We are now beyond the Missouri Valley event (see prior post). I was able to attend Friday mid-afternoon into the evening. The attendance was low for that window of time, but the enjoyment was high by those performing and listening. I talked with Rayne Magill after the three day event, and she said the attendance was steady and many are looking forward to being there next year Labor Day weekend.

I reconnected with two past clients – one of which I haven’t seen for over 20 years. We pretty much picked up where we left off and it turns out he’ll likely be helping me with another project I’m planning to take on over the winter and next spring. It’s not studio related (although there is a link) and you’ll likely hear more about it later on. It was good to know he was still connected with music and to hear him perform.

The other client came over to me just as I was preparing to leave. He was part of a group that recorded their first CD here in 2010 (This Side of Sunday – “Crazy World”, available on Apple Music and Amazon). He immediately reiterated how much he still enjoys listening to that music, and how accurately we had captured the essence of the group. I told him that after building my new PC with my nephew about two years ago, the first thing I did was to play all the way through that CD. I told him how much I had thoroughly enjoyed hearing it again, and it lent itself to an uplifting and worshipful experience as well. The conversation was a big encouragement to me, and I deeply appreciated him making a special effort to reconnect.

I came away reminded to never underestimate the importance of relationships. Whether it’s family, friends, work, neighborhoods or any other connection, the value far exceeds the direct time spent and creates bridges we can cross down the road when the need and opportunities come our way. We also never know when a relationship may no longer be there – whether through a move, a life change, or even a passing on. Let’s cherish our connections.

As summer nears its end and cooler temperatures begin to settle in, the time to enjoy autumn’s outdoor music events is here again. One such destination is making its debut this year. Marcia Claesson and Rayne Magill have organized a three day event September 6 – 8 in Missouri Valley, IA. The open-air event will be held in the city park each day from 10am to 12 midnight. That’s a lot of music and a huge labor of love to promote Old Time and Country music while providing many opportunities to enjoy each other’s company. And of course, there’s always jams being sparked and encouraged wherever folks are gathered (and at whatever hour). If camping is your thing, you can do that as well. More information can be found on facebook here.

Rayne has been a client of Tesco Productions for a number of years and recorded multiple CDs. She’s made a request for more copies of Just Rayne and Thank You Lord to have on hand. I plan on making it up one of those days and touch bases with a number of clients/friends (I seem to have this habit of turning clients into friends) and give a High-Five to Marcia and Rayne for spending countless days on this offering. And speaking of “offering”, there’s no admission charge, but you’ll have a chance to support the event through raffle ticket purchases and donations which will be greatly appreciated. Hope to see you there!

For the past several months I have been informing and updating you about Kofi Douhadji’s lastest audiobook, “Tiny Sparks”. Yesterday it went live on Audible and is available here. Tiny Sparks is a collection of over 60 tips, thoughts, and encouragements to equip us to live better lives each day. Many of these insights are found in the “tiny sparks” we encounter everyday through the ordinary little things of life – that is if we’re looking for them.

Tiny Sparks is also available in print on Amazon Books along with his first book “Unbroken Optimist” (his memoir which can additionally be purchased as an audiobook). Thank you for the privilege of working alongside you Kofi on both of these offerings. I grew personally and technically – and found a great friend along the way.