June 1, 2024

Hi Gang:

Well, it’s not “officially” Summer just yet, but I’ve always felt that Summer starts after Memorial Day and runs through Labor Day. Maybe it’s because Summer was defined that way when I was in school. Regardless, Memorial Day is in our rear view mirrors now (I hope you enjoyed yours!) and we’re calling it summertime in Whisperville. Welcome to our first newsletter of the season!

Another sure-fire way to know it’s summer is that CMA Fest will be upon us here in a few days. Country music fans from all around the world have already begun pouring into Nashville to celebrate with concerts, food, and fun. I plan to appear on the Grand Ole Opry Tuesday night June 4th for two shows, but other than that I’m laying low this year. I’ve taken part in the event that used to be known as Fan Fair for over fifty years. I’m glad to let the young folks have their moment in the sun (and the rain) this go ’round. (Our other Opry dates this month are June 18th and June 22nd.)

I do have a little bit of news on the musical front, though, in that we’ve settled on a title for my upcoming new record release. It will be a six-song EP of love songs titled “Forevermore.” Our graphics crew is busy designing the artwork to accompany the music, and hopefully we’ll have something to show you soon. The release date will be August 16th. I’m really proud of this project, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

I’ve also got another bit of exciting news. I haven’t worked a concert date on the road since February, 2020, just before COVID hit. I’ve never said I was “retired,” but going back on tour has not been at or near the top of my bucket list. However, an interesting opportunity has presented itself, and I may just take advantage of it.

The folks in my adopted hometown of Commerce, Georgia, have informed me that in September the Commerce High School football team will play the 1,000th game in school history. They feel this calls for a celebration, and they want me to come celebrate with them. You know the auditorium at Commerce High is called the Bill Anderson Performing Arts Center, and if I were to do a concert again there couldn’t be a more perfect place.

Nothing is definite but it might just happen. While the details are being ironed out, you might want to circle Saturday September 14th on your calendar…and start checking the mileage from where you live to Commerce. It sure would be fun to see a whole bunch of you again. Stay tuned…I’ll be telling you more as the time approaches.

On the personal side of things our longtime fiddle player and background singer, Kenzie Wetz, has announced her engagement to Joshua Donnici of Kansas City, and they have set their wedding date for December 1st. Wedding bells are going to sound like an alarm clock going off around here in the upcoming months. My granddaughter, Caroline, is getting married October 13th, Kenzie on December 1st, and my grandson, Blake, next April 27th.

On a not so happy note, my grandson, Gabe, has had a return of the cancer that all of us had hoped was gone for good. So many of you have prayed for him as he has battled this disease over the years, and your prayers are needed and welcomed again. He will be beginning treatment soon. Please pray that it will be successful. I’ll keep you posted.

Thanks for everything, and my best to you all.