Shannon Cain: latest news

With about 55 people in the room (40 who were my invites), last night's showcase at the Commodore turned out great. Thanks, again, to Jack Ritzman and Matthew Burgess for their fine work; I'm so blessed to share the stage with such talented guys. Thanks also go to all those who came out to cheer us on; because of you, we met our attendance goal and are already getting invites for another show in the future.

If you didn't get to make it to the show, Daniel Dennis of Dennis Productions (www.dennisproductions.com) shot some video that he's graciously added to YouTube.com. Visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsWMgmPaPb0. to see the footage.

Thanks again!

Shannon
texasrocket.com

My good friends Mark and Carla were in from Kansas City to take care of some music business meetings, so I put him in a round with me at Lyrix for last night; it's always great to hear him play when he's in town. We decided to make an evening of it with dinner before our round and a trip to the Bluebird Cafe' afterward to hear "Whitey Johnson" (otherwise known as Gary Nicholson) and crew for a blues show. Dinner was great. The round with Mark and my Texas buddy, Michael Martin, was great. And the show later that night was incredible. The band was hot. Delbert McClinton was sitting in on blues harp and harmony vocals. T-Bone Burnett got up and sang a tune. Then, from the table right next to ours, this tall British guy gets up to sing. I look and realize that it's none other than the legendary rock vocalist, Robert Plant. It was unbelievable. Even the other guys on stage were giggling at just how cool it all was.

Of course, my friends from KC think I had all this planned but it was another one of those nights in Nashville you hear about, where everything just clicks and the stars come out to do what they love without all the fanfare, the glitter, and spotlights. I'm a Texas boy but I must say that I was pretty glad to be a Nashville resident last night.

shannon

As many of you know, thanks to Dennis Productions, I was able to put together a full production version of "Simple Twist of Fate". Last week I went back into the studio for some guitar/vocal demo work so I could have representative recordings of several new and newly updated songs. I'll have some sound clips posted soon but, if you want a listen now, please visit Dennis Productions (www.dennisproductions.com), where they've been kind enough to feature me on their "front page". Song samples are included... along with some extremely kind words about my music. I'm grateful for Shelby Merchant, who introducted me to Daniel Dennis. We've created a great working relationship and I look forward to sharing his talents with my friends and family for a long time to come. In fact, he won't say much about it, but Daniel's got a really fun little EP available now from CDBaby.com. Please check it out.

Shannon

I was saddened to learn that Freddy Fender passed away. My dad sat next to him once on a flight and, in the course of conversation, he found out I was just starting out in music. Dad said he was more than willing to talk shop and pass on some advice. He always said Freddy was the most pleasant, down-to-earth guy. I became a fan of his work with the Texas Tornados. I spent a lot of time listening to him, Flaco, and the others weave that great mix of Texas and Tejano music.

I'm a little blue but am so grateful for the musical legacy Freddy left behind.

shannon

I was glad to get an email request late yesterday to come play the airport. Had a great time at the E.T.Record shop; as always, Pam Bodkins and her crew took excellent care of me. Also, I enjoyed meeting Bob Jones from PA and Eve from Nashville. Hope to hear from each of you soon.

Shannon

I had a great time at Edwin Warner Park last Saturday, along with my good friends, Donny Brazile, Jack Ritzman, and Bryan Ragsdale. All these guys donated their time and talents for a great cause and did a fantastic job. I know I've said it before but I'm blessed to be surrounded by such talented professionals. I can't thank these guys enough.

Results from the event are below. It was a very good day... and we've been invited back for next year.

Regards,

Shannon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Rachael Wilkins
Director of Communications and Development Safe Haven Family Shelter rwilkins@safehaven.org; (615)256-8195

Safe Haven's 2nd Annual Hike for the Homeless Results Turnout and Sponsorship Dramatically Higher than 2005 Event

Nashville, TN--- Safe Haven Family Shelter, the only shelter in Middle Tennessee that houses homeless families as a whole unit, proudly announces the results for its 2nd Annual Hike for the Homeless event. The event was held on Saturday, October 7th at Edwin Warner Park, Picnic.

