Saturday, December 04, 2010

DECEMBER 2010 - Anne Feeney's Fellow Travelers' Advisory - VOLUME SIX #9

Hi All

You can buy my CDs at http://cdbaby.com/all/unionmaid or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.  They make great grab-bag gifts!


UPCOMING BENEFIT SHOWS - FT. LAUDERDALE  and PITTSBURGH

Tomorrow afternoon (well, today if you're reading this on Sunday...) some of the finest of Florida's musicians as well as some superb touring musicians will join forces in Ft. Lauderdale at the legendary Labyrinth Cafe in a benefit for my "paid sick days" fund.  It's so overwhelming and very touching to see musicians coming together for me.



Sunday, December 5, 2010

2:00 p.m.
Anne Feeney Benefit Concert
Labyrinth Café
UU Church of Ft. Lauderdale, 3970 NW 21st Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309

http://www.labyrinthcafe.com/Cosponsored.html
Anne Feeney has been a force to be reckoned with for many years. She has sung out and stood up for political and social injustice in every area of her life. She has helped many people in need. Now she is fighting cancer, and we want to help her in her struggle.

Performers include: Ellen Bukstel, Coalition of Immokalee Workers, Ray Del Papa, Jennings & Keller, Rod MacDonald, Marie Nofsinger, The Raging Grannies, Joan Rose, Vicki Ryder, The Solidarity Singers, Amy Speace, Amy Carol Webb, Doug & Telisha Williams, Valerie C. Wisecracker...

For more info about Anne, you can check out her website (http://www.annefeeney.com/) or go to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/annefeeney  , where you can read the journal updates and/or write in her guest book - Ms. Feeney's Wild Ride indeed!

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There is also a raffle planned. You could win a $2000.00 handmade guitar. This guitar, handmade by S. L. Smith, with a hard case is being raffled off for Anne's benefit. There will be only 250 total tickets sold at $10.00 each. For more info about who made the guitar: http://guitars.slsmith.info/


We expect to hold the drawing during the concert on December 5. If all 250 tickets are not sold by that time, an equitable time for the drawing will be determined and the winner will be posted. Michael Stock, of WLRN's Folk and Acoustic Music Show, on Sundays from 2 - 5 PM, has kindly agreed to assist with the drawing and announcement of the winner if it does not take place at the fundraiser.

(Let me know if you're interrested in a raffle ticket.  If they don't sell all the tickets by tomorrow, I'm sure they'll be happy to sell one to you!  email me @ anne@annefeeney.com)


PITTSBURGH, PA -  SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12th - MR. SMALL'S - 7PM

You'd have to be a student of Pittsburgh musical legends to understand how completely amazing the lineup is for the December 12th show at Mr. Small's.  RUSTED ROOT will be turning in a short set.  Blues giant BILLY PRICE will sing.  THE GRANATI BROTHERS will rock out.  Justin Sane from ANTI-FLAG will add some hard edged punk to the show.  Fresh from his night of performing with Bruce Springsteen, JOE GRUSHECKY AND THE HOUSE ROCKERS will dazzle us.  My dear friends THE NEWLANDERS will perform, as will JACK ERDIE, BRAD YODER, TRES LADS, JOE MUNROE, SUE POWERS AND JEFF BERMAN.  This concert was the brainchild of MIKE STOUT and the HUMAN UNION who will perform songs from their fabulous new CD.   Many of Pittsburgh's finest side musicians (ROBBIE KLEIN, NELSON HARRISON and so many more!) will be filling out the lineup, and (I hope) joining me on stage if I feel up to it.  Many many thanks to Senator Jim Ferlo for his generosity, support and guidance in the planning of this event.

There's going to be an incredible silent auction during the show with some impossible-to-find-anywhere-else items donated by local musicians and artists.  All the musicians will have CDs on sale, so please come to buy some recordings too - support all our fabulous live local musicians!

Advance tickets available at http://ticketweb.com/mrsmalls or charge by phone @ 866-468-3401 and various locations around Pittsburgh.

I hope to have some photos from this for the January Fellow Travelers' Advisory.

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Many many thanks to the Mother Jones Committee in Springfield, IL who dedicated their 2010 annual banquet to me.  They had a silent auction before dinner and a hat pass afterward, and folks were exceedingly generous.

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STRANGELY ABSENT FROM THE ELECTORAL DEBATE

You would have never guess we're still in the middle of two wars.  All during the recent election campaigns there was hardly any mention of the high cost of the 2 invasions and occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan. Besides the deaths often estimated over 1 million people, over $1.1 trillion or more has already been spent with no end in sight. It is estimated that it has cost the U.S. $50 million to kill each Taliban. The proposed U.S. embassy to be built in Kabul will cost $500 million. A new audit shows that the U.S. cannot account for nearly $18 billion earmarked for the Afghan occupation. (Democracy Now, 10/29/10). U.S. soldiers sent to Iraq and injured will need $600 billion for their healthcare. However, there is hardly a peep from the Tea Party, which usually vehemently complains about the overspending of tax payer money. Over 55% of federal taxes are spent by military bureaucrats and lobbyists at the Pentagon. If we cut military spending by only 1% we could completely eliminate poverty in the U.S. (Online Journal Sentinel, 11/19/10). If we used the tax money for basic human needs instead of invading and occupying countries for economic reasons we could guarantee all our citizens, not just some, education and healthcare. In other words, we could have what most Europeans already have. All we have to do is follow their example and drastically cut military spending. It would be a step in the right direction towards a more peaceful and just world. We get what we pay for. -------Don Timmerman

This piece appeared in "The Sparrow Sings" - the wonderful monthly newsletter from my friends Don Timmerman and Roberta Thurstin.  If you'd like to subscribe, send an email to: don2roberta@yahoo.com and tell them so.

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SOAW UPDATE

This just in from Don and Roberta:  Some of the 29 people taken into custody outside Ft. Benning during the rally at the annual School of the Americas Watch Vigil on Nov. 20 in Columbus GA were undercover agents, one of whom was arrested with the others. Fr. Bill Brennan, S.J., a former Casa Maria community member, at 90 years old, was one of those arrested and later released. Good going, Bill! Fr. Louis Vilale and Davvid Omondi, both Catholic Workers, were arrested for civil disobedience or divine obedience and sentenced to 6 months in prison. -----SOA Watch Enjoying your freedom? Thank a protester!


I was so sorry to miss the gathering at the gates of SOA this year.  The musical collective was in grand form, with the lovely new addition of our pal Roy Zimmerman.  It's hard to say how long it will take to close this evil place, but I believe that we will.  I was very pleased to hear that the musical collective sang "Have You Been to Jail for Justice?" on Saturday, and dedicated it to me.

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I LOVE HEARING FROM YOU!

Please keep the cards and letters coming.  I get so stir-crazy sitting at home day after day after week after month (although it sure beats being in the hospital...).  I wish I felt up to more phone calls, but my energy level is VERY low.  That's why I love reading your comments at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/annefeeney and getting mail from you.  As soon as I feel up to it, I'm hitting the road to come and thank you all in person.  That could be a while though.  In the meantime, know how very much I cherish our connection and look forward to our next meeting.

Anne Feeney
2240 Milligan Avenue
Pittsburgh,  PA  15218

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SEBASTIAN

I don't know if  you all will be able to see this 54 second video of my grandson, Sebastian, at home in Ecuador. (If not, trust me, he's cute.  Very cute.)  I'm so looking forward to having him and the rest of my family here from December 18-26th.  It will be wonderful!  http://sharing.theflip.com/session/b65c0d92ccb4955b65d476a038bf2729/video/31896261

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WHATEVER YOU'RE CELEBRATING

I  hope the coming weeks bring you plenty of days off, the light and love of family and friends, good health and that 2011 will be a wonderful healthy year for us all.

