Glenna Bell: News

I’m writing today with a few bits of news before I head up East again tomorrow afternoon (Friday, July 3).

First, I want to let you know that I’m a “cover girl” now. Yes, I am named on the cover of the current issue of The Alternate Root (which will be posted online on Monday, July 6), and you can see and hear me playing, singing, and talking with well-known Americana radio personality Big Kev as part of the syndicated Motel Time series that was recorded during the South by Southwest music and film festival in Austin last March. This was one of my favorite interviews ever because of Big Kev’s unique approach, with co-host “Fredo” Boenig, taping and videoing me and a slew of the top artists on the Americana scene today in their motel suite during the conference. Besides myself, there was Chuck Mead of BR59 fame, Rosie Flores, The Tejas Brothers, Audrey Auld, Dallas Wayne, Two Tons of Steel, Gurf Morlix, Seth Walker, Sunny Sweeney, Dale Watson, and Scott Miller (who’s band you may have seen as the house band on Blue Collar TV). What’s also really neat is that several of these artists are pictured in The Alternate Root playing my new vintage guitar, the sparkling 1968 Fender Kingman acoustic that I bought myself for my birthday in February. Some of Big Kev’s questions were pretty thought provoking, too, which made it an interesting Q&A. What one thing could Glenna Bell NOT do without? What was my very first job? Find the answers at http://www.thealternateroot.com . . .

Voting has commenced for the annual Houston Press Music Awards, and I’m nominated for “Best Folk!” I’d certainly appreciate it if you would take a couple of minutes to vote for me at http://www.houstonpress.com. On July 26, the nominated artists in all genres will be playing showcases in a variety of restaurants and clubs in downtown Houston, which should be a lot of fun. I literally just got word from the Press that I’m scheduled to appear at Dean’s Easy Credit from 5-5:45 p.m., and I’ll post details on my Web sites ASAP for everybody in the Houston area. Dean’s is an intimate, fairly upscale bar—very nice, but very comfortable—no need to “dress up.” Just the way I like it.

A couple of weeks ago, I was pleasantly surprised to get an invite from fellow Folk nominee, Lee Alexander, to do a show with him at one of Houston’s well-established music venues, Rudyards, on July 10. I’ll be going on between 9:30 and 10 p.m., and I’ll play for about forty-five minutes, then sit back and enjoy the rest of the evening’s entertainment and some of Rudyards’ good food. I’m really looking forward to this evening, and especially to hearing Lee and his band perform live for the first time. For a preview, you can listen online at http://www.myspace.com/alexanderlee. Here’s a brief excerpt from Lee’s myspace page: Lee’s new album, Mayhaw Vaudeville, is “almost entirely acoustic and saturated with a distinctively rustic Texas flavor by drawing on the grass-root forms of rag-time jazz, country swing, blues, and folk music that dominated the southern music scene in the 20’s and 30’s. Drawing from an influential palette of Elvis Costello, Ink Spots, Patty Griffin, Steve Earle, and The Beatles, Alexander’s catchy melodies and razor sharp lyrics have placed him as winner in the 2007 Independent Music Awards, a regional finalist in the 2007 Mountain Stage Newsong Folk Festival, and a semifinalist in the 2005 UK Songwriting Contest. Alexander has also been a featured artist in Performing Songwriter Magazine, the 2007 Mardi Gras Festival, and the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus 2006 Summer NAMM Showcase.” No doubt, this show will be one not to miss. I’m counting down the days already . . .

Oh, and Lee and I will also be promoting the Rudz gig on one of my favorite radio shows at KPFT 90.1 FM here in Houston, “RadioActive” with Phil and Rhonda, from 2-3 p.m. on July 10. Actually, we’ll be on the air from about 2:15-2:45, and I hope that you’ll tune in at http://www.kpft.org because it’s really easy to listen online, and I’ve found that these radio shows are even better when people hear us and call in just for the heck of it!

In the meantime, I’m busy packing up to fly into Newark airport tomorrow. I’ve got a weekend ahead that should prove to be another great adventure in music. I’ll be continuing my recording project with producer Big Kev, His Royal Bigness (he really is big—6’9” tall – no kidding) at WXLV studios in Pennsylvania. So far this year, we’ve recorded three of my new songs and two covers with the charming little band from the edge of NYC, the Gin Mill Kings, and on Sunday I’ll be recording with another fine band that I met in Nashville last September: Girls, Guns, and Glory. Notably, the Boston Phoenix named G3 best Local and Roots band of 2008. The song that we’ll be doing is a Merle Haggard cover that Big Kev and I rewrote as a duet. I love duets and am feeling very lucky to get to work with Ward Hayden of G3, due to his powerful, classic-sounding voice and strong songwriting talent. I spoke with Ward on the phone just yesterday, and “Triple G” has their game on for the session this weekend. This is really going to be something else—I just know it. It’s magic time!

