You never know who you'll see in Elliot Lake!

Thank you for visiting Elliot Lake.

It was about time that we had some great entertainment that you certainly provided. We thought David as an excellent singer-songwriter and story teller and Craig mainly for his excellent guitar picking and backup. Craig was also very good on his own. We also enjoyed the visit from Hazel McCallion, the Mayor of Mississauga On. DH

From Wawa to Elliot Lake

Hello Beth,

It as if I already know you, David was fond of speaking your name and some special moments you both endured, as too the live CD.

I’m from Wawa, Ont.(originally from Nova Scotia) And we travelled down to Elliot Lake (6hrs plus) to catch your husband and Craig. It was a good show although I believe we were the youngest in attendance as I’m sure you are aware that Elliot Lake is a retirement town. I believe David can concur.

I first heard a David Francey song about 2 months ago on a special program on Folkroots on Sat radio and Jesus, there it was; first a storyteller in my style of music and second, an accent that couldn’t of gone any better than toast and peanut butter.

I’d just like to pass on a big hello to David from the Wawa crew, and hope all is well on the rest of his tour, I will be driving down later to catch a show in southern Ontario.

P.S. If he doesn’t remember me, I’m the one who will be trying hard to get him and yourself up here in Wawa for a private get-together for a few close friends - and I was driving the Bentley.

Take great care, J L

Thoughts on Bus Stations

I was on a long drive to pick my son up from college for Thanksgiving, and I was listening to and reflecting on “Ankle Tattoo.” During 2 summers while in college and then some in graduate school I earned my living working in Greyhound bus stations. And since I was an employee, travelling was nearly free and I traveled a lot by bus. So I saw my share of stations and patrons. “Ankle Tattoo” wonderfully caught many of the station sights, and the “regulars.” However, you missed one that was important to me.

For me the only thing that made working at the stations fun was seeing the reunions. People travel by bus, instead of by plane, because they have more time than money. Any you sensed, these reunions didn’t happen that often. Grandma coming to visit the family for a stay during the summer. The folks picking up the child for a Christmas break from college. A soldier coming home. The tears, the joys, the hugs, the laughter, the crying—and then everyone cheerfully leaving together.

I last worked at the bus station 30 years ago, but I still have visions of these reunions.

JS, Lakeville, MN

Ashtabula and the Marine Museum

David,

I am writing to thank you for the wonderfully moving song Ashtabula. My late father, who grew up right near the current site of the Ashtabula Marine Museum, shipped out as a night cook (dishwasher) in the 1930s.

He retired as senior deck officer in the old Cleveland Cliffs line in 1976, bought a sailboat and went right back out on the water. He passed away peacefully of old age on the 24th anniversary of the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, November 10, 1999.

This past summer my two sisters, their spouses, various kids, and my wife and I got together in Ashtabula for FinnFest 2007. Nancy and I had a surprise waiting for the rest of the family, a display at the Ashtabula Marine Museum honoring our dad's distinguished career as a Great Lakes mariner. (See enclosed photo. That's me flanked by my sisters.)

Then a friend turned me on to your beautiful song. It brought tears to my eyes. I've ordered two more copies of the CD to send to my sisters as holiday gifts. I'll bet folding money that both will bawling like babies after hearing Ashtabula.

Anyhow, thank you again for that amazing song. All the best to you and yours in the new year.

BG, Berkeley, Calif.

Black Sheep Inn

"thanks again for a wonderful experience -
as always, beautifully crafted songs that make the ordinary extraordinary" C & D

As heard on WUMB

"I heard David's music on WUMB Boston this morning on the Dick Pleasants
show. Beautiful! I have just ordered Torn Screen Door from your site.
Cheers!" J

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! to David on winning a Canadian Folk Award

"Beth,
Please pass on our CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! to David on winning a Canadian Folk Award for Right of Passage!

The accolades he has received in such a short time as a performer are mind-boggling, and a testament to his songwriting and storytelling talents! Sometimes nice guys do finish first!

Happy Holidays to you and David and your families!" S & T

Trek to Rossland

Hello,
Received your newsletter today. Thank you. It's very interesting & informative.
We had the great pleasure of seeing David & Craig, in Rossland, last Thursday night. It was just by fluke that we heard of the performance & were able to attend. WOW! We first heard of David on CBC Radio & have wanted to see him ever since. We certainly were not disappointed.The combination of David & Craig is magical. We purchased his latest cd,"Right of Passage" & have been playing it nonstop ever since.
We would have liked to stay & chat after the performance, but I had to be at work for 6a.m. the next day & we had to travel back to Grand Forks....we were very glad that we went, anyway, as it looks like he won't be back this way for quite some time.
Once again, David & Craig, thanks for a wonderful evening!
D & K

Fan in Boston

"I heard David's music on WUMB Boston this morning on the Dick Pleasants show. Beautiful! I have just ordered Torn Screen Door from your site.
Cheers!" J.