Saturday, November 06, 2010

NOVEMBER 2010 - Anne Feeney's Fellow Travelers' Advisory - VOLUME SIX #8

NOVEMBER 2010 - Anne Feeney's Fellow Travelers' Advisory - VOLUME SIX #8




That election.  Yuck.  Stop banging your head against the wall.  Leave the punching  bag alone.

I can think of no possible better way to cope with the last election than for you to join me next Saturday - November 13th - at Allegheny Unitarian Church when my fabulous friends, Lou and Peter Berryman will put on a concert you'll be chuckling about for the rest of the month.  If you've seen them before, I know you're marking your calendars now.  If you haven't seen them before - TRUST ME.  They are national treasures making a rare Pittsburgh appearance.  And I couldn't talk them into taking all the concert proceeds.  They are insisting on contributing to my "paid sick days" fund.     I've been out of work now since August 5th with no relief in sight. Just getting to hear Lou and Peter will probably be a great boost to my immune system, though!  I'm so looking forward to an evening out on the town.  (My immune system is still waaay compromised, so I hope you'll refrain from hugs/handshakes etc unless you've been boiled recently.)

Here's the release that Lou and Peter sent out for the show....  Hope to see you there!!!


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


An evening of intelligent musical comedy with Wisconsin singers and songwriters Lou & Peter Berryman. A benefit, in part, for Anne Feeney

Nov 13, 2010 8:00 PM

Allegheny Unitarian Universalist Church
416 W. North Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA  15212

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/135648 $15 adv. (+$1.99 surchage for internet orders) or $20 at the door

Information: 412-877-6480 or 608-257-7750



Take the elegant wit of Cole Porter, the topical satire of Tom Lehrer and the absurdity of Flanders and Swann; blend with down-home Wisconsin cheese, wacky harmonies, accordion and 12-string guitar, and -- voila! the wickedly funny, uniquely entertaining team of Lou & Peter Berryman. From cleaning the fridge ("When Did We Have Sauerkraut") to impending environmental catastrophe ("Why Am I Painting the Livingroom?") to the eternal folly of youth ("A Chat with Your Mother" aka "The F-Word"), no subject escapes their keen and quirky observation.



In almost 30 years together, Lou & Peter have recorded 16 albums of their original songs, and produced 2 songbooks. Such venerable and prestigious venues as Berkeley's Freight & Salvage, The Old Town School of Music in Chicago, The Ark in Ann Arbor, New York's Caffe Lena and Passim in Cambridge have hosted them regularly. They have performed frequently on national public radio including Minnesota's A Prairie Home Companion, and they have played at most major folk festivals across North America. They tour throughout the year, and make their homes in Madison, Wisconsin.



"Rhymes that rhyme! I love your stuff, and if I were still performing, I'd steal it!" Tom Lehrer



"When it comes to being funny, I think I've spent the first thirty years trying to be as funny as Tom Lehrer and the last part will be trying to be as funny as the Berrymans. They don't come any funnier than that." Tom Paxton



"Lou & Peter Berryman! Long may they wave! Their song, "A Chat with your Mother" is one of the great American folksongs of the 20th century." Pete Seeger



More about Lou & Peter Berryman at LOUANDPETER.COM



Lou & Peter are dedicating this concert to their dear friend Anne Feeney. Anne is a beloved Pittburgh singer and songwriter who has been travelling the world for decades. Her music has inspired and comforted working people everywhere, but her work has been interrupted by a bout with cancer. A portion of the evening's proceeds will go to Anne, for her recovery fund. More about Anne and her music at www.annefeeney.com

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IF YOU'RE IN CLEVELAND -  LOU and PETER WILL DO A SHOW FOR ME THERE THE NIGHT BEFORE!!

Friday, November 12th, 2010 8:00 PM

Peter and Lou Berryman in Concert with special guest Deborah Van Kleef

UU Society of Cleveland
2728 Lancashire Road
Cleveland Heights, OH

http://uusocietyofcleveland.tripod.com/index.html
Price: $15 suggested

This concert is, in part, a benefit for Anne Feeney's "paid sick days fund."

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THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Thanks to Kristin Lems for organizing a star-studded fundraiser for me in Chicago!  Thanks to Mark Ross for organizing a wonderful fundraiser for me in Eugene.   Thanks to Gene and Natasha for sending me one night's proceeeds from their Lexington, KY production of "Marx in Soho."  I understand there are still some upcoming shows in Florida and a huge one here in Pittsburgh on December 12th.  Your generosity has been overwhelming... and taken all the financial anxiety out of this devastating illness.  Your cards and letters lift me.  I cannot imagine that this story does not have a happy ending.  Your love and support is such a constant presence in my life.

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HAPPY NOVEMBER 6th 40th BIRTHDAY to MY NIECE, KIMBERLY ANNE SEVER!

Happy Nov 11th birthday to Mary Lane McCahill, Nov 12th birthday to Julie Leonardsson, Nov 18th birthday to John Morber, and Nov 25th birthday to Kathleen Mumphrey Chapman (who just celebrated her 10th wedding anniversary to Ross Chapman..... mazel tov, you two!)

The highlight of last month was the visit from my grandson Sebastian all the way from Ecuador.  He brought his parents along, too, which was wonderful.  And Amy arrived the same day.  It's such an incredible joy to have my kids under one roof - and Sebastian added a most wonderful dimension!  I think I'm going to like this grandma gig a LOT.  Amy is still here, and Dan and Monique and Sebastian will be back here on December 18th.  YAY!

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You can buy my cds at http://cdbaby.com/all/unionmaid
You can stay on top of my health news at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/annefeeney
You can donate to my recovery by clicking on the "Donate" button about 4 inches down the page on the right, or send a check (or a letter, or a card... to anne feeney, 2240 Milligan Ave, pittsburgh, pa  15218

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Saturday, November 13th, 2010 8:00 PM
Peter and Lou Berryman in Concert
Allegheny Unitarian Universalist Church
416 W North Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
412.877-6480
Price: $15 advance, $20 at the door
Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/135648 $15 adv. (+$1.99 surchage for internet orders) or $20 at the door
This concert is, in part, a benefit for my "recovery fund."

Monday, October 04, 2010

OCTOBER 2010 - Anne Feeney's Fellow Travelers' Advisory - VOLUME SIX #7


This little stuffed weasel showed up on my porch last week.  Here I am, preparing to give him hell.



I'm feeling really droopy today, and have been pretty low for a week or so. There is so much more I wanted to say this month. I love you and I'm holding you in my heart. I'll try to make sure the caring bridge page is current with health news.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/annefeeney/journal

At least I didn't get raided by the FBI this month ......

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UNION SONG CONTEST - PLEASE VOTE FOR ME!!!

The folks who offer the "Union Privilege" Credit Card are sponsoring a Union Song Contest. Forty five union members have entered songs in the contest. The winner will receive $2000.

So far, I'm in the lead by 24 votes. My entry is "War on the Workers." There are only a couple days left to vote, so please vote now! It only takes a couple minutes.

http://members.unionsongcontest.org/entries#47275

In order to vote you have to register your name and email (to prevent multiple votes), and click on the link in the confirmation email that they send to you. (Some folks reported that the confirmation email went to their 'spam' filters... so don't forget to check there!) There are songs there by lots of great folks - Bev Grant, John McCutcheon, Andy Antipin, Evan Greer, Peter Alsop and many many more.

http://members.unionsongcontest.org/entries#47275


The link above will take you to my song. Click on it and it will begin to play. If you think it's the best song, I hope you'll vote for it. I'd appreciate it!

