From: owner-jewel-digest@smoe.org (jewel-digest) To: jewel-digest@smoe.org Subject: jewel-digest V14 #23 Reply-To: jewel@smoe.org Sender: owner-jewel-digest@smoe.org Errors-To: owner-jewel-digest@smoe.org Precedence: bulk jewel-digest Friday, March 12 2010 Volume 14 : Number 023 * If you ever wish to unsubscribe from this digest, send an email to * jewel-digest-request@smoe.org with ONLY the word * unsubscribe in the BODY of the email * . * For the latest news on what Jewel is up to, go to * the OFFICIAL Jewel web site at http://www.jeweljk.com * and click on "calendar" * . * PLEASE :) when you reply to this digest to send a post TO the list, * change the subject to reflect what your post is about. A subject * of Re: jewel-digest V12 #___ gives fellow list readers * no clue as to what your message is about. Today's Subjects: ----------------- [EDA] Sensual Love Poems [Barry Howarth ] Re: [EDA] Sensual Love Poems ["Kiera @ JKF" ] [EDA] Jewel's EDA Blog! [Sasafrass452 ] [EDA] njc: joanna newsom ["Pupecki, Stacy" ] [EDA] Every Day Angels Blog [MrBB ] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:11:29 +1100 From: Barry Howarth Subject: [EDA] Sensual Love Poems Hi Angels, I've been on this list since late 1997, I think. It's been my Jewel home ever since. Nowhere else has quite the same Jewel feeling for me. Twitters or Facebooks are not for me. Probably an age thing. I always look forward to the arrival of the Digest and read every post, though I don't post myself all that often. But the other day I came across something I thought I'd share with you all. I was browsing on Amazon.com and put in "Jewel Kilcher" to see what would turn up. I was surprised at how many books she turned up in: books on music, naturally, but also in novels. It reminded me of the episode in the Sopranos when a Jewel concert was robbed, though one of the robbers wanted her autograph. However, the really interesting find was a book called Sensual Love Poems, compiled by Kathleen Blease (New York, Ballantine Books, 2002). This is an anthology of love poems, mostly by English-language poets, but there are also translations from other languages -- it begins with an ancient Egyptian love lyric. It's a rather eccentric collection of poets: included in it are John Donne, Swinburne, Amy Lowell, Carl Sandberg, Shakespeare, the Bible, D. H. Lawrence, Puccini, Lord Byron, Maya Angelou, T. S. Eliot, Rilke, Whitman, Rumi, Auden, Emily Dickinson, the Brownings ... And among these there is Jewel Kilcher! Four of her poems are included: "Collect Beads of Night", "Love Poem", "New Moon" and "So Just Kiss Me". So Jewel is an anthologised poet, alongside some very great names. But it is, as I said, an eccentric collection. It even includes two Australian poets, Shaw Neilson and, of all people, Hugh McCrae. Not many Australians would recognise Hugh McCrae's name, but I have spent many, many years helping a former colleague with the book he is writing on Hugh McCrae (I did research and editorial work for him, but no longer, as I have retired, or almost). So two surprises for me in this book, but the Jewel one was the most pleasing. Take care, Barry Howarth ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:01:12 +0000 (GMT) From: "Kiera @ JKF" Subject: Re: [EDA] Sensual Love Poems Oh you've whet my appetite now and I may have to look into buying that book. Being a lover of poetry and even a writer for many years of poetry, I feel that as a fan of both that and of Jewel, I have to get this book. Thanks for bringing it to our attention. More notably, mine :) ________________________________ From: Barry Howarth To: jewel@smoe.org Sent: Fri, 12 March, 2010 8:11:29 Subject: [EDA] Sensual Love Poems Hi Angels, I've been on this list since late 1997, I think. It's been my Jewel home ever since. Nowhere else has quite the same Jewel feeling for me. Twitters or Facebooks are not for me. Probably an age thing. I always look forward to the arrival of the Digest and read every post, though I don't post myself all that often. But the other day I came across something I thought I'd share with you all. I was browsing on Amazon.com and put in "Jewel Kilcher" to see what would turn up. I was surprised at how many books she turned up in: books on music, naturally, but also in novels. It reminded me of the episode in the Sopranos when a Jewel concert was robbed, though one of the robbers wanted her autograph. However, the really interesting find was a book called Sensual Love Poems, compiled by Kathleen Blease (New York, Ballantine Books, 2002). This is an anthology of love poems, mostly by English-language poets, but there are also translations from other languages - -- it begins with an ancient Egyptian love lyric. It's a rather eccentric collection of poets: included in it are John Donne, Swinburne, Amy Lowell, Carl Sandberg, Shakespeare, the Bible, D. H. Lawrence, Puccini, Lord Byron, Maya Angelou, T. S. Eliot, Rilke, Whitman, Rumi, Auden, Emily Dickinson, the Brownings ... And among these there is Jewel Kilcher! Four of her poems are included: "Collect Beads of Night", "Love Poem", "New Moon" and "So Just Kiss Me". So Jewel is an anthologised poet, alongside some very great names. But it is, as