Thanks to Beth!

"Hi Beth!

I'm the guy that e-maild you about becoming a Francey fan from Metallica.

Well, I finally was able to see my hero in concert. I opend your newsletter, and read that he had a show at Hughs Room, so I took along 2 of my 3 sisters and one boyfriend (my sisters!), and LOVED the show, all of us. (the newsletter's are working!)

Wow, I must say, David paints a beautiful picture of you through his words, he certinly loves you, all of us Francey fans feel like we know you because you're the #1 topic at a show!

I now own every CD you guys have put out, and know just about every single lyric. Oh, and Craig Werth was fantastic, I knew a bit about him from reading up on Davids music often, and listening to radio shows they've done together. His Tiny Star and Fog Free Zone are wicked.

Anyway, this was too long of an e-mail from a fan, you have a thousand more to go through I guess. So here's a pic of Daivid and I, it was a special moment for me I tell ya. I was more eager to meet him than anyone on earth. No joke. And one picture of my sister Kristan and David.

Thanks Beth!" B.

Well-wisher in Sarnia

Hey David, ..., i just wanted to drop you a line, and say how much i enjoyed mixing you and Craig at the Sarnia and London shows.... I'm pleased to say that the the new Cd has not left the player in my car since that night, i love it! I cannot wait for the next time you're back this way, I'll be there for sure... Take Care, Godspeed, and safe travels!" C.

Request to return to California

"David,

just checking out your website and wishing you were performing here in southern California. Last year (or was it two years ago), your performance was wonderful. Thank you for all of your songs and the heart in your music.

I am looking forward to seeing you again." -- J. C.

Lucky Man

"Dear David:

I had the pleasure of listening to you for the first time this summer at the Mission Folk Festival. Your performance moved me to tears, especially the song Lucky Man. I bought your CD Far End of Summer and listen to it constantly. I find it difficult to put into words the sheer love and joy that I experience when listening to your music. Somehow you are able to capture the exact mood of a moment and express it in your song and then communicate that exact same mood and feeling to us. That’s a very special gift and I want to thank you so much for sharing your gift. I was just cleaning house and listening again to Lucky Man and felt the need to share this with you.

Thank you. I look forward to seeing you again soon and will keep an eye out on your website for Vancouver dates." K.D.

Wedding Song

"my husband and I absolutely love your music! And we

haven't met a person who doesn't. We have played your CD's for many of our

friends and family, and to our great surprise, at EVERY wedding we attended

this year, we heard your music, used during ceremony's, and receptions.

One of my cousins actually walked the isle to "Come rain or come shine".

Thank you for sharing your wonderful gift with us!" M.M.

Lucky Woman

"Good morning Beth:

Just to let you know that I saw David and Craig last night at St. Andrew's Church and was once again moved to tears...something about your old man does it to me. You're a very lucky woman, he speaks constantly of how lucky he is to have you. Anyway, just thought I would let you know how much I enjoyed last night... " S.

Dancing to David

"To David,

Recently my husband & I along with our 7 week old daughter attended your performance at the Alix Goolden Hall in Victoria. We made the trip from Campbell River which is a three hour drive normally, but with a 7 week old takes a little longer. Seeing you perform live had special meaning to me. When my daughter was born, your CD was one of the top five that played in the Disc player for about the first month. We danced around the living room for many hours and your music had a soothing effect. The concert was no different. Although she slept through your entire performance, I would like to believe that on a subconscious level hearing your music live will imprint on her memory. I would have introduced you to her after the performance, but it was passed her bedtime. We hope to see you perform again one day."D.& Z.

Request for Anthems

"Hi David, (and to Beth because I think I know you so well)

No doubt David you hear over and over how much people love your concerts. Not just the music but the wonderful stories. And as we had touched on, sometimes a person has to come from a not so nice place to come up with that. Thankfully counting blessings is not going to cramp creativity one little bit! I would really love to hear you do more “anthem-y” songs. Your voice, besides being wonderful at that intensity, has a marvelous essence.

Looking forward to seeing you again." K.I.

Last Night in Vermillion

"Hi – I was David Francey’s concert with Craig Werth last night in Vermilion, Alberta. As always, it was an absolutely wonderful show. I have been listening to the new album, Right of Passage, ever since, and it is terrific." L.S.

