Ice cream should be a major food group. And I am fortunate to have two top-notch area ice cream parlors in awesome historic buildings, and they like music! In June and July I played at Sweet Creams Soda Shop in Elkhart. September’s concert calendar began with a morning at the Syracuse Farmers Market followed by Bonnie & Clyde’s Soda Shop in Bristol. (I ran into a local state congressman on the steps who said my singing reminds him of Jewel. Made my day.) More Farmers Market concerts this month included Syracuse (Sept. 8) and Elkhart (9/27). The Gateway Cellar Winery in Goshen is where I was the evening of Saturday, 9/8.


A farewell and big thanks to Bob Leininger of Bristol, who is moving soon. But first he played some tunes with me (9/1/12).
I'll return to the Elkhart Artwalk Wednesday, 9/26 to a site (TBA). As for this week, I leave for the 46th Annual Kent State Folk Festival in Kent OH this week. My venue is the KSU Downtown Gallery at 141 E. Main Street, Kent, 5-7 pm, Friday, 9/21, part of Folk Alley ‘Round Town: http://www.kentstatefolkfestival.org/roundtown.php?id=artist. Thanks to hosts/sponsors Bob and Cass Mayfield. My trip begins 9/20 at Cleveland’s Barking Spider* Tavern: http://www.barkingspidertavern.com/nextmonth.asp. The trip extends to western New York state: Frewsburg’s Corner Coffee House Saturday 9/22 from time TBA and 9/23 Sunday brunch noon-1:30 at the Labryinth Press Co. in Jamestown. (*A barking spider is a metaphorical creature yet to be actually caught or seen—on which strange noises and foul odors can be blamed when there is no dog available. There is also the silent but deadly species that cannot bark....;]) lol
I am singing at three local annual festivals this month:
Stone’s Trace Pioneer Festival in Ligonier IN (pre-1880) was on Sunday 9/9. I played in era costume on the stage then strolled the grounds singing in the afternoon. I’ve seen the old settlement for years from US33 and was excited to get to play there this year. Mom accompanyied me, also in the old attire. Many thanks to the Dekko Corporation of Kendallville as a sponsor. Thanks also to friends Dave and Joanne Taylor, Blue Pearl Antiques & Art (Pierceton), Darrell Carter (Cromwell) and my brother-in-law Gary Leer for all their help and advice. http://www.stonestrace.com/schedule-of-events.html.

Me in the pre-1880 outfit. After a few minutes of walking around, even before the show, I really felt like I was back in time. I was thankful for the modern bathroom, though! haha
Mid-month we rocked the 37th Annual Nappanee Apple Festival on Saturday, Sept. 15 in the Martin’s Supermarket tent with a BAND—Dad Drew, Mom Joy, and drummer-friend Allen Fitch from Goshen. http://www.nappaneeapplefestival.org/main.php?page=entertainment12 Program at: http://www.nappaneeapplefestival.org/forms/2012-AF-Brochure.pdf. Sincere thanks to my event sponsors Brad Newcomer and family at E. Newcomer and Son Jewelers (est. 1880). At 126 years in LOCAL business, they are the oldest continuous-family-owned (4th-generation) jewelry store in the state! Please visit them if you can, shop, and thank them for supporting this event—and my music.
Has anyone noticed the big orange pumpkin as Hwy US6 jogs north through Westville (IN)? Since I was little I have often seen a pumpkin there. It’s not Cinderella’s coach! Prairie Meadow Park there is where I’ll be playing for the 21st Annual Westville Pumpkin Festival. Many thanks to the town of Westville for inviting me! Then I’ll head north later that afternoon to St. Joseph MI to return (3rd time in 2012) that evening 7-9 pm at the Chocolate Café and Museum.
AUGUST 2012
I have four hometowns. I was born in Goshen. My family lived in Elkhart until I was 2 ½ and I went to school there until I was five. I’ve grown up in Milford since 1992. And I went to Wawasee High School in Syracuse. So I’m always at home in Sweet Creams Soda Shop in Elkhart, where I played 8/10; the Artisans and Farmers Market in Syracuse; twice to the new Elkhart Farmers Market (where a painting has been named after me!); and Goshen Farmers Market, where wonderful things make me smile. This time a little girl danced like a ballerina to my misic and a little boy drew me a picture. In August I also sang at Sturgis, MI for a “Fun Friday;” at Middlebury United Methodist Church, Heirloom Tomato Festival in Pierceton, and St. Regis Club in Warsaw.

