
😉 I’ve also recently had a bunch of shows fizzle out or otherwise derail in the homestretch, which is a different kind of letdown. The performances were so convincing I found myself well and truly bummed out, which is a feather in the cap for the actors and writers, but not so hot for me. Sometimes I run out of steam or get bogged down when shows get a little too real and depressing in their realistic portrayals of dysfunction. I try to contribute to the positive signal-to-noise ratio in discussions here at DramaBeans (despite my tendency to go off on tangents and play FM disc jockey on my fan wall).

Speak up if and when the spirit moves you. Lurking is a good way to get back into the swing of things. There’s increased coverage of casting news and forthcoming shows, too. New Minions have joined the merry band, and more dramas are being recapped. The good news is that you’ve timed your return to coincide with DB’s reemergence from the chrysalis. I hope you have a lovely time visiting your mother. For what it’s worth, my Dad is 92, so we’re probably boomers of a feather, which is nice. I think this is exactly what the fan wall is for.

The dark months have historically been the difficult time of year for me, and sometimes I don’t feel too chatty, so I have an idea of what you’ve been through. Sometimes holing up and keeping a low profile is the best medicine. I’m glad you’re feeling better, especially after surgery. It received positive reviews, with The Wailin Jennys frequently performing music from it and their other albums on Prairie Home Companion and other such programs.Aloha, I recall that we’ve chatted in the past, although I don’t recall the subject(s). The Mauch Chunk album features two originals from each of the three members, including Mehta's "Begin," which features prominently in the soundtrack of the movie "The Cake Eaters." Also included are two previously unrecorded long-time concert staples: Jane Siberry's "Calling All Angels" and Ella Jenkins' "Racing with the Sun." The album also features a cappella rendition of Lead Belly's "Bring Me a Li'l Water Silvy," previously recorded by the group on their 2003 debut EP. The album was the Wailin' Jennys' first live album, and their first album since Heather Masse, the group's third alto, joined founding members soprano Ruth Moody and mezzo Nicky Mehta, and since they added instrumentalist Jeremy Penner as sideman.

"Live at the Mauch Chunk Opera House" was recorded during a single day, rather than being compiled from an entire tour. In the last week of August 2008, alt-folk group The Wailin Jennys arrived at the Mauch Chunk Opera House with the goal of laying down a live recording to capture their performances in the famous Mauch Chunk Opera House, in the town of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania.