After the session, we’ll all head over to the America on Wheels Museum in Allentown, PA to perform in a lineup that is sponsored by WXLV 90.3 FM Roots radio as part of their July 4 weekend Freedom Fest. This event will be a big one in that part of the country—bands and artists are coming from all over the region to celebrate Independence, and there will be a big audience, too, with fireworks, food, fun and all that would be expected on such a weekend. I’ve been spending a lot of time up East lately, and one thing I’ve enjoyed most is the closeness of the community and getting to meet and visit with the people who love and support the flourishing music scene in that region. It will be so good to get back.

Wishing you a memorable and happy Fourth of July weekend. As always. Y’all come!

Happy Memorial Day, Everybody!

I’m taking a break from my packing to write you this note and let you know that I’m about to head East for a trip that is quickly turning into a small tour! I’m flying from Houston to Newark tomorrow afternoon and will be rehearsing Wednesday with the Gin Mill Kings in the little studio at the edge of the Big Apple; then, it’s on to Pennsylvania, where I’ll be doing a solo acoustic performance Thursday night at the Godfrey Daniels theater in scenic Bethlehem. I’ll be recording with the Gin Mill Kings at the WXLV Roots 90.3 FM studios in Schnecksville, PA on Saturday afternoon, then on to Penn State for another acoustic show at Café 210 Saturday night, then back to Schnecksville for the grand finale on Sunday, which will be a very special appearance for me, broadcast live on WXLV in front of a studio audience on one of my favorite Americana radio shows, “Dawn’s Country Brunch” with Dawn Warner. The last time I wrote, I mentioned that there was going to be a potluck meal provided by those in attendance, which would have given me a real taste of Pennsylvania all right, BUT a generous sponsor has stepped in to provide food for us all – and how fitting – that sponsor is Pennsylvania’s own Texas Barbeque! Needless to say, I’m really looking forward to all of this, and I hope that you’ll tune in at http://www.wxlv.org on Sunday between noon and 3 p.m. EST.

“Roots 90.3 FM [in the Lehigh Valley, PA] is the newest creative direction in public radio . . . The music is real, rooted in our culture, past and present, feeding a common desire for sustainability in life. Whether folk, rock or country—you'll be amazed at the song-writing wit of the new Americana artists and the classic folk and country rock songs blended in, that will make you sing along with the radio, wherever you listen. Where else can you hear Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson along with Jim Lauderdale, Allison Moorer, John Prine, and The Band?” What an incredible alternative to mainstream radio today! I am SO HAPPY that I found XLV!!

Well, I really need to get back to my packing now, but first I want to say thank you to everyone who nominated me for the Houston Press music awards. The results haven’t been published yet, but I will surely keep you posted, as always. And I also want to recognize our Service men and women of the past and present, who’ve made it possible for me to pursue this American Dream of mine . . . I’ve been listening to radio shows all weekend, many deejays paying tribute with all kinds of great patriotic songs by artists ranging from Bluegrass to Blues to Folk to Country – but I must say that, to my mind, none of them beats “The Ragged Flag” by Johnny Cash.

I hope that you have a really good Memorial Day. Oh, and if you feel like relaxing this afternoon with something FUN to read, I'm flattered to have been mentioned more than once by “His Royal Bigness”—the 6’ 9” syndicated radio personality Big Kev—in his South By Southwest (SXSW) retrospective, beginning on page 46 of this month’s The Alternate Root, which includes photos, audio, videos, and interviews with the top Roots/Americana artists on the scene today, always online at http://www.thealternateroot.com

Ya’ll come!

I’ve been recuperating from my sinus surgery and am feeling a lot better now, but I’ve fallen behind on a few things and one of them is the Houston Press Music Awards nomination. The deadline is tomorrow (Monday, May 18) at 9 a.m. The nomination process takes less than five minutes, and I would really appreciate it if you’d nominate me in the following categories if you get this email in time: songwriter, female vocals, folk, country, and Americana. It’s quick and easy at http://polls.houstonpress.com/polls/hou/musicawards09/ and just a few minutes of your time would surely help me out. I was nominated last year, and will hope to be on the ballot again this year if enough people write me in . . .

