Ebony & Ivory's recent tour to California was a great success, with enthusiastic audiences, exciting venues, and brisk CD sales. Andrew, traveling with his mother, Carol, as co-pilot and navigator, made the drive from Toronto, ON, to Bakersfield, CA, in just over four days, seeing much spectacular scenery along the way. Fred traveled by plane from his home in Raleigh, NC.

The Duo's first appearance was a morning concert on Nov. 10 for an appreciative young audience at Rosedale Middle School in Bakersfield (Peggy Biller, Music Teacher.) That evening, Andrew and Fred played for an audience of over 1,500 at the Rabobank Theater, Bakersfield's premier performing venue. Afterwards the Duo greeted many audience members and autographed CD's. Thanks to Bailey Parker, Rob Thomas, Matt Bernon & Brian Register for looking after sound in the hall, and also to Adam Miller, Event Manager. Bob Smith, Past President of the Bakersfield CCA, and his wife Carol, current President, were instrumental in contracting Ebony & Ivory. Denise Eyherabide, Concert Chairperson, provided useful local information and supervised CD sales at the concert. In addition, Diane Ackley produced a very attractive concert program. To them, and to the many other volunteers, a heartfelt thank you.

The next day, Fred explored Bakersfield while Andrew and Carol traveled to Hollywood to visit long-time family friend, film composer and Ebony & Ivory supporter Mychael Danna and his family.

After a couple of restful days off, the three intrepid travelers visited Sequoia National Forest and saw the world's largest tree, the General Sherman sequoia. This tree is well over 2,000 years old, a truly amazing fact to consider. The rest of that day was spent driving to Bishop, CA.

The Duo's next concert took place on the evening of Nov. 14 at Bishop Union High School. This venue was equipped with a Steinway concert grand, much to Andrew's delight! The concert was well-received, and Fred and Andrew talked to many fans afterward. Thanks to Bill Tindall, Brian Thompson, Bill Horn & Wright Huntley for being so accommodating. The drive to Ridgecrest, CA, was made the next morning, with the rest of that day off.

The morning of Nov. 16 saw the Duo performing their school show for several hundred attentive young children at Burroughs High School. Following their performance, Andrew & Fred took some time to answer questions from the audience. After a leisurely afternoon exploring the town, the Duo performed an evening concert back at the high school. Ebony & Ivory's two-hour show delighted the crowd, inspiring many to purchase multiple copies of the Duo's debut CD Red Hot! Thanks to Carl Helmick, Business Manager Extraordinaire, who meticulously attended to every detail; Clarence Dent, Audio Engineer; Carroll Evans, Program; Jim Bego, Lighting; and Greg Morrow, Stage Manager. Thanks also to the IWVCA Board and other staff members for their support.

With the final California concert successfully completed, it was time to head for Kansas. The morning of Thursday, Nov. 17 dawned bright and early as Andrew, Carol & Fred began the two-day drive. They stayed that night in beautiful Glenwood Springs, CO, then drove through the next day to arrive in Baldwin City, KS. Altogether, the travelers spent 31 hours on the road over those two days!

On Nov. 19 the Duo gave an afternoon concert for music students at Baker University. Following their performance, Andrew & Fred chatted with the students, answering many questions about music in general, repertoire, technical issues, traveling, etc. Ebony & Ivory returned to Baker U. that evening to present their final concert of this tour. The audience loved the music, demanding an encore! The Duo responded with a moving rendition of Gershwin's Summertime. Thanks to Susan Buehler, Chair, Artist & Lecture Committee; J.D. Parr, Director, Baker Jazz Studies; and Tom Heiman, Technical Director.

The next morning, Fred flew home from Kansas City. Andrew and Carol continued by land, arriving home the next day.

Ebony & Ivory's Western tour brought the magic of their music into many hearts, garnering countless positive responses from audience members, "fiery" CD sales, and invitations to return in the future!

With only a few days to rest after their tour, Ebony & Ivory traveled to Americus, Georgia for a return engagement at Georgia Southwestern University. According to Andrew, the drive from Toronto to Americus actually seemed short compared with the trip to California!

The Duo's evening concert at the University on Monday, Nov. 28 featured their exciting Christmas Show. Repertoire ranged from classics like The First Noel, I Saw Three Ships and Angels We Have Heard on High, to contemporary Christian works such as Mary, Did You Know? and Almighty, plus three completely different arrangements of Jingle Bells!

A delightful reception followed the concert, as the Duo was treated to that legendary Southern hospitality! Thanks to Julie Megginson for bringing the Duo back to Americus, and to Ray Mannila and Sam Peavy for technical and other assistance.

Andrew, Fred and Robert would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We'll see you back here in 2006!