Above: My name in lights! Well, letters.
In August I returned to the public library in St. Joseph, MI and was delighted to see that a staff and volunteer force (Mary Czarnecki and Matt Finch) had set up a wonderful stage area in the garden. One passerby on the sidewalk heard my final song, stopped and bought a CD; and someone bought my CD Definitely with the comment that it was worth the price for “Lilian” alone. Michiganders, I love you for your appreciation of my music.
There were some one-of-a-kind events:
• Michiana cancer survivors made moving presentations at the Sunny 101 Coaches vs. Cancer Vigil at the Heritage Square Martin’s Supermarket on August 9. I sang “Gabriel,” which I wrote in 2008 for the passing of our friend Gabe Merrill (South Bend) at the age of sixteen.
• Indiana has a Folk Music Festival! I appreciate being asked by *Lukas Simpson (Goldmine Pickers, Hard Travelin’ Boys, Red Hot Rivet, CheeseHeart) to play in his First Annual Folky Fish Fest at Lake Luther Campground (Angola) the last weekend in August. FFF was a great weekend in a perfect setting. I sang both Saturday and Sunday of this weekend celebration of folk music, camping and fishing. I saw fellow musicians AND got great one-on-one pointers in banjo and blues guitar methods.

I got some banjo pointers from Frank Lee of the Freight Hoppers. (8-25)
JULY 2012
July shows included a return to the Firefly Coffee House in Fort Wayne and my first trip to Bonnie and Clyde’s Soda Shop in Bristol.
I donned my engineer’s clothes to sing at Elkhart’s Lerner Theater for the Lakeshore RR Historical Foundation’s Fundraiser for the Mohawk 3001, the largest surviving New York Central RR steam locomotive. The fundraiser was timed with an Independence Day 70th Anniversary showing of Yankee Doodle Dandy, sponsored by Elkhart’s INOVA Federal Credit Union (7/3).


Coffee on the Piazza at Ruthmere was July 7. I LOVE this century-old mansion. Sadly, my performance may only be remembered by myself and a few brave attendees. Ozone levels from western forest fires, mixed with a “stagnant airmass” and record-high “dangerously hot temperatures” of 104° -107° made Ruthmere’s adjoining porch the ONLY place to be. I do appreciate sponsors Starbucks, KeyBank, WVPE and Ruthmere for this opportunity. And thanks to Ruth Rockwell, Criss and Jennifer Rork, and those who came to support me and listen. Thank you, brave ones!!

Women didn't sweat in 1905 when Ruthmere was built; they GLOWED!
July 14 I shared a show with David “Hawkman” Hawkins of Lake Bluff IL We played at the Chocolate Café and Museum in St. Joseph, MI. You should check out David’s new CD, Hello, Mister Death and Other Love Songs at his website.


Hey There, Boy. David Hawkins, Big Boy, and me... in Stephensville, MI.
On the evening of July 18 I played 4-8 pm for my first Artwalk Wednesday. It was about 100° on the wraparound porch of the historic home at 112 Division Street—a prominent home on the same historic street my family lived on until I was two. Dan Spalding of the Elkhart Truth interviewed me about how my former neighborhood is revitalizing.

“it was beastly hot...we walked down division street and heard the voice of adrienne. I was bowled over...her voice is absolutely exceptional....I don't even know how to describe her voice but it is absolutely amazing...”—Shana D, Goshen, Indiana, via gig salad.com

Playing for a good cause on my Mom’s birthday 7/21, we went to F.O.P. Lodge #36 on the southwest side of South Bend for the 4th Annual Special OIympics Fundraiser and hog roast. It was fun to have THE (fantastic guitarman) Steve Foresman (who invited me) come and accompany us on stage.
On July 22 on the banks of the East Race, Celtic music resounded from the Fiddler’s Hearth Celtic Festival at Seitz Park in South Bend. Here is Youtube footage of some songs from that event, where I opened for Kennedy’s Kitchen.
”Dying Breath” with John Kenndy Jr
“The Parting Glass”
“Lakes of Ponchartrain”
“My Gloomy Poem”

Irish dancer Paige Dausinas (Celtic Fire) does a high leap
as Kennedy’s Kitchen plays at Seitz Park, South Bend.
JUNE 2012 Highlights
Here are some of the events where photos were taken. Regrettably, I have none from the Round Barn Festival (Rochester) or Martin’s Side Door Deli events.

