IMMEDIATE DESTINATIONS:
All over Florida - Jacksonville, St Augustine, Gainesville, Tallahassee, Ft Myers, St. Pete, Dania Beach and Miami - details at the end of this message and continously updating at http://annefeeney.com/calendar.html
STILL LOOKING TO BOOK -
March 25, 26, 27 and a UU Service the morning of the 28th - all somewhere in South FL (or within 2 hours of Ft Lauderdale...)
And now booking APRIL in the midwest with Evan Greer!
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7 March 2009
Pittsburgh, PA
Hi All -
This is the latest I've ever sent out the Fellow Travelers' Advisory in the five years that I've been doing this... Yup, it's issue number 60! A milestone. It's St. Patrick's season and Women's History Month, which means I'll be very busy in March too.
I spent the 5th and most of yesterday in Washington, DC at the Labor Campaign for Single Payer conference. Since I think we can all agree that whatever passes in Washington is going to exacerbate the current health care crisis, it's important to keep organizing and educating on Single Payer/Medicare for All so that when this boondoggle crashes we have the momentum to finally cast the insurance industry demons and profiteers out! Saw a lot of my favorite folks in the labor movement there - Kay and Walter Tillow, Jerry Tucker, Donna DeWitt, David Newby, Donna Smith. Met Tim Carpenter from Progressive Democrats of America, and Dr. Margaret Flowers. AND I got to meet John Conyers! woo hoo!
Tonight Julie and I have 25 friends coming for our annual Oscars dinner party. I'm sure to have some great pictures from it in next month's FTA. And I'm packing for Florida. I can't believe that I have a Thursday, Friday and Saturday still wide open on the Florida tour. If you're in South Florida and would like to host a house concert, or happen to know of a riot/rally/conference/convention taking place within 3-4 hours of Miami, PLEASE let me know! 412-877-6480
"Enchanted Way" - my new double CD of Irish music is ready! I'll be mailing all the pre-orders before I leave for Florida. It should be up on CDBaby in the next couple weeks, and available for digital download at CDBaby soon, and at other popular digital download sites (like Itunes) in the next several weeks.
Thanks so much for staying in touch with me. Your friendship, your emails, your interest and your support of my work and music is what keeps me going. I couldn't do this without you! Please pass on my FL tour dates to any and all of your friends in the Sunshine State.
In solidarity
Anne
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In this issue:
The 2010 Irish Tours
2010 Film Reviews
The West Coast Tour Pics
Family News
You can always find current and past issues of the Fellow Travelers' Advisory at http://fellow-travelers-advisory.blogspot.com/
You can buy my CDs at http://cdbaby.com/all/unionmaid (and I hope you will!)
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The 2010 Irish Tours
Are you an independent sort of person who usually travels alone or perhaps with a close friend/partner/spouse? Welcome to the UN-tours that Tom Pigott and I provide through Enchanted Way Tours. No name tags, no rigid agendas, no gigantic tour bus belching diesel fumes ... This is your chance to see one of the most beautiful and interesting countries in the world with people you will like immediately! My friends Jim Gorman and Joey Hartman of Vancouver went on the 2009 tour. I'll confess that I was a little nervous about having them come along as they are such independent folks and they have traveled all over the world. Here's what they said:
"Our 2009 trip to Ireland with Anne Feeney was one of the best trips we’ve ever been on. It was the perfect blend of history, politics, gorgeous scenery and architecture, and of course, music and Irish pubs. And all shared with a group of like-minded and interesting people. We’ve travelled extensively, including with organized labour delegations, and highly recommend touring with Anne and Tom!"
There are still several seats available on this year's tours, although we've got some very exciting folks signed up to go! Come meet my dear friends and join us for a memorable visit to Ireland. Your $2,050 gets you lovely hotel rooms for nine nights, all ground transportation, all breakfasts, three dinners, two entertaining tour guides - me and the amazing Tom Pigott - and admission to many many special events.
Trip #1 - "The Best of the West - Galway, Clare and Kerry" - August 10-19
Trip #2 - "Urban Ireland: Dublin, Belfast and Derry" - August 22-31
Both tours will be extraordinary - and completely different. The tours are great values, too. You can read all the details at http://annefeeney.com/Pages/enchantedwaytours.html - I'll be happy to mail you a brochure to peruse if you like. You can also visit Tom's website: http://enchantedwaytours.ie
I expect both tours to sell out. Please let me know ASAP if you are interested in going on one or both of these terrific tours (you'll get a $400 discount if you do both tours!). You'll be welcome indeed! And Happy St. Patrick's Day!