I said, an eccentric collection. It even includes two Australian poets, Shaw Neilson and, of all people, Hugh McCrae. Not many Australians would recognise Hugh McCrae's name, but I have spent many, many years helping a former colleague with the book he is writing on Hugh McCrae (I did research and editorial work for him, but no longer, as I have retired, or almost). So two surprises for me in this book, but the Jewel one was the most pleasing. Take care, Barry Howarth ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:30:31 -0500 From: Sasafrass452 Subject: [EDA] Jewel's EDA Blog! http://www.jeweljk.com/?em1=1144_-1__0_~0_-1_3_2010_0_0&content=jewels_blog Be sure to join on Twitter @JewelEDAs - -- ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 07:52:32 -0800 From: "Pupecki, Stacy" Subject: [EDA] njc: joanna newsom I know some, if not most, will totally dislike her, but give joanna newsom a listen to. she writes all her songs, including songs for others, sings (weird voice some, no, most will say) and plays the harp and piano. listen to her a few times before making judgement. she can really grow on you. especially her latest cd, actually 3 cd box set, called "have one on me". I really like disc 1. anyone else know of her? they say she really is worth seeing in concert. Please be advised that this email may contain confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, please do not read, copy or re-transmit this email. If you have received this email in error, please notify us by email by replying to the sender and by telephone (call us collect at +1 202-828-0850) and delete this message and any attachments. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and assistance. In addition, Danaher and its subsidiaries disclaim that the content of this email constitutes an offer to enter into, or the acceptance of, any contract or agreement or any amendment thereto; provided that the foregoing disclaimer does not invalidate the binding effect of any digital or other electronic reproduction of a manual signature that is included in any attachment to this email. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:01:53 -0500 From: MrBB Subject: [EDA] Every Day Angels Blog Hi again, I'm sure most of you read this on Jewel's site last night, but just forwarding it along anyway. Whether you are interested in Twitter or not, I encourage you to follow the new EDA Twitter account and/or join the jeweljk.com message boards. They will soon be working in conjunction with each other to make other enjoyable events happen. Just in the preliminary stages of educating younger/newer fans what was so great about you guys. We are committed to another EDA/Jewel concert event that brings new and old fans together. We're thinking in terms of this summer (not set in stone), but it all remains to be figured out, which we'll be doing via the EDA Twitter account and jeweljk boards, taking as much fan input into consideration as possible. When the time comes, we'll also be needing plenty of help so I hope you guys, who obviously have the most experience and understanding about these things, will contribute. We know there are a bunch of logistical questions at this point and I'm fairly confident we know what most of them are. We'll be addressing obvious questions on the new Twitter account and the boards as we go along. We also have plans to better facilitate communication that will be implemented in the coming weeks. In the meantime, this is the first step in what I personally feel is the right direction. And I hope my little part at the end of Jewel's blog (which is a slightly revised/condensed version of something I posted here 12 years ago to educate new EDAs back then) brings back memories of what made you so great in the first place. Jewel and her music was only ever a catalyst. It was the ACTIONS of the people here that made such great things happen. Alan Every Day Angels Posted in From Jewel on March 11, 2010 Id like to tell you all the story of you While I watched my own career blossom, I got to see the mirror image of my fans blossom, and we grew together, and because of each other. When I was young and getting discovered, I was terrified of living in my car forever, but I was also terrified by fame. My solution? Make a folk album. I thought if I could have a career like my heroes John Prine or Tom Waits, with a cool cult following, and make a good living, then that would be the thing to do. Boy did I have no idea how far that folk album would take me. Before I got discovered, reason I loved singing in the coffee shops in San Diego was because it made me feel less alone. When I sang on that tiny stage, I could see and feel the hearts of the few people who came to see me, and I could talk about my worst fears, my worst insecurities. I could express my rage and my doubt and my unabashed hope - all because I could see in the eyes of those listening that they felt the exact same way. A bond was formed when I sang, telling secrets on myself - that was special. As you know, I grew up singing in bars, doing cover songs. I didnt experience what I'm talking about here. When I sang my own songs and got to tell my own truth, it was like magic - it was like