Singing on the Stardust Stage to open for Elkhart’s Urban Renewal Band, Blue Chip Casino, June 1, 2012


At the Noodle Bar/Latitude Lounge (with the Cat tip jar.) xD Terry Moran (left) and David Hawkins (right), June 2, 2012. No those guitars are not mine, but I wish!

Concert at Sweet Creams Soda Shop (Elkhart) with monTe micHel bLeu, June 9, 2012.

We saw baby buffaloes at the Annual Calf Day at Cook's Bison ranch in Wolcottville (6/16).

Elva Miller (LVD’s) asked me to open for Gravel Creek (bluegrass) for Middlebury Third Wednesday, June 15. Above, from left to right is Gravel Creek:Terry Engle, Jimmy Wilcox, Jay Taylor, Bill Adcock, Mike Rowe. Terry “Gravel” Engle, standup bass (player AND bass singer) passed away on 7-13-2012.


I spent most of Saturday 6/23 at Sweet Creams Soda Shop running sound during the 25th Annual Elkhart Jazz Festival. The day’s entertainment included Venitia Sekema (upper left), Jim and Rachel Bessmer (upper right) and the Bessmers. Bruce Bartlett (lower right) accompanied me on drums.




The U93 Roofsit is an annual event sponsored by my favorite Hits station for so many years now I rmember listening to it when I was little. I actually got to be a part of it on June 21. The Roofsit Candlelight Vigil was at the Heritage Square Martin’s Supermarket in Granger to support child abuse prevention. Here I am with Rob Sparks (“Rob and AJ Show,” U93).




