Velvy is turning 50 on February 1st.

LET'S ALL CHIP IN AND BUY HIM A GUITAR!!

And, it's not just any ol' guitar....

The instrument he's been eyeballing is handmade in Texas by Collings, renowned for its outstanding quality, beautiful sound, and all-around bitchin-ness.

Other artists who own these guitars are: Pete Townshend, Keith Richards, (need I go on?  ok....) Emmylou Harris, Andy Summers, David Crosby, Lyle Lovett, Chris Hillman, Joni Mitchell, John Sebastian, Lou Reed, John Fogerty, Tim O'Brien, Brian May, Joan Baez, John Prine, and yes, Nigel Tufnel of Spinal Tap -- to name a few.

I think we owe it to Velvy to have one of his own!

The Effect

Luckily, Velvy is blessed with wonderful family and friends, and it would mean the world to him to know that this guitar has come from US. Over the years most, if not all, of you have supported some of Velvy's creative endeavors; photos, CDs, live shows, films, food... and it continues to amaze me to see how appreciated and loved Velvy is by this community. I'm truly honored to be part of it. This man means the world to me!

The price range for this guitar is around $5,000. Every dollar raised beyond the cost of the instrument will be put into Spark & Whisper's exciting new recording project; they're working with a new producer and engineer in Berkeley, CA, and this project is really Velvy's dream right now. He really wants to make something serious and beautiful.

Forward this to anyone you think might want to get involved in this campaign, and don't hesitate to contact me if you have any thoughts, questions, or suggestions.

Yours,

- Jenny