This Custom Adamas Elite was a gift from Ovation and the Emergenza folks when I went to Germany as the first Emergenza "Acoustic Hero".
Most of the "Arsenal". My Everett "Laurel" on the left
My Mermer Kona Steel. "Kula Kika"
I've worked with some of the world's finest, but I typically play (or fake) most, if not all of the instruments on my recordings including: 6 String Acoustic & Electric Guitar, 12 String Acoustic & Electric Guitar, Steel Guitar (acoustic & electric), Harmonica, Trap Drums, Hand Drums, Percussion, Recorder, Pan Pipes, Didgeridoo, Piano, Flutes, Mandolin, Water Jug, Wine Bottles, Banjo, Trumpet, 2nd Fiddle, 1st Chair, Folding Chair, Keyboards, Washboards, Italian Cowbell (the finest tone). On my Paradox of Grace cd Bill Braatz plays drums on most of the tracks. He's brilliant. My beloved friend John Kurgan on the east coast helps me get most of my things recorded. Dear friend Don Richmond helps me record when i'm home in the San Luis Valley. Kent Everett builds my Acoustic 6 Strings. Rich Mermer builds my Kona Acoustic Steels. Michael Kelly Guitars built my electric hollow body "Vibe". Martin Funmaker made my Native Flutes, Godin built my 12 String Acoustic Electric and Om made my 5 String Banjo. I'm also grateful to have endorsements with D'addario Strings, Fishman Pickups, Pick Up The World Pickups and Kyser Capos.
Here I'm playing another Mermer Kona Lap Steel, "Kahu"... photo by Melissa Bugg.
I live a fairly unplugged life in Taos and I admit it.... I'd rather be on my mountain bike than online doing battle with a mega slow dial up connection using my cell phone as a modem. I apologize sincerely for not being very responsive. If you're trying to get in touch I recommend e-mailing don@donconoscenti.com. Irreverence and good humor are welcome here, but PLEASE DON'T POST PROMOTIONAL BANNERS...PLEASE!
I shattered my left femur on Tuesday evening 3-24-09 during a boringly routine and very slow road bicycle ride. I was turning around to head home and the rear wheel slid out from under me in some gravel left behind by the snow plows. I didn't see it. It's embarrassing how slow I was going…didn't even slide when I fell. Just stuck to the asphalt in a pile of pain. My neighbor Roger said he could hear me howling from six miles away back at the house... it's probably true.
Thanks for your support, prayers, emails, calls, concern, and offers to help with expenses. As you can imagine I am one of those millions of uninsured folks out there. The bills are about $100,000, but I'm a grateful and blessed fellow. People have been asking how they can offer financial assistance. My buddy Wayne Evanson set up an account at Centinel Bank here in Taos. Anyone wishing to send financial support can...
Make Checks Payable to: Don Conoscenti
And Send Them To:
Centinel Bank of Taos
Pob 818
Taos NM 87571
For PayPal folks just use this email: don@donconoscenti.com
(PayPal people will know what that means)
Please don't feel pressured. These are tough times for everyone. At the same time I don't want to stubbornly stand in the way of help when I clearly need it. The bills are massive. I'm going to be on board for President Obama's efforts to reform health care. Give me the version with the Public Plan Option and woe is the congress person who votes against that option.
There'll be an all day benefit concert and silent auction here in Taos at the KTAO Solar Center on May 31st. There's also a benefit concert at The Blue Door in Oklahoma City May 11th, another in Alamosa May 21st and Eddie's Attic is cooking something up... potentially in July. Should be fun bashes and I plan to attend them all if conditions allow. Look for details and updates in the "Shows" section of my site…. www.doncon.com
By the way...I found the x rays oddly compelling and have posted them in the "Femur and Friends Gallery" in the "Photos" section of the site...in case you're as weird as I am. I've been adding x rays from friends who submit them to me in JPEG form...a gallery of busted up skeletal parts and hardware. I think Chuck Brodsky is gonna be the big draw for the gallery. You've got to see his ankle x rays.
Peace on all of you and thanks for the blessing of your friendship and life/music camaraderie.