being in church. It felt like being forgiven. It was like confessing my sins, and for doing so, I was rewarded with the kindness strangers  offered, I suppose, because they saw themselves in me, too. It felt like medicine at a time when I so badly needed positive reinforcement. The more I told the truth, the better I felt, the closer people felt to me, and the less I felt alone. It was just a raw human experience. I didnt know that before I released my first album, there fans were already using the newly formed internet to spread the word about me. I just packed up my guitar, and began doing relentless tours that I called 'residency tours' throughout the country. My idea was to try and recreate what I had done in San Diego, by playing the same coffee shop the same night of the week for a month in a given city. So I did this circuit that was grueling. I played the Cest What? Cafe in Toronto every Monday, Boston Kendel Street Cafe every Tuesday, The Last Drop Cafe in Philadelphia every Wednesday, The XX in NYC every Thursday, the book store every Saturday in DC, and then I would drive it all over again and do it every week for a month. I would then move to another region like the northwest, and do it all over again. I only sang in front of a few folks, but I was able to form a small loyal following, provided they didnt walk out during Pieces Of You (the most misunderstood, yet plainly obvious song I've ever written). The more I toured the more industry insiders told me I would never make it, Id never get played on the radio, Nirvana and Sound Garden were God, and it wasnt cool to be sensitive and care. I guess thats when the fight came out in me. I had lived through hell, and I still found it in my heart to care and to have hope because the most genuinely desperate must. Its the spoiled slackers, in my view, who could cling to their cool veils of cynicism, because they could afford to be cynical with their comfortable lives. I was on the edge of the abyss, and staring into it, I knew the only thing that would keep me from falling in and being lost forever was if I dared to have faith. I fought like hell for the right to hope. The world was full of grunge bands and angst on TV and in the movies, but what I saw in front of me touring was different. I saw something different in the faces of those who I sang for. The tide felt like it was going to change, and the press just didnt know it yet. People didnt want to hurt- they wanted to feel better, just like I did. And just like me they were willing to fight for it. I began to feel like maybe I could beat the odds. Maybe, just maybe, I could stick my foot in the door of the male dominated music business, because I felt like I had a small but fierce army that was marching with me. I began to hand out flyers after I sang, with local radio stations numbers on them, and I asked people to call and request me. I sang in college campuses everywhere I went, and passed out my flyers, and because of the web, I was aware that I was not alone. There were folks out there that cared about my music and about me, a complete stranger, and they were trying to help me. I began to call them my Every Day Angels and amazingly we were a force to be reckoned with. As my career began to break, I became a bit scared. Fame really scared me because I had always been so introverted, and I was afraid I was creating a monster I may not be able to control. The media scared me, and I wasnt sure how to interact with them. But my online fan community always let me be myself, and I tried to continue to tell the truth in my writing, and I began to feel I could have a two way conversation with fans as I grew bigger. I realized IDOLOTRY is what scared me about fame, because it was jut that, an idle worship. It does not help anyone grow- the worshiped become frozen in a mythological caricature that was immovable, (and usually resulted in falling off said pedestal) and being a sycophant or worshipper of said idol offered no self-examination or self empowerment. I wanted a different relationship with my fans- one that empowered fans- one that let me off the hook! I wanted to be human and grow and make mistakes and be imperfect, and I wanted fans to rely and look to each other for answers to their hopes and prayers- not to me. As I became successful, I was receiving gifts and so much love, and I felt like my life had turned around. I mean my life REALLY turned around! My fans and me really pulled it off, and I was safe, and comfortable, and I was being showered in gifts from fans. But I felt guilty, because I didnt need gifts as much as other people in the world that I knew. I decided to ask my EDAs to take whatever they wanted to send me for my birthday, and instead give to someone who needed it. And in typical fashion, they went above and beyond by organizing the most amazing acts of kindness. Funds were raised to help a local San Diegan get a handy cap vehicle that was sorely needed. On my birthday I received a bound folder of page after page, documenting community service and charitable acts committed by my fans. It was the best present ever. I even had an EDA who happened to be a lawyer help me with a lawsuit I was facing, when I