Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Jail Guitar Doors Update

Jeez, has it really been two months since I last posted? Guess there's no use in posting unless you've got something to say and I believe this is the case today. On the way back from a recent trip to NYC (hmm, got to blog about that!) I stopped by the Maryland County Corrections Facility in Boyds, MD. I had a meeting with Mary Saxon-Clipper and Mark Levant. I was worried that due to a lack of response from Ms. Clipper, my original contact, that her interest in my project was waning. I couldn't have been further from the truth. Mr. Levant turned out to be a great guy who works with inmates in a crisis intervention center at the facility and was a guitar player himself. Their interest was sufficient for me to go ahead with my project after starting out back in April. The plan is procure 3 guitars for the center. I've spoken with Brian Meader from Chuck Levin's (after an email to Alan Levin requesting help). They've given me a great deal (45% off, which I guess is cost) for 3 Alvarez RD-8 acoustic guitars with hardshell cases for $175 each. I'm working with my good friend Michael Yugo, who's been inspirational in his trying to keep together a local acoustic music scene. He's got a running gig over at the 219 Restaurant in Alexandria, Va where we'll be holding the fundraiser, tentatively scheduled for August 5. I'll post the press release when I get it done.