Dear Friends –

It is with great sadness that I report the passing of my mother, Sylvia J Blatt. After a very long struggle with her health, she left us last week. In addition to my grief, I was disappointed to have to cancel my western tour. I hope to re-schedule most of the events and will keep you posted.

At the moment, I am taking a little time to grieve and settle her affairs with my brother and sister. Instead of a poem, I am posting the piece I wrote for her Memorial Service. We were blessed to have her with us in New England these last five years, and are grateful to Sugar Hill Senior Living Community and the Dialysis Unit at Berkshire Medical Center for giving her both life and quality of life.

Last fall I was invited to teach at a wonderful little retreat for poets and songwriters on Star Island, just off the coast of Portsmouth, NH. This incredible place is also under threat of development. If you want to take a walk back in time, take the boat out and walk around this tiny island! I was honored to co-write a song about this beloved place to be included in an upcoming CD, available by mid June 2008. The proceeds from the sale of this CD will be given the Star Island Corporation. For more information please go to: http://johnrobbins.us/starcd

Many of you know that my father and his family were Holocaust survivors and that I have songs that address this dark period in history. If you work in a school or have a connection to one that might be interested in my presentation, I’d be happy to forward the promotional material as well as recommendations. I’ll be presenting on Long Island this fall and would welcome other suggestions in the region.

I’ve posted some new music on myspace page. Surf over and be my friend:
http://www.myspace.com/bernicelewis

You can order any of my recordings from http://cdbaby.com/cd/blewis4 or call them at 1-800-BUY-MY-CD. I’ve pasted links for itunes below!

If you are local, you can also purchase copies at Wild Oats Coop in Williamstown, MA, The Bookstore in Lenox, and Berkshire Fine Handcrafts at 431 North Street in Pittsfield, MA.

My digital bio:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3ZWuj7JcnM
It would be awesome if you took a minute to rate it!

My Grand Canyon montage:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oW0zAbGX44

Hope our trails cross again soon!

Bernice
 

blewis@williams.edu
For Booking and Information:
413-458-0944