In the meantime, I’m making plans to fly from Houston Intercontinental Airport to Newark next week, where I’ll be continuing my recording project with the Gin Mill Kings in the little studio at the edge of the Big Apple, and then traveling into Pennsylvania where I’ll be performing at Godfrey Daniels theater in Bethlehem on Thursday, May 28 at 8 p.m. I visited this charming town last December when I was there to see Raul Malo (The Mavericks) at Godfrey Daniels, and I felt as if I’d awakened in a Norman Rockwell Christmas scene. It doesn’t get more “Americana” than Bethlehem with its historical sites dating back into the 1700s, cobblestone streets, quaint architecture, and mountain view . . . the home of Bethlehem Steel and a popular tourist destination year ‘round: http://www.bethlehempa.org/

And Godfrey Daniels will be a delight. It’s a first-rate listening room that hosts some of the top touring acts in Americana music. I was impressed by the sound quality when I was in the audience there a few months ago, and can hardly wait to get on the other side of that mic on the 28th! Rooms like this one are all too rare. And there’s more, too: On Sunday, May 31 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. EST I’ll be appearing on one of my favorite Americana radio shows, “Dawn’s Country Brunch” with Dawn Warner at WXLV Roots FM 90.3. WXLV is one of the biggest Roots/Americana radio stations in the nation today, and they’ve put a great deal of effort into promoting my appearances up there. It’s been a lot of fun sitting here at home in Houston with my dog Lilly and listening to the XLV commercials and deejays announcing my impending arrival! I hope that you will join us Sunday, May 31 online at http://www.wxlv.org. We’ll be having a potluck brunch provided by the good people of Pennsylvania, and I’ll be singing some songs from my life in Texas . . . Y’all come!

It’s a rainy old day in Houston, and I’m busy getting everything squared away here at the house in preparation for next week when I’ll be having surgery on my sinuses at the Houston Medical Center on Monday. I’m not looking forward to it, but it will be a routine, outpatient procedure that will improve my quality of life. As I understand it, they take a drill and enlarge my nasal cavities, then put stints inside my nose, and pack it with gauze. I go back Tuesday for the “unpacking” when they will yank the packing from my nostrils, and then I go back again the following week so that they can jerk the stints out. I asked the ENT doctor if it’s going to hurt, and he said that I’ll only just experience some “discomfort.” That didn’t sound too bad, but when I picked up my post-surgery prescription at the pharmacy yesterday, I noticed that the medicine bottle says for “PAIN.” Hmmmmm . . .

So, I’m just trying to focus my mind on positive thoughts this weekend. This morning I enjoyed playing some new guitar rifts that I’m learning from Craig Kinsey of The Sideshow Tramps for my dog, Lilly, who said I’m coming along pretty good. This afternoon, I’m listening online to the “Big Kev Country Revue” on WXLV in Pennsylvania at http://www.wxlv.org. Doug Sahm’s “Ballad of Davy Crocket,” Flatt and Scruggs’ “Ballad of Jed Clampett,” “The Ballad of Ira Hayes” by Johnny Cash, “The Ballad of Bonnie and Clyde” by Ray Waters, Carl Perkins’ “This Old House,” Rodney Crowell’s “Old Pipeliner,” Merle Haggard’s “Honky Tonk Man” (which is GORGEOUS, by the way), George Strait, Bocephus, a good Brooks and Dunn song by request . . . There’s never a dull moment with Big Kev--it’s never predictable but always original, and one of my favorite Americana radio shows--well worth tuning in on a Saturday from 1-4 EST.

When I was in Pennsylvania last weekend, I recorded some radio liners for XLV, which was a lot of fun, along with hanging out backstage at B.B. King’s in NYC, and riding the Himalaya! at the Easter carnival in the quaint little town of Kearny, New Jersey, where they filmed scenes from the Sopranos. It’s a far cry from Texas, but a real adventure to head East . . . I’m looking forward to playing some shows up there in May, and I’ll keep you posted on those and everything else, as always. In the meantime, I hope you have a really good weekend! Y’all come!!

I'm relaxing here at Austin Java, my favorite coffee shop in Austin, Texas, on this gorgeous sunny day--perfect weather for South By Southwest this year. I've been in Austin all week, taking in live performances by the best bands in Americana/Texas music. So far, my favorites include Dale Watson at the Continental Club and Adrian and the Sickness on the big outdoor stage down Congress Avenue just beyond the Continental Club. I've also really enjoyed the unique opportunity to see a variety of artists recording live and up-close in the Motel Time series hosted by radio personality "Big Kev" Ploghoft and Americana Music Association Board Member Fred Boenig, both of WXLV Radio in Pennsylvania. So far, some of their most interesting guests have included Chuck Meade of BR549, Gurf Morlix, who may be best recognized for his work with Lucinda Williams, Seth Walker, who's one of the hottest new acts in the Texas Blues scene, and Al Moss, who is not an entertainer but is the most established radio promoter in Americana music today. Al's interview, along with videos of the Motel Time artists, will be posted at http://www.thealternateroot.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4&Itemid=100

And I'll be recording a set for Motel Time, too!

