"Say, Say, Say... What You Want"-McCartney/Jackson (1983)
2008 was a year of surprises. As we found our stride as a band, we found that we were able to garner a little bit of recognition from the local press.
First up was our entry into the Plainfield Rotary Club / WCTY 97.7 FM Catch A Rising Star Country Music Talent Show on March 29. A showcase for local country music singers and artists, this was a pretty big deal for us. Although we are not primarily a country act, we felt that we could break out a twang or two and give the judges something to think about!
We filmed an impromptu video at our rehearsal space for the song “That Ain’t Love”, written by Derek Ventilato way back in the late 1980’s; John added his own flair to the arrangement (guitar, harmonies, and the usual tweaks) and we had ourselves a potential hit single. We were selected from over eighty (that’s 8-0) entrants for one of fifteen spots in the show, then drew short straw and got to perform first in front of an auditorium packed with great country music fans and some industry talent – including the one and only Billy Gilman. We received many kind words from the judges and fellow performers and, although we didn’t place in the final judging, had a fantastic time and met some very talented and wonderful people.
Please click on the links below for a taste of the Catch A Rising Star show:
Links above (left to right) - Norwich Bulletin Article, Photos, and web Video from the Catch A Rising Star Country Music Talent Show
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An unforeseen result of our performance in the Catch A Rising Star show was a phone call we received from Caitlin Dineen, staff writer at The Reminder News (a local publication serving most of
Link above - Reminder News Article "Acoustic Duo will catch you on the ‘Flip Side’ if you let them" by Caitlin Dineen - x - In December of 2008, the ABC Network hit show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition comes to Eastern Connecticut to build a home for a family that has experienced unimaginable tragedy over the past year. We're proud to say that were but a small part of the magic! WCTY hosted the Extreme Music Bash on Friday, December 8th at the Chelsea Ballroom of the Holiday Inn in Norwich, CT. We were asked to open a show that featured some great musicians (Bottom Drawer band, Nicole Taylor band) and some great personalities (Jimmy and Shelly from 97.7 WCTY)! For more details on the benefit show, or information on the many Extreme Makeover: Home Edition projects and TV show, please click the link(s) below: Link above - WCTY main site (information on the Extreme Makeover project and Extreme Music Bash is on the HOME page); Extreme Makeover: Home Edition main site at the ABC Network; Extreme Home by Bruno (for information about the entire project) - x - 2009 is starting off much like 2008, with a coveted performance slot in the Plainfield Rotary Club / WCTY 97.7 FM Catch A Rising Star Country Music Talent Show. Fortune shines upon us again as we filmed a brand-new video for a 30-year-old country song and were rewarded with the opportunity to perform our selection live along side some of the most talented country music performers in the area. The show is scheduled for Saturday, March 28th. For more information, please check the links on our HOME page. - x - In June of 2009, we were approached during one of our shows by the staff of The Venue Newspaper - an entertainment publication whose reputation is growing by the issue! Photos were snapped and information was exchanged, with the promise that we would find ourselves in an upcoming issue... in August, we were pleasantly surprised to find out that they had made good on their promise! Not only were we included in the issue as "Featured Artist" (along with Howie Green, artist extraordinaire with many awards to his credit - an honor just to share a page with!), but we were also confirmed as one of four bands to perform at their One Year Birthday Bash! You can access the full issue of The Venue by clicking the image below: 
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