Should you not receive Allison's news by email, here's word of the
Scottish festival created in tribute to John Lennon being feted last
night at the UK Festival Awards:

John Lennon Festival Shines On UK Awards Night

"I always felt free in Scotland," said John Lennon.

That freedom was shared by artist and audience alike earlier this
year at a Festival in Durness named in tribute to the much-loved
musician, writer and peace activist. In spirit and body, family,
friends and fans of John Lennon came together in the Scottish
Highlands for three days of music, poetry, drama and more - under
the Northern Lights.

Last night, at a ceremony in London, England, the John Lennon
Northern Lights Festival was named "Best New Festival" at the UK
Festival Awards - joining long-standing celebrants, such as the Isle
of Wight and Glastonbury festivals, on the winner's podium. Hearty
congratulations are due Festival Coordinator Mike Merritt and his
team, and to all the people. Imagine ( :

Singer-songwriter Allison Crowe's honoured and delighted to be
Canada's musical ambassador to the event, sharing the stage and
experience with an eclectic line-up, including: the original
Quarrymen (John's skiffle group which evolved into The Beatles);
contemporary UK chart-toppers Nizlopi; premiere Scottish jazzer Todd
Gordon and his combo; Britain's most popular living poet and
playwright Carol Ann Duffy (second only to William Shakespeare among
university-age readers); punk poet John Cooper Clarke; members of
the Royal Academy of Music; all together with the Queen's Master of
Music, composer/conductor Sir Peter Maxwell Davies (in a joyful
musical triumph, his first public performance in 15 years).

During the Festival in Durness in late September, John's family
gathered for the dedication of a simple plaque - now on the family
croft above the waters and sands of Sango Bay. It says: "John Lennon
1940-1980, Musician & Songwriter, lived here".

Och aye. He's living there still.

http://www.allisoncrowe.com/AllisonCroweTidingsInMyLife.mp3

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Next, I'll have word on the Kidney Foundation of Canada's innovative
fundraising campaign - auctioning small paintings created by Allison
and other musicians, alongside actors, athletes++

cheers, Adrian