Tomorrow (Friday, March 20) from about 3-3:30 p.m., I'm playing an acoustic set at historic Threadgill's on Riverside, right in the middle of all the SXSW mayhem. I'll be included in a line-up of acts sponsored by my distributor, Burnside Distribution Corporation, in Portland, Oregon, and then I'll be heading back home Sunday to film an appearance at South By Due East, Houston's alternative to Austin's South By Southwest. (Houston is "due east" of Austin on Interstate 10, thus the name of the festival.) I've heard really good things about this well-established and well-organized event, spearheaded by Guy Schwartz of The New Jack Hippies fame. Last year, Billy Block came in from Nashville and played drums with some of the bands! No doubt, there will be good music and a GREAT time to be had by all at one of Houston's landmark music venues, Dan Electro's Guitar Bar, where Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top) has been known to show up and jam, along with a few other "big names" through the years, including Kevin Costner and Blues legend, Little Joe Washington. So much music, so little time . . . Y'all come!

Hey, Everybody. I just want to write you this quick email to let you know that two friends of mine are being honored in Austin:

John Pickering will receive a House Resolution at the Capitol for the work he did with Buddy Holly. John sang three-part harmonies on "Can't Get My Mind Off You," which is the third song on The Road Less Traveled.

Here are a few lines from the press release:


"On Monday, February 23, 2009, Texas State Senator Robert Duncan and the Texas Senators will honor the music and writing of Texas-born singers, songwriters, and authors John Pickering, Bob Lapham and the late Bill Pickering, members of the trio 'The Picks'. They are the primary backup singers for Buddy Holly and the Crickets. The reading of the Resolution will be at 1:30 in the Texas State Capital Building in Austin, TX."


Griff Luneberg is the man behind the world-famous Cactus Cafe in Austin. He has made this venue all that it is today, and the Austin Chronicle has published a fascinating feature story, including quotes by Lyle Lovett, Ray Wylie Hubbard, and Slaid Cleaves among others. Check out the link at

http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/story?oid=oid%3A736771

Congratulations to both of you. I am so happy for you. You are always an inspiration to me.

Glenna

Happy President's Day! It's been a whirlwind year already. Since New Year's Eve when I wrote to announce that the Houston Chronicle named The Road Less Traveled the local album of the year for '08, I've recorded three new songs with the Gin Mill Kings at WXLV studios in Pennsylvania and am very happy with the way these tunes are coming along under the guidance of producer, Big Kev Ploghoft up in NYC. Now, I'm looking forward to the Cash Bash at the Continental Club in Austin in a couple of weeks. I'll be taking the stage roughly between 9:30-10 p.m. on Friday, February 27 amidst a line-up of good acts, who will all be there to pay tribute to Johnny Cash with live performances of songs made famous by the legendary Man in Black. Last year, I played this EXCITING event to a sold-out, standing-room-only crowd wearing black. There were a hundred-plus fans lined up around the block all night waiting to get in, and Earl Poole Ball (Johnny Cash's piano player for two decades) joined me on stage for an impromptu rendition of "Get Rhythm" and "Sunday Morning Comin' Down" that left the crowd in stitches and made quite a lasting impression on the folks at KOOP 91.7 FM out in Austin--so I've heard of late, anyway! KOOP radio personality, Rowdy Tijmes, is to be credited for staging this HUGE event, which just grows bigger and better every February, and this time they're advising everybody to get tickets early 'cause it's been sold out for the last two years in a row. All of the details are on my Web site at http://www.glennabell.com . . . Johnny Cash, Austin, the Continental Club . . . a GUARANTEED good time that can't be beat!

Meanwhile, you can hear the participating bands on the Rowdy Show on Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. Texas Time. Tune in for a preview of these acts and more at http://www.koop.org. Here's a word from "the man" himself, Mr. Rowdy Tijmes: "Welcome to the Rowdy Radio Show where everything goes and nothing stays! I'm here to give back to the community what was given to me musically. Nothing un"Rowdy" will be played. Outlaw country will help you drive FAST, Zydeco will make your feet move at home, Rowdy blues will make you want to buy a harmonica and hit the streets. Some good ol' fashion rock n' roll that'll make you scream and, of course, some of Texas' own will also be rockin’ the airwaves. So get out your dancin' shoes 'n' squeezebox, and let your eardrums jam! Taking requests, crazy call-ins and even show recommendations, let the rowdiness spread!"

Glenna Bell says, "Y'all come!" Rating: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Not to be missed!

See you SOON.