desperately needed the help. He worked tirelessly in a time that was really hard for me. It was very touching. Life being life, it never stays the same, and soon I experienced some of my hardest years around 2003 - and all I have ever been able to say about it was what I expressed in GOODBYE ALICE IN WONDERLAND. I lost faith for a while, and as my world seemed to shatter, I had to go back inside myself and try to challenge myself once again to find a way not to become cynical or bitter. I wanted to be stronger, not broken by what life had dealt me, but it took me a while to find my way out of a dark hole. I didnt trust anyone, and while I still made music (because it still is what heals me) , I lost touch for a while with everyone but Ty as I tried to put myself back together again, and I'm glad to report, I feel good. I am not broken. We only are if we let ourselves be. In just a few short years the current age of the internet is so exciting, as I feel I am able to return to a even more personal relationship with my fans, in an even more direct way. There are many new fans that I have, and I want to welcome them. Some of you are country, some of you are pop and some of you are rock, with a secret soft spot for whatever it is I am - but all of you must love lyrics, otherwise you wouldnt be here. I want to introduce all my new fans to the best fan community I have ever heard about- and I want to invite you all to become EDAs. I have created a Twitter account for you, and as you join it, you will be added to the list. Click HERE to follow. I will commit to figuring out a date to do another free fan concert for you all, if you want to organize it yourselves again, (you guys want to pick a name?) We will work it around my schedule like last time of course, and I look forward to figuring out a good venue where and when that it can happen! Lastly, as EDAs, I would like to share with you what I would like our call to arms to be: Be kind to each other. We have a rare community that is truly diverse - respect everyone's differences here. No matter the political, religious or social orientation, we are all the same and trying to figure life out. Build each other up, dont tear each other down. This is a hard enough world; we can all use a place thats positive. Dare to be honest with each other; you will be rewarded for it. Tell secrets on yourselves, you will feel much better. Be miracles for each other. This community is what you make of it. The charitable acts, and the course of the EDAs is up to you - it's yours. Some of you need jobs, while others may know someone who needs an employee. Some of you create artwork, while some of you may need a logo for your own business. Some of you need medical advice; some of you are doctors. And some of you need someone just to listen. Pay attention to each other, and if you run across something thats easy to give, give it. We are all connected on this crazy web, and we can really take advantage of it. I can personally attest to the fact that profound change happens in small ways - and what you can do with your own hands is POWERFUL. I look forward to more years of making more music. I really feel my best creative years are ahead of me, and with you guys backing me up, I feel confident there will always be a place for me. Finally, below is some more in-depth info about the EDAs that Alan wrote, please feel free to read it if you want. Its really cool. Lastly, I want to thank each of you, and especially my original EDAs for continuing to be a miracle in my life. I dont think any of you will ever know how my life has changed because of you. I was no one special - just a scruffy kid that got turned away from a million places. You all made me feel special. It gave me courage and I began to dare to learn to shine my little light while I sang and when I wrote. I am no different than each of you. It sounds corny, but it's true - we all just need to dare to shine. xxj EDA History (originally written and posted in 1998) In 1994, a couple of San Diego based members of an Internet discussion group that focused on women in music began a side discussion about the virtually unknown San Diego coffeehouse singer- songwriter, Jewel Kilcher. Upon hearing Jewel several months later at The Kendall Cafe in Cambridge, Jeff, tech-savvy listserv owner, was intrigued enough to create the first internet discussion group dedicated to the discussion of Jewel's music and performances. The jewel@smoe.org mailing list/discussion group, was officially launched the following day on Sunday, February 19th, 1995. Like countless other Internet discussion groups at the time, the handful of initial subscribers enjoyed discussing their common interest and keeping each other informed. They also circulated taped live recordings and TV appearances (via snail mail, primarily) which gave them a wider perspective on Jewel's increasingly prolific output. Through these initial efforts and upon the release of Jewel's first album, more people became interested and within the first year, the list had grown substantially. During that time, an organized effort to promote Jewels live appearances began and listmembers began relentlessly calling radio stations in support