The Charley Creek Artsfest (Wabash) at the end of June featured a liivng statue!
INTO FALL 2012
As September is now halfway through, I am looking forward to the many events that this fall will bring. Please check out the website calendar as concerts are constantly being added, now into 2013. I hope your summer has been a relaxing one, and until next time...
Thanks for reading. :)
LOOKING to SEPTEMBER 2012
NOTE: Website links are on my calendar.
Ice cream should be a major food group. And I am fortunate to have two top-notch area ice cream parlors in awesome historic buildings, and they like music! In June and July I played at Sweet Creams Soda Shop in Elkhart. September’s concert calendar began with a morning at the Syracuse Farmers Market followed by Bonnie & Clyde’s Soda Shop in Bristol. (I ran into a local state congressman on the steps who said my singing reminds him of Jewel. Made my day.) More Farmers Market concerts this month include Syracuse (Sept. 8) and Elkhart (9/27). The Gateway Cellar Winery in Goshen is where I’ll be the evening of Saturday, 9/8.
CAPTION:
A farewell and big thanks to Bob Leininger of Bristol, who is moving soon. But first he played some tunes with me (9/1/12).
I’ll return to the Elkhart Artwalk Wednesday, 9/19 to a site (TBA) in downtown Elkhart, the evening before I leave for the 46th Annual Kent State Folk Festival in Kent OH. My venue is the KSU Downtown Gallery at 141 E. Main Street, Kent, 5-7 pm, Friday, 9/21, part of Folk Alley ‘Round Town: http://www.kentstatefolkfestival.org/roundtown.php?id=artist. Thanks to hosts/sponsors Bob and Cass Mayfield. My trip begins 9/20 at Cleveland’s Barking Spider* Tavern: http://www.barkingspidertavern.com/nextmonth.asp. The trip extends to western New York state: Frewsburg’s Corner Coffee House Saturday 9/22 from 5-7 p.m., and 9/23 Sunday brunch noon-1:30 at the Labryinth Press Co. in Jamestown. (*A barking spider is a metaphorical creature yet to be actually caught or seen—on which strange noises and foul odors can be blamed when there is no dog available. There is also the silent but deadly species that cannot bark....;])
I am singing at three local annual festivals this month:
Stone’s Trace Pioneer Festival in Ligonier IN (pre-1980) is Sunday 9/9. I’ll be playing in era costume on the stage 11:25 am-12:10 pm, then strolling the grounds singing in the afternoon. I’ve seen the old settlement for years from US33. I’m excited to get to play there this year. Mom will be accompanying, and Dad might help with sound on the morning stage show. Then in the afternoon we walk the grounds and sing. Many thanks to the Dekko Corporation of Kendallville as a sponsor. Many thanks to friends Dave and Joanne Taylor, Blue Pearl Antiques & Art (Pierceton), Darrell Carter (Cromwell) and my brother-in-law Gary Leer for all their help and advice. http://www.stonestrace.com/schedule-of-events.html.
Mid-month we’ll be rocking the 37th Annual Nappanee Apple Festival on Saturday, Sept. 15 in the Martin’s Supermarket tent from 12 noon - 1:30 with a BAND—Dad Drew, Mom Joy, and drummer-friend Allen Fitch from Goshen. http://www.nappaneeapplefestival.org/main.php?page=entertainment12 Program at: http://www.nappaneeapplefestival.org/forms/2012-AF-Brochure.pdf. Sincere thanks to my event sponsors Brad Newcomer and family at E. Newcomer and Son Jewelers (est. 1880). At 126 years in LOCAL business, they are the oldest continuous-family-owned (4th-generation) jewelry store in the state! Please visit them if you can, shop, and thank them for supporting this event—and my music.
Has anyone noticed the big orange pumpkin as Hwy US6 jogs north through Westville (IN)? Since I was little I have often seen a pumpkin there. It’s not Cinderella’s coach! Prairie Meadow Park there is where I’ll be playing for the 21st Annual Westville Pumpkin Festival. Many thanks to the town of Westville for inviting me! Then I’ll head north later that afternoon to St. Joseph MI to return (3rd time in 2012) that evening 7-9 pm at the Chocolate Café and Museum
AUGUST 2012
I have four hometowns. I was born in Goshen. My family lived in Elkhart until I was 2 ½ and I went to school there until I was five. I’ve grown up in Milford since 1992. And I went to Wawasee High School in Syracuse.
So I’m always at home in Sweet Creams Soda Shop in Elkhart, where I played 8/10; the Artisans and Farmers Market in Syracuse; twice to the new Elkhart Farmers Market (where a painting has been named after me!); and Goshen Farmers Market, where wonderful things make me smile. This time a little girl danced like a ballerina to my misic and a little boy drew me a picture.
In August I also sang at Sturgis, MI for a “Fun Friday;” at Middlebury United Methodist Church, Heirloom Tomato Festival in Pierceton, and St. Regis Club in Warsaw.
CAPTION:
In August I returned to the public library in St. Joseph, MI and was delighted to see that a staff and volunteer force (Mary Czarnecki and Matt Finch) had set up a wonderful stage area in the garden. One passerby on the sidewalk heard my final song, stopped and bought a CD; and someone bought my CD Definitely with the comment that it was worth the price for “Lilian” alone. Michiganders, I love you for your appreciation of my music!
Left: My name in lights! Well, letters.
There were some one-of-a-kind events:
• Michiana cancer survivors made moving presentations at the Sunny 101 Coaches vs. Cancer Vigil at the Heritage Square Martin’s Supermarket on August 9. I sang “Gabriel,” which I wrote in 2008 for the passing of our friend Gabe Merrill (South Bend) at the age of sixteen.
