How the hell am I going to get used to writing a '2'? I just got used to writing 19xx, let alone the year. Guess we'll all get used to it together and keep on keepin' on. IJWT thank all of you for reading my section this past year. I've tried to bring you info, things of interest and to turn you on to some new music. That's what it's all about anywoo - turning people on to the bestest, freshest, catch'em-live-if-you-can-bands. I wish each of you a peaceful and joyous holiday season and a prosperous and fun New Year. Be safe, be smart, have fun and keep dancin'!!!

HEY NOW!!!!! If you are planning on ordering from us for gifts, you should go ahead and give us a call. If you place an order anytime after the 17th of December, there will be a risk of the package not arriving in time for the big holiday.

Earlier this week we received the motherlode of the new Strangefolk Live CDs. We'll be giving them away with all our orders until they're gone! With our current order volume we'll be out by Christmas - so if you're planning on getting some good discs - now's the time!

Here's a review of the new Strangefolk CD just posted at http://www.MrLee.com

Everybody familiar with Strangefolk knows they can sing. Sweet harmonies and passionate melodies have always been their calling card. And Strangefolk has always been known as good songwriters too. More radio friendly than most jambands. What a lot of folks may -not- know about Strangefolk though, is that the two guitar, drums and bass quartet out of Burlington, Vermont, can also rock with the best of 'em.

'Live,' was recorded this past Summer at the Fourth Annual Gathering of the Vibes Festival in Bridgeport, Connecticut. John Siket of Dave Mathews Band fame mixed the tracks. A five song, 50 plus minute "EP," 'Live' includes just a handful of tunes, but a nice mix nonetheless. There's a few songs from each of Strangefolk's first two albums, as well as a pair of new compositions. And the music is first rate. Rocking out longer and harder than they do in the studio, Strangefolk puts on an energized performance, combining stop-on-a-dime dynamics with solid musicianship and their trademark - superlative singing. Released by Mammoth Records as a limited addition, promotional CD in advance of Strangefolk's soon-to-be-released, full length -studio- album, 'Live' is not available in stores and can only be had for a limited time directly from the record label. The good news though is that all five tracks can be downloaded in Liquid Audio from the band's website free of charge. However you get it, get it quick. This one will soon be a collectors item. - review by Lee Abraham ( www.MrLee.com

Certain orders will also receive a free 2 song sampler CD from Nathan Whitt & Chief's Tale! http://www.HomeGrownMusic.net(800)6LEEWAY

Attention tape traders: The HGMN traders page is running full speed! http://www2.cconnect.net/deda/hgmn.htm the place to go to see tape lists and contact traders. Grow your collection!!!

There's more on our website! The Home Grown jukebox is now loaded with RealAudio tracks from awesome Home Grown CD's! Go to http://www.homegrownmusic.net/radio.htmland get a taste of what these bands have to offer!

Join the HG Net!!! A low-traffic discussion list about HGMN, bands, shows, etc. We trade lots of shows by HGMN artists as well as pass along useful info. Check it out: http://www.homegrownmusic.net/hgmn.html Don't forget to get our latest catalog full of great music! You can sign up for one by sending me an email with your snail mail address ( marcie@homegrownmusic.net) or by calling 1800 6LEEWAY (leave your name and snail mail info).

From: Bryan Rodgers - bryan@homegrownmusic.net

In case you are having trouble choosing which CD's to give this holiday season, here are some new releases and recently re-stocked titles:

Mecca Bodega: Give the gift of atmosphere! Their percussion-driven sound is urban and tribal all at once! CD's include the newest live release and Subway Stories, which is the ominous soundtrack to the HBO movie of the same name.

On the Corner with Fuzz- B'Gock! This one is irresistible. Cosmic funk with loads of superpowers playing together on this disc! Almost all of Deep Banana Blackout is featured, plus DJ Logic, Michael Ray, Nate Wilson, and more! Highly recommended CD for morning pre-work activities!

viperHouse- Lap Hen Mind-blowing musicianship meets sultry vocals in a live setting! A perfect follow-up to their two studio releases.

Joe Gallant and Illuminati- Terrapin This will please the Deadhead who has it all. A drastically different, genre-jumping take on the album Terrapin Station, performed by Gallant's 17-piece orchestra with over 70 guest musicians! Features Jen Durkin of Deep Banana Blackout, Ike Willis (Zappa), Bill Walton, Pat Boone, Jorma Kaukonen, Buddy Cage, and more.

Blueground Undergrass- Live at the Variety Playhouse - It's out, and the response is overwhelming. There's no denying that Rev. Mosier and the boys have delivered the goods on this SMOKING live CD. This is the biggest, baddest bluegrass on the planet.

Soulive- Turn it Out - It's so good, it almost doesn't seem real. They have upped the ante for the rest of the jazz-funk nation!

The Living Daylights: The word 'energetic' is an understatement when describing this innovative trio! Consisting of Sax, Bass, and Drums, they slip and slide all over the musical map on their CD's Falling Down Laughing and 500 Pound Cat.

Now Back in Stock:..

The Disco Biscuits- Encephalous Crime If you ordered one, it is on the way!

Jiggle the Handle - Mrs. White's Party

Zero- Self-titled and Nothin' Lasts Forever (hard to find)

Galactic- Crazyhorse Mongoose - What are you waiting for?

Percy Hill - Double Feature (2 live CDs)

We also feature a wide array of Relix Records titles, including Solar Circus, Hot Tuna, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Jorma Kaukonen, Robert Hunter and more, now all in stock!

The HGMN online presence keeps growing! If you want to join our mailing list, send an email to join@homegrownmusic.net , and you will receive our humble newsletter (The Dancing Tree) plus tour dates and news.

Check out Bryan's page: http://www.homegrownmusic.net/planbee.htm for constantly updated setlists from sources around the web. There is plenty to keep you busy, he has links to band sites, music journalism sites, and more.

For orders, call 1-800-6LEEWAY or visit our webpage. For catalogs, email us at catalog@homegrownmusic.net.

NEW MEMBERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations to the newest members of the Home Grown Music Network: Snake Oil Medicine Show. Go check 'em out and tell them you heard about them here! They have two CD's, self-titled and Is Was Be. You have to hear it for yourself! There is no combination of words that can describe their sound. For more info visit: http://www.homegrownmusic.net/snakeoil.htm

Highwater just got some tracks added to mp3.com. They have four songs available for download including: $100 Bill, Too Many Sides, Last Brick, and Anytime(Me and My Baby). They are also planning the release of a live album after the Holidays that will be available thru HGMN, on mp3.com and at their shows. Check out their page at www.mp3.com or www.highwater.net