Keep it Rowdy!!


cashbash09.jpg

Happy Happy New Year, Everybody! I just got word that Houston Chronicle music critic, Joey Guerra, named The Road Less Traveled the #1 local album of 2008, and it's in the paper today (New Year's Eve)! I haven't seen the article yet, but I'll pick up a copy a little later when I'm out doing a few last minute errands for my trip to NYC tomorrow. In the meantime, here's a link to the Chronicle blog:

http://blogs.chron.com/handstamp/archives/2008/12/top_houston_cds.html

Needless to say, it's a really good feeling to be recognized this way right here at home. And The Road Less Traveled also made the Americana Music Director's top ten "Notable Country Recordings for 2008" at KBCS in Bellevue, Washington!

http://kbcs.fm/site/PageServer?pagename=bestof2008

It surely has been a GREAT year--the best one ever, I believe. And there's a lot in the works right now for 2009 that I'll tell you about as it all unfolds . . . In the meantime, I'm wishing you and yours a very safe and satisfying holiday. As always. Y'all come!

I'm sitting here again in this old wood-frame house of mine on Houston's East End, looking back on another year of magical moments in music and just enjoying a quiet holiday afternoon alone with the records that once belonged to loved ones long passed--Johnny Cash, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Dave Brubeck, Elvis . . . Those familiar voices of yesteryear bring to mind the happy times spent 'round the hearth with the ones I'll never forget . . . And whenever I hear them sing, I recall the enchanting "discoveries" of childhood . . .

I'll be heading to the East Coast again on New Year's Day to rehearse some more and record a few new songs with the band . . . Really looking forward to 2009. The first show I have booked when I get back to Texas at the end of January is the Johnny Cash Bash in February at the Continental Club in Austin. Last year, this event was a real blow out with a packed house, everybody wearing black, and a hundred plus enthusiasts waiting outside in the cold to get in . . . Mr. Rowdy Tijmes of KOOP radio in Austin is to be credited with pulling off this great feat, and Mr. Bob King of San Marcos, Texas will have me sitting in with his band this year as a vocalist, which will be a lot of fun, all right.

As always, I'll keep you posted on everything and more this next new year. And in the meantime, I will wish you a very Merry Christmas, and I'll leave you with a bit of Texas for your holiday entertainment. Y'all come!



"Good old Texas -- where men are men and women are women -- and you can tell the difference!!


We Texans love y'all, but we'll have to take action since Obama won president over McCain. We'll miss you too.

Texas has given all those complainers plenty of time to get used to the results. After seeing the whiners along the campaign route, the folks from Texas are considering taking matters into our hands.

Here is our solution:

#1: Elect Barak Obama President of the United States. (All 49 states.)

#2: George W. Bush becomes the President of the Republic Of Texas.

So what does Texas have to do to survive as a Republic?

1. NASA is just south of Houston, Texas. (We will control the space
industry.)

2. We refine over 85% of the gasoline in the United States.

3. Defense Industry. (We have over 65% of it) The term "Don't mess with Texas," will take on a whole new meaning.

4. Oil - we can supply all the oil that the Republic of Texas will
need for the next 300 years. Yankee states? Sorry about that.

5. Natural Gas - Again we have all we need and it's too bad about
those northern states. John Kerry will figure a way to keep them
warm....

6. Computer Industry - we currently lead the nation in producing computer chips and communications: Small places like Texas Instruments, Dell Computer, EDS, Raytheon, National Semiconductor, Motorola, Intel, AMD, Atmel, Applied Materials, Ball Semiconductor, Dallas Semiconductor, Delphi, Nortel, Alcatel, Etc, Etc. The list goes on and on.

7. Health Centers - We have the largest research centers for Cancer research, the best burn centers and the top trauma units in the world and other large health planning centers.

8. We have enough colleges to keep us going: UT Texas, A&M, Texas Tech, Rice, SMU, University of Houston, Baylor, UNT, Texas Women's University, Ivy grows better in the south anyway

9. We have a ready supply of workers. (Just open the border when we need some)

10. We have control of the paper industry, plastics, insurance, etc.


11. In case of a foreign invasion, we have the Texas National Guard
and the Texas Air National Guard. We don't have an army but since
everybody down here has at least six rifles and a pile of ammo, we can raise an army in 24 hours if we need it. If the situation really gets
bad, we can always call Department of Public Safety and ask them to send over a couple Texas Rangers.

12. We are totally self sufficient in beef, poultry, hogs and several types of grain, fruit and vegetables and lets not forget seafood from the gulf. And everybody down here knows how to cook them so that they taste good. Don't need any food. Also, we are one of the largest
growers of cotton so that takes care of any clothing needs.



This just names a few of the items that will keep the Republic Of Texas in good shape. There isn't a thing out there that we need and don't have.

Now to the rest of the United States under President Obama: Since you won't have the refineries to get gas for your cars, only Mr. Kerry will be able to drive around in his 9 mile per gallon SUV. The rest of the United States will have to walk or ride bikes.

