First of all, I have a question regarding this past Sunday and Monday.  HOW THE HELL CAN IT GET THAT COLD? Just asking.  I went through almost all of my firewood in one night.  Someone annoyed Mother Nature, and whoever did better step up and apologize tout de suite!  I ain't built for that kind of cold.  Although I still managed to hit the Sunday Jam with Mark, Lionel, and Jay.  Gretchen Troop was there as well as Jodie Woodward and Randall Dubis, and they sat in with the dozens of other musicians who came to play.  In that cold!  I'm touched.  And frostbitten.

Enough about me.  For now.  Tonight is one of those evenings that promises to be one of those nights; one that brings smiles and an overall warmth, joined with the meaning of actually contributing to goodness in the world.  Unfortunately.  I say that because the purpose of the evening is tragic beyond Greek proportions (and if you haven't read the Greeks, man  The reason we are gathering tonight isn't a Greek Tragedy; it's worse and it's real.  can they be tough in the area of cruel circumstances, piled one on top of another).

On November 15, just a bit more than a month ago, a fire raged through a Boulder apartment building leaving many homeless and two young women in critical condition at a burn unit.  Here is what The Delicious Ms. Brown had to say in a broadcast email she sent to her subscribers:

Greetings all! 
Erica Brown here!  Seems like long time no talk, but at least when I do, I have something fun or important to say (smile)!   We are sending out reminders regarding a very important fundraiser this Wednesday evening, December 17, 2008, at the Boulder Outlook Hotel. We are raising money for 26-year old Kaianna Kadivnik and 21-year old Susan Moi, the two young women who were so badly burned in a recent Boulder apartment fire. Both are still in critical condition in the burn unit at Denver's UniversityHospital.  While Susan's status as a "Lost Girl of the Sudan" attracted media attention, Kaianna's story largely has gone untold. The circumstances for Kaianna and her family are very sad indeed. We look forward to promoting this fund raising concert for both of these young women.   The fundraiser starts at 5:00 p.m. and goes till 10:00, so you can stop in anytime during that period and catch some great entertainment. The schedule is as follows: 

5:00 -6:00BreakEFX (CatalystSchool student Lucas' award winning dance crew)

6:00 – 7:00The Wendy Woo Duo (Acoustic)

7:00 – 8:00The Jenn Cleary Band & guest Teresa Lynn

8:00 – 9:00The Lionel Young Band (winner of the 2008 IBC –International Blues Challenge) & guests Erica Brown & Alicia Fall

9:00 -10:00 Papa Juke & guest John Magnie from the Subdudes

Ms. Robin Abb, of Rockin' Robin's Retro and Resale in Niwot, CO., will be on hand to emcee.  She says:  "There is a suggested donation of $10 at the door and a silent auction with a dazzling array of items to bid on...all of which would make great Christmas gifts by the way! There are gift certificates for some of the best restaurants in Boulder including Frasca! A night at the Boulderado Hotel, A facial at Susan Melching Skin Care, a private party on Banjo Billy's Bus, and a gorgeous tango dress from Rockin' Robin's. Those are just a few items that were donated through customers and friends of mine."  ~Rockin Robin

The entire list of items is incredible.  So dust off your wallet, come out to dance and share and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.  If you all could please let the public at large know about this event, we would be SO grateful!!  Many thanks from all of us!!   Many Thanks!! ~Erica Brownhttp://www.myspace.com/boulderbenefitconcert.  http://www.myspace.com/ericabrownentertainment

Thank you, Robin and Erica, and I think most of us can agree, regardless of the current state of the economy, we have much for which to be thankful, and we should all be stirred by the outpouring of assistance and good will coming to these women.  I noticed in the photo of Ms. Moi that she looks about my size.  She'll be in the hospital for a while yet, but I'm going through my closet to set aside some boxes of clothes for her.  I will also learn the size of Ms. Kadivnik as well so we can all help them rebuild their material lives, while the medical professionals help them rebuild their physical lives.  I've been informed that Ms. Moi lost everything, and I'm going to assume the same, or close, can be said about Ms. Kadivnik.  At some point in the near future, these women are going to need to recreate the basics of a household.  After the conclusion of the holidays, Broads on Blues, Ms. Jill Watkins and Ms. Honey Bee Sepeda, will be organizing a spreadsheet with household donations needed, and I will personally see to updating said needs through the Blues Letter.  The organization of this project is in its infancy, so if you have items to donate, please put them aside for now until we have a physical location for storage.  More soon.  These women need us tonight, but they're going to need whatever help we can offer for a lot longer, and letting them know that someone put together blankets, pillows, dishes, etc.,  to help them regain their independence is one of the best gifts we can give.  Their independence is paramount. 

Tomorrow night the Shuffle Tones are back!  Yay!  I kid you not, it's been almost a year since I've seen them on stage (not counting the wonderful harp seminar they facilitated at the back stage of the Greeley Blues Fest recently), and my ears are vibrating with excited anticipation.  Now, I know this is getting tiresome (believe me, I'm sick and tired of typing it!), but if you've not purchased their 2007 release, Chicago Sessions, shoot yourself, because your hopeless. I've been telling you and telling you for more than a year.  I know you say I'm a nag, but if you still don't have the CD, there's nothing further I can do for you.  I'm just saying.

Friday night Jason Downing, formerly of Mojambus, brings his new ensemble, Musketeer Gripweed, to Blues & Greens for their inaugural gig with us. I know Downing's voice and harp skills, so I'm sure it will be a night of some good blues.  It's been a long time, Jason!  I'm looking forward to catching up with you and hearing you bring it.

There are other things going on the rest of the month, but none as fun as Boulder's Broads on Blues Birthday Blowout Bash at Blues & Greens!  December 27, 2008. 

Although I've made mention of this in recent Blues Letters, on the television show, and in pretty much every conversation I've had of late, I thought it wise to send out a reminder during this busy season:   December 27th is my b-day and Jill's is January 5^th, so we are combining our fund-raising efforts this year with a two-for-one (please don't read into that) on the 27th, the last Saturday of the year. 

I hope as many of you as possible can come out and join us, and if you are a musician, come prepared to sit in.  Once again, My Beloved Delta Sonics are taking the musical helm of my birthday, and they're all open to a bit of a jam.

The funds raised will be split between the CBS' "Blues in the Schools," and Grand County Blues Society's, "Blue Star Connection."  Last year we raised $700 for Blue Star Connection, so in order to match that, we have to double the total.  So, spread the word, as we're not charging a cover, just passing the hat. 

But until then, please join us tonight.  And bring your money.  ~Honey Bee Sepeda