26 June 2000
My attempt to promote the remake version of Buckingham Fountain as Chicago's unofficial theme song for the summer of 2000 is working well so far. Several radio stations have agreed to play it over the next couple weeks, and the local Pax TV affiliate will be plugging the Grant Park disc giveaway next weekend.
Now, I've just been invited to appear on WGN-AM's top-rated Steve and Johnnie Show on the night of Chicago's big fireworks display! There are two ways to hear the show: tune in to AM 720 from 1 to 2 am on July 4 (evening of July 3), or come down to the Tribune Tower on Michigan Avenue and gaze through the windows of WGN's Showcase Studio. Steve King and Johnnie Putman were wonderful hosts when Anna Belyaev and I appeared on their show last summer, so I'm looking forward to another visit.
Buckingham Fountain handouts
26 June 2000
It's official -- on July 4, at Buckingham Fountain at Grant Park in Chicago, you'll be able to grab a copy of the Buckingham Fountain CD single. I'll have an accomplice at the fountain handing out 1200 discs from noon to 3 pm, or until they run out. Can you think of a better place to be for the holiday?
Release wrap-up
5 June 2000
All right, Music of my Ancestors is all wrapped up, and the CD release weekend is behind us. Thanks to the venues, the musicians, the journalists, and the fans who made it a success!
Here are a few snapshots of Chicago show Friday night:
 Arlo plays his 1920's Stella for the last time before giving it away in a music history contest |
 Who knew that the corny old song "Peg and Awl" would be such a hit with the audience? |
 The release night band: Arlo Leach, Tommi Zender, Jonathan Rundman, and Laura Brodsky |
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Remember, if you couldn't attend the gigs, you can always order the new album online!
Release show press
1 June 2000
So far the press has been good to me, on the eve of my big CD release weekend for Music of my Ancestors. Check out these reviews ... and by all means, come to the shows!
Chicago Reader
Chicago Daily Herald
Appleton Post-Crescent
Album finished
18 April 2000
Hooray! The new album is all done, and review copies went out to the press today. At this point, I'll tell you a little more about the record. It's called Music of my Ancestors, and it's a compilation of old recordings I found from the late 1920's and early 1930's. But don't let that scare you off! There's plenty of my style in this music, and I've added two brand new recordings of my own as bonus tracks. The disc will go on sale June 2, and you can get it right here.
Album update
12 March 2000
All right, the new album is coming along fine and aimed firmly at a June 2 release date. I'll be celebrating its completion with a CD release show at the Uncommon Ground Coffeehouse here in Chicago that night. Special musical guests and a terrific door prize will make it a must-see performance! Details to follow...