Thanks so much!



HEALTH NEWS


It's almost two months since I found out about the tumor in my lungs ... Since then it's been a maze of doctors' offices, hospital rooms, IVs, medications etc etc. There are many aspects of this process that are dehumanizing... lots and lots of hours waiting waiting waiting.

How incredibly uplifting your cards and letters have been. You've reminded me again and again that you remember me, that you're thinking of me, that I mean something to you, and that I am loved. All of those things are hard to keep in focus when you're wearing a hospital gown on a gurney sitting in some hallway and everyone seems to find a new way to mispronounce your name. So many thoughtful, loving and generous gestures from all of you! I cannot thank you enough or ever express my gratitude sufficiently. I'm overwhelmed.

The latest medical setback is a rampant infection of MAC bacteria in my upper right lung. One of the three antibiotics, Rifampin, is being administered intravenously, at a cost of $186.30/day. Another prescription had a $300 co-pay for a month's supply... And I may be on these three antibiotics for 18 months! If I were one of the 40+ million uninsured, I would certainly be denied this treatment.

This current half-assed health care bill does nothing to address the soaring costs of health care.... in fact, it guarantees insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies huge profits. As I sang all last summer - WE NEED NATIONAL HEALTH CARE NOW!!!



SOME CANCER "DO'S & DON'T'S"

(These are just my personal observations, so take 'em with a grain of salt..)

DO's

How I've loved the teas, cookies, scarves, hats, miso soup mix, books and cds that y'all sent me. The hilarious cards and heartfelt notes have been fantastic! The money has been most appreciated, and has relieved me of the grinding anxiety of living on the financial edge. (If you'd still like to help me out there's a paypal "donate" box about four inches down from the top on the right hand side of this page - Or you can send a check to Anne Feeney, 2240 Milligan Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15218.) It's hard to imagine anyone who wouldn't appreciate some cash in the face of such a sudden escalation of expenses AND simultaneous loss of income. Any heartfelt expression of affection in a card is so appreciated by anyone! I've been particularly touched by folks who reminded me of fun things we did together - picket lines, rallies, riots, etc.

One of my favorite cards was from Molly Rush:

Great reasons to love being bald:

1) No more expensive hair products.
2) No more bed head.
3) Gray? What gray?
4) Look more like your adorable baby pictures.
5) More places to kiss!


DON'Ts

Don't bother sending the recipe for the flaxseed enema that supposedly saved someone's life.

Don't bother sending the novena, scapular, relic or special prayer that cures cancer unless you're sure that the person shares your spirituality.

Don't send the "75 affirmations that must be said daily in order to effect a cure, and then ONLY if you send the affirmations to 20 people within 24 hours -- or something awful will happen to you!"

Don't assume that the only thing your friend with cancer wants to talk about is cancer. It's actually my least favorite thing to talk about.

Don't tell your friend that "attitude is everything." Of course a hopeful and positive outlook is helpful, but it doesn't cure cancer any more than a moment of sadness, frustration or doubt kills you. Give your friend room to express his/her feelings.


Don't stay away. A quart of homemade soup makes up for almost any other oversight.

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You can still buy my cds at CDBaby - http://cdbaby.com/all/unionmaid

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Some benefit shows for me coming up in Pittsburgh, Chicago, Miami and the Bay Area. Thanks to the Eugene folks who put together a show on October 2nd... and the Johnstown folks who did a Labor Day show. You're all wonderful.  I'll try to get all the details for these benefit shows onto http://annefeeney.com/calendar.html soon.

Wednesday, September 01, 2010

SEPTEMBER 2010 - Anne Feeney's Fellow Travelers' Advisory - VOLUME SIX #6

SEPTEMBER 2010 - Anne Feeney's Fellow Travelers' Advisory - VOLUME SIX #6

Immediate Destinations:  Radiation and Chemotherapy...

IN THIS ISSUE:

Health News
Thank you thank you thank you thank you
I'm a GRANDMA!!
Union Song Contest
Labor Day 2010
Family News - Happy Birthday Amy!
Photo Archive Request





September 1, 2010
Pittsburgh, PA

Health News...

In the words of William Bendix (The Life of Riley) - What a revolting development this is!
My hair mostly fell out yesterday, so Julie gave me a buzz cut with his beard trimmer.
Now I know why Chandler wears a hat - It's cold with no hair!

It was a month ago that Julie's best friend, Per Forsberg, ordered a lung CT scan for me.  (He's a doctor in Julie's hometown of Smedjebacken.)  He was afraid I might have blood clots in my lungs the way that I was coughing.  I had to go to the next little town over, Ludvika, for the test.  They did it at the hospital there.

A young medical student was in charge at the ER that day.  When the CT results came back I could tell from the look on his face that he had devastating news for me.  What he said though, was:  "I am so sorry to tell you that we have found a fast growing tumor on your esophagus and windpipe.  It's very large - around 11 cm - and in addition to the complications with your esophagus and windpipe this tumor is also putting terrible pressure some major weasels."

The dead serious look on his face as he described the pressure on my major weasels made me start to laugh.  He was embarrassed, of course, realizing he had grabbed the wrong word.  His mind racing, he started again...

"Wessels!  Major Wessels!"

I think I had already figured out that he meant vessels.  But I will be forever grateful to this young doctor for making me laugh - not just at that moment - but every time I've told anyone the story of my diagnosis.   Indeed, from that day on, we have referred to this tumor as "the weasel."  Sometimes when the weasel is in there doing rodeo tricks with my esophagus or windpipe I have had these terrible chest pains.  I think this first round of chemo has finally subdued the weasel to the point that those episodes are over.

I returned to Pittsburgh and had a bronchoscopy and biopsy at Shadyside Hospital.  It's small cell lung cancer, caused by smoking.  This tumor couldn't really be surgically removed without completely resectioning lots of parts.  But the oncologist says that this type of tumor is very "chemo-reactive" and will disappear entirely with an aggressive course of chemo and radiation. Subsequent brain MRI, CT scans, bone scans and Pet Scans have confirmed that the cancer is confined to the tumor and to the nearest lymph node.  Because it hasn't spread anywhere else, I have a 20% chance of living out my lifespan.  Four out of five people with my diagnosis will have a recurrence of the cancer within two years and it will not respond to treatment.  I think I'm a likely candidate for the 20% group.  It's been almost ten years since I quit smoking.  I'm in great health otherwise.  Singing all these years has kept my lungs very healthy and young.   I am treating at the Hillman Cancer Center.  It's part of the UPMC behemoth.  People travel from all over to get to this center for cancer treatment, so I'm lucky to have it in my own back yard.

Starting on Tuesday, I'll be having two radiation treatments daily for three weeks.  In addition to that, on Wednesday I'll have six hours of chemo, Thursday two hours of chemo, and Friday, two hours of chemo.

When I've finished up the radiation, I'll do another round of Chemo on September 29, 30 and October 1st.

Three weeks later, another round of chemo, and then I'm finished with treatment.

There are a number of possible complications, but I'm hoping to avoid them.
For ongoing medical updates, please visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/annefeeney

Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank You THANK YOU!!

One of my huge concerns as I began canceling all of my shows for 2010 and 2011 was certainly financial.  The bills are rolling in at a startling rate.  Even though my insurance is pretty good, I've had about $8000 in uncovered medical bills since July.  Even if I manage to get Social Security Disability and the Musicians' Union Disability Pension, I won't receive my first payments until at least February of 2011.

I know that so many people are really struggling right now that I was reluctant to ask for financial help from you.  It looks like most people really took my request of last month to heart.  People who are indeed struggling sent me their best wishes (lots of them are on my guestbook ... http://annefeeney.com/guestbook.html ),  some hilarious and touching letters and cards, and their prayers and hopes for my recovery.  Perfect!