The event garnered over 350 participants, a 75% increase over last year's event. Sponsorships for this event generated $35,000.
Total income and sponsorships reached a total exceeding $40,000, approximately 60% more than the 2005 event.

"I am extremely impressed with the turnout and income generated by this event," stated Bruce Newport, Safe Haven Executive Director.
"Considering that there were several other major charity events on the same day, we were somewhat apprehensive about participation and sponsorship. However, our community fully embraced the event and helped us dramatically exceed our expectations."

Newport continued, "On behalf of our board, staff, I would like to warmly thank everyone for making this event such a success. Most importantly, I would like to thank all participants for showing support for the homeless families with children that we serve."

Participants hiked on two park trails, which varied in length from
2-3 miles. The event also offered games and activities for children of all ages, including pumpkin painting contests, inflatables, face painting, live music, and much more.
Participants also enjoyed a free continental breakfast and lunch.

2006 Event Sponsors included: Comcast, Lightning 100, Team Green, Kroger, Aladdin, SunTrust Bank, The Mutual Fund Store, Sodexho, Brentwood Dry Cleaners, Nike, Vanderbilt Medical Center, The Nashville Scene, Bush Insurance, and Northwestern Mutual.

Safe Haven Family Shelter is the only shelter in Middle Tennessee that provides comprehensive programs for entire homeless families, serving 15 families at a time. The mission of Safe Haven is to empower homeless families with children to live independently
through spiritual, financial and social guidance. For more
information, or to register online, please visit:
www.safehaven.org

###SHFS###

Special thanks to my good friend, Michael J. Martin for putting together a great all-Texan round at Lyrix last night. It was truly an honor to share the stage with two of my favorite writers. Michael's "Better Part of Valor" resonates with audiences everywhere and Tony Lane performs stellar material. These guys are top notch. I can't say enough about how good it felt to be part of that round.

Shannon

My friend, Waldo Gonzalez is a very talented singer and fellow-Texan who was living in New York City on September 11th. He posted the comments below to a U.T. Longhorn alumni board and shared his thoughts with me after reading my web entry (below). I asked if I could add that posting to my web journal. He graciously accepted my request. His account--written as quickly as the memories came to mind--is detailed below. Thanks so much, Waldo.
http://www.myspace.com/ufoundwaldo
____________________________

I was in my apartment in NYC watching planes fly into buildings. I just remember thinking that the news people were really pissing me off even suggesting that it might be an accident. The Empire State Building is in the middle of such a dense area of buildings, that could be an accident, but with the no-fly ban and the relative seclusion of the WTC, you have to TRY to hit those with commercial jetliners. I then remember thinking in a stream of consciousness... My God those poor people...Did my friends get out....how many of my musician friends may be temping there without me even knowing it....well, at least jet fuel burns itself out quickly...how the hell are they going to fix the holes in the building, ...the news is saying that although jet fuel burns quickly, it burns so hot that there's a threat that it will melt the steel....

I could go on and on, and though my story isn't near as important as those who were downtown, or that of the father whose daughter was in the WTC, it goes without saying that I will never forget what I watched happen to those buildings that day, in a city that I proudly called home. Living right next to a hospital, I will never forget the endless line of empty gurneys on my street that never were filled. It was like, you either made it or you didn't. Doctors were bewildered, and ironically, after a horrific thunderstorm on the night of the 10th, the 11th was arguably the most beautiful day I ever saw in New York. If only you didn't look South, and if only you couldn't smell the smoke cloud. How does ash, or concrete powder, or whatever the hell it was stay on the leaves of holly tree bushes across from City Hall for over a month? ...

I'll never forget streets in a free country barricaded because there was a small police station at the end of a block in a once benign wealthy westside neighborhood.

Days later as part of a group of fellow opera singer students and friends, who lit some candles one night and walked around those barriers to the different fire houses and police stations around Lincoln Center and the west side to sing hymns for those doing things for us that we could never understand, I'll NEVER forget EMPTY, dark streets at 8 o'clock at night, and peoples faces quickly appearing at windows just to hear us sing, painfully smiling, and giving just a quick wave or head nod to say thank you.

