My pal MICHAEL BRYANT doing a benefit concert Dec. 4 in Cambridge

I am so bummed I can't make this show (my band has a gig) but want to encourage all of you to go and support Michael as he releases his first SOLO CD! Many of you are familiar with Michael, as I've had the pleasure of performing with him in various configurations for years (with Sticky Fingers trio, as duo, and as trio with Randy Green). I remain a huge fan of Michael's. He's a brilliant songwriter and marvelous singer. So please mark December 4 on your calendar! -Tracy
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Benefit Concert for Cambridge Food Pantry, Featuring Michael Bryant

On Saturday December 4th the Cambridge Historic Old School Museum in partnership with the Oscar Hanson House Bed and Breakfast will present a concert of acoustic music in benefit for the Cambridge Food Pantry.

Music will be provided by Michael Bryant of Madison. A gifted songwriter, moving vocalist, and past winner of the American International song contest as well as multiple Addy awards for music for radio and television, Michael will present an evening of his original music and celebrate the release of his new CD, Finest Feather.

The concert will start at 5PM right after the Cambridge Christmas walk. Tickets will be $5 at the door and all proceeds from concert tickets and CD sales will go to benefit the Cambridge Food Pantry.

Date: December 4th
Time: 5 – 7PM
Location: 213 South Street Cambridge WI. 53523 - the Cambridge Historic Old School Museum (see: www.cambridgehistoricmuseum.org)
Sponsors: Oscar Hanson House Bed and Breakfast (see: www.ohhanson.com) and the Cambridge Historic Old School Museum

Opening show for DAR WILLAMS on October 27 in Madison!

This has been on my "dream gig" list for a while...so I guess dreams DO come true!

I'll be opening a show for the one and only amazing DAR WILLIAMS on October 27 at The Barrymore Theatre in Madison. She's been a huge huge inspiration and influence in my career so this is quite a special event for me. (If you've heard me perform, you've more than likely heard me mention her name or do one or more of her songs.)

October 27, 2010 (Wednesday)
Show starts at 7:30, doors open at 6:30
(general admission so you may want to come early for best seats)
Barrymore Theatre - 2090 Atwood Avenue, Madison
608-241-8864

Tickets: $26 on sale at Sugar Shack, Star Liquor, Mad City Music, B-Side, Frugal Muse, Strictly Discs, The Barrymore, and online at TrueEndeavors.com, or call 608-241-8633.
(This show could easily sell out so make your plans soon!)

All about Dar -- http://www.darwiliams.com

Download flyer here (has ticket sales info and venue address etc):
http://www.tracyjanecomer.com/posters/DW-TJC_2010flyer.pdf

Handbills for sharing (thank you!!! These are 4 to a page):
http://www.tracyjanecomer.com/posters/DW-TJC_handbills.pdf

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Other news:

I just released a special project EP called "In a Sentimental Mood." This is something a bit different from my usual, as it came out of a benefit show I did in 2009 with some great colleagues , helping to fund a mission trip to New Orleans by the youth of Good Shepherd Church (Madision). The event had a jazz theme so the music was a mix of jazz standards and my more jazz-flavored originals. I really enjoyed putting the music together for that show, and wanted to capture a sampling of it. You can read all about it on my website. A portion of sales will help support future activities of the group.
http://www.tracyjanecomer.com/Music.htm

And, I am putting together ANOTHER NEW EP (2 in one year after a LONG lull!), all original, which will be a mix of solo and duo works (will my longtime collaborator Randy Green) with both instrumental and vocal tunes. Hopefully I'll have at least some "pre-release" copies on by the October 27 show with Dar Williams. (And since some of you are asking, YES, "Inside Passage" will be on this new EP.)

Thank you all for your ongoing support!

Tracy Jane Comer & Friends EP Release Show Thurs. 9/30 at The Brink!

Hi y'all - As most of you know I'm keeping busy these days as part of the Madison area band Wild Heart (and having lots of fun with that, singing and playing guitar, fiddle and keys) but I do still occasionally perform on my own or with my long-time duo partner Randy Green. As a matter of fact...Randy and I have a show coming right up, with some very special guests!
Details below....hope to see you there!

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Tracy Jane Comer & Randy Green (duo) PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS!!!

EP RELEASE SHOW for latest project, In a Sentimental Mood
September 30 (Thursday) - 8 pm to midnight
The Brink Lounge (Madison, WI)

About the EP: A collection of jazz-flavored originals and standards, recorded following a special jazz-themed benefit show in March 2009 helping to raise funds for a mission trip for the high school youth of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Madison. Featuring Tracy (vocals, guitar, piano) plus Ben Johnston Urey (piano), Steve Kasprzak (upright bass), Leif Madsen (drums), and Randy Green (piano, synth). So this is a bit of a "red herring," but we had such a great time putting the show together we wanted to preserve some of what we came up with. AND...a portion of the sales will continue to benefit the youth of Good Shepherd for future projects. (Online and iTunes digital sales will be coming soon! Digital sales already available through Broadjam.com -- click ALBUMS)

***Special Guests for this show***

Theresa "TC" Peart - Tracy's bandmate from Wild Heart (www.wildheart.ws)
TC will be guest on lead and backing vocals, so if you haven't come out to a band show yet you'll get a little taste of what we do with the band and more! TC is one of the most amazing, powerful and versatile vocalists I've ever met and I love singing with her in Wild Heart. She'll be stretching out a little and heading into some non-country territory for this show!

