Jamie again, people – Marc's busy after a weekend working on the next fabulous project, reuniting with the kitties and taking care of things. But he's letting me write the Weekly today for very personal reasons.

When we scheduled the CD Release Party for “Happy Songs of Death” on August 28, it did not occur to me that it was the eve of the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
But it is. And how appropriate. “Happy Songs of Death” is really all about what this anniversary needs to be.

I'm a New Orleans native. Born here. Lived here most of my life. And as an historian (yes, really) I have a perspective on this anniversary that is SO aligned with the spirit of this CD. Tragedies like Katrina – or the Black Death that led to the Renaissance – creates opportunity through displacement.

Now, I am not minimizing the suffering and tragedy. Just noting that the human spirit – and creativity and joy and love – cannot be crushed under even such a catastrophe. That what we remember are the stories of people doing things they never thought they could do. And that now, in the wake of the tragedy, there is an artistic and creative renaissance happening in New Orleans that is just stunning. New performance spaces, new art districts, new people coming here because they believe in the city and all that it stands for. And “Happy Songs of Death” celebrates that. It is informed by Marc's personal investment and interest in New Orleans, by blues and jazz and deeply felt rhythms of the soul.

So, please do come join us at Bacchanal on Friday for the CD release party for this spectacular new CD. Come celebrate with me the rebirth of my city. Thanks for being part of the energy, the direction, the dream.

Listen to the Song of the Week: “Twa Corbies” from Happy Songs of Death Now on Sale!

This Week:

Quote of the Week: “It is possible to provide security against other ills, but as far as death is concerned, we men live in a city without walls.” Epicurus

The Examiner posted Part 2 of my interview about Happy Songs of Death. Read Part 1 here

My friend and fantasy artist Marrus has a brilliant new book out and she is doing a book release at Pravda (1113 Decatur Street, New Orleans) this Thursday, 7-ish. She's gonna have a mess o' books (and prints of my art).

CD of the Week: “Gleowien” by Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer. A fresh take on tradition ballads and songs blended with self penned tunes in a traditional style. Every time I listen I find a new gem.

Review these iMixes: I posted a new iMix for people who love have cats and other furry pets. Please review it. Course you can also review the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. You can help promote my music by reviewing this iMix of music from the podcast. There's a TON of great music to choose from. And while you're there, buy a song or the set.

The Garden Sessions is a podcast that features some of the best traditional & contemporary folk music. Lots of great music!

Anyone else out there love Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers? Drop by and listen to the latest CD Whiskers in the Jar on the website.

Marc Gunn in the News:

Michael Angel's Cosmic Grab Bag played “My Father Was a Werewolf.

The Dragon's Lair had nice things to say about my two concerts at GenCon as did Kat.

And I also played my own music on the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast.

UPCOMING GIGS. Don't forget to make a demand to see me perform.

8.28 (NEW ORLEANS, LA) CD Release Party at Baccannal Wine Bar
9.4-7 (ATLANTA, GA) DragonCon
9.16-23 (DINGLE, IRELAND) Celtic Invasion of Ireland
10.23-25 (DENVER, CO) MileHiCon
10.30 (NEW ORLEANS, LA) Anne Rice's Vampire Lestat Fan Club's “Blood and Gold” Ball
11.7-12.13 (ROBERT, LA) Louisiana Renaissance Festival
1.16.10 (NEW ORLEANS, LA) Concert with Jed Marum

— Check me out on Sunset Connoisseurs Society, Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, SoundClick, Demand a Show on Eventful, Wikipedia, Livejournal, and DeviantArt. And if you'd like a CD…

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