I will never forget a completely muscled out fireman, Staten Island born and bred, the kind of guy you NEVER want to get in a bar fight with based on appearance, working at the firehouse under Juilliard collapsing in my arms, profusely crying and saying thank you, kissing my cheek and bearishly hugging me as I sang Amazing Grace with my friends outside the fire house that night. I'll never forget their firefighting suits, still covered in Gray dust. They, Ladder Company 35, Engine Company 40, lost the second largest number of men of any one firehouse in New York City. If memory serves me correctly, in that one little bitty firehouse, I think they said 11 died.

I'll never forget that seemingly EVERY time I went to Long Island to fish with a buddy of mine, there was an official FDNY or NYPD funeral somewhere in some small community that was once only a town on the way to my having fun before a late afternoon music theory class or rehearsal. I've never heard bagpipes play so many times in a month's time in my life before or since.

It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since my wife called me with the news: “A plane crashed into the World Trade Center”. The work day just beginning, I passed the news to my new co-workers around the office with no real sense that this was more than an accident in a small plane. As the hours progressed and the news came in, I remember the dread and the confusion and the uncertainty. I remember that most of us were wondering where the next tragedy would strike… and how close to home. It was the Pentagon we heard about next and then a fiery crash in a Pennsylvania field but, for all the distance from the West Texas town my wife and I called home, it felt as though each crash and every explosion were taking place in our own back yard. I think everyone felt that way that morning.

Driving home that evening, we passed gas stations where people lined up for blocks to fill their tanks; rumors had spread that fuel would be over $5 per gallon in the coming days and shortages were almost a certainty. Wal-Mart was packed with locals all trying to stock up on whatever they might need if more attacks came. When we reached home we sat in front of the television all evening, watching the replays from the day. There was so much smoke and dust and ash that I remember holding my breath while I watched. I tried to take in the chaos and the falling and rubble, and I tried, in vain, to remember how it felt just a day earlier when the world still seemed to make sense. We hardly spoke a word for close to an hour as we watched. I don’t even think we ate dinner or turned on the lights in the room as nightfall approached. But we held each other close. And we cried. And we prayed for people we did not know but whose pain and suffering seemed to creep out from our television and fill our living room. I remember telling my wife over and again how much I loved her and I remember the guilt I felt in that luxury. Our world changed forever that night.

I completed graduate school in August of that year and had signed a delayed enlistment in the Army in order to pay off the bulk of my school debt and prepare myself for a career in law. Though I was extremely proud I would be serving my country beginning that October, I must admit that, until September 11th, my reasons for enlisting were more about career and debt-repayment and opportunities for travel. It was peacetime and I planned to be a paralegal in the Army… a safe plan for an academic looking to capitalize on a good deal. However, in the days following September 11th, my wife and I came to a realization; we could do our part to keep our country safe or we could keep ourselves safe. I began to see that the two were no longer exclusive… and I began to understand that, though I could never match the heroism and courage I witnessed in recent days, I owed it to those brave souls--not to mention to my own family, and my country--to use my talents keeping safe the loved ones they left behind.

When I walked into my recruiter’s office a few days later, he thought I was coming to cancel my contract. In fact, a lot of new recruits had done just that. The recruiting station, typically abuzz with activity, was empty except for the staff; numbers were already down after the news of a war on terror. But we sat down and planned another trip to the processing station in Dallas where I would test for language aptitude, begin the process of security clearance, and sign a protracted enlistment. People were impressed when I told them I’d be a crypto-linguistic analyst working in military intelligence. And they were proud—sometimes shocked—that I’d chosen to help protect our wounded nation. But all I kept thinking was that it took an act of aggression on American soil to make me see my duty… when firefighters, peace officers, and military personnel took up that task every day. And, to my shame, I realized I’d rarely said “thank you”.