You won't have any TV as the space center in Houston will cut off your communications. You won't have any natural gas to heat your homes but since Mr. Kerry has predicted global warming, you will not need the gas.

Signed, The People in Texas

Have a nice day!"

I'm on my way to play a special event this evening for the Houston Community College Northeast Campus CAFE Foundation (Cultural Arts for Everyone) and am looking forward to sharing some of my new songs with a hundred-plus students, staff, and faculty again this season. It's hard to believe that another year has swept by since I performed at the inaugural ceremony last November, and I'm so glad they invited me back . . . I remember that last time, the school really came together to support this event, and it felt like "home" to sit up front under the warm, twinkling lights of the Christmas tree with my guitar in hand, entertaining the thoughtful, smiling faces of the old familiar crowd gathered 'round. There's nothing like being with kindred spirits, colleagues, comrades, and those you love at the holiday. And this is only a foreshadowing of another wond'rous year that will unfold in mysterious and magical ways . . .

I'm wishing you and yours the happiest of seasons. It is true that we make our own happiness in this world, and there is SO much joy in giving. These are not just tired old sayings, but the facts of life that I've discovered through my path in music. I hope that you will pursue your passions with all your heart, and live each day for all that it can be. And I hope that you'll keep in touch when you have time to write or call. I'll be here on the road less traveled--as always--writing my songs, singing and playing, and just being me. I'll be recording up East with the CHARMING Gin Mill Kingz, taking a break from the hustle and bustle of getting from "here to there" and from "there to here." And by the time I get home to Houston, I'll have more songs to sing, more stories to tell, and more memories for a lifetime. Happy Holidays. And y'all come!

Oh, happy day! The Americana Music Association in Nashville has just announced the new members of the Board of Directors, and Fred Boenig is in! Fred has reaffirmed my belief in what they used to call the good old American work ethic and that a hand-shake means forever. I am so GLAD to see somebody like this on the Board of an association that is growing and representing the last bastion of American culture as it was, is, and will be.

The Art Guys tribute show at Discovery Green Park in Downtown Houston was FABULOUS. My good friend, Natali Leduc, the first artist to win the coveted Pennzoil Art Car sponsorship!, drove from her new position at Tulane in New Orleans to join me on stage in a raucous rendition of "What It Was Was The Art Guys," which evolved into "The Cougar Athem." Natali made GREAT placards so that the crowds congregated on the hilly lawn were able to sing along. This was A LOT of fun, all right.

And this weekend, I'll be headed back to one of my very favorite places--gorgeous San Marcos, Texas on the river, for the First Annual World United Music Festival hosted by the Roots Music Association. There's a real, vibrant music scene brewing out there in that little town outside of Austin, and Robert Bartosh is on the cusp of it, having relocated the RMA offices to the quaint San Marcos downtown square. Radio personality Rowdy Tijmes, of KOOP in Austin, and San Marcos indie artist, Bob King, are both involved. And this new festival is going to showcase over 100 completely fresh, non-signed, GREAT acts, including yours truly.

Life is good. All is well in the land of Glenna Bell. I hope you are having a good week. And I'm wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving, too. Please write to me if you have time. Y'all come!

On one of KPFT's BEST radio shows, RadioActive, from 2-3 p.m. this Friday (November 7), I’ll be plugging the BIG Art Guys Silver Jubilee concert at Discovery Green Park, Downtown, starting at 7 pm Friday evening! Tune in. Y’all come!

I just got back from another GREAT visit to NYC and another WXLV visit, which was a day I certainly won't forget. Pennsylvania is absolutely beautiful.

Now, I'm getting ready for a landmark event--The Art Guys Silver Jubilee concert in the brand new Discovery Green Park here in Downtown Houston Friday night. The Art Guys have been featured in the New York Times, they've appeared live on the CBS Morning Show, they've been sponsored by Absolut for a major campaign . . . and so much more. And they'll have a compilation out in December, featuring a plethora of good acts, including Terry Allen and Joe Ely--as well as yours truly. I'm honored to be included and am looking forward to paying tribute this weekend to two guys who have made a stand for ART for a long time now. Their Web site is definitely worth checking out at http://www.theartguys.com. I'm thinking of posting my song, "What It Was Was Art Guys," on my Web site, too, so I'll let you know if I do.

There's a lot more on the horizon, of course, but I'll save that for later and leave you with a suggestion:

At the link below, there is a terrific interview with one of the legends of real country music (a.k.a. Americana music), Rodney Crowell, whom I "discovered" in Nashville and whom, I was stunned to learn, is amazingly from my neighborhood, the Segundo Barrio here in Houston. This interview was filmed in NYC two weeks ago with radio personality Big Kev. (Trivia: Rodney was married to Rosanne Cash.)

