Robin and Linda Williams: July Ponderations: 2008

Dear Friends,

As Cheech and Chong used to say, "Hey groovy guys and groovy girls." Greetings from Robin and Linda. This was going to be a 4th of July email but, due to circumstances totally in our control, it has been delayed. We had a fine July 4, typical in many ways and unique in others. It was typical in that we were able to get with good friends for a cookout complete with hot dogs and watermelon. It was unique in that we went to a Naturalization ceremony at Monticello in Charlottesville at which President George W. Bush spoke. We have participated in local Naturalization ceremonies and they are always inspiring. One cannot help but be moved when one sees and understands the sacrifices that people make to become United States citizens. The President's speech was perfunctory but that was okay because the occasion really wasn't about him. It was about the 76 men, women and children, many of whom were born in totalitarian states, who now enjoy the freedom and privileges of a United States citizen. Being at Thomas Jefferson's home on the 4th of July made the occasion very memorable.

But now we're moving quickly on to other interesting things. Tickets for the Fortune Williams Music Festival, September 26, 27 and 28, will go on sale July 21st. However, for those of you on this email list, tickets will go on sale a week earlier, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m starting on July 14 through July 18. You'll get first choice on the tickets by calling the Frontier Culture Museum, the site for the festival, at (540) 332-7850 and giving the person who answers the code that only those on this website have, JFRLW08. That lets the person know that you're on our list. Sometimes the folks on the phone get swamped with phone calls and will have to take your number and call you back. Fear not, they will call you back. On Monday, July 21, the tickets go on sale to the general public. The festival web site, http://www.fortunewilliamsmusicfestival.org has all the ticket information. We are all getting excited about this year's event. A special congratulatory note goes to our co-host, Jimmy Fortune, who was recently inducted into the Country Music Hall Of Fame along with the rest of The Statler Brothers.

We are presently working on the liner notes for our new CD "Buena Vista." Once that gets done everything will be in order for its September release. If we are counting right, and there's no guarantee of that, this will be our 21st R & L CD. We're looking forward to it coming out and will be sure to keep you updated on its release date.

Here's our bumper sticker of the month: "As long as there are tests there will be prayer in schools."

As you can see, we're about to get busy with some performances. Hope we see you at one of the stops along the way.

Remember, music makes you smarter.

Your pals Robin and Linda