I only got to serve in the United States Army for 21 days; a history of migraines disqualified me from attending basic training and fulfilling my enlistment. But in that time I met a lot of young people who stepped up to an uncertain future protecting a nation at war. I remember the pride I felt when I watched them ship out from reception battalion to basic training. I recall the guardsmen and those called back up to active duty and those who reenlisted because they knew they had skills their country needed. Most of those men and women returning to duty were processing in for two days, shipping to Germany, then heading straight for the fighting in Afghanistan. I remember how resolute they were; their country needed them and that was all that mattered. And I remember one evening, toward the end of my time at Ft. Jackson, I stood with several of those brave men while we lowered the colors and folded them away. It remains one of the proudest moments of my life.

That pride continues for me today. I have three relatives serving in the U.S. military. My niece’s husband, Marcus, returns this week from his second tour in Iraq, serving on a mortar team in the 101st Airborn Division. My nephew, Daniel, just completed Ranger indoctrination training at Ft. Benning and ships to Washington to begin special training. And my cousin, Kelsey, serves in the Marines. I hope I’ve done enough to tell and show them how I appreciate their sacrifice and how proud I am of each.

I wear black today to remember those who lost their lives the day that I remembered what my country means to me. And I wear pride in my heart for those members of my family who make sacrifices every day to make sure fear is never brought to our shores again. God bless every one of them. And God bless the fallen. I’ll never forget.

Had a wonderful round at Lyrix last night. Sean Philbin and Craig Winquist delivered great songs like true professionals. We had a great time on stage and are planning to do it again really soon.

Thanks to Gale, Donny, Jim, Terry, W. Alan Vincent, Cary (Craig's Wife) and Danelle (my wife) for coming out to support us. It always helps to have friends on stage and in the audience... I'm truly blessed. I'd thank Lianne and the rowdy crew but they kept making fun of my shorty-beers and I'm not sure I've forgiven them yet... ha! Honestly, their round was cruising along nicely and I hated to leave before it concluded. Three very talented women.

Thanks also go to Mr. Kaufman for the kind words about my performance.

Tonight and Friday I'm back at the Commodore... gonna be a great week!

Regards,

Shannon

Well, it's been a great week for me musically. Started out with a great round on Tuesday with Sean Philbin and Dave Isaacs (see below), continued with a wonderful opportunity to share a round with my dear friends, Julie Taylor and Duane Deemer (and to celebrate a few birthdays while we were at it), and continued with a couple hours performing at the airport this morning. Now, I've been invited to join Don & Karen McNatt for a round this evening. I'm blessed to have such wonderful opportunities.

Thanks to Josh Nelson (I think I got the name right) and his wife for cheering me on at the airport today. It was great to meet and talk with both of you and I wish you a great trip and safe travels back to Tampa. Also, to Joel from Hawaii... thanks for taking time to visit with me and for the comments about my music. I hope the conference is great and you make it back to Hawaii safely. I'm always honored when fellow singer-songwriters take time to comment on my music. I wish you the best with your own music pursuits, buddy.

I always enjoy playing the airport because the folks at the Ernest Tubb Record shop always take such good care of me... Pam, Mike, Dolly, and Maureen are some of my favorite people and they make my shows so much easier. Today was extra special for me because I was fortunate to see Mr. Marty Stuart (and with him--though I'm not completely certain--guitar legend, Kenny Vaughn) heading for a show in Canada. I've always been a big fan of his and to get a wave and a nod of approval from one of my musical heroes was tremendous. If I hadn't been in the middle of a song at the time, I'd have said hello and offered him the stage. I've run into a lot of "famous" people since coming to town two years ago but I can honestly say that this brief encounter with someone I respect so much absolutely made my day. Thanks, Mr. Stuart.

I hope your week’s been as good as mine. Please know I’m so grateful for your support.

Regards,

Shannon
texasrocket.com

Well, I didn't get to sleep until 1:30 this morning. My head was spinning from a great round earlier Tuesday night. I was fortunate to have Sean Philbin and Dave Isaacs join me. Sean's soulful vocals, smooth rhythm guitar, and achingly-sweet harmonica compliment songs charged with emotion. Dave Isaac's brings powerful vocals, mind-blowing guitar chops, and a wide range of well-crafted, entertainging material. Both are stage veterans... real Performing Songwriters. They bring an electricity and warmth to every note of every song and, when it's all over you want more and more and more. The vibe was good and the songs were hot. I couldn't ask for a better time.

