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(Borrowed from http://www.bakersfieldsound... )

For a long time I felt like a lone traveler, hacking away at the bushes as I tried to clear a path from the Bakersfield sound of yore to new generations of Bakersfield sound, established upon that foundation, but in search of new ways and new creative avenues of expression.

Then came KWMR's bi-weekly broadcast, Bakersfield and Beyond.  As a regular guest whose music has also been openly embraced and aired, I have witnessed how the co-hosts, Amanda and Mike have seamlessly woven a tapestry of old and new into their show.  They have openly encouraged heretofore relatively unknown Bakersfield artists to send in their songs, and they have played those songs, warmly welcoming them, and openly introducing them to Marin County (and the rest of the world via internet streaming).  

Before the show, we were all singing Homer's Streets of Bakersfield as we faced the same sort of slamming doors my good friend Homer faced before that song of his was recorded by Buck and Dwight Yoaham, and before his career as a singer/songwriter took off accordingly. 

So I'd like to take a moment, on behalf of all of you local artists that have found a welcome mat in front of Bakersield and Beyond and have accepted their invitation to enter, to say thank you.  Meestro, Fatt Katt and the Von Zippers, Witchitas, whoever you may be from from the local scene, I'd like to challenge you to send Amanda and Matt a thank you note or email of appreciation for showing us their support.  Make sure it doesn't smack of butt-kissing, let it be a genuine expression of appreciation without any strings or expectations attached. 

In case you missed the show, you can find the playlist here:

http://www.bakersfieldandbe...

Tune in 2 weeks from yesterday for the next show:

6:30-8:30 pm on http://www.kwmr.org