Check it out at adcmediaguide.com:

(http://www.adcmediaguide.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=164%3Armotv-interview&Itemid=18&limitstart=1)

And y'all come!

Hey, Everybody. Tonight I'm taking a few minutes to tell you about someone who has helped me so much with my music this year: Fred Boenig, one of the two good promoters who worked my new album, The Road Less Traveled. Fred has impressed me as someone who is relentless in his commitment to the integrity of Americana Music, and now he is running for the Americana Music Association Board of Directors for the At-Large position after recently receiving over 60 nominations!

I know that some of you on this list are members of the AMA, and I hope that you will vote for Fred this year. He will bring A LOT to the table--energy, passion, knowledge, experience, honesty, and an extraordinary work ethic. He is a champion of the independent artists he handles, including Chip Taylor who wrote "Wild Thing," as well as "Try" for Janis Joplin.

Chip says, "The passion Fred Boenig brings to the table reminds me of what it was like when Rock & Roll was taking over in the 50's or in the 70's when some of us refused to be part of the cookie-cutter mentality of Nashville and the outlaw movement was started. It was all about the music for us back then -- and my friend Fred is absolutely ALL about that."

I couldn't agree more wholeheartedly.

So please check out Fred's campaign at <http://www.americanamediapro.com/newsflash/the-mystix.html> and VOTE. The ballots will be sent to AMA members on Monday, October 27, and voting continues through Friday, November 7, 2008.

If you are not familiar with the Americana Music Association, you might want to visit http://www.americanamusic.org and see if it's an organization you'd like to join. And if you do decide to become a member, VOTE for FRED next week and make me happy!!

Y'all come!

Here's a link to the Midtown Live! episode that I filmed at Sig's Lagoon record store here in Houston the other night. It was a lot of fun, and I did two songs, "Moving On" and the brand new "Cougar Anthem."

http://blip.tv/file/1390575

I'm looking forward to performing this Saturday night at the Gremillion Art Gallery in the Rice University Village here in town. It's going to be quite an upscale shindig, a gala event for critically acclaimed, Mildred's Umbrella Theater Co. The theme is "dead celebrities," but I decided to just go as myself . . .

Next week, I'll be heading back up East to rehearse with the FABULOUS Gin Mill Kingz in the cool little studio at the edge of NYC, and then it's back home for the big World United Roots Music Festival in beautiful San Marcos, Texas. My sources say they've booked over 100 bands for this first-annual weekend-long event with camping near the river. What a great time we'll have . . .

There's more information about all of these shows on the calendar page at http://www.glennabell.com and at http://www.myspace.com/glenn bell

Don't be a stranger now. Would always love to hear from you. Until next time . . . Y'all come!

Just letting you know that I'm filming a t.v. show called Midtown Live here in Houston tomorrow evening at the eclectic little Roots music store, Sig's Lagoon, next to the Continental Club on Main Street at Alabama. I go on at 9 p.m., and there'll be FREE Lonestar Beer for everybody in the audience!

Then, I'll be heading back up East to rehearse again with the Gin Mill Kingz at the GREAT little studio on the edge of NYC! I had a magical time with this talented band last week when I was there, and am really looking forward to working with them in the future. I'll keep you posted on all the shows and everything--as always.

Until next time, y'all come!

I'm busy getting ready to head East this week for a live radio broadcast on Roots 90.3 WXLV in Pennsylvania/New Jersey, opening up for Bruce Robison! On Saturday afternoon (Oct 11) from about 1:30-2 p.m. EST, you can hear me online at http://www.wxlv.org. And I hope that you WILL tune in to this terrific program, "The Big Country Revue," with "Your Most Excellent Host....His Royal Bigness himself....The One The Only...Big Kev." I met Big Kev in Nashville a few weeks ago, where he and promoter, Fred Boenig, were recording the top Americana acts for WXLV. I'll tell you what--it was a real treat to hang out in the WXLV suite during the Americana Music Association conference and see/hear such artists as Elizabeth Cook playing up close and personal! And thanks to Big Kev, the fun will continue with a full itinerary on the East coast, including the Bruce Robison show in Hoboken, NJ on Friday night, a party in New York on Saturday night, and working with a full band (with steel guitar, even!) on Sunday afternoon. I'm really excited about this trip! Another grand adventure waiting to unfold, another memory in the making. Thank you for continuing to join me here on The Road Less Traveled. Until next time . . . Y'all come!

Houston's still recovering. I'm on the way to Austin. Nashville was the time of my life. Rodney Crowell is AMAZING. Life is good. Here's the press release for this weekend. Y'all come!


