as soon as it is complete. Wish me luck, send us up a little prayer.

GUATEMALA NON-PROFIT PROJECT:
As I mentioned in my last newsletter, a big piece of news for me this past year has been my involvement in a wonderful non-profit that helps Guatemala children get schools, books, and teachers in very needy communities. David La Motte, a fine singer-songwriter from Ashville NC started PEG partners nearly 5 years ago http://www.pegpartners.org/ The organization has since helped with 12 projects from building schools, paying for teachers, books and furniture for several libraries, and assisted with the building of other schools. I went down in Oct with David and was so moved by the need and the work that this non profit is doing. My job is to mention it at my gigs and put out a basket for donations. Every penny goes directly to the projects helping needy kids in Guatemala. I have seen the work and am humbled at how much can get done with so little money. First school, 3 grades cost appx $2500.
So in this time of economic doubt, instead of clenching tighter, look into your heart and send a donation to our brothers and sisters in such need. You can visit http://www.pegpartners.org/ and mention I sent you. Or send a check to me made out to PEG partners and mail it to Johnsmith 24721 2nd st Trempealeau WI 54661

Thanks from the kids of Guatemala.

Since the last newsletter I had great shows at the Pump House in La Crosse, also in Milwaukee, Viroqua, Amherst, Mequon, and spent two full weeks down in FL doing shows including Key West.

Now I’m looking ahead to Mar-May. OK, TX, NE, KS, a family vacation down on the gulf, and I lead my first of four Irish tours May 5-14th.

Here are upcoming shows. Hope to see a few of you and be sure to say hello.

Enjoy the changing of the season and happy St Patty's day.

Love ya

John

Mar 5 Davis OK 7pm Americana Unplugged LaVille Inn 222 East Main St call Larry Lyons 713-927-0712

Mar 6 Houston TX 8pm house concert (open to public) call Lucy Nell at (713)465-9677

Mar 7 Austin TX 8pm House concert Tom and Vicki Belinoski 512-282-2777

Mar 8 Austin TX 11am song for service at Unity Church 5501 W US Hwy 290 Service Rd

Mar 8 New Braunfelds TX 5pm House concert open to public call Elaine 830-625-0859

Mar 9 Corpus Christi TX 7:30pm house concert open to public call Pam(361)852-6680 or email bambistakes@hotmail.com

Mar 10 Lake Hills TX 7pm Lake Medina RV park call Phil at 830 7512640 or email www.lakemedinarvresort.net

Mar 12 Kerrville TX 7:30pm House concert call John Baker at(830)377-0554

Mar 13 Austin TX 7:30pm House concert (open to public) call Vicki and Stan (512)442-8700

Mar 14 Winnsboro TX 8pm Crossroads concerts call Lynn and Lindy (903)365-2343