And lots of you with an extra $50 sent it my way. I am so touched, so heartened by this rally to my recovery.  I won't have to worry about money for a while.  It's amazing to me. I have almost 10 months of basic expenses sitting in the bank right now.  I'm working on individual thank you notes, but I have so little energy, it's going to take me a while to get everyone thanked.  Please don't send me more than $50 - I'm hoping enough folks will come through at $50 that I won't have to seek out any larger donors... 

I would still welcome your contribution.  You can send it to:

Anne Feeney
2240 Milligan Ave
Pittsburgh  PA  15218

or via the "Donate" button located about 5 inches down on the right hand side this page.

I hear there are some benefit shows being planned in Detroit, Eugene, Pittsburgh ... It's all very overwhelming and inspiring to me.  If I had ever had any doubt about my so-called career choice, it's been put to rest by this amazing outpouring of love and affection and generosity from you, my friends.    I've so loved the reminiscences enclosed in your letters.  I've been feeling a little like Tom Sawyer at my own funeral .... some of these notes are practically eulogies.  I'm glad that folks are feeling a little sentimental when they write.  I'm feeling pretty sentimental these days myself.

So keep those cards & letters & love tokens coming - they absolutely are the highlight of every day. 



I'm a GRANDMA!!

Little Sebastian Edward Berlin arrived five days early on August 22, 2010 weighing in at 5 lbs. 4 oz and almost 19 inches.  He's perfect in every way.  Monique is doing well after an emergency C-Section.  Her Mom and Dad were in Quito for the birth.  Dan was in the delivery room.  I can't wait to hold the little fella in my arms!  In the meantime, we have webcams, and I get to see Sebastian almost every day on the camera.  He is so precious.






















LABOR DAY 2010

My plan was to be in Pullman, in Chicago, for Labor Day this year.  My friend Mike Hobbs has written a beautiful article about the Pullman Strike.  I'm sure he'd be happy to send you a copy.  You can write him at mhobbs(@)grics.net to request a copy.  His article concludes with a quote about the strike from historian Virgil J. Vogel - "(The Pullman Strike) was a glowing light to prove that in a world governed largely by acquisitiveness and rapacity, there were still enough people responding to a different drummer, to give promise that freedom for the oppressed was not a utopian dream but a practical goal.." 


This Labor Day I salute all my brothers and sisters who have made the same idealistic stand against corporate greed - at Hormel, at Eastern Airlines, at Pittston, at Staley, at Bridgestone/Firestone, at Caterpillar, at MSI, at AK, at Conn-Selmer, at PAL Technologies, at Pottsville Hospital, at Canonsburg Hospital, at Ravenswood, at Hercules and at countless other places.  It's been my honor and privilege to stand with you, then and now.


UNION SONG CONTEST

It's still too soon to actually vote in the union song contest, but you can go and preview  the entries at http://members.unionsongcontest.org/entries    There are some great songs to listen to there.  And I hope you'll all vote for my entry, "War on the Workers," when the contest officially begins on Labor Day. 


FAMILY NEWS/BIRTHDAYS

Obviously, Sebastian's arrival is the big big family news this month.

But this newsletter is going out on my beautiful daughter Amy's 29th birthday... Happy Happy Birthday, darling!  She and her dad leave soon for Quito to personally welcome Sebastian into the world.  



My husband, Julie Leonardsson, is here from Sweden and taking fantastic care of me.  He gave me the buzz cut last night with his beard trimmer once my hair began falling out in clumps.


My cousin Karen McCahill got to go to London to visit Kristin and Anthony and Anabel and Antonito.  Condolences to all my McCahill cousins on the recent death of their Aunt Mary McCahill Ryan - a great lady, whose hospitality I enjoyed many times growing up.


BIRTHDAYS


Christina Mumphrey - September 3rd, Mary (Mimi) Grefenstette - September 11th, Kris Deelane - September 12th, Faith Petric - September 13th, Danny Donnelly - September 13th, Tod Faller - September 14th, Mardy Weber McCahill September 21st, Kay McCahill Mumphrey - September 25th, Charlie Warren - September 27th


Photo Archive Request

My pal George Mann has offered to create a photo archive for me.  If you're sitting on some photos of me at your picket line, convention, rally, riot, party, house concert or riot, how about sending a copy to annefeeneypics@gmail.com
 Be sure to include any information you have about the photo - when it was taken and where, by whom, the names of any other folks in the photo, etc.


THE TOUR

The tour is on hold, indefinitely.  I'm hoping to be well enough to join you at Allegheny Unitarian Church on November 13th when my wonderful pals - Lou and Peter Berryman - come here to perform.  In the meantime, if your travels bring you to Pittsburgh, call 412-241-7664 and see if it's a good day for a visit.  I look forward to seeing lots of you here at my house while I "battle the weasel."  My love and gratitude to all of you.

You can still buy my CDs at http://cdbaby.com/all/unionmaid- and I hope you will!






Sunday, August 08, 2010

Sad health news from Anne Feeney ... can you help?

How much one conversation with a doctor can change your life!

This time last week I thought the next time I'd be writing to you would be with my exciting September news and Labor Day special...

This time last week I thought I'd be in Sweden tonight  packing to go to Ireland to meet up with all my wonderful tourmates.

Instead, here I am in Pittsburgh packing to go Shadyside Hospital.  On August 3rd, in Sweden, a lung specialist advised me that I have an 11 cm tumor on my lung that is stressing both my heart and lungs in dangerous ways.  As terrifying as this diagnosis is, it is in many ways a relief to get an explanation for the several mysterious and troubling symptoms I've had for the past few months... including increasing fatigue, shortness of breath, terrible coughing, and bizarre heart rhythms. 

I could have stayed in Sweden for the bronchoscopy, biopsy and surgery ... my health insurance would have covered everything in Sweden that it covers here.  But even the best case scenario here will involve a protracted recovery period and probably at least six months out of work.  It was also hard to think about being so seriously ill so far away from my children, and my lifelong network of friends in Pittsburgh.

So here I am, at home in Pittsburgh, surrounded by friends and family.

Luckily, Tom Pigott and I have been able to arrange full and wonderful coverage for both the Ireland tours in August.  The wonderful Charlie King will be joining the August 10-19th tour, and Tom will be hosting the August 22-31st tour with some of my favorite folks in Ireland.  Both tours will continue uninterrupted, but, alas, without me this year.


My friend Jan Boyd has set up a Caring Bridge page for those of you who want regular medical updates on my condition.  The URL is http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/annefeeney ...  (The only reason you have to log in to the site is to keep spam robots from posting stupid messages...)

I hope to be posting updates on Facebook as well as soon as I feel up to it.

I'm pretty sure it will be difficult for me to talk on the phone for a while.  I would love it if you'd post get well wishes, stories & jokes for me on my guestbook... http://annefeeney.com/guestbook.html  ... (It's a moderated guestbook, so what you write won't appear on the guestbook until I read it and approve it--- otherwise I'm pretty sure the guestbook would be nothing but ads for viagra and such..)

This diagnosis has wiped out most of my meager folksinger's savings.  I've had to cancel a lot of work that I was counting on, and incurred a lot of unexpected travel expenses.  Although most of my medical bills will be covered (now that I've come up with the $6000 in deductibles and copay), it seems unlikely that I'll be able to return to my hectic tour schedule, or any full time work, for several months.