Delores Jenison - Tracy's bandmate from Cornerstone
Delores can harmonize with a wall with her smooth alto! We're both part of a church band but enjoy singing all types of music together and she has joined me for a couple of shows in the last year, with rave reviews.

LOCATION: The Brink Lounge
701 E. Washington Ave. Suite 105
Madison, WI 53703
8:00 pm to midnight

The show will be in the comfy lounge (yay!), where you'll have easy access to purchase great drinks & food (I love their martinis...). No cover!

ABOUT THE BRINK: Madison's hot upscale 12,000 square foot wine & martini bar, coffeehouse, and nightclub, adjacent to the High Noon Saloon. Smoke-free.
PARKING for THE BRINK: Free parking on Main Street, MG&E parking lots both sides of Main Street, Blount Street and 701 Parking Lot. Avoid parking at the paint store off Blount Street, as the property owner does not wish to participate in the "Good Neighbor Parking" and tickets are being issued at the Paint Store parking lot off Blount. Signs are posted in this area.

Tracy Jane Comer's web site - www.tracyjanecomer.com
The Brink Lounge - www.thebrinklounge.com

[CLICK HERE for a printable page with show details]

Show on Saturday at Overture Center and more

I hope everyone is having a great summer! I'm immensely enjoying gardening season...That is, my husband does the gardening and I do the eating. Latest yummy crop is some amazing little green peas! Okra on the way soon - that's my favorite.
: - )

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SATURDAY SHOW AT OVERTURE CENTER, STARTING AT NOON (free!)
I have a show on Saturday from noon to 1:00 pm at the Overture Center, as duo with my pal Delores Jenison on backing vocals. So if you're heading to the Farmer's Market Saturday morning, stop by! It will be in the Rotunda....there will be signs pointing the way.
There will be another performer from 11:00 to 12:00 -- Boo Bradley.
(This is a FREE show, presented in conjunction with Madison Folk Music Society and Wild Hog in the Woods.)
Read more about this show and the series at this URL:
http://www.madfolk.org/Events_2010summer.htm

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WILD HEART GIGS: (Wild Heart is the country band I joined in January)
We have a busy summer schedule including a few private events and some out-of-town things, plus appearances at least monthly in the greater Madison area. For schedule and details see:
http://wildheart.fanbridge.com/tourdates/
For official web site, see:
http://www.wildheart.ws/

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JAZZ EP UPDATE:
Anticipated release of the Jazz EP will be August 1. Getting artwork done now...

* * * * *

A LITTLE HUMOR (defined very loosely):

How many bluegrass musicians does it take to change a light bulb?
Three, one to change the bulb and two to complain that it's electric.

How many folk musicians does it take to change a light bulb?
Four, one to put in the new bulb and three to sing about how good the old one was.

How many country bass players does it take to change a light bulb?
One, five, one, five, one, five . . .

How many drummers does it take to change a light bulb?
"What? Oh, wow! Is it like dark, man?"

How many sound techs does it take to change a light bulb?
"Hey, I just do sound."

How many lead guitarists does it take to change a light bulb?
None, they just steal somebody else's light.

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Cheers,
Tracy

Mother's Day Song, Milwaukee Appearance May 11, Jazz EP, and Wild Heart shows

Here's a hodgepodge of stuff...


Mother's Day dedication (free download for a period of time):
http://www.broadjam.com/artists/songs.php?artistID=11908&mediaID=71374
(free download there plus lyrics/info etc.)
This is one of the first songs I ever wrote/recorded - from my CD Second Wind.

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Show Tuesday night May 11 in Milwaukee - CHICK SINGER NIGHT!
Caroline's, Milwaukee -- 8 pm shart start time [Click here for full details]
I'll be part of a showcase that will also include Carmen Nickerson, Shae Fiol, Katie Beth, Annie Denison, Nora Collins ("chicklette"), and director, Alaria Taylor. We will all be backed by the incomparable CSN band (The Rockin' Roosters) and will provide backing vocals for each other on some tunes. This is always a total blast!
If you' re in the area please plan to come - being an out-of-towner, I could use some folks to cheer me on. If you know folks in the Milwaukee area please encourage them to come! It's 7 performers for the price of one!

* * * * * *

JAZZ EP on the way!
Randy (Green, of Randy's Recording) and I just finshed mixing/mastering an upcoming EP release featuring 7 jazz tracks...5 standards and 2 originals. This project came about as a result of a special show I did last year as a fundraiser for Good Shepherd church's High School Ministry, helping them raise money for a youth conference in New Orleans in summer of 2009. More info coming soon....shooting for July or August release!