Thanks from a Wordsmith

"Mr. Francey,

A good morning to you.

First, I’m a fan of your music. While I haven’t had the pleasure of hearing you in person, I’ve spent many days working, driving, etc. with your songs playing during which I drift between active and passive listening. I appreciate the convergence of musicality and poetry! , and your ability to poetically articulate the essence and meaning of ‘place’. So, thanks for that!

Second, I grew up in a tiny town just south of the Manitoba-Minnesota border in an agricultural/small town, hockey culture. ‘Skating rink’ is the winters of my childhood; ‘Torn screen door’ names a reality quite close to home as well…among others. Cheers!

Finally, my lot and joy in life is working with words. I teach homiletics... Were my students (and myself for that matter) able to weave words toward an expression of reality as your lyrics, I’d feel quite good. So, thanks for the words!

All that said, best wishes."

S.G.

On a Postcard from Newfoundland!

I had the pleasure of being at your show at the Ship last night. I think your songs and music are flat out some of the best I've ever heard. They are thought through and delivered with such sincerity and passion it makes it hard to look away. I want to thank you for coming back to our small town. Having you here makes us a richer community and when you feel like it (and I think I speak for everyone) we will welcome you with open arms and hearts. Your unassuming demeanor and kind words make you a very special person. All the best. R. F.

A Hit in Port Hawksbury!

Just couldn't let this opportunity pass without saying Thanks for the great show last nite,without a doubt the best Francey show i have seen and heard in the last three years,Even the audience seemed relaxed and the singalong was like i haven't seen before.Craig Werth was simply awesome with the instruments and vocals.The nite was complete as we drove home listening to the only Francey cd we didn't have,Christmas carols, in June ,why not. Again thanks for the great show. Good luck with the rest of the tour.
Thanks, G and J

News from the Ship Inn

"I saw david on june 8th at the ship in st.john's , it was a wonderful show, I laughed, I almost cried, lol . Such a great artist. The lyrics and music make you feel good, you can tell they came from a truly honest person and his experiences. Keep up the Great work and I look forward to seeing another show soon.
Cheers" C.

New Jerusalem and the Middle East - an interesting perspective

I was just in the middle east last week, staying mostly in Jerusalem but traveling to several locations in the West Bank. I was listening to the song about New Jerusalem before I went (great CD by the way!) It sure is a complex time over there, I came home with a lot deeper understanding than is possible through the news, but not with any clear answers. The song captures well the ever present fear that Israelis live with as part of daily life. There is a whole other side, the hardships of Palestinians who are driven to the fringe of society by all the security measures and differential laws. We visited refugee camps where people have been living since 1948, lots of poverty and frustration there...... it's a place of such contrasts, the beautiful old buildings and the settings for so many of the Bble stories, and the stark reality of today. The Christians we met with were mostly Palestinian which was how we got to hear so much about their perspective....... they often referred to the phrase "living stones" in reference to the people there today. They would use it in this way, "don't come just to see the stones here (old buildings, landscape etc.) but see the living stones here too, (the real people living here today, I think they meant espcially the Christians as they are a minority within a minority, many have left, many of those with options.) Anyway, as you can tell i had quite an experience there, lots to tell. Sorry to go on about this, but you started it with the song.....NS

Under the Sea

I just saw an interesting Science Blog - Deep Sea News and someone asked "So you are out on the ocean and need some inspiration for the long nights by the dredge? Well, have I got the CD for you! Here are a few of my favorites that bring me back a mile or two below the surface (metaphorically, as I spend my time usually in front of a computer):"

Included among the list was this:

"One of my favorite songs from Scottish-born Canadian David Francey is also from one of my all-time favorite albums, Torn Screen Door. "Sorrows of the Sailor" is a beautiful a capello piece that serves as sort of intro to Blue Water. David sings solo about the treacherous work of being a sailor, "Caught between the Devil and something worse, Hung between heaven and the life on earth". "Blue Water" is beautiful song of the parallels of the ocean and life. Sometimes I feel like I'm always at sea, Always pulled by the tides of the time, In the faces and places that beckon to me, My heart always knows its own mind."

Thank you deep sea divers!

Metallica meets Francey

I just got the newsletter from "laker music" and I'm wicked happy!
I'm a all out, 24 year old Metallica fan, but man oh man I love David Francey's music. I only have 2 cd's right now, Far end, and Waking Hour. Both un-real. I live in Arizona in the winter's, but when I get home (Deux Riveres, Ont - just past Deep River) I'll be catching a show for sure!

Anyway, this is just another note from one of the thousands of fans. BM

Who made the boat on the cover of Right of Passage?

