Hands Out Moon
Anointed as an official non-profit entity (or at least my understanding of it), Moonlight donned its shimmering angel robes and drifted skyward, lifted on its own beatitudes as some kinda holy warrior in defense of Americana and roots music, warding off the dangers that we feared it faced. Much of the high-minded verbiage sprinkled below was crafted for a flurry of grants applications that we soon submitted, our hopes high for some foundation somewhere to understand our urgent mission, and to underwrite it as an ally. As it turned out, none of those optimistic multi-page proposals were ever directly rewarded, but we DID get some apologetic letters of denial, worded just as delicately as our earnest requests. After a while, it became clear that our real philanthropists were the people who actually came through the door, and were delighted with what they found there. Them’s the folks that truly stepped up in support, and deserve the credit for anything The Moonlight actually managed to accomplish.
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November 18, 2010
Friends of the Moonlight---
Last week's announcement of the non-profit organization formed to support original acoustic music brought a most gratifying response... we're pleased to say that several individuals stepped forward with contributions intended to further the activities here at The Moonlight, along with encouragement to press on with our service to this music, the artists who create it, and the audience who appreciates it.
There seems to be a general notion that, even in these increasingly hardscrabble times, the troubadours who give voice to our common joys, fears, fortunes, and failings deserve a dedicated place to exhibit and explore their craft--- a place that doubles as a haven for those who hanker for a steady stream of unique performers, and a setting designed to present those artists at their best. The MOONLIGHT MUSIC ALLIANCE holds that notion as a central precept--- a declaration that in the face of all that conspires to challenge it, a community will provide and sustain at least one playhouse committed to pure celebration, and to the nurture of its homegrown culture.
As lofty and high-minded as all that sounds, it simply means that we have to take care of a thing we value, if we want to keep it at hand. As we see one piece after another of our local arts infrastructure mournfully added to the casualty list--- an art gallery here, a live music stage there, a bookstore over yonder--- The Moonlight is determined to press ahead with its mission, confident that it will find a way to thrive. Luckily, in the task of preserving our own indigenous American music, we are immediately and richly rewarded in the process--- it's not a sacrifice at all, rather the gift of entertainment we give ourselves.
If every subscriber to these weekly messages attended just ONE SHOW A MONTH, we'd have no need to look for additional resources--- until we become at least that small bit of your self-amusement, we'll need to appeal to your impulsive sense of generosity, by directing you to this weblink--->
www.moonlightmusicalliance.org
As it is, we find ourselves in sync with the season, and give you in advance our thanks for your patronage and endorsement. If you'll consent to pick just a little of the fruit that we bear, we'll happily be here for you, far on into the future.... muchas gracias!
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In deference to the upcoming holidays--- and the most important (!) football games of the year--- we have scaled back the number of events we'll present through the end of November---->
Friday the 19th--- PRIVATE EVENT---
We mention this as a reminder that The Moonlight is an excellent locale for your family or company party--- please let us host you at very reasonable rates. Two prime dates are still available for Christmas festivities!
Saturday the 20th-- KYLE MATTHEWS, $10
Many of today's contemporary songwriters find themselves creating their pieces at the urging of a faceless Muse, with no greater goal than to express themselves, and possibly turn a buck in the process. Kyle is one of the others, a man who believes his prolific output of tune has a higher purpose, and is meant to accomplish more than mere melody. Even so, he's managed to hit the awards lists and Christian music charts again and again in the last decade, placing his songs with a diverse array of major artists, both in and out of the gospel category.
More than just a singing piano player, Matthews' infuses his concerts with a deep commitment to faith-based projects serving disadvantaged people in this country and others far afield. He'll appear this weekend in a variety of official church-sanctioned events nearby, but this intimate show offers a chance to meet this happy crusader and hear his stories and songs on a living-room level. 7:30pm
www.kylematthews.com
Kyle Matthews, November 20 2010, 30 present
Sunday the 21st-- EDIE CAREY, $12
A decade of non-stop touring has burnished Edie's music and stage persona into something very much like what comes out of a warm oven--- the delicious promise of comfort and satisfaction, tantalizing and fulfilling at the same time. A child of the upper East Coast coffeehouse and university scene, she spent a year in Italy teaching herself the language and the guitar simultaneously--- she then came home to New York to begin her stellar career, which has yielded seven gorgeous albums so far, featuring her stirring, breathy alto and songs easily comparable to those of Shawn Colvin, Suzanne Vega, and Rickie Lee Jones. Everybody falls in love with this girl, you just can't help it... 7:30pm
www.ediecarey.com
Edie Carey, November 21 2010, 14 present
Opening for Edie will be Birmingham's own upcoming chanteuse, Lee Anna Culp, whose debut release "Bells and Doves" captures her blend of folk/pop and white chick blues... accompanied on guitar by her friend and producer Ryan Swift, she adds Moonlight to the long list of local venues who have hosted her glistening, spirited performances.
www.myspace.com/leannaloves
Ryan Swift and Lee Anna Culp, November 21 2010
COUPLA MORE FINE SHOWS NEXT WEEKEND--->
Saturday the 27th-- DRAGONFLIES, Gigi Scott's rock ensemble fires it up to help you burn off all that holiday turkey stuffing--
Sunday the 28th-- PIERCE PETTIS, and GRANVILLE AUTOMATIC, north Alabama's revered modern folk songcrafter, and a new girl-duo headed for lots more than this--
Go to the Calendar page of the website for a detailed look into the future--- photos, videos, song links--- all you could possibly need to know!
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