Deron 5L Newsletter - January 2005

Welcome to my first newsletter of 2005!

First I want to mention some places you might consider making a donation for the Tsunami Relief efforts. These are some very good places you can make that donation right online:
http://www.directrelief.org/index.html
http://www.unicef.org
http://www.savethechildren.org
http://www.mercycorps.org/home

For more places to donate visit http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/asiapcf/12/27/quake.aidsites

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Thanks for checking out those links. I can't help but feel helpless to making any real impact in the disaster that happened in Asia and even as far as Africa. I was thinking that if every employed US citizen gave something (even $5/$25/$100 or more) there could be billions of dollars donated. Not to not mention.. it's tax deductable.

Well, I wrote this next part of my newsletter earlier this month so I am attaching it below.

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I want you to know that you are a valuable link to my success as a musician. Every newsletter subscriber (you) allows me to keep in touch inexpensively. This is valuable as an independent Artist. As a matter of fact a newsletter is probably the most valuable tool any independent musician can have, for long term success.

December was a difficult month for me. A close friend to my mom, and fan, passed away on Dec. 10th. Her name was Alice and she was a wonderful lady, who I am greatful to have known. May God bless her family, and every one of us who will miss her.
Well, it's kind of hard to keep writing after that announcement. I guess we all leave this planet at some point, I mean, it's a fact.. we all will someday. This new year gives so much opportunity to make positive changes in life.

There are many positive things in the works. "The Simple Life" CD currently in progress will have some awesome lead guitar tracks. Desi Serna will be playing lead guitar on the CD. He is a gifted guitar player who is truly an expert at what he does in my opinion. Recently he published a book on "How To Make Money Teaching Guitar". I think that is so cool! We will be in the studio throughout January, and February.. possibly March. The way I met Desi was after a gig on St. Patrick's Day last year. He was performing right after me, and we crossed paths very briefly. While looking for a lead guitarist, Desi happened to contact me about playing on the CD! If I held auditions and interviewed dozens or even 100's guitarists, I don't think I could have found a better match than this. Things just worked out somehow. I'm looking forward to getting in the studio a.s.a.p.

Well, you can hear and watch a live version of a song for the new CD. It's called "I Can't Tell You". This is the very first taste of anyting off the new CD available (unless you have seen me play live recently). Check it out at http://www.bobvision.deron5l.com/
As sort of a New Year's gift, I am making lyrics off the upcoming CD available to newsletter subscribers! If you like lyrics, and have some time to sit back and read them.. visit http://www.lyricstothesimplelife.deron5l.com

I have some up close & personal shows coming up on Friday,January 7th at The Coffee Beanery, Warren, MI and on Saturday, January 8th at Common Grounds Espresso Bar, Fenton, MI, plus a show on Friday, January 14th at Now & Zen Cafe, Macomb Twp, MI. To see the full calendar, or for directions visit http://www.calendar.deron5l.com/ Hope to see you soon :)
Well, I've been working very hard on different things. Booking gigs has become a priority lately so I'm starting to fill my calendar much more. Recently I started playing at some brand new places including Hatchy's in downtown Utica, and Chubby's in Utica (on M59). These are very cool places, with a fantastic atmosphere.

I'll also be playing as a Duo with some local musicians including Mark Reitenga, and various shows with Ken Miller at the new Hamlin Pub in Shelby Twp., and their Lake Orion location. If you would like to see a performance with two guitars, harmonies, playing many different cover songs, then this is for you! These shows are also listed on the calendar online.
A cool thing happened last month.. MTV contacted 3000 Records last month and requested music from the Bands & Artists I've worked with. The music is being considered for various reality shows like "Cribs", "Diary", "True Life", "High School Stories," and much, much more.

Have a good month!
Warm Regards,
Terrance (Deron 5L)
http://www.deron5l.com


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