The current issue of The Media Guide (www.adcmediaguide.com) says that Glenna Bell is hot off the heels of her latest release, The Road Less Traveled, and is sparking comparisons to lofty names like Loretta Lynn and Gillian Welch. But make no mistake about it: Glenna Bell is the real deal, a Daughter of the Republic of Texas, recognized last year by the Texas House of Representatives for her contributions to the rich musical heritage of the state. In May, Ron Wynn--writing for Spin Factor-Nashville's Daily News--remarked that "it's impossible not to be impressed" by the "simplicity and urgency" of the songs and by "the grit in Bell's delivery." In his words, The Road Less Traveled is "brilliantly performed, and a triumph for a standout performer." The Road Less Traveled will be available at Waterloo Records throughout Austin City Limits. Stop by the store and hear the album at the "Hear Texas Here" listening booth or listen online at www.glennabell.com. This Friday and Saturday evening (September 26 & 27), Glenna will perform live on Romeos Italian Patio at 1500 Barton Springs Drive. She will be joined by Texas singer-songwriter, Jimmy Pizzitola, whose songwriting has placed him alongside such nationally and internationally acclaimed musicians as Kris Kristofferson, Alejandro Escovedo, Guy Clark, Robert Earl Keen, Steve Earl, Rodney Crowell, and Ray Wylie Hubbard in Steve Harris's popular coffee table book, Texas Troubadours (UT Press 2007). Showtimes are from 5-8 pm Friday and Saturday, September 26 and 27.

I'm here in Houston in the throes of Ike--what an adventure!--and I'm
borrowing a computer for a few minutes tonight since I've had no power for a few days now. So this note will be quick, just letting you know that I'm heading to Nashville for the Americana Music Association Conference and really looking forward to the trip and playing the Nashville Palace Friday evening for the Gram Parsons Petition Project that I told you about in my last newsletter. A very passionate organization of music industry people will deliver a petition to induct Gram Parsons into the Country Music Hall of Fame on September 19, 35 years after Gram's death, and I'm surely glad that they invited
me to perform for this gala event. I know that it will be a lot of fun. And a change of scenery will be NICE about now!

I posted a picture of me (and crew) "hunkering down" at the house, all borded up before Ike blew through. Please check out http://www.glennabell.com and pass my music along . . . Y'all come!

I'm featured in the Media Guide this month! I haven't read the article yet because it's "hot off the press," but I have had time to flip through the pages of the magazine online and I can tell that it is a REALLY GOOD issue with captivating photography and a cover story on the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Solomon Burke, plus downloadable audio interviews and acoustic performances with some of the most up-and-coming figures in Americana music today, including Carrie Rodriguez (a beautiful and kind-hearted musician who once gave me the key to a hotel room she wasn't using when I opened for her and Chip Taylor and didn't have a place to stay!), not to mention Band of Heathens, Reckless Kelly, Delbert McClinton, Todd Snider, Christopher Denny, KFAN Radio's Rick Star, Mark Jungers, and Dale Watson. There are also new VIDEOS From Chip Taylor (who wrote "Wild Thing" and "Try" for Janis Joplin), Girls Guns and Glory, Joe Thompson, and Natasha James, as well as VIDEO previews of the new DVD from Delbert McClinton and a cameo from Buddy Miller. All in all it's over 130 pages of Roots / Americana Music and interactive media! I know I'll look forward to exploring this new territory, and I hope that you will, too.

Here's the link to the Media Guide cover: http://www.adcmediaguide.com/

Just use the "next" button at the bottom of your screen to move from page to page until you reach p. 22--Glenna Bell: The Real Texas Deal.

September's going to be a GREAT month for music! I'm busy gearing up for shows in Dallas this weekend, then Nashville and a couple of trips to Austin for the Southwest Folk Alliance conference and Austin City Limits. I'm especially looking forward to my first time at the BIG Americana Music Association conference in Nashville. And I'm excited about playing a set at the Nashville Palace for the Gram Parsons Petition Project. Our goal is to get the CMA to induct Gram Parsons into the Country Music Hall of Fame. (Emmylou Harris was his protege, and she's already been inducted.) Gram was one of the pioneers of the Cosmic Cowboy/Country Rock movement and was one of the great ones to play Eddie Wilson's Armadillo World Headquarters in Austin. There's a write up on Gram at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gram_Parsons, and it is quite enlightening.

Of course, there's always so much more--for next time. Until then, please check out the details on my Web sites and help me spread the word! I'm working hard to get the music out there, and The Road Less Traveled is now for sale at stores everywhere through Burnside Distribution in Portland, Oregon. If it isn't in stock, the store can order it from the distributor. Online sales go through Amazon.com, iTunes, and all of the usual suspects.

Don't be a stranger now. Y'all come!