My vision for the country as of the November 4th, 2008 presidential elections is that President Obama and the leaders in Congress will collaborate very openly and willingly, but ultimately follow the president and his team's lead. End our wars. Prosecute the most blatant lawbreakers in government including members of the recent Bush administration. No one should be above the law in this government. No one. Clean up the election system and safeguard it from partisan manipulation and gaming. The Republicans as a minority party in Congress should become better listeners and collaborators and be less combative and less morally assertive. We voted for them to have less influence for a reason. They should read the memo. All members of government should stop the promotion of fear and the use of divisive issues in politics. Stick to problem solving and leave moral and spiritual choices to individuals, families and communities. Create a Department of Peace and eliminate or consolidate some of the defense and intelligence organizations to fund it. Cut defense spending. Transform the education, energy and transportation sectors of our nation. End the age of fossil fuel. Shrink bureaucracy and make government simpler, more cost effective and less secretive. Shrink executive power and undo the excessive orders and signing declarations of the recent administration(s). Insure that the Supreme Court stays balanced ideologically. Safeguard the Department of Justice from partisan manipulation and gaming. Prosecute and imprison anyone who tampers with it. Don't create more laws...create fewer laws which are better written and more comprehensive. Remove unproductive laws from the books. Stop the war on drugs and revise the legal system concerning drug use and drug abuse, recognizing the difference between the two and legalizing the former. We need lawmakers who really have a clue about the social, economical and personal costs of the policies and laws they're pushing and/or voting for. Maybe lawmakers could undergo a month long boot camp where they live in a cramped apartment, work two jobs, fall short on their bills and have to take the bus, walk or ride their bike everywhere. If it becomes clear that they don't get it they should be disqualified from running for office. Government should take nature seriously and recognize undeveloped wilderness areas, the oceans and other open spaces as necessary and irreplaceable resources. Pursue peace domestically and globally as if our lives depended on it and treat it as a real and pragmatic policy cornerstone.
Dear Don Con, It's after Halloween and the busy holidays are approaching. Take a break and drop by to listen to my featured songs. You may find my music to be just the calm you need during this hectic time of the year. I appreciate your friendship and I hope you enjoy the music. I wish you much joy and peace.
We are finally ready to start promoting my 'I Surrender' single with my album, 'Ella Trip' coming right after -yey!! What d'ya think to the video teaser?
I am about half way done with my latest update to my page. Come take a peek and listen to the first song from my up and comming cd. Right now the release date is in December.
A new feature I have added is you can now post your favorite song from my playlist to your profile.
My theme is fall, with the songs having a since of wanderlust. I hope that you enjoy my pictures and songs, and you will return to my page when it's completed.
I am currently recording the other five songs and putting together the final touches.
I hope you will take the time to listen, look at my pics and post a comment (please, please, please) about your favorite song from my playlist.
Have a terrific fall, and take care Thanks, Jeff Moats
P/S "I get by with a little help from (you) My Friends"
Don Con, How's it going? I just wanted to let you know that my debut "Like I'm Beautiful" is now available on iTunes, on sale for only $5.94 this week!
Hope you have an amazing day! Be blessed, Kelly Murray
Hi , Thanks for the friend add. Just wanted to let you know that my new album, 'Rock You Down', is now available on Itunes, and Amazon.com. If you like what you've heard thus far, check it out! And pass it on if you enjoy. Thanks.
FREE CONCERT WEDNESDAYS AT THE W.V.(TELEVISED) Watch the W.V. Live on the Internet @ www.quote-unquote.org
HOW TO JOIN THE W.V. STUDIO AUDIENCE: The W.V. airs at the Quote Unquote Studio's in studio "a" at 415 Tijeras NW, Albuquerque NM We are located in the old County Courthouse on the south west side of the Civic Plaza in downtown ABQ. Our front doors are on civic plaza at the east side of the building up the handicap ramp Do not try to enter from the street Do not try to enter Tijeras St from 2nd or 3rd street. Tijeras st is a one way and can only be enterd from 6th or 5th street. There is meter parking on both sides of the street. Parking is free after 6pm. Underground parking is available at a price.. The W.V. always has live bands and is always free. Call the W.V. at ph. 553-1565 for more info.
Wow, How are you i pray all is well !!!!!!!!! I..ll bet your bizy putting out great new tunes,If i was there Id give you a warm hug,If you ever need anything !I..m there.Much Love, STARR..XOXO
Dear Friend I haven't heard from you in a while. I invite you to stop by the site and take a look around. I've added pictures of our Grand Canyon Shows.Drop by and leave a comment! Jeff
It's been 3 years since you were last in Michigan. As I recall, it was about 3 years before THAT that you were also here. I'd say you're due for a visit to the midwest!
TANKS FO DA AD "SPANKY"
NOW BOOKING TOP BANDS FOR TV APPEARANCE
Are you ready to do the W.V. if so, send your contact info to this page now.
Over 200 bands have been on the W.V, an you can join them by performing
on our TV show. We are including a list of open dates for you to choose
from. The slots are filling up fast, so please act promptly.
We are now booking 13 more headliner bands and 25 solo/duo
unplugged performers for the remaining shows in 2009. If you are
interested in booking your acts as backup. Please send us your contact
info to this page. Please act promptly because our slots book fast. Our
next booking week is in mid December for the 1st half of 2010. If you
have any questions please call the K.C. at (505) 553-1565
K.C. Guest (Producer)
UPDATES AS OF 07/30 6PM
#150 08/19 Pending #152 09/02 Pending #154 09/16
Hey Don, How have you been? I don't know if my dad has told you this, but I have a son named Landon, who will be one on the 19th of June. And I also am engaged to a wonderful man named Ryan Thor, and we plan on getting married on October 10th of this year. Hope all is well!!! With Love, Faulkner
(TELEVISED) 
