I just sent a postcard to some friends- if you received one but it was blank, that means the front part fell off (I’ll use tape instead of glue next time). The info on that front lies below.

Thanks to those of you who watched us perform on Berkeley Cable Channel 28 this week. Also thanks to those of you who listened to the interview on our podcast with Tim Westergren, founder and CEO of the personalized internet radio company Pandora.

On Friday October 10th, the full band, including Vanessa Van Spall and Ian Hisert, will play entirely new, co-written songs at the Starry Plough. This event is the CD Release for the headliner, Kate Gaffney of Digg Records (Jackie Greene’s label). Before GWT and Kate Gaffney, Kristin Hathaway, Melissa Rapp and then Aoede will take the stage. All five bands are performing to benefit the WomenROCK Foundation and Gina Foundation for missing persons. The Gina foundation has found 300 missing persons since 2003 and you can check them out at 411gina.org.

The Starry Plough is a full bar and nightclub with a great sound system and elevated stage located at 3101 Shattuck Ave near Ashby BART. Check it out at starryploughpub.com.

“The Open Mic Documentary” plays on local channel Berkeley Cable 28 this Thursday 9/25 at 3pm and this Sunday 9/29 at 11:30am. It’s a chance to see us play a couple GWT songs on guitar at Blakes. If you aren’t getting the channel, the videos are at www.theopenmic.net/blakes708 for your leisure. Thanks for checking it out.

In other news, our slot at the Pleasant Hill Wine Fest is canceled, however, we are playing a very important event at the Starry Plough in Berkeley on Friday October 10th. Proceeds support the Gina Foundation for finding missing women. Check out 411Gina.org for details. Kate Gaffney headlines just before we go on and the night starts off at 8pm with Kristin Hathaway, Melissa Rapp and Aoede Muse- all female fronted full bands!

Thanks for reading,
-Grace

Thanks so much for coming out last night to see GWT and Kelly McFarling on Post and Leavenworth. Special thanks to Gwen, Mark, Denaya, Jessie, Chris, Heather, Kim, Eric, Jacob, Jim, Catherine, Jonas and everyone who made the effort to share their Saturday night with us. Before we left, Joe downed a pint of Guinness for his birthday at midnight and today the band will give him gifts.

Kelly McFarling and her band opened the night. Special thanks to her, John and John and to their drummer for bringing his kit out to share with us. It made for a smooth changeover. Kelly’s voice carried over the quirky and comfortably pop renditions from her banjo and the accompanying electric guitar. My little sister complimented the way John played guitar in a manner that reflected a slide guitar and even the banjo itself. A lot of people from Kelly’s gym were there and we appreciate how friends of both bands seem to really get along and support all the musicians. We feel very lucky to have shared the stage with such a classy lady and such a dependable, likable band.

Les, the owner was kind and I enjoyed my Lasagna and Pinot Noir. I’ll post the pics I took of Kelly’s set in our PHOTOS section shortly, but please e-mail me yours so I can add it to the album! Thanks again for making it such a memorable night for us!

Grace here- there’s much to report. We just moved to a different location in Berkeley so if you have something to mail, check the address in your e-mail list e-mails or e-mail me for it.

Joe and I went to the Outside Lands After-Party at the Independent and saw The Matches perform. They have massive stage presence. The band before them, Los Feliz Brothers (sp. correctly?) kept running into each other in a funny way and had fun, roaring accordion music, complimented by a drummer who liked to jump over his drum set. The Matches sped through song after song with a glam-rock meets Stones demeanor. It gave us some interesting ideas.

We have a practice with Vanessa and Ian soon, so I’ll keep you posted on our strengthening collaboration with them.

Our next couple shows are completely free. We hope to see you there. September 13th in SF with Kelly McFarling should be especially fun. We’ll also be volunteering as a band that morning for beerunch, a beer and brunch pairing event sponsored by Mateveza, naturally caffeinated pale ale, to benefit the Pachamama Alliance. For more info, visit beerunch.com.

This past weekend I went to LA with Whit for his grandma’s 80th birthday. There was a slide show and a bunch of people I can only begin to understand in terms of their once-removed etc connection to the family. I also found out this weekend that I’m now the Maid of Honor for Miriam Sparkman for those of you who know my college best friend.

Joe’s birthday is next week; September 14th I believe, so make sure you say hi or send him an e-mail at hickey.jp(at)gmail(dot)com. Also happy birthday to Melissa Gordon, Bobby Tribble, Gil Hunter, my brother Jim Woods, Chris G, Judy Freeman and Will Mc Cosker this week.