of Jewel's first album, which at the time, was going nowhere fast. Interest continued to grow and a handful of listmember fansites were created over the course of the next year or so, increasing her online presence. Jewel appreciated the support very much and referred to them as her "Every Day Angels, a phrase taken from her song, Im Sensitive. The name stuck and became commonly notated as EDAs. Soon enough, EDAs began meeting each other at Jewel's performances and friendships beyond the daily email discussion began. The EDA numbers continued to grow through 1995 and early 1996, but unlike other rapidly growing Internet groups, the EDAs continue to be one of the most intelligent, inspired and friendly places anywhere on the Internet. In mid-1996, a woman on the list suggested how enjoyable it would be if Jewel were to perform a concert exclusively for this discussion group. Timing was right. Jewel and her management agreed that this would be a fun idea. The subscribers were informed that Jewel would enjoy doing this provided the EDAs join her in Bearsville, NY (where she'd soon be recording) and organize all details themselves. After much organizational effort, a free private show was planned for July 18th, 1996 at The Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, NY. A second benefit show was also planned for the following night with all proceeds going to help the struggling Bearsville Theater. Hundreds of EDAs from all over North America converged in Bearsville and spent several days camping together and experiencing two of the most diverse and engaging performances of Jewel's career. The EDAs named the event "Jewelstock" and they created t-shirts, buttons and came bearing gifts for each other in the form of music, food and drink. After spending three days and nights together, many attendees struck up permanent friendships and everyone who attended left Bearsville significantly moved by the experience and Jewels kindness. That such a diverse group of people could come together and create something so great, all of them motivated by love of music and a desire to share, without any monetary pressures or incentives, speaks volumes about what the EDAs are all about. The dynamics of the discussion group were forever changed by the experience. Many EDAs began taking Jewel's lyrics to heart and manifested them in projects that helped to support each other as well as to promote volunteer work improving their own communities. The EDAs have accomplished impressive things over the past two years, many of which have been selfless acts of kindness that have had profound impacts on the recipients and the EDAs as a whole. A wonderful example occurred in conjunction with Jewel's 23rd birthday. Rather than send gifts to Jewel, the EDAs were encouraged to effect positive change in the world as their gift to Jewel. Sure enough, a perfect opportunity presented itself. The entire EDA list organized to help a severely injured hit and run victim from San Diego, who had no medical insurance. He was in need of a van outfitted with special lift equipment so that he could be mobile, return to work and resume a more enjoyable life. The EDAs raised several thousand dollars, which was donated to the fund and helped him accomplish these goals. San Diego area EDAs also took it a step further, by spending time with him, sharing favorite concert tapes, and bringing him to local concerts. With the EDA numbers rapidly growing as Jewel's first album was taking off, several members began organizing a nonprofit foundation (Every Day Angels Foundation aka EDAF) which promoted and helped organize community volunteer work. These EDAs inspired many projects including blood drives, clothing drives, volunteer work at food banks, children's hospitals and shelters, among many other worthy endeavors. EDA get-togethers have also taken on a life of their own. One notable form of these events is "The Living Room Tours" (aka LRTs). An ongoing project, where live performances are hosted at EDA homes, this has been remarkably successful. The basic concept is to book touring singer-songwriters directly into fans homes and promote the performances cost free via email directly to those interested. Nearly 50 artists have participated in the Living Room Tours over the past two summers and Ive yet to hear any of them refer to it as anything but a positive experience. Having attended many LRT gigs and having hosted two of the largest ones on Cape Cod, I wish I could do nothing but LRT gigs! The concept dramatically changes the dynamics between performers and audience in a most positive way. The musicians seem to revel in the fact that everyone wants to listen and audiences experience an immediacy and connection not experienced in any traditional performance setting. An annual EDA reunion in Bearsville has also been well attended and smaller EDA parties and get-togethers are increasingly common. EDAs often travel far and wide to attend these events. Thousands of lives have been enriched through the efforts of The EDAs. Many feel honored to be included and the recipients of The EDAs common good will. MrBB ------------------------------ End of jewel-digest V14 #23 ***************************