If you want to help me out with what are going to be fairly staggering expenses by folksinger's standards... I'm hoping to find 1000 folks who'll pony up $50 ...   I really *don't* want any larger donations ... I don't want anyone to dig deep for this... and if $50 is hard for you to come by, PLEASE don't think about sending me a cent.   I know I have enough dear friends who are doing okay that those of you who are struggling shouldn't spend a second worrying about my finances.

You could send a check to me:

Anne Feeney
2240 Milligan Ave
Pittsburgh  PA 15218

or you can send a donation via Paypal to getwellanne@annefeeney.com.  If you're not sure how to do that...  there's also a "donate" button you can click about 4 inches down on the right hand side of  this page.. clicking on that "donate" button will also allow you to make a safely encrypted online donation.


I'll have a lot more to say and share about health care... especially the amazing Swedish health care system, when I'm not so tired.

I hope that you'll spread the word to any of our friends that may not subscribe to the Fellow Travelers' Advisory.

As I'm wandering around the sweet little house I get to spend so little time in, I keep finding boxes and boxes of thank you cards that I have purchased and never mailed.  So many of you reading this are on my list of people to write and thank ... You're a generous group and there are no words to thank you for the countless things you do to make this a better world for all of us.   My heart overflows with gratitude to all of you for your daily work for justice, art and truth - for your steadfast support of the many projects I've brought to you in the past...   I am so honored to call you my friend.

Many of my oldest and dearest friends are gathering here with me at the house to help me prepare for the coming ordeal.  I cherish them, and you, and hope to be in touch with all of you soon.


Saturday, July 31, 2010

AUGUST 2010 - Anne Feeney's Fellow Travelers' Advisory - VOLUME SIX #5

You can get this delivered to your inbox every month by subscribing at http://annefeeney.com/newsletter.html http://annefeeney.com/newsletter.html
Please support my work! Buy or download my CDs at http://cdbaby.com/all/unionmaid - Thank you!

IMMEDIATE DESTINATIONS:

5 August - Lund, Sweden - Visfestivalen
3 September - Marseilles, IL
4 September - Barrington, IL
5 September - HELP ... got any ideas in the Chicago area? (within 3 hours)
6 September - Pullman - Chicago, IL

Full information about these shows appears at the bottom of this message and continuously updates at http://annefeeney.com/calendar.html


(the view from my back door... it's easy to rest up here in this beautiful spot!)

Kopparberg, Sweden
31 July 2010

Hej, och välkomna! (Hi! and Welcome!)

You are my lifeline.  I'm so happy that you read my monthly news!  As I enter all the names from all the folks who sign up for my email list I get to read the "comments" section, which is always fun.  People say very nice things.  But it's so frustrating to get a brand new reader who lives in a city that I've been playing twice a year for the past ten years - e.g. Eugene, OR - and find a comment like "just stumbled into this show! you're terrific!" or "where have you been? we NEED music like this!"  We could have been friends for the past ten years if someone had just told her about my show, or forwarded my email news on to her.

Do you know that the ONLY way that about 90% of people find out about my shows is from this list?  The odds are really good that if you write to someone you know in a city where I'm playing that they'll show up for the concert.  It means so much to me when you do that!  So please, forward this newsletter to your friends and relations...  And if you have time and energy to put up some posters in your town when I'm coming, let me know.

I'm so happy when you write back to me after getting my newsletter.   You send me information that deserves a broader audience, you enrich and deepen our relationship, and keep me in touch with all the communities that I've come to know and love in my travels.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the email you get and decide that you have to unsubscribe, I can tell you now that I'll probably never see you again ... You think you'll check my website or that someone you know will tell you if I'm coming to your town... It doesn't usually work out that way though.

So THANK YOU for making time in your busy schedule to stay in touch with me.  You make my life and work possible!

Peace, love and solidarity...

Anne

Some recent photos:


Sweet Juice on the Blue Moon Stage at Oregon Country Fair























more denizens of Oregon Country Fair!!






















Having a ball with my hosts in Grays' Harbor - RD and Linda!!


at Vildrosfestivalen (The Wild Rose Festival) - 23 July 2010 - Horndahl, Sweden

***************** 

THIS ISSUE:

PLEASE VOTE FOR "WAR ON THE WORKERS" IN THE UNION SONG CONTEST STARTING ON SEPTEMBER 6th!
LINKS/VIDEOS OF THE MONTH - BRONTE SISTERS ACTION FIGURES COMMERCIAL!  COWS WITH GUNS! THE "ROUND UP READY" ROUND-UP!

HEADS UP OKIES!! OKLAHOMA LABOR FEST AUGUST 26-28
WHY YOU SHOULD STOP DRINKING BOTTLED WATER

FAMILY NEWS/BIRTHDAYS
 
THE TOUR


 PLEASE VOTE FOR MY SONG "WAR ON THE WORKERS" IN THE UNION SONG CONTEST!

There's a $2000 prize for the best union song being offered by the Union Privilege Credit Card.  They're accepting entries through midnight September 5, 2010.  Voting starts on Labor Day (September 6th) and runs through midnight October 7th.  I hope you'll vote for "War on the Workers" as your favorite.  It would mean a lot to me.  Tell your friends to vote, too!  Voting doesn't start until  Labor Day. In the meantime, visit the site:  http://members.unionsongcontest.org/entries and check out the songs.




LINKS/VIDEOS OF THE MONTH...

This made me laugh out loud.  If the youtube video below isn't displaying, click on this link instead:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NKXNThJ610&feature=player_embedded
Bronte Sisters Action Figures



,and my very talented pal, Dana Lyons is celebrating more than 1,000,000 views of his "Cows with Guns" video  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQMbXvn2RNI




and one of my favorite videos of all time is back up on the net:  The Flying Folk Army's "Round Up Ready Round Up" - without a doubt one of the best uses I've seen of the internet... http://users.resist.ca/flyingfolk.ca/funstuff.htm  ... just click on the genetically modified tomato for a rollicking tour of our food chain, followed by the irresistible "Round Up Ready Round-Up" ... the song Monsanto doesn't want you to tap your toes to!  This video isn't on YouTube... you've got to click the link above, but you sure won't regret it!



HEADS UP, OKIES (AND NEIGHBORS!!)  LABOR FEST AUGUST 26-28

This festival should be fabulous.  I met the organizers when I played in Oklahoma City in June and they have a great vision.  Support this wonderful event so that it becomes an annual labor festival!  Oklahoma’s largest coalition of labor Unions and labor activists, the Central Oklahoma Labor Federation (COLF), has  announced its plans for the first ever “Oklahoma Laborfest.” After several planning committee meetings of union members and labor advocates, COLF President Tim O’Connor unveiled the purpose and framework of the festival on June 24.


“The purpose of this festival is to create greater awareness of Oklahoma’s working class culture and to build pride in the state’s rich labor history through music, the arts, and camaraderie” said O’Connor.
“Our youth should know about Oklahoma labor heroes like Kate Barnard and Pete Hanraty. They should know our state motto ‘Labor Omnia Vincit’ which means ‘Labor Conquers All.’ We should appreciate Oklahoma’s history of fighting for workers’ rights since the beginning of statehood.”


O’Connor continued, “Unfortunately this history is not being taught to our children today and we run the risk of it being forgotten. With this festival we intend to promote labor literacy among the general public in order to preserve this history and strengthen labor solidarity in the state of Oklahoma.”
Oklahoma Laborfest will be a 3-day festival with activities for all ages in the Plaza District of Oklahoma City, located on NW 16th between Indiana and Blackwelder.

The festival will kick off with a labor poetry reading on August 26th, a showing of the movie ‘Tar Creek’ with a director Q&A on August 27th, and multiple events on August 28th. Events planned for the 28th include panel discussions, an open musicians’ circle jam and sing-a-long, performances by Buffalo Fitz and Green Corn Revival, a labor poster art contest and show, kids activities such as an impromptu children’s theatre, labor and social justice booths, vendors, and book readings by authors and labor activists Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz and Stewart Acuff.

