NEWS LETTER 2008-09

2008

2008 was another year full of changes for Golden Bough.

We started off in January by performing an annual Robert Burns concert. These concert performances are always a treat for us, as we get to sing a lot more from Burns’ fabulous songbook. Anyone who is not familiar with Burns work should give a listen to Song of Scotland.

March found us back in the original location of the Sonora Celtic Festival (formerly The Calaveras Celtic Festival). In 1987 Patrick Karnahan (founder of the festival) had an art display and wanted us to play for it. It was in a small room and we had a keg of Guinness.

That small beginning soon turned into a major festival and we love returning year after year.

Other performances in March included a concert in Eureka and an appearance at The Dublin Irish festival in Dublin, California.

The biggest change of the year our (Paul & Margie’s) decision to move back to California. So off we moved to Modesto, to be near Paul’s parents. Modesto is also the home of our ex-manager Nina Black. So, of course, we performed at The Modesto Highland Games.

For those of you have been to our country home in Oregon, or have seen pictures, don’t fear, we kept hold of that place.

During the summer we toured all over California, Oregon and Washington. It was just like before we took our break – driving here and there to bring our music to fans all over the west coast. We performed at several Highland games, including; Athena, Douglas County, Portland, Pleasanton, Fresno and Seaside.

We ended off the year with our annual Christmas Concerts. They are always well attended and enjoyed and are a highlight of our performance schedule.

The release of the year was Margie’s "Celtic Harp for Pets". Many fans have told us how soothing the music is not only for their pets, but for themselves as well.

2009

We took January & February off to start work on our new CD Celtic Love Songs. Saying we took the months off is hardly correct, as we were busy pretty much full time teaching music lessons, performing at schools and even getting some music training in ourselves. But we were able to get the new CD going and recording it proved to be a tremendously satisfying experience.

In March it was back to Sonora where Lief Sørbye and Florie Brown joined us for reunion of sorts. Even Richard Ferry dropped in to play some tunes with us.

April and May found us putting the finishing touches on the CD as well as playing at The Sacramento Highland Games in Woodland and The Livermore Highland Games (dare we say it was HOT!)

In June we held CD release concerts at The Freight & Salvage in Berkeley and The Palms Playhouse in Winters. The feedback that we are getting from many of the fans is that it is our finest work yet. Find out for yourself.

One of the highlights of the year was our (Paul & Margie’s) trip to Bulgaria and Greece. Our son married a Bulgarian girl and we all went over to celebrate and meet the new in-laws. It was truly fabulous. We sang, we ate, we danced, we hiked, we met friends, family, strangers, we want all over the place. It was exhilarating and beautifully exhausting. Check out the photos with our son and his new bride.

Keep an eye on our calendar for lots more performances coming up in 2009 and get ready for our 30^th Anniversary Tour in 2010!!