Hi there,Seems that you have a new CD. Looks like a great one..
Say, did you know that the name of the maker of the boat on your cover was Mike Balough? Handmade right here in Seldovia, Alaska ? Best from S.

"Heads-up" on Right of Passage

David and Beth,
Just finished listening to the album for the second time in a row, and it's TERRIFIC! Congratulations once again. You can melt a heart in a turn of phrase. Know that it will sell very well (all of my friends are getting a heads-up email).
Continued success. T & G

CD came yesterday. I started playing it at 4 p.m. when I got home and turned it off at 10 p.m. I think I know all the words now... It is simply brilliant. Thank you so much. best, M and co.

Your new CD arrived today, and it's WONDERFUL (as if I had any doubts)!!! As your website noted, it's truly a family production and even more exciting because of it. Congratulations, and thank you for your always marvelous music!!! All the best, D

More from Saltspring!

Dear David,
We travelled from Victoria to Salt Spring last week to see your show at The folk club and to introduce some Salt Spring friends of ours to your music. We thought it was an outstanding show! Our friends were blown away too, so you have two new fans. We're really looking forward to hearing your new CD, and will be sending you an order.
Love your new website, and very much appreciate the newsletters. Thanks Beth!
See you again soon. Thanks so much for a wonderful concert, and please Let Craig Werth know that we think he is fantastic as well.
Cheers, C & D L

Two for Hugh's Room launch of Right of Passage

Dear David,
Having just come from the concert at Hugh's Room, I have your new CD on, rumbling though my headphones. The lyrics on this CD are utterly brilliant, sufficiently exquisite to bring an English major to her knees. I love the way words are so easy for you. Peace, S

Hi David,
Thank you for your performances at Hugh's Room. It was well worth the trip from London. By the way, I believe Right of Passage is your best work yet. I can't get through "Bowser" or "All Lights." They tear me to pieces…Your show on Saturday touched me very deeply. Kindest Regards, K.B.

San Diego Fan - a lovely letter

Hello David,

This is from your San Diego fan... the one that took the train up to Portland to see you? It wasn't just me - my husband was with me and he's as much a fan as I am (only not quite so noisy about it). He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease when he was 37 - he's now 51 and retired on disability from his life's work and love, computer programming. I think I come in there somewhere, but it's not always easy for me to find my allocated spot! As the time drew near for us to go to Portland, he was having a rough time and I suggested that perhaps we take a plane at some later point in time to attend one of your concerts. He said no - he was afraid that if he didn't do it now, he might never be able to do it at all.

The trip was our first major train ride, and we traveled from the south to the north through the Cascade mountains. It was absolutely beautiful! Three or four hours of gorgeous, huge, snow-covered pines and mountains. We had our noses stuck to the window throughout the mountain range. It was dark on the way back, and the ambient light from the train and the shadows it created made the trees look as if they were marching in some slow forest cadence that we couldn't quite see. It probably wouldn't impress you nearly as much as it did two Californians - you get to see snow-covered trees while shoveling the blasted stuff and trying to write a 'happy' song about the whole process, but it was pretty awesome to us.

We love your music so much. The values of family, peace, caring for others and patriotism, (even tho it's a bit slanted sometimes {the patriotism, I mean}) are the things missing in today's music. The honesty and humor in your songs and stories strike the most basic of human chords; 'tis a rare gift you have, and just the right voice in which to sing it. Don't worry about doing this 'right' or 'wrong' - when you autographed my CD, you said it was a bit daunting..........but David, you were born to do this; it's absolutely why you're here, and they'll be no stoppin' you now! It just took a few years for it to happen.

The Portland concert was wonderful, and the greatest proof of that was this: the audience only stopped applauding between songs because we wanted to hear you sing one more time - and why waste perfectly good singing time on too much hand-clapping? Keep on movin' forward David, and like the Pied Piper, you'll soon have a string of loyal fans streaming along behind you - across both countries!
T and J (who've already ordered your new CD!)

A Gift - Right of Passage

Hi. I just wanted to write and say how thankful I am for David's new CD, Right of Passage. I ordered it in early march and couldn’t wait for it to come. I watched the mail everyday and by the time it came it was as if I had recieved a gift from some one. I am a loyal David Francey fan and listen to his music often. He has visited my town of Winona, Minnesota twice since I have known of him and I hope he comes here again soon. The first time I went, my Dad managed to get tickets around the time the Waking Hour came out and we really enjoyed it. Now David has become a common thread my family can gather around because we all enjoy and appreciate him so much. Thank you Thank you Thank you for the great music and good times.

