MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER: A campaign, a commercial

An awesome column, thank you. I will definitely listen to Hem.I have every album you have done, since Hometown Girl back in 1987, and went to a concert of yours by Boston harbor,around 1999..The only two other musicians I "collect" are Rita MacNeil and Eric Bogle. The most interesting story I read about you was in the Brown Alumni Mag, which said that when you were at Taft, Joan Baez joined you in some songs when she was passing by and heard you. I believe she was returning a relative to campus.What an incredible moment, sort of like a Twilight Zone episode in retrospect. I look forward to reading your column regularly. John Lorenz, Maine

chapin...hello..nice to see another musical voice offering perspective....we met some time ago in Nashville when I was working with Benita Hill and other friends there.....thanks for sharing your thoughts....and may I share mine with you?http://scottedwardphelps.blogspot.com......from one closet hippie/activist to another :) best wishes, besafe, sep

Hey Chapin, cool column! That's a great song and a great commercial. I first heard Hem in the second of their 7 ads. Each one of them has a different one of their songs in it. I think the carnival one is number 7. The one that caught my attention was "The Part Where You Let Go." I went out and bought the album - it's really good! I'm looking forward to reading more of your columns. -- Kirsten, VA

hello MCC: I enjoyed your article. I was linked here by "Wonkette". I, like John, had all your albums to. I love your music although I will have to admit I haven't heard any of your new stuff. But I am looking forward to catching up with it as well as reading your future columns here. All the best for the upcoming holidays.

Chapin! So wonderful to "hear" you again...on the Washington Times... looking forward to your next article... Music does indeed make you smarter..wiser to stop..listen..feel..breathe! Happy Thanksgiving..Mary Marlene :) (off to buy Hem.....)

Hey, Chapin! Just learned of your new journalism gig at the Washington Times. Congratulations! You made a wonderful point in this first piece, and it should not be taken lightly. Ran into Tim at the Gravity a couple of months ago when Carrie Newcomer played. Good guy, but I hope you're getting better. Ginny and I have been in Forest Lakes now a little over four years, and life is good here. Hope to see you somewhere along the line soon. All the best to you, Tim, and the family for a wonderful holiday and a safer, saner 2009. Len Jaffe Barking Cherry House Concerts Charlottesville, VA

Just wanted to say...I'm so excited about this....Mary Chapin's voice on a regular basis. I am always looking for her words. Her music has been a part of my life for years and what a beautiful mind. She is a constant source of comfort and strength no matter what is going on in my life. The Calling is a beautiful album and so looking forward to getting the christmas album. I've been listening to Hem since they opened for Over the Rhine(another great band) and love their music. Again, thanks for more MCC!!!! Made my day... Happy Holidays Mary Chapin! Gina Savannah, Ga