Oklahoma Laborfest will culminate in a performance entitled ‘Oklahoma Speaks’ at the Lyric Theatre on the evening of Saturday, August 28th. This event is modeled after the recent History Channel production ‘The People Speak’ and will include dramatic readings of selected historical texts from Oklahoma’s labor and civil rights movement as well as musical performances of songs connected to these movements. The Red Dirt Rangers and Mary Catherine Reynolds will be the featured musical guests for this event.

For more information, including the call for entries for the Oklahoma Laborfest poster art competition and the schedule of events as it continues to develop, please visit Oklahoma LaborFest

The Oklahoma Laborfest Committee consists of multiple union members and labor activists throughout central Oklahoma.


http://www.facebook.com/OklahomaLaborfest?v=wall  OK Labor Fest
http://talkingunion.wordpress.com/2010/07/08/ok_l/


Term Life Insurance
FAMILY NEWS/BIRTHDAYS

Jeanne Clark and Steffi Domike - August 4th, Cathy Weldon - August 7th, Judy Wolfson - August 10th,
Janet Stecher - August 12th, Gun Magnusson Forsberg - August 16th, Windy Cooler-Stith - August 28th,
Jonas Engström - August 31st, Amy Berlin - September 1st, Christina Mumphrey - September 3rd!! and    ,
Happy Anniversary to cousins Kristen and Stan Garnett on August 28th

Here's the latest look at Julie's gorgeous oil painting in progress at Avesta Art:








THE TOUR

Thursday, August 5th, 2010 6:30 PM
Visfestivalen
Lund
Sweden
http://lund.cc/artiklar/visfestival/programmet-klart-visfestival-i-stadsparken-4-5-augusti


Friday, September 3rd, 2010
Marseilles, IL
David Raikes is the contact

Saturday, September 4th, 2010 8:00 PM
House Concert at Terri's Place!
call or email Terri to reserve a seat and get directions
Barrington, IL 60010
847-304-5757 847-304-5757
Price: $15
everte@comcast.net - bring an appetizer or dessert if you like. Light refreshments, soft drinks served. BYOB

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 5th - ANY IDEAS IN THE CHICAGO AREA?  EMAIL ME! anne@annefeeney.com

Monday, September 6th, 2010 2:00 PM
Pullman Labor Day Celebration
Chicago’s Pullman State Historic Site
111th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue
Chicago, IL
http://pullmanevents.info/labor-day.html
 



Anne Feeney
http://annefeeney.com
http://cdbaby.com/all/unionmaid - Buy CDs!
412-877-6480 (cell)

"Anne Feeney is the greatest labor singer in North America." -- Utah Phillips

Monday, July 05, 2010

JULY 2010 - Anne Feeney's Fellow Travelers' Advisory - VOLUME SIX - #4

IMMEDIATE DESTINATIONS:


Portland, OR
Florence, OR
Veneta, OR
Aberdeen, WA
Horndal, Sweden
Leksand, Sweden
Ireland!!
fall in the midwest!
Labor Day still available!!!
(specific information about all these shows appears at the end of this post, and is continuously updating at http://annefeeney.com/calendar.html )

Pittsburgh, PA
5 July 2010


Hi

I'm busy packing for my Pacific Northwest mini-tour - and from there on to Sweden and Ireland!  If you don't live in Portland, Eugene, Florence or Aberdeen - maybe you know someone who does.  Please send them my schedule.

This is my monthly email news - The Fellow Travelers' Advisory.  You signed up for it, or someone signed you up. It's a unique source of information ... 8000 activists from all over North American and Europe correspond with me regularly - and I share the best of what I learn with you, dear reader!  If you read something that you like, drop me a line - anne@annefeeney.com, or call me - 412-877-6480.  If you see that I'm playing in a town where you have friends, *please* let them know that I'm on the way.  It's such a thrill to land in a new town and see folks who heard about the show from my friends on this list.  If you know about something you think might interest my readers, please send it my way.

Happy Canada Day to all who observed that holiday (it's also my birthday!  I was 59 on July 1st...) I'm afraid I've been way to busy to put out much of a newsletter this month, but here's a great photo essay of one of the most fun and creative things that happened at the Social Forum -  Code Pink buried a Hummer at the Heidelberg Arts Project in Detroit.  See http://www.heidelberg.org for more information about the space.

You can buy or download my cds at http://cdbaby.com/all/unionmaid - you can download single songs there, too - including my fabulous new recording of "We're Nursing as Fast as We Can!"

Hoping to see you somewhere soon!

Anne

IN THIS ISSUE:

WE BURY A HUMMER IN DETROIT  AT THE U.S. SOCIAL FORUM
BOOKING THE MIDWEST FOR THE FALL
LABOR DAY STILL AVAILABLE!
FAMILY NEWS/BIRTHDAYS
THE TOUR


THE US SOCIAL FORUM

Tens of thousands of activists from all over the US met in Detroit from June 22-26th at the US Social Forum.  It was refreshing to gather with colleagues from all over without the city being under martial law (like Pittsburgh during the G-20, Miami at the FTAA, Kananaskis at the G-8 ...)  It's amazing how much more you can accomplish when the air isn't filled with pepper spray and tear gas!  It was very heartening to see so many young activists there - at least half the participants were under 30!!

I'll leave it to others to debrief you on the Forum.  I just want to especially shout out civil rights lawyer Julie Hurwitz who hosted me; Bob Ingalls who documented so much of the USSF on video, (you can go to http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=bigrafx&aq=f to check out some of his fine work... I recommend you subscribe to his channel, too!); Marjorie Cohn for her brilliant work and wonderful company; Ann Wright for her constant inspiration; Cheri Honkala for her great organizing; Ryan Harvey for some great music; Katie Robbins and Kay Tillow for their great work on health care, and Kate and Danielle for being the face of the future!

Code Pink is such a great source of creative organizing!  They approached the Heidelberg Project with this idea, and got to bury a hummer in the fantastic art space in urban Detroit.












Once the Hummer was buried we had a brief wake for it.  The fabulous Dave Lippman wrote a song for the occasion, and I got to sing harmony with him (always a pleasure!).    Here's a little peek at the Heidelberg Art Project ... a place you should all go and visit if you're anywhere near Detroit.  I can't believe it took me this long to get there!


This is the Polka Dot House.. absolutely gorgeous!


Right down to the tree which stands in front of the house... (those are shopping carts adorning the tops of the branches!  This neighborhood would have been what is often called "urban blight" had it not been for the creativity and vision of Tyree Guyton and his community.

Now, the Heidelberg Project sits like a jewel, attracting visitors from all over the globe.










Some of the buildings are occupied...


but the vacant homes are works of art, too!



The vacant lots became sculpture gardens...




It was really great of the Heidelberg Project to welcome the Hummer Burial installation to the neighborhood.

Another not-to-be-missed breathtaking installation of public art is the Labor Legacy monument down at Hart Plaza.  I was very glad to be in Detroit... a great city.  On Wednesday of the USSF, we raised a couple thousand dollars for striking steelworkers at Vale in Sudbury, Ontario - they've been on strike since July 13, 2009.  It was a great night at the Anchor Bar.


THE FANTASTIC FOUR AT THE U.S. SOCIAL FORUM!

My wonderful host in Detroit, civil rights lawyer Julie Hurwitz; Marjorie Cohn, distinguished author and immediate past president of the National Lawyers' Guild, and Colonel Ann Wright of Code Pink - fresh from the Gaza Flotilla!  What glorious company I got to keep at the Social Forum!