Your Fan, N. S.

Torn Screen Door in Ireland

Heya folks,
I purchased Torn Screen Door ages ago after hearing the song played on Berkeley, CA's KPFA. I have since moved to Ireland and live in Athlone, next door to the oldest pub in Ireland (900 AD), Sean's Bar. This Sunday at the afternoon session a local player produced his guitar and played a fantastic Irish-y arrangement of Torn Screen Door. I thought David might get a laugh out of hearing a traditional Irish-style version of his song. In any case, love the music - any chance of an Irish tour? Slan, S.

Message from a Red-winged Blackbird

I hope you could pass this on to David in advance of his performance in Bellows Falls, VT with Dar Williams.

A few years ago in BF I shared with David my connection with the Red-Winged Blackbird. A male rw-blackbird landed on our balcony railing at just the precise moment when our minister, sister, and I were talking of my mother's gracious qualities of her life on the day of her death! The RW Blackbird looked into the living room for 2 minutes and then flew away. This is not typical behavior of this bird and I have always considered this to be an omen. The message from my dad who predeceased her - she's crossed the river and is fine. One month later when we spread her ashes in front of the house, the RW Blackbirds swarmed around the pond just when we spread her ashes. Ho.

So David's song of the Red-Winged Blackbird has extraordinary meaning for me, and I hope/ask it will be part of the program in BF.

By the way, my Grandmother came to the US from Ayr, Scotland when she was 10, and David came to Canada from Ayrshire when he was 10!!!

Already have the tickets for the 27th and looking forward to the performance. I'll be in my Campbell kilt.
G.

Salt Spring Success

I just wanted to thank David and Craig for an evening I won’t soon forget.
I attended the folk club for the first time tonight in the company of a friend whom I thought I was helping out (season ticket subscriber, wife out of town, a tad lonely – you get the picture). The salmon was terrific. Good crowd. The opening act was a local whom I had heard many times before. I was planning on an early night because I have a busy day tomorrow but when all is said and done I am disappointed that there was only one encore. I could have listened to you guys for another hour easily. All this and I have never heard of (let alone listened to) David or Craig before. No, I do not listen to (nor watch) the CBC. I guess I am a “bad Canadian”.
During the show, David was joking about his mother going on and on but I think the fruit doesn’t fall very far from the tree. The good thing about his verboseness is that he is the real thing. Craig is simply a craftsman of superior quality and a joy to watch as well as listen to.
Keep your lights burning bright boys!
Gratefully yours,
H B

David on the BBC

We've just bought The First Set - Live From Folk Alley, having heard a track on Mike Harding's show on BBC Radio2. It's fantastic. We'd heard Annie's House... We both really, really enjoy the songs and the style of delivery, so if there's any chance of David coming the UK, we'd go out of our way to see him.
We live on Teesside (near Middlesbrough) so we could even show him some industrial landscapes! all the best. N and E

Come Rain or Come Shine

Beth…our daughter reminded me today that our son used David's song about "always being yours if you'll always be mine" [Come Rain or Come Shine] at his wedding reception. What a beautiful song, a favorite, and it's now stuck in my mind for which I am thankful.So glad to hear that he is recording yet another cd.a fan, S

Better than a bottle of Rum

I just received your new C.D. Live From Folk Alley. The best friggin thing I have ever heard. I am originally from Newfoundland but my wife and I just had to move due to the economy and the lack of jobs on the rock. We are now currently in Nunavut. Everyday is an adventure....
I just wanted to tell you that your music is the cats ass, better than a bottle of rum, skink stuff! I laughed at your stories and then I got homesick and starting bawling my eyes out. It felt good all the same, it has been a long time since I got a good snotty cry in. Thank you so much.....the music is very moving to me, good on ya! I have to go and put the wood horse in the barn, it is cold enough to skin you outside. J and A

My favourite song is Red Wing Blackbird

Dear David,
I am almost 5 years old (feb18). My favourite song is Red Wing Blackbird. I really like your music - I've been listening to it since I was 2 years old. My little brother Ben also likes Red Wing Blackbird.Mommy and Daddy like it too, we sing it together in the car. This is a picture of me on my bike. keep singing. A

Bringing in the New Year with David

We had "Skating Rink" on the CD player as we ended 2006. I've seen you play a couple of times at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival and then again last year at the Capilano College theatre. What would I like to say to you? You have brought me the voice of calm and reason in the middle of a crazy world. The simplicity of your words breaks barriers that most artists can only dream of breaching. May 2007 afford you the opportunity of creative exploration that we all seek. Thank you to Beth and your family for sharing you with us. K H