Thanks to both of these fine artists for sharing their talents with our audience, for sharing the stage with me, and for handling it all with professionalism and style.

I'm so fortunate I'm surrounded by these and so many other talented friends. I'm awed by their talents and inspired by their work. More than anything, I'm overwhelmed by their kindess and their good hearts. It's truly an honor to call them friends.

Can you tell I'm still soaring from this great round??

shannon

Well, it's been a busy week on the music front. Celebrated my wife's birthday on Monday at F.Scott's, where we were delighted by the performance the Mack Utley Trio delivered.

Tuesday, I had the absolute pleasure of joining my good freind, Duane Deemer, and his co-writer, Jessica Ford, for a great round at Ga'Dang. We celebrated Lee Rascone's birthday and did our best to shake things up.

Wednesday night I thoroughly enjoyed my round with Todd Abke and his buddy Brian from Indianapolis over at the Commodore. Then, we ran over to the Hall of Fame Lounge and played again for Melissa Sigler. Thanks to Melissa, and to Duane Deemer, Sean Philbin, Leo DeVinney, Patrick and Terry for hanging out until I played.

Another fun show whith my friend, Shelby Merchant today at the airport. This guy's music just fits perfectly in this venue... what a treat for me and the audience. I hope Shelby will be able to join me on the Ernest Tubb Record Shop stage again, soon.

Looking forward to my 6:30pm round tonight at the Commodore and then running back over to the Hall of Fame Lounge to play for Travis Meadows. By Friday, I'll be glad just to sit down and soak up great music from Dave Isaacs' Trio over at Past Perfect around 9pm.

What a week!

shannon

Thanks to John and the folks from Ottowa for purchasing CDs and for visiting with us a few minutes. We appreciate your kind words and your attention.

My dear friend, Melissa, was set to join me and Texan, Olin Murrell, for a round at Ga'Dang on Tuesday night but, due to a family tragedy, was unable to be there. I subsequently contacted my good friend and co-writer, Duane Deemer, about filling in for Melissa... and he graciously accepted. I thought I had my round all set.

Anyone who knows Olin Murrell knows he's always early for shows and brings his best every time... which made me worry when it got closer to 8:30pm and I didn't see him. Sitting with our group was Sean Philbin, who's an artsist and songwriter newly arrived from Seattle. I said to him, jokingly, "I may have to ask you to jump up there with us, buddy!" In the end, that's exactly what happened.

I was aware of Sean's guitar skills but had not heard his songs or his voice so I was wondering what I'd got myself into. Figured we'd just jump up on stage and see... and boy, did we! Duane kicked off the round with a solid, rocking tune delivered with authority and then passed the mic to Sean. Guitar sounded great, chords were nice... and then he sang and all I could do was smile. Sean Philbin delivered his song like a pro. And, while I hate that Olin wasn't able to join us, it was nice to finally have a chance to hear Sean. He and Duane and me had a great time on stage and, from the comments I heard afterward, everyone in the audience was pleased.

Thank you to Lee Rascone' for taking a chance on my last-minute substitution, to Sean for stepping up at the last minute, and to Duane for once again proving he's always gonna bring his best. My mind has been on my dear friend, Melissa, since Sunday and I wasn't sure how to feel about the round. However, I know she would have been pleased with the music and would have loved to join in. I'm still in Nashville pursuing a career in music because Melissa believed in me at a time I really needed it. Every time I take the stage and she's within earshot, I make sure every one in the room knows the debt of gratitude I owe her. Tuesday night I hope she could feel the love we were sending her way and I can't wait for a night when she's back on stage, sharing that big Louisiana heart with a grateful audience.