BOOKING THE FALL

Labor Day has been particularly chaotic for me this year.  I've had two very promising invitations fall through.  It's getting pretty close to Labor Day, but if you think you can put together an event, I'd love to be there.  Call me at 412-877-6480 (I'll be on Pacific Daylight Time from Tuesday, July 6th through the 15th... then I'm off to Europe.)  or email me... anne@annefeeney.com

The fantastic Bev Grant has expressed an interest in doing some shows with me this fall if we can make the money work. Here's a link to the fabulous show we could perform for your union, women's studies department, history department, community .... 

 
We're planning for the midwest, jointly or separately.  Please let me know if you'd like to help arrange a show in your town for me, or even better, for me and Bev Grant.



FAMILY NEWS/BIRTHDAYS


Lots of my oldest and dearest friends got together last night to celebrate Canada Day (and my 59th birthday!).  We had sushi, sang and celebrated.  It was great.  Back row Left to Right:  Jeanne Clark, Rosemary Trump, me, Ginny Hildebrand, Hilary Chiz, Eileen Yacknin; Front Row Left to Right: Jan Boyd, Molly Rush, Phoebe Gill Wood, Kipp Dawson, Robin Alexander

Dan Berlin is back in Ecuador after attending a conference for international human rights lawyers in Geneva, Switzerland.  He and Monique are expecting a baby boy at the end of August - my first grandchild!  We are all so excited.


(mamacita-in-waiting!!!)

Dan's former Peace Corps mates (and my former tenants) Mike and Dionna Hatch send this good news: On June 13, 2010 at 11:23 AM Max welcomed his new little sister, Anya Marie. She weighed in at a whopping 5 lbs 14 ozs and is 19 inches long. Mike and Dionna are working with Catholic Charities in Sri Lanka, I think.


It was so great to be camping with my daughter Amy at the Kerrville Folk Festival for 18 days.  Starting every morning with a Scrabble game with my daughter is my idea of heaven.  It was a great festival... muy tranquilo.  It was wonderful to see Pittsburgh musician extraordinaire Brad Yoder at Kerrville this year - a natural-born Kerrvert if ever I've seen one.

Birthdays...

Patrick Mitchell and Suzanne Beers - July 3rd, Michael Grefenstette - July 8th,  Kristen Grefenstette - July 9th,  Judy Lane McCahill - July 10th,  the Duncan Triplets -  Julyl 16th,  Erin Grefenstette Henninger  and Emily DeFerrari - July 18th,   Hillary Chiz  and  Monique Murad - July 23rd, Karen McCahill and Jim McCahill, July 25th, Susan Lewis - July 27th, Marlo Mary Henninger - July 30th.

The Tour

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010 8:00 PM
Anne Feeney in Concert
Alberta Rose Theatre
3000 NE Alberta St.
Portland, OR 97211
http://albertarosetheatre.com
Price: $15 suggested


Thursday, July 8th, 2010 7:00 PM
Anne Feeney in Concert
Siuslaw Public Library
1460 8th St
Florence, OR
Stuart Henderson is the contact
doors opens at 6pm


Friday, July 9th, 2010 12:00 PM
Anne Feeney at Oregon Country Fair
Blue Moon Solar Stage
Veneta, OR
http://oregoncountryfair.org


Saturday, July 10th, 2010 12:00 PM
Anne Feeney at Oregon Country Fair
Shady Grove Solar Stage
Veneta, OR
http://oregoncountryfair.org


Sunday, July 11th, 2010 12:00 PM
Anne Feeney at Oregon Country Fair
The Front Porch
Veneta, OR
http://oregoncountryfair.org


Monday, July 12th, 2010 7:00 PM
Anne Feeney in Concert
Cozmic Pizza
199 W 8th Ave
Eugene, OR 97401
(541) 338-9333
http://www.cozmicpizza.com/entertainment.html
Price: $10-20 suggested
no one turned away for lack of funds - all welcome!


Wednesday, July 14th, 2010 7:00 PM
Anne Feeney in Concert to Benefit KGHI-FM Radio
Grays Harbor College HUB and Commons
Aberdeen, WA
(360) 533-8039
http://www.ghinstitute.org


Friday, July 23rd, 2010 8:00 PM
Anne Feeney in Consert
Vildros Festivalen
Horndal
Sweden
http://www.vildrosfestivalen.se/index.php/om-oss/

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010 8:00 PM
Anne Feeney in Consert
Spejaren
Siljeg
Leksand 79333
070-371 79 75
http://www.omnikultur.se/kalendarium.html

Friday, September 3rd, 2010
Marseilles, IL
David Raikes is the contact




LABOR DAY STILL WIDE OPEN!!!
Chicago, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio???

Monday, September 27th, 2010 8:00 PM
Anne Feeney in Concert
ATU Conference
Orlando, FL
Larry Hanley atu726@aol.com is the contact


Saturday, October 2nd, 2010 6:00 PM
Eugene V Debs Annual Award Dinner
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN
http://eugenevdebs.com/pages/announ.htm


Thursday, June 03, 2010

JUNE 2010 - Anne Feeney's Fellow Travelers' Advisory - VOLUME SIX - #3

IMMEDIATE DESTINATIONS:

Kerrville Folk Festival
Oklahoma City
Detroit
Lake of the Ozarks, MO
Portland, OR
Veneta, OR
Eugene, OR
Hoquiam, WA
Sweden!
Ireland!!

All the details appear at the end of this message and continuously update at http://annefeeney.com/calendar.html

I still have open dates for the Swedish tour. Please contact Fredrik Gleisner, fredrik@goatbridge.se



IN THIS ISSUE:

SEATS STILL AVAILABLE FOR THE IRELAND TOURS!
FOSSIL FOOLS
FAMILY NEWS
LINK OF THE MONTH
WE'RE NURSING AS FAST AS WE CAN - 99 CENT DOWNLOAD AVAILABLE!
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER BOOKING
THE TOUR - JUNE, JULY


SEATS STILL AVAILABLE FOR THE IRELAND TOURS!

I still have a few seats left for this year's wonderful Ireland tours. Tom Pigott and I met at the Kerrville Folk Festival over Memorial Day weekend and had a terrific time planning the exciting details of the upcoming tours. We'll have a complete itinerary available for you soon... but the trips are going to be absolutely sensational!

August 10-19th is Clare, Kerry and Cork
August 22-31st is Dublin, Belfast, Derry and Donegal

If you'd like some information, please email me at anne@annefeeney.com and I'll send it off to you. I'd *love* to go to Ireland with you, and these trips which I arrange in conjunction with Tom Pigott of Enchanted Way Tours are just about the best way you could ever see the Emerald Isle... http://enchantedwaytours.ie/


FOSSIL FOOLS

My sister Kathleen sent me an eloquent summary of what's going on:

"I watch the plume of greed that looks unstoppable. Mother earth is hemorrhaging and I am afraid the doctors cannot help her. I grieve for those beautiful reefs and waters where I've had so much fun. I sit on the couch and cry. I hate BP and I cry. I could not believe that they did not cancel the Indie 500 gas-burning waste .. it was such a strange experience to hit the remote .. see oil killing the earth and then watch the Indie .. and then watch one wasteful air stunt show after other to "Celebrate America" ... Blue Angels gushing fuel lines in the sky to amuse people .. ughhh"

And BP is allowed to supervise its own cleanup?? It's like asking the Mafia to do something about organized crime. This video contains some pretty salty language, but the common sense of the argument advanced really gives us something to think about as we watch the cleanup of the Gulf.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vx8kMXufu3w

FAIR had a great summary of the oil industry PR blitz leading up to the last round of offshore drilling permits...

http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=4079

There has to be a better way... and it's going to require some massive rethinking by our planet's leaders ... It's not just the Gulf of Mexico, and it's not just BP..

