July 2008.  Newsletter 31.   Hi there everyone, Newsletter writing time again, & it feels like I just finished the last one!   As I said then, I needed to spend the last few months mostly at home, but the time went so fast, & all the things I had planned, just didn’t happen!!  It was good though, to have some time to actually sit down & play the piano at home.   As many of you know, I usually just practice & try new things out while I’m on stage!

I was very determined to record some music for the new CD, & that didn’t happen either, so I’m disappointed now that it won’t be until sometime in 2009.   Although I have some new songs to play for you, a few didn’t work out too well, & others I had to learn from scratch, so it’s probably better if I give myself a bit more time.  Also, I have released 2 albums in 2 years, & usually before I record the songs, I do like to play some of them for you ‘live’, to try them out. Actually, I did get very creative though, I even amazed myself!! I wrote a few piano instrumentals, which I’m very happy with, & some of you would have heard them at “Hartwood”.  Hopefully you will hear more at the Barham Festival, & performances coming up soon, I guess some of them will make it onto the next Album.   

The only time I played away from home was at the “Hartwood Festival of Campfires & Country Music”.   (that’s in the middle of the Coonabarabran, Gunnedah & Mudgee area)  Well, you know I say it every year, but the Festival just gets bigger & better, and it did again!  Thanks must go to Hosts, Paul & Hele McCloud, for having us all at their 1600 acre property every Easter, for this great Festival.   It’s hard to believe that this all started with a group of people singing around a campfire, & now 21 years later, “thousands” turn up.
The Festival started with me playing for the first “dancing under the stars” on the Wednesday night.  Everyone loved it & work has already commenced on leveling the “dance floor” for next Easter. (Mid April).    The music then continued, with daytime concerts & around the campfire at night.  I ended up playing some impromptu piano with most of the Artists, that was good.  Actually we played up a bit, (not me though), I did try to be a good boy, but I had some “influences” that made me look bad.   We all had so much fun.

I played at my local Bathurst RSL quite a few times, also filled in for some artists that couldn’t make it.  I enjoy playing there so much, it’s just down the road, & an easy load-in too.  It was good to try some of the new songs out on my “home crowd” as well.  While at home, I spent lots of time with the kids too, & especially my one & only granddaughter Charlee.   She loves music, dancing & the piano.  Took some time out also, to have a few visits to my mum. It’s a long way, I drove twice & flew twice, but it was great to see her, because I mightn’t get another chance for a while.  Did some gardening for her, went for some “retail therapy” & did the usual “coffee shop run”.
 
I’m writing this Newsletter, & just sitting in a little coffee shop in Bathurst, sorting out the performances up till Christmas.    I don’t think I’ll get to the Tamworth Festival, I really need to get this recording fast-tracked during January/February/March 2009, other wise it will never happen.   It’s too hot anyway!   From April on, I’ll be touring again – with the new CD I hope!!  That’s the plan; it will be my 10th CD in 15 years.

Looking forward to the Barham Festival, it’s my 10th year there.  It begins with me playing for the dance & variety night, on Sunday evening 27th July.   Although I do guest spots day & night over the 8 day Festival, the major thing for me is the “Knight of the Piano” concert.   I’m trying something a bit different this time, it’s rather nerve wracking working it out, but I’m sure you’ll like it.   When that’s over, I can relax!

Closer to home, Aug. 10th, I’ll be playing for a fundraising concert at Orange, in conjunction with Radio Station FM107.5.  Very rare for me to do a concert style performance this close to home, so I’m looking forward to that. 

After the first successful  “Wondara Woolshed Do” last October, it’s on again with more entertainment & activities from breakfast, all day, & evening campfires.  Also in October, I’ll be back at Tooleybuc, starting with me playing for a dance & variety night on the Thursday, then lots of Artists all weekend.  I’m doing a Mini Tour at the end of November & December, a bit of a zig-zag around the Murray area, then a couple of concerts on the way home.    More info about what’s happening ‘concert wise’ is in the Performance Guide.

I don’t know if I’m looking forward to it or not, but I have a huge 2009 year coming up, & I don’t know if I’ll fit everything in.  Hopefully I’ll get to the Mildura Festival again next year, also there’s lots of touring, hopefully back to places I haven’t been for a while, PLUS a new CD.   Wish me luck; I just hope I make it!

Can you believe I sold more Christmas Albums after Christmas than before?   I have just ordered stock of all my 9 CD’s, so will have plenty to send out again now, & up till Christmas.  You can write, ring or fax me to get order forms & more info on song titles, or you can check out the Website   www.peterhoran.com.au
Hope you are all well & happy, I’ll catch up with you again soon, & in the next Newsletter.
Cheers Peter