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2009 Movies in Review
I had practically no time to see movies last year. At the beginning of my West Coast tour last month I had only seen "Food, Inc.," "A Serious Man" and "Precious." In the last month I've seen "Up in the Air," "An Education," "Crazy Heart," "A Single Man," "The Last Station," "The White Ribbon," "Avatar" in IMAX 3-D, "District 9," "The Blind Side," "The Hurt Locker," "Inglourious Basterds," "Julie and Julia," and the Oscar nominated short films - both animated and live action. So, here's my take on the year in film.
It was a better year than I thought it was going to be. There were so few movies released early in 2009 that attracted my interest.
Of all the Oscar-nominated 2009 films that I saw, the only total loser was "The Blind Side." I don't care if the story *is* true. It's a ridiculous story with nothing to teach or even say... unless you think rich right-wing Republicans will save the world one kid at a time. I was horrified to learn that the young man depicted in the film was actually a good football player who certainly did not need to be tutored endlessly by the sitcom-sickeningly-cutesy 8 year old boy to learn how to play the game. (I saw this film with Amy Newell who has the same aversion to glop that I do ... I hear that some folks actually liked this film ... although I have no idea why.)
"Avatar" didn't do much for me either. They were calling it "Dances with Smurfs" in Olympia, and that sums it up pretty well. I particularly hated the idea that, thousands of years into the future, the nature-loving tree people living in harmony with the earth could only save themselves by being trained by a defecting US military spy to become Billy Jack/RamboSmurfs. And the celebrated special effects made me queasy. I'm still going to give IMAX 3-D another shot with Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland ," but this time I'll try it from the back of the theater on an empty stomach.
"Precious" provided a very moving and satisfying film experience ... I found it quite uplifting, despite some pretty harrowing scenes. Gabourey Sidibe turns in a fantastic performance as Precious, and I would much prefer to see her take the Oscar than Sandra Bullock. The entire cast was terrific. Mo'Nique deserves the best supporting actress Oscar, although I think Maggie Gyllenhaal will probably win it.
"Up in the Air" was so much more than the light-hearted romantic comedy it seemed to be billed as. I thought it was a fabulous screenplay, and very well acted by Clooney and Vera Farmiga. I don't understand Anna Kendrick's nomination for supporting actress. Her crying scene was as annoying as Diane Keaton's in the less-than-memorable "Something's Gotta Give."
"Crazy Heart" was another terrific film - very entertaining, if a little melodramatic. If Jeff Bridges walks away with the Oscar for his performance, I'd say that Colin Firth was robbed. Since Hollywood has already decorated "Brokeback Mountain," and Sean Penn as Harvey Milk - so Colin Firth's superior performance in "A Single Man" will probably not gain him the Oscar he deserves.
I heard some folks complaining that "A Single Man" was too artsy. I loved it. I thought Julianne Moore was fabulous. I loved the mood of the film. It felt a tiny bit too long, but Colin Firth was, as I said earlier, extraordinary. The scene where he gets a phone call telling him that his lover has died in a car accident was a standout moment in 2009 cinema.
"The White Ribbon" and "A Serious Man" both left me hanging at the end. Now THAT'S what I call overly arty. I enjoyed both films right up to the "huh?" endings. I'll give the Coen brothers film another viewing as all their work gets richer for me on repeat views, but once around with "The White Ribbon" was enough for me.
"District 9" was a very innovative and interesting film. I found myself liking it much more than I expected to.
Maybe I saw too many movies this month, but the charming "Julie & Julia" seemed just a little too long to me. Meryl Streep and Helen Mirren both turned in superb performances this year. But I still hope Gabourey Sidibe edges out Sandra Bullock for the Oscar.
"An Education" was a very compelling film - really providing some food for thought on what an education means to a woman. I thought Carey Mulligan was breathtaking. I highly recommend this film... Emma Thompson is, as always, magnificent.
"The Last Station" is another terrific film. I'd like to see Christopher Plummer get the Oscar... although I have NO idea why he's nominated as a supporting actor when he clearly had the leading role - I guess the film's producers didn't want him facing off against Jeff Bridges' performance of a lifetime.