Shannon

My buddy, Duane Deemer, and I went out to 3rd & Lindsley last night to catch Mason Douglas at his Myspace Monday show, featuring Corey Batten, Southland, and Mason Douglas (Unfortunately, I had to leave before Southland started but I got the change to meet Craig Bryant, who is a really great guy. I've heard he's quite talented, so I hope to hear them soon). While I was pleased just to hear some really good music that night, the best part for me was when Mason covered a song I wrote with Duane called "Endless Rodeo". My first real co-write, the song has been played out a few times now with good response and it looks like Mason might be singing it in his rounds and shows from time to time. I know I can speak for Duane when I say that we're honored to have such a talented performing songwriter take such an interest in our work and add our song to his set list. He did it justice with that great voice... that's for sure.

This town hasn't failed to surprise me yet.

Regards,

Shannon

Well, the police weren't called and we've been invited back, so I think that my round with fellow Texans Olin Murrell and Michael J. Martin was a success. I've rarely had so much fun on stage. It was an honor for me to perform with these great performing songwriters and I know all the folks who came out to see us had a blast. Thanks so much to my crew for coming out and thanks to Olin and Michael for joining me. Like I said that night, If I can't be in Texas, this is the next best thing.

Shannon

Since last Friday, I've been steeped in music and good times with friends old and new. Last Friday Julie Taylor joined me at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop Stage for two hours of great fun and performing. I got to meet some of her family from New Jersey, as well as Clark and his children (from Hendersonville), and two CMAFest visitors from Germany (see the pics page for more on all these great folks). Our dear friend, Pam Bodkins even joined in with Julie for some harmonies on a Merle Haggard tune. Too fun.

Tuesday night I went out to Douglas Corner where Travis Meadows and Jason Matthews --both newly signed writers at Universal Music Publishing--performed. The place was packed and the music was hot. While both were enjoyable, I must say that, for a Mississippi native, Travis's music resonated with a bit of Texas flare. I was as humbled by his talent as I was delighted by his stage presence and genuine regard for his audience.

Last night I was honored and blessed to have two good friends and writers--Julie Taylor and Duane Deemer--join me for a round at Debi Champion's writer's night. Even through guitar gremlins we had a blast. I do love sharing the stage with those wonderful people. With a bunch of friends and co-workers in the room rooting us on and Debi singing harmonies, we couldn't help enjoy the time. I was so pleased to see Jim Whately in from Knoxville (I met him after he caught my showcase on June 8th and was kind enough to buy a CD...which he actually listens too!!!) And, to top it off, Michael J. Martin and Todd Abke showed up during our round, so I was lucky enough to hang around and listen to them. They're both so talented and it's obvious to see they love performing.

Gonna hear Misty Loggins tonight, which guarantees to be a great show. Sunday night, my dear friend, Melissa Sigler joins the "Paint Sisters" over at Past Perfect for some great live music... I can't wait!!! Nothing beats Texas but I must say that I do love all the wonderful talent here in Nashville... and I thank the good Lord every day for the friends made in this place.

Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who came out to the show last night. We had a really good turnout (about 25-30 people... not including another 15-20 who weren't my guests), considering we were competing with Game 1 of the NBA Finals, the opening night of the CMA Music Festival, and the opening night for Nashville's new symphony center. I received about 20 regrets from folks who were out of town or otherwise committed but who wanted to be there. I know you all have busy schedules and you make a sacrifice to make it to my shows.

I'm overwhelmed by the encouragement and kind words I received on this one... I can't thank you enough. Texas Rocket Productions is gaining some real momentum and last night was crucial for helping take an important step forward. None of that would have been possible without all of you.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. I'm grateful for all of you and hope to see you soon.

With Sincere Appreciation,

Shannon
texasrocket.com

Had another good day at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop Friday. Always great to see our friends, Pam and Barbara, and I enjoy the chance to meet so many new people. Thanks so much to Stephan for picking up a CD and talking for a few minutes (I look forward to hearing from you when you return to Germany... Send that digital pic and I'll post in on the site!). Thanks, also, to Mr. Emerick for taking time to visit and for staying for the second set. My wife and I really enjoyed talking with you and were pleased--and honored--you liked my music so much. We know what an important trip it was for you and we're happy to have been part of it.

I just signed up with Pam Bodkins for two more BNA dates in the near future. Look for postings on the calendar!

Until next time...

Shannon