* * * * * *

The band I recently joined, WILD HEART (country Top 40), has lots of shows on the schedule for 2010 including these in May: Bratfest (May 28), Country Corners in McFarland (May 29), New Glarus Community Festival (May 30). Lots more beyond that! In this 5-piece group I play guitar, keys, and fiddle and sing (backup and some lead). We perform several shows every month and it's always a blast. See any of these links for the full band schedule and dust off your dancing boots:
* http://www.wildheart.ws/
* http://wildheart.fanbridge.com/tourdates/
* http://www.madtownlounge.com/members/profile.asp?id=380

Peace,
Tracy

Shows for late Feb & March

Show schedule for late February & March 2010

Friday night (Feb. 26), Madison: Michael Bryant & Tracy Jane Comer as opener for James Keelaghan
Madison Folk Music Society concert. In addition to featuring the fabulous James Keelaghan, this show is a rare opportunity to hear Michael Bryant perform. I'll be supporting Michael on cello, hammered dulcimer and backing vocals for the opening set.
Full details in nifty printable form: www.madfolk.org/eventpages/2010-02-26jameskeelaghan.htm

March 4, 5, 7: 3 of Cups shows in Minnesota
See www.3ofcups.info for more information on this fun collaborative project with Rachel Nelson and Michael "Stix" Kiley.

March 11: "Unplugged" Songwriter Showcase in Lake Mills, WI
Madison Songwriters Guild Event, in-the-round with John Crossman and host Rich Baumann.
Full details in nifty printable form: http://www.tracyjanecomer.com/showinfo/2010-03-11msg.htm

March 19, Madison: Dinner and a Show with Tracy Jane Comer & Friends - Special fundraising event at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Madison. The performing ensemble will include Tracy Jane Comer (vocals, guitar, fiddle, dulcimer, bass), Michael Bryant (vocals, guitar, bass), Randy Green (keys, guitar, vocals), Tom Dehlinger (dobro), plus Delores Jenison and Carol Hulland (backing vocals).
Advance reservations recommended - last year's event sold out. Watch www.tracyjanecomer.com or www.gslcwi.com for reservations info soon

Also....

The band I recently joined, WILD HEART (country Top 40), has many shows on the schedule for 2010 including shows March 13 (Portage, WI) and March 20 (McFarland). In this 5-piece group I play guitar, keys, and fiddle and sing (backup and some lead). We perform several shows every month and it's always a blast. See any of these links for the full band schedule and dust off your dancing boots:

• http://www.wildheart.ws/
  
• http://wildheart.fanbridge.com/tourdates/
• http://www.madtownlounge.com/members/profile.asp?id=380

Peace,
Tracy

Duo show Jan. 14 (with Randy) plus WILD HEART band shows

This new year brings some exciting new things!

First, I have a duo show with Randy Green and also special guest Steve Doiel (pictured) on Thursday (Jan. 14) at The Brink Lounge in Madison. We'll be in the comfy lounge and will keep it casual, trading songs during the evening. Steve (of Janesville) is long known for his skills as a vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist. He has played with The Rodeo Cats, Feather River, The Stateline Playboys, Harmonious Wail, Swing Crew, and 18 seasons at Noah's Ark in Wisconsin Dells. He currently plays with The Bel-Cats and the Steve Doiel Trio.

This weeknight show starts at 7:00....come relax for a while with us and enjoy some great drinks and appetizers at mine & Randy's favorite local venue.
Details:
http://www.tracyjanecomer.com/showinfo/2010-01-14brink.htm

Now the big news -- I have joined a Madison area band:
WILD HEART!

There's a nice article by a local paper about how this came to be: http://www.thedailypage.com/daily/article.php?article=27892

This 5-piece Top 40 Country band exploded onto the music scene in 1993 when right out of the gate they won pickoffs, battle of the bands, played festivals and shared the stage with national acts such as Ricky Van Shelton and Hal Ketchum. Since then, they have traveled the state to become a regional favorite on the festival stage and are equally comfortable performing for community events or at the local hang out. As Wild Heart performs some of today’s hottest Country hits you will hear amazing 3 and 4 part harmonies that you normally expect to hear only at large venues.

I've been rehearsing with the group for a few weeks and having a great time learning the material and making music with these fine players and singers. You can read about the group and the individual members at http://www.wildheart.ws/

My first outings with the band will be Saturday January 16 at Country Corners in McFarland(east of Madison) and Wednesday January 20 at Quaker Steak and Lube in Middleton. I'll be on lead and backing vocals for the first couple of shows and then will be adding in some guitar and keys for future gigs. Bring your dancing shoes...uh...boots!

For details on these shows and more see these URLs:

http://www.tracyjanecomer.com/Gigs.htm

http://tracyjanecomer.fanbridge.com/tourdates/

Or see the Wild Heart site for many shows scheduled for 2010:
http://www.wildheart.ws/

Peace and blessings to you all in 2010!

-Tracy