"We can't stop here, this is bat country!"
- Hunter S. Thompson
RANGER REPORT - APRIL 1, 2020 - SPECIAL CORONA VIRUS EDITION The Official Newsletter Of The Mighty Manatees "Celebrating 34 Years Of Gathering In Groups"
ALL MIGHTY MANATEES GIGS CANCELLED! - It's true! Wow. What a difference a month makes. This corona virus has stopped the world in it's tracks. Our hearts go out to all those suffering from this illness, and we send out our heartfelt gratitude to all of those who are risking their lives to help.
My family and band mates are fine . My wife is working from home on the computer amid multiple conference calls, while the kids get up in the morning and attend digital home school. It's like The Jetson's around here (or maybe Space Family Hodgson). On the bright side, global carbon emissions are way down and science is back in style!
With all this free time, I've been going through a mountain of occasionally labelled Mighty Manatees live recordings and searching for any gems. Two new live CDs are now in the works: Godfrey Daniels and Landhaven.
I also wrote a new song called "Stocked Up & Hunkered Down". It's in the key of C (for Corona).
MORE QUOTES -
"If you want to be loved, be lovely." - Edgar Cayce
"My tensions always spoil my intentions." - Neal Cassady
"Your right to wear a mint-green polyester leisure suit ends where it meets my eye." - Fran Lebowitz
"Four quotes is a gallon." - Groucho Marx
"The corona virus is the common cold, folks." - Rush Limbaugh (Feb. 24)
"To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, and kindness." - Howard Zinn
"Let go or be dragged." - bumper sticker
MANATEES FUN FACT - Did you know that Manayan, the new mascot for New Yashima Aquarium in Takamatsu, Japan, is a manatee with a cabbage pompadour (it likes eating cabbage) and a star over it's eye (inspired by the band Kiss)? It's true! Special thanks to Liam.
NEW SONGS WITH MIKE GULDIN - This year, Mike Guldin (of Rollin' & Tumblin' fame) and myself have been getting together for some songwriting sessions. So far we have written two songs. One is called, "Check Yourself", and the other is called, "Can't Lose What You Never Had". It's true! Mike is getting ready to record a new album.
ENVIRONMENTAL TIP OF THE MONTH - Stay at home. Also: don't forget to sanitize your eye glasses and your house/car keys.
VIDEO CLIP OF THE MONTH - This month's clip is from February 2, 2012, in Belfast, Ireland. A few of us flew over to the emerald isle to play in Shana Morrison's band and open for her father Sir Van Morrison. We rehearsed at Van's country estate. Van is from Belfast and it was his first hometown show in over a decade. His mother was in the audience. The next night we opened for him in Dublin. This clip is from one of the two clubs we jammed at following the arena shows. Kathleen Weber sings the Blind Faith song, "Can't Find My Way Home" with Jim Cavanaugh on percussion, Jason Crosby on violin, and myself on guitar. Not pictured: Slacker and my daughter Jules. https://youtu.be/JgppYISvIL4
ANOTHER VIDEO CLIP OF THE MONTH! - This bonus clip is a very recent Tik Tok made by my daughter Fiona. It's called "My Quarantine Routine" and it deals with a day in the life of a teenage girl under lock down.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=fc3b7da131&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1662783531526150633&th=171364cfe6fc59e9&view=att&disp=safe
LIVE STREAM HOME SHOW - Folks have been asking if we're going to do any online concerts. Are you kidding? I'm not going anywhere near my fellow band mates. I don't know where they've been. LOL However, there has been talk about live-streaming a solo show from my living room. Maybe sing a few songs on a few instruments? Maybe have some singing daughters and some stupid pet tricks? Maybe some call-ins from various band members and some fake commercials? OK, you talked me into it! Tentative date is Saturday, April 25, 8:00 PM EST. Details to follow.
OK, that's about it for now. I have to go and wash my hands for twenty seconds.
Be smart, be safe, and be well.
Ranger Will
April Fool
IN PASSING -
Joseph Lowery
Jay Popky
Kenny Rogers
McCoy Tyner
All victims of Covid-19
Including:
Manu Dibango
Joe Diffie
Terrance McNally
Alan Merrill
The Mighty Manatees - Reggae, Roots and Rock
The Mighty Manatees - Reggae, Roots and Rock
APRIL - 2020
25 - Sat. - Live Stream Solo Home Show w/ Special Guests, Phoenixville, PA 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM EST Details to follow.
