See also: press release for, and selling out the release party for Sharin' in the Groove, which was held on July 12 at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. The Foundation would also like to acknowledge Merl Saunders and his Funky Friends, Ten Ton Chicken (who did a fantastic "Moma" and more), special guests Radim Zenkl (amazing Chekoslovakian mandolinist who performed a surprise 45-minute interim set), Martin Fierro (saxophonist who used to play with Zero, Jerry Garcia, Legion of Mary, and others), and two guys from the Tower of Power, and thank them all for their fantastic music, generosity, and supportive spirit. There was over four hours of music at the party, and Merl pushed beyond the curfew by nearly an hour! The special event also included brief stints by the Foundation's VP Charlie Dirksen (introducing Radim Zenkl) and the Foundation's Funding Director Kristen Godard (introducing Merl and presenting him with a plaque of thanks), the tribute album premiered to the audience over the PA pre-show, and shirts and other items not available elsewhere, all for charity.

Over $5000 was raised for the charities, the Community Music Center of San Francisco and San Francisco Performances. The free analog tapes (around 250) that were given away went pretty quickly. If you got some tapes please drop me a line and let me know what you think of 'em. Also, over 120 copies of the album were sold at the party. If you would like more information on the Foundation and the album, please see www.mockingbirdfoundation.org/album, and thank you for supporting music education for children!

There are a good number of Mockingbird Foundation tshirts left from the event. They are 100% heavy cotton, and come in three kinds: black (L or XL) and forest green (XL only) with white logo on the front left breast ($12); white with orange logo on the left front breast ($12, available in M, XXL, and XL); and white with blue logo on the front left breast, and with a full color Sharin' in the Groove album cover on the back ($20). The small profit from these shirts will benefit music education for children. If you would one of these shirts (fwiw, the Foundation has no plans at this time to order any more...), just email me the type, color and size, and your address. It'll be $1.88 postage per shirt. You can pay me via paypal (cdirksen@earthlink.net) or by check or money order.

See also: press release, photo gallery, and videos from the release party.