October 22nd, A Unique Happening

Every year, the Hugs Project sends hundreds (if not thousands) of care packages to our troops serving overseas.  The Hugs Project is based in Oklahoma, providing "Hugs" (cooling wraps) to service members as well as other necessities that aren't easily available at their duty stations.  It's an important and very needed service that sometimes is difficult to understand for those who have never served.

For military personnel serving overseas, anything received from home is like a ray of sunshine.  Being separated from family, from familiar surroundings and facing the dangers of being an active duty service member is stressful.  Fear of loss, wondering what's happening back home, the thought of possible death is intense and even a postcard can restore a few moments of peace.

The Hugs Project does just that - sends our troops pieces of home and it has gotten expensive.  Postal rates have increased and it isn't as though the federal government has opened its wallets and decided that communications from home are a top priority for our service members, but you know, the Hugs Project takes on this task with vigor and a sense of duty.

On October 22nd at the National Guard Armory in Edmond, just north of Hafer Park, there is a fundraiser/music event to help the Hugs Project raise awareness and some much-needed funds to get that last influx of revenue to pay for Christmas mailings to our troops before the holidays.

It starts at 5pm on the 22nd.  You're asked to bring a chair and donation items to send to our troops.  The FREE music concert features some darned good talent who have practiced countless hours to get ready to support the Hugs Project:

Nikki Jackson - An up and coming local talent who performs a folk/country style with a great deal of flair.
Wild Heart - An established progressive country band featuring the vocal talents of Tonya Mandrell, singing everything from Sugarland to Gretchen Wilson.
Organized Chaos - A new band (mine) with Tad Osborne and Jennifer Leigh (from KMGL) on vocals, Rick Jackson on bass, Jim Blalock on drums and myself on guitar.  We will be performing some Tom Petty, Heart, Billy Squier, The Cranberries, and even some Cash.
Shotgun Rebellion - An Oklahoma band that is absolutely incredible.  Their style of red dirt rock is unsurpassed and has been the influence of many new Oklahoma bands.  Their new guitar player is a veteran of the Iraq war and has an incredible story.

Watch this video about the Hugs Project.

Again, it is a FREE event that is family-friendly and it is all about supporting our troops and those who support the troops, namely, the Hugs Project. You're cordially invited to be a part of this event that we hope is a blessing to you and we KNOW it will be a blessing to the troops.

There are a lot of opportunities to serve non-profits in Central Oklahoma, but there are few with the magnitude of this one.

Huggin' The Hugs Project

There are a LOT of worthy non-profit organizations out there, but there is one that really stands out...the Hugs Project, based right here in Central Oklahoma.  I have learned that when things are going rather rough, it's time to reach out and be a blessing to others - just like the Hugs Project has done for so many of our fighting men and women overseas.

You're invited to attend, September 17th, 5pm at Paradise Farms - one mile north of Waterloo on Western, southwest Logan County.  Bring your lawn chairs, your support for the troops and be prepared to enjoy some great music and fellowship.  Featuring Caravact, Tad Osborne, Organized Chaos and Wild Heart!

The Show Must and Will Go On

Hot weather, sickness, equipment issues and other maladies have crossed the path of those of us putting together the Back to School Blues Jam and Wail, but nonetheless...the show will go on August 28th, Paradise Farm.  Sometimes, there are things bigger than the mere individual, the collective good as it were and the Blues Jam and Wail will benefit the Hugs Project of Oklahoma.

The Hugs Project sends care packages to our troops and have these really fascinating cooling wraps they send to the men and women in the heat of the Middle East.  There are many non-profits working to help our men and women of the Armed Forces and the Hugs Project clearly stands out as one of the finest.

There will be musical guests including an incredible acoustic set with a good friend of mine, Tink and his cohort, the band we've put together (Blackened Blues Band) will play and then, it's an open jam for all to be a part of and we even have a massive karaoke system too.  We'll have hot dogs, plenty of shade and all you're required to bring is yourselves, your lawn chairs, beverage of choice and a few bucks to donate to the Hugs Project.  Also, I'll be posting a list of "need" items that the Hugs Project needs donated to send to our troops. 

We've been through a lot here in Oklahoma over the last couple years and it is important to note that it is nothing contrasted with what our troops are facing each and every day in the Middle East.

It's FREE.  It's FUN and it is required attendance for all who appreciate amateur musicians and great fellowship.  If you'd like to volunteer or get involved, send me a message here.

Back to School Blues Jam & Wail Scheduled

Last weekend, we had our 2nd Annual Blues Jam & Wail and it was wet.  But, we still had a good turnout and we raised $225 for the MAPVA.  What may not seem like much will help them regardless.

Scoop, John, Nate, Jerry and myself have scheduled another musical get-together out at Paradise Farm, August 28th....

The Back to School Blues Jam & Wail...August 28th, 7pm at Paradise Farm...13525 South Western Avenue.  It's located just north of Waterloo on Western, left hand side of the road.  Look for the signs.

This event will feature musical talents from all over the state, including our little group who will perform everything from old school blues to Joe Walsh to who knows what.

But the best thing about it is that we have adopted the Hugs Project - providing assistance for our men and women overseas, fighting for our freedom.  They send these really neat neck wraps that keep you cool in extreme temperatures and anyone who has experienced Iraq or Afghanistan or even Ardmore in the summer knows how hot it can be.  But for our troops, not only is it hot, they are carrying some heavy packs.  The Hugs Project!  Come out and support them.

Bring your lawn chair, your beverage of choice, a side dish and prepare to have a night you won't soon forget.