Salut, tous (that's hi, everybody in French), c'est Jamie, reporting on a great opening weekend at the Texas Renaissance Festival (TRF), upcoming gigs for Marc, and plans for next year!

Marc and I played four shows at TRF, plus the wonderful Pub Sing – great crowds opening day, even with so-so weather. As usual, the cast was stellar, and got to see lots of good friends like Owain Phyfe and Cantiga, the Bard O'Neil, Cristophe the Insulter, the gorgeous Queen Margaret of Scotland, the Bilge Pumps and others. And special thanks to the Lady McArthur who hostess-ed us there. Just beaucoup fun.

Marc's next up at MileHiCon in Denver October 23-25, so get ready for a kitty kilt filk invasion (try saying that real fast three times). “Happy Songs of Death” will accompany him, of course. Plays nice at high altitudes!

And we are happy to announce that Marc will appear March 12-14 at MidSouthCon in Memphis as the Media Guest of Honor. He'll being doing three shows there and participating in other events.

SO – if you are in, around or near Memphis – or enroute from Louisiana – please think about a HOUSE CONCERT! Yes, my favorite two words…email me at booking@marcgunn.com.

Three of Marc's CDs are qualified for Grammies this year, with “Happy Songs of Death” and “Live at the Cactus Cafe” in the Traditional Folk category, and “Heart's Ease” in the New Age category. So – all you members of NARAS – please nominate Marc Gunn!

And you should see my dress for the Anne Rice Vampire Lestat Fan Club “Tru Blood and Gold Ball” on October 30. Tickets are going fast…and here's the only place to get them: www.vampirelestatfanclub.com. Marc and I will play, joined by the fabulous Samantha Gillogly from Boston.

And speaking of going fast – 4 of my 12 winestastings at the Louisiana Renaissance Festival are SOLD OUT! Yup. So, you might want to get some folks together and come out to play – Marc is the featured performer, of course. And here's where you get reservations: www.la-renfest.com/festival/winetasting.asp

Finally – have chosen the theme for the tour of Ireland that Marc and I are planning for next year – yes, Renaissance & Celtic Adventures, and Celtic Invasion Vacations are collaborating on what will be a unique and exclusive travel adventure. “Goddesses, Pirates, Saints and Rebels: The Women of Ireland” will visit wonderful locations associated with Brigid, Maeve, Grainne O'Malley and others. Late August/early September is the time frame – details coming soon!

Music, great food, travel, adventures – and of course, good friends like you. Life is good, and will only get better next time we see you.

PS – Have heard the tracks from the next CD, “The Bridge.” *sigh*

Listen to the Song of the Week: “Red, Red and Black” from Happy Songs of Death Now on Sale!

This Week:

Quote of the Week: “It is impossible to keep a straight face in the presence of one or more kittens.” Cynthia E. Varnado

CD of the Week: Digital Flashbacks by Celtic Stone. One of the early Renaissance festival performers to release music, that's now on CD.

Nominate the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast in the Podcast Awards for Best Music Podcast. Some of my other favorites are Irish Fireside for Best Travel Podcast and The Signal for Best Movie/TV Podcast.

NEW Marc Gunn CD Special Offers. I posted three new special offers for people wanting to experience my music firsthand.

New Videos: Buttercup's Lament linked to the Princess Bride

Promotion of the Week: Post your iMix 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.

A Few Random Links: Lord of the Rings music, Free Real Men Wear Kilts Stickers, Celtic Weddings.

Celtic Radio. Listen to Celtic radio shows and podcasts.

Celtic Music Reviews and Features: MP3: “The Day After The Night Before” by Dust Rhinos, MP3: “The Hanging of Jamie Macpherson” by Grey Aengus, Review: “When Humans Walked The Earth” by Mason Brown, Review: “The Day After The Night Before” by Dust Rhinos, Review: “Tejas Go Bragh” by Don Gabbert, MP3: “Long Island High” by The Killdares, MP3: “Sailor's Prayer” by Queen's Gambit, MP3: “Celtic Rainbow” by The Gothard Sisters, MP3: “Murscheen Durkin” by Deep Green Light, MP3: “Tippin The Jar” by The Sheridan Band

Marc Gunn in the News:

Heart's Ease was reviewed by Celtophilia.

The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast had promos played in the Second Floor Lounge.

“Black Is the Colour of My Cat's Fur” was played on Restless Mornings with Roger, KGNU.

“Molly Malone, The Cat's Perspective/Planxty Hewlet” was played on Hootenanny Power on Baton Rouge's NPR affiliate WRKF.

Hippiq posted a review of Whiskers in theJar.

Radio De Danaan played “Wild Kitty”.

Upcoming Gigs:
Don't forget to make a demand to see me perform.

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

Some shows for 2010: Sherwood Forest Faire, MidSouth Con, I-Con 29. See details at Marc Gunn Shows.

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

— Do you have a quote, movie, album, tip or suggestion that you'd like to share in my Weeklies? If so, post a comment with your suggestion here.