I loved "Inglourious Basterds." Some folks had a real hard time with the trademark Tarantino violence. I thought the film was totally entertaining. If it weren't for "The Hurt Locker," this or "Up in the Air" could have easily won for best picture.
"The Hurt Locker" was a fabulous fabulous film. I think it should win both Best Picture and Best Director. It's brilliant from its first moment until its last.
(Amy Newell says "The Messenger" was the best film of 2009. I didn't see it, but Amy knows her stuff. She liked "Frozen River" best in 2008 - and that was a great film.... although I think "The Visitor" might have been my favorite film of 2008.)
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THE WEST COAST TOUR
It was a wet tour. But at least I missed the nearly four feet of snow that smothered Pittsburgh. Starting with a great gig in Bellingham and ending with a great gig in San Diego - what more could a gal ask for? Many thanks to Betsy Pernotto & Bob Marshall, Al & Dotty Dale, Linda Allen, Jim Gorman and Joey Hartman, Pat Hogan, Lisa and Venetta at the Rhizome, Joey Only, Ryan Fletcher, Nancy Eichner, Janet Stecher, Diana Paige, Milo at Joe's, Ken Orchard and Sharon Hazelwood, Tark Hamilton, Bill Zimmerman, Carlyn Syvanen, Christian Skoorsmith, BRICK, Kim Dobson, David Hyde, Jim Cubbage and Lea Mitchell, Grace Cox, Lewis Childs and Sophie, all the folks at Floyd's, Connie and Kenny Cohen, Rick Staggenborg and Karen Devereux, Janet and Ken Bates and Marc Dievendorf, Wes Brain and Brenda Gould, Southern Oregon Jobs with Justice, Mori and John, Bronson and Max, Pat Dodd, Chris Abbey and Michael Duffy, Ron Kaminkow and the Reno General Branch of the IWW, Darien DeLu and Louis, everyone at SEIU 1000 in Sacramento, Christie Martin and Aodh 'Og O'Tuama, all the folks at Angelica's, Frank Priscaro, Shelley Kessler, Eleanor Walden, Jen DeLyth and Chris Chandler, Jason Luckett, Bobbie Rabinowitz, Amy Newell, Louis and Nancy LaFortune, Tri County Labor Council, Chris Bricker and Keri Ann French, Gloria Velasquez, Kristen Joy, Joel and Carolyn Henderson, Tanja Winter and everyone in Activist San Diego.And thanks to Pat La Manna, Nancy Schimmel and The Lurkers for giving me my favorite three new songs!
saw this sign in Bellingham...
Great to see Janet and Ken Bates back on stage with a new CD and sharing a night with me in Coos Bay! (That's Marc Dievendorf on percussion...)
a windshield full of Mt. Shasta!
a full spectrum rainbow over San Luis Obispo! (I knew all that rain had to be good for something!)
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FAMILY NEWS
Birthdays...
Shirley Shultz Myers and Mary McCahill Madera - March 1st, Wendyl Jay - March 10th, Griffin Lane McCahill is 5 on March 13th! Rob Shepherd - March 14th, Ron Berlin - March 15th, Tom Weldon and Suzie Edkins - March 17th, John Cunningham - March 20th, Bette Jacobson - March 26th, Martha Shunn - March 27th, Mary Weldon - March 29th, Kelly Grefenstette - March 29th
Congratulations to Amy Berlin for being smoke free for three weeks now!
Congratulations to Maryellen Hayden and Artie Decker for getting engaged!
Congratulations to Karen Newman on landing a great new job! So long Boise!
Congratulations to Joel and Carolyn Henderson who just got married!
Congratulations to Jim Gorman, who recently retired!
And I'm very happy to report that Monique is feeling so much better now that she's started her second trimester.
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Wednesday, March 10th, 2010 12:00 PM
Lunchtime Concert
IBEW #177 Hall
966 North Liberty Street
Jacksonville, FL
(904)-765-5004
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010 3:00 PM
Anne Feeney Live!
Brother Stan Labor Talk Show
Jacksonville, FL
Thursday, March 11th, 2010 6-8 PM
Amnesty International UNF Chapter presents Anne Feeney in Concert
Ballroom 3703 of the Student Union
University of North Florida
Jacksonville, FL
candice carter is the contact. This concert is also sponsored in part by United Faculty of FL.