• Indiana has a Folk Music Festival! I appreciate being asked by *Lukas Simpson (Goldmine Pickers, Hard Travelin’ Boys, Red Hot Rivet, CheeseHeart) to play in his First Annual Folky Fish Fest at Lake Luther Campground (Angola) the last weekend in August. FFF was a great weekend in a perfect setting. I sang both Saturday and Sunday of this weekend celebration of folk music, camping and fishing. I saw fellow musicians AND got great one-on-one pointers in banjo and blues guitar methods.
CAPTION:
I got some banjo pointers from Frank Lee of the Freight Hoppers. (8-25)
JULY 2012
July shows included a return to the Firefly Coffee House in Fort Wayne and my first trip to Bonnie and Clyde’s Soda Shop in Bristol.
I donned my engineer’s clothes to sing at Elkhart’s Lerner Theater for the Lakeshore RR Historical Foundation’s Fundraiser for the Mohawk 3001, the largest surviving New York Central RR steam locomotive. The fundraiser was timed with an Independence Day 70th Anniversary showing of Yankee Doodle Dandy, sponsored by Elkhart’s INOVA Federal Credit Union (7/3).
Coffee on the Piazza at Ruthmere was July 7. I LOVE this century-old mansion. Sadly, my performance may only be remembered by myself and a few brave attendees. Ozone levels from western forest fires, mixed with a “stagnant airmass” and record-high “dangerously hot temperatures” of 104° -107° made Ruthmere’s adjoining porch the ONLY place to be. I do appreciate sponsors Starbucks, KeyBank, WVPE and Ruthmere for this opportunity. And thanks to Ruth Rockwell, Criss and Jennifer Rork, and those who came to support me and listen. Thank you, brave ones!!
CAPTION:
Women didn’t sweat in 1905 when Ruthmere was built; they GLOWED!!
July 14 I shared a show with David “Hawkman” Hawkins of Lake Bluff IL We played at the Chocolate Café and Museum in St. Joseph, MI. You should check out David’s new CD, Hello, Mister Death and Other Love Songs at his website.
CAPTIONS:
Hey There, Boy.
David Hawkins, Big Boy, and me...in Stephensville MI
On the evening of July 18 I played 4-8 pm for my first Artwalk Wednesday. It was about 100° on the wraparound porch of the historic home at 112 Division Street—a prominent home on the same historic street my family lived on until I was two. Dan Spalding of the Elkhart Truth interviewed me about how my former neighborhood is revitalizing.
CAPTION:
“it was beastly hot...we walked down division street and heard the voice of adrienne. I was bowled over...her voice is absolutely exceptional....I don't even know how to describe her voice but it is absolutely amazing...”—Shana D, Goshen, Indiana, via gig salad.com
CAPTION:
Playing for a good cause on my Mom’s birthday 7/21, we went to F.O.P. Lodge #36 on the southwest side of South Bend for the 4th Annual Special OIympics Fundraiser and hog roast. It was fun to have THE (fantastic guitarman) Steve Foresman (who invited me) come and accompany us on stage.
On July 22 on the banks of the East Race, Celtic music resounded from the Fiddler’s Hearth Celtic Festival at Seitz Park in South Bend. Here is youtube footage of some songs from that event, where I opened for Kennedy’s Kitchen.
”Dying Breath” with John Kenndy Jr: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_mwawPZ1ek
“The Parting Glass” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Of2qixsQ-r8
“Lakes of Ponchartrain” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ndw-w5Lcis0
“My Gloomy Poem” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jFg4ks1x-4
CAPTION:
Irish dancer Paige Dausinas of Celtic Fire does a high leap while Kennedy’s Kitchen plays at Seitz Park, South Bend.
JUNE Highlights
Here are some of the events where photos were taken. Regrettably, I have none from the Round Barn Festival (Rochester) or Martin’s Side Door Deli events.
CAPTION:
Singing on the Stardust Stage to open for Elkhart’s Urban Renewal Band, Blue Chip Casino, June 1, 2012
CAPTION:
At the Noodle Bar/Latitude Lounge, Lake Bluff IL, with Terry Moran (left) and David Hawkins (right) June 2, 2012. No, those guitars are NOT mine. I wish.
CAPTION:
Concert at Sweet Creams Soda Shop (Elkhart) with Benton Harbor musician monTe micHel bLeu, June 9, 2012. Check out his new CD, Songs Between Truth and Lies.
CAPTION:
We saw baby buffaloes at the Annual Calf Day at Cook’s Bison ranch in Wolcottville (6/16).
CAPTION:
Elva Miller (LVD’s) asked me to open for Gravel Creek (bluegrass) for Middlebury Third Wednesday, June 15. Above, from left to right is Gravel Creek:Terry Engle, Jimmy Wilcox, Jay Taylor, Bill Adcock, Mike Rowe. Terry “Gravel” Engle, standup bass (player AND bass singer) passed away on 7-13-2012.
CAPTION:
I spent most of Saturday 6/23 at Sweet Creams Soda Shop running sound during the 25th Annual Elkhart Jazz Festival. The day’s entertainment included Venitia Sekema (upper left), Jim and Rachel Bessmer (upper right) and the Bessmers. Bruce Bartlett (lower right) accompanied me on drums.
CAPTION:
The U93 Roofsit is an annual event sponsored by my favorite Hits station for so many years now I rmember listening to it when I was little. I actually got to be a part of it on June 21. The Roofsit Candlelight Vigil was at the Heritage Square Martin’s Supermarket in Granger to support child abuse prevention. Here I am with Rob Sparks (“Rob and AJ Show,” U93).
CAPTION:
The Charley Creek Artsfest (Wabash) at the end of June featured a liivng statue!
CAPTION:
I met Jake Shimabukuro, quite possibly the world’s best ukelele player. Jake has performed with Jimmy Buffet and Bette Midler. He came to Fort Wayne to play at C2G Studios, but with a massive power outage across the city the concert was at Sweetwater SoundNOTE: Website links are on my calendar.