Here's a compelling story about an ongoing (and worse) environmental catastrophe in Nigeria...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/may/30/oil-spills-nigeria-niger-delta-shell

And look what Chevron/Texaco has done to Ecuador.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MBJnnk6bBo

How bad does this stuff have to get before people finally realize that the guys in charge *really* don't know what they're doing???

FAMILY NEWS

I've got my ticket to go visit Dan and Monique after their son in born in Quito in late August/early September. I'm sooooooo excited!

I'm spending most of the 18 day Kerrville Folk Festival camping with my daughter Amy. Kerrville is always such a joyful reunion with friends from all over ... It's particularly wonderful this year, since I'm booked to perform on Tuesday, June 8th! And, to add to the joy, I'm splitting the evening with Chris Chandler and Paul Benoit!



Here's a photo by Neale Eckstein of me, Eric Schwartz and Ronnie Cox at KFF

In the April Fellow Travelers' Advisory I showed you my husband, Julie Leonardsson's new painting in its very early stage.... It's still a long way from finished, but here's an updated photo.




His talent takes my breath away! I can't wait to see this painting "in the flesh" when I get to Sweden in July! Julie's work, including this painting, is featured all summer at the prestigious international Avesta Art exhibit. Here's an article about the show that appeared in Dala Demokraten: http://www.dalademokraten.se/sida/id/107449/

http://fellow-travelers-advisory.blogspot.com/2010/03/april-2010-anne-feeneys-fellow.html ( this is a link to the April version of the same painting...)

I found the link to the Bill Moyers show where John Blasingame of LIUNA and the Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement bursts into a lovely performance of "Have You Been to Jail for Justice?" ... If you want to watch it, click below... (He doesn't sing until the very end of the segment, but it's fun to watch..) I'll get to see John again this month when I play the Laborers' Union Midwest Regional Conference.
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/04302010/watch.html

HAPPY BIRTHDAY June 4th to Sara Engstrom!

LINK OF THE MONTH

This story from Denmark really made me smile in a month where smiles were hard to come by. Thank goodness for the wonderful people still doing the right thing every day! Enjoy...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/18/bus-driver-birthday_n_580172.html



WE'RE NURSING AS FAST AS WE CAN - 99 CENT DOWNLOAD AVAILABLE!

Click on this box to buy the definitive recording of this wonderful song by Joan Hill -- It features me on guitar and vocals, Oliver Steck on accordion, Roger Day on tuba, and Doug Wilkin on percussion... enjoy!! If you're going on vacation this summer, why not stock up on some of my CDs to keep you entertained on the drive? http://cdbaby.com/all/unionmaid - They make lovely hostess gifts for the folks you visit, too!




BOOKING SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

Labor Day is still not confirmed... but it looks like I'll be in the midwest from early September through early October... If you'd like to host a show in Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri or Ohio, get in touch... If you've never hosted a show before, but you'd like to see me perform in your hometown, get in touch and I'll show you how to do it!

For part of this tour, there is the possibility of booking me with the amazing Bev Grant ... and getting the chance to host her fabulous "We Were There" program

http://www.youtube.com/bevgrant2008#p/a/u/1/Cjnyk06MZRY

I'm going to Ecuador from October 5th-13th to meet my new grandson, but then I'll be back in the US from October 14th until the end of November.

Once again, I'm going to the School of the Americas Watch at Fort Benning. I'd like to book a tour from Pittsburgh to GA and back... So, how about it ...

Novermber 14 DC
November 15 VA
November 16 NC
November 17 SC
November 18 GA
November 22 SC/NC
November 23 NC/VA

THE TOUR

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010 7:00 PM
Anne Feeney at the Threadgill Memorial Theater
Kerrville Folk Festival
5600 Medina Highway
Kerrville, TX
http://kerrville-music.com/
Come see me perform at my favorite festival!!

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010 6:30 PM
Labor and Friends Banquet
The Center
4325 N.W. 50th St.
Oklahoma City, OK
Price: $65
for more info contact lljamesco @sbcglobal.net - Sponsored by the Central OK Labor Federation - Turn Around Oklahoma 2010!!!

Friday, June 18th - Monday, June 21st
Great Labor Arts Exchange
AFSCME Council 25
600 W Lafayette Blvd
Detroit, MI 48226
http://laborheritage.org/

Monday, June 21st, 2010 8:00 AM
Laborers' Midwest Regional Conference
Anne Feeney raises hell
Lake of the Ozarks, MO

Tuesday, June 22nd- Saturday, June 26th, 2010
US Social Forum
various locations
Detroit , MI
877-515-USSF
http://www.ussf2010.org/
CALL TO PARTICIPATE IN THE BUILDING THE ROAD TO DETROIT

We call those who fight for justice to converge and act, and to reflect on the potential of our position and the power of our connections. Although we have built organizations that push forward an integrated, multi-issue, multiracial strategy, we have yet to build our movement on a scale relative to our sisters and brothers in the Global South. The USSF II offers the opportunity to continue to gather and unify these growing forces. We must seize this moment and advance our collective work to build grassroots leadership, develop collective vision, and formulate strategies that keep a strong movement growing. There are many ways to get involved. Your organization can join the NPC, you can join the working groups or start building regional and local committees to ensure a massive and diverse participation in Detroit, June 22-26, 2010. Get more info at http://www.ussf2010.org/

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010 8:00 PM
Anne Feeney in Concert - Benefit for Vale Strikers!
Anchor Bar
450 W Fort St
Detroit, MI 48226
http://www.anchorbardetroit.com.php5-11.websitetestlink.com/
lots of information about this strike at http://www.fairdealnow.ca/

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010 8:00 PM
Anne Feeney in Concert
Alberta Rose Theatre
3000 NE Alberta St.
Portland, OR 97211
http://albertarosetheatre.com/
Price: $15 suggested

Friday, July 9th, 2010 12:00 PM
Anne Feeney at Oregon Country Fair
Blue Moon Solar Stage
Veneta, OR
http://oregoncountryfair.org/

Saturday, July 10th, 2010 12:00 PM
Anne Feeney at Oregon Country Fair
Shady Grove Solar Stage
Veneta, OR
http://oregoncountryfair.org/


Sunday, July 11th, 2010 12:00 PM
Anne Feeney at Oregon Country Fair
The Front Porch
Veneta, OR
http://oregoncountryfair.org/

Monday, July 12th, 2010 7:00 PM
Anne Feeney in Concert
Cozmic Pizza
199 W 8th Ave
Eugene, OR 97401
(541) 338-9333
http://www.cozmicpizza.com/entertainment.html
Price: $10-20 suggested
no one turned away for lack of funds - all welcome!

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010 7:00 PM
Anne Feeney in Concert to Benefit KGHI-FM Radio
Grays Harbor Institute
717 Lincoln Street
Hoquiam, WA 98550
(360) 533-8039
http://www.ghinstitute.org/

Friday, July 23rd, 2010 8:00 PM
Anne Feeney in Consert
Vildros Festivalen
Horndal
Sweden
http://www.vildrosfestivalen.se/index.php/om-oss/

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010 8:00 PM
Anne Feeney in Consert
Spejaren
Siljeg
Leksand 79333
070-371 79 75
http://www.omnikultur.se/kalendarium.html


Anne Feeney
http://annefeeney.com/
http://cdbaby.com/all/unionmaid - Buy CDs!
412-877-6480 (cell)



"Anne Feeney is the greatest labor singer in North America." -- Utah Phillips