Friday, March 12th, 2010 8:00 PM
Anne Feeney in Concert
The NEW Civic Media Center
433 S Main St
Gainesville, FL
Price: $10-20 sliding
joe courter is the contact
gainesvilleiguana(@)cox.net
Saturday, March 13th, 2010 8:00 PM
Anne Feeney in Concert for the Coalition of Immokalee Workers
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of St. Augustine
2487 A1A S
St Augustine, FL 32080
904-940-4888
Price: $15 suggested
Terry Buckenmeyer is the contact. As always, no one turned away for lack of funds.
Sunday, March 14th, 2010 12:00 PM
Southern Exposure Festival with Arlo Guthrie, Rambling Jack Elliott and Stetson Kennedy!
Alpine Groves Park
2060 SR 13
Switzerland, FL
904-209-3750
I'm very excited about this! Proceeds benefit the Stetson Kennedy Foundation and the Guthrie Foundation - Gates open at 11:30AM
Sunday, March 14th, 2010 7:30 PM
NOW and WSLR present Anne Feeney in Concert
Lake Osprey Village Cabaret
6265 Lake Osprey Drive
Lakewood Ranch, FL
941-894-6469
Price: $10/$15
a benefit concert for the Sarasota-Manatee Chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW) on Sunday, March 14th at 7:30pm at the Lake Osprey Village Cabaret. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. They are available from NOW members, online at www.wslr.org or by calling 894-6469. Lake Osprey Village Caberet is located at 6265 Lake Osprey Drive in Lake Osprey Village, Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota.
Tuesday, March 16th, 2010 8:00 PM
Anne Feeney in Concert
private party at Myerlee Country Club
Ft Myers, FL
Laura Griffin in the contact- 239-823-4743 or swflagirl@aol.com
Tuesday, March 16th, 2010 8:00 PM
HEADS UP, PITTSBURGH! Peter Yarrow in Concert!!
Four Points by Sheraton
Cranberry, PA
412-281-4404
Peter Yarrow, of Peter, Paul and Mary, is doing a fund raiser for the PEAL Center and for Operation Respect (an anti-bullying project founded by Peter Yarrow). Should be a great show, and it's a great cause. Wish I could be there, too!
Toll Free Info: 866-950-1040
Wednesday, March 17th, 2010 8:00 PM
Anne Feeney singing Irish music
Downtown Ft Myers St Pat's Day Street Party
near the French Connection.. 2282 First St
Ft Myers, FL
Price: free!
Laura Griffin in the contact- 239-823-4743 or swflagirl@aol.com
Friday, March 19th, 2010 7:30 PM
Anne Feeney in Concert
Sacred Lands
1620 Park St North
St Petersburg, FL 33710
727-347-0354
Price: $10-20 sliding
jayalexus@yahoo.com is the contact
For directions, parking info, and reserved seating call 727-347-0354
Saturday, March 20th, 2010 8:00 PM
Labor Coalition for Change/Young Dems present Anne Feeney in Concert
tba
Ft Myers, FL
Laura Griffin in the contact- 239-823-4743 or swflagirl@aol.com
Sunday, March 21st, 2010 4:00 PM
Live in the Studio on Michael Stock's show!
WLRN
172 NE 15th ST
Miami, FL 33132
Michael's wonderful folk show starts at 2PM and streams live on the internet. I'll be on right after his Public Storyteller segment.
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010 7:00 PM
Anne Feeney in Concert
St Maurice Church
2851 Stirling Road
Dania Beach, FL
(754) 423-0051
Ray del Papa is the contact
Wednesday, March 24th, 2010 5:30 PM
Remembering Oscar Romero
Candle light vigil outside US Southern Command
NW 87th Ave & NW 36th St
Miami , FL
Join us at the gates of the U.S. Southern Command for a candle light vigil as we commemorate the 30th anniversary of Oscar Romero´s assassination
Wednesday, March 24th, 2010 8:00 PM
Anne Feeney in Concert
Luna Star Cafe
775 NE 125th St
North Miami, FL 33161
Price: $10
Thursday, April 1st, 2010 7:00 PM
Anne Feeney in Concert - April Fools Concert
Imaginary Fool's Juggling and Singin Club
Tallahassee, FL
850-878-4149
Price: $10-20 suggested
No potluck this time, but great music and good company guaranteed!
Anne's tour calendar feed