Nice show (03-27-01) at the Amazing Grace. Very nice, rich sound, both voice and guitar.Lets get cynical, cynical. I wanna get cynical.......ciao

Hi Lui, Book sounds wonderful.

I first heard you this evening singing Swimming to the OtherSide. So I got on the web and located Lyrics to it and othersthat you have written. I'll ber off to the store for LeavingFort Knox tomorrow, very easy on the ears and mind. Thankyou for sharing.

Dear Lui, I knew this internet thing was cool, but not this cool. Typed your name in a search engine, and here you are! You may remember me from such appearences as the Bare With Us Player's "GODSPELL". You played my mother! Now you have your own dotcom! Sigh, life... I'm schooling in Chicago now- majoring in music business: "is there really such a thing," my parents wonder? who knows? Feel free to write me if you would like to catch up. I would really enjoy it!Kate Urcioli

DEAR MS. COLLINS,I REALLY ENJOYED READING "STALKING THE WILD TUBAPHONE!" THANK YOU! I'VE BEEN PLAYING ONE OF BART'S TUBAPHONES FOR YEARS NOW AND THEY ARE THE BEST! IF YOU REALLY DO A PACIFIC NW TOUR EACH FALL PLEASE KEEP IN TOUCH - I'D LIKE TO TRY AND HOST YOU IN A CONCERT HERE IN BEND. THANKS AGAIN! SINCERELY, DAVID REICH

I was searching for an artist named Stephen Lauterbach, he did an Irish album called First Harvest....I found only one reference to it in the search and that is here on your website. I would like to have more of his music but cant seem to find out if there is any out there or where to get it....wondered if you were aware of any source....thank you...Glenn

You may remember us, we talked to you about your divorce and other challenges at Doug and Ellie's place. After the concert at Under the Oaks, we played your "Leaving Fort Knox" album at least two dozen times. And now we are sick of it! (just kidding) We especially liked "Swimming to the Other Side" and have set the CD to repeat this song over and over, like a meditation. I can still hear the song playing in my head (which is wonderful). Leigh cried at one point and said; "I just wish the world was really like this." We're hoping to make our "inner world" more like this which will surely change our view of the "outer world." Leight read your poetry out loud, its often better to hear poetry rather than just read it. You really do reach a lot of people with your work. thanks luv jim and leigh

February 23, 2001Hi Lui...I recently heard a snippet of a piece that you did and I have no clue what CD it's from. The words are"...you are a healer...the world awaits you...move to the Now..." I'm not even sure if these are exactly the correct lyrics, but the song moved me tremendously. I heard it right after a wondrous astrology ready that confirmed and affirmed a major direction in my life as a healer. So...the long and short of it is: On what CD is the song? and How can I obtain the CD?Also...I'm the director of an 87 woman a cappella group in Manchester, NH. Last year we did your Hujambo! Maisha Ni Safi...the audience loved it!And then...I'm also part of a 9 woman a cappella group thta released our CD "You Are with Me" last September, 2000...We do a lot of our own compositions but always welcome other artists work and enjoy arranging them to fit our a cappella blend and style. This particular group is entitled AKSARA; AKSARA is an Eastern Indian Goddess of ceremony whose name means Syllable of Sound.I thank you for all your great work!Go gently...Vic Schneider

hi lui! i was doing a search for my name as part of a domain search tonight, and there you were! which was funny, because i also put the tracks i did with you in a file a couple of days ago and heard them for the 1st time in a while! pretty "cosmic", eh?i hope that you're well and will consider me for more recording in the future. i'm busy working in NYC, as well as putting a studio in my home for my own work.stay in touch,jim

HI Lui! I'm Philip and Doreen Muller-Brown's daughter Caitlin! I've been hearing your music ever since I was born... infact, rooti-toot-toot for the moon was one of the first songs i can remember singing. I myself have now... I think with a little early-on influience have taken up the beautiful medium of music, via guitar.... voice... and I'm loving folk! My dad got a parcel from you in the mail recently.... with some cd's... i guess my parents miss you! you should come visit! amazing woman!!!!! awesome... wow.. okay... I'll get going now... check out my web-page. --cait

I wae just recently very lucky to find an lp entitled " Made In England" released on Fretless records in 1978 in mint shap by you. I don't see this listed under your recordings. How rare is this? I love the lp. Thanks, Bill

I was born in 1954 and raised in Barre Vt. Graduated Spaulding 1972 And wondering if you went to St Monica's because I had never heard of you. A friend odf mine saw you last night in Sharon VT [Sargent Camp Guy] told me what you had talked about like the cemetary. We used to hang out at the one up on Beckley hill below the Monestary? Well I'm glad to here of someone from our home town making it!!Chris

I got your cd though the mail and really enjoy your music.It's the first cd I've ever been able to listen to for non-stop!

Keep up the good work and thanks for making the world a better place because of your music and singing. I'll be listening for you on WMNF Tampa. Say hi if you get the chance.love, Don

Hello, we met and so much enjoyed hearing and seeing youplay with Dana at first night in Raleigh. If you areplanning any more trips to the Triangle area, I wouldlove advance notice so that I might get together a groupof homeschooled kids for a workshop. Again, thank youfor your music.

Hi Lui,It was great to hear you Sat. night in Newton. I hope you got the car fixed without too much expense and pain.I share with you a love of cemetaries with their sense of peaceful presence. Myfavorites are the Concord cemetary with all the Americn authors. It's small andvery hilly and so peaceful. Then there's the Mt. Auburn cemetary in Watertown, solarge and so beautiful that they have to request that people not picnic there.It has an exquisite chapel and a wonderful stone tower with a view of the wholearea all the way to the sea on clear days.I think what attracts me to cemetaries other than theirpeace is the sense that there are 'people' there thatknow firsthand about the passage from this physical lifeto wherever they are now, and they know it is not a fearful thing.I feel connected in a cemetary as I do in the woods, althoughin the woods it's to nature, and in a burial groundit's to those who once walked here, and will again.And to myself.Thanks so much for your music. I just finished listening to"Leaving Fort Knox" which I bought at the concert. Incrediblyexciting and full of energy. Just what I love.See you in Kerrville if not before. I'll be sure to catch youat Threadgill.Well may your world go,Grace Ackerman

I saw you at my school and I thought you were greatMy school is PQ

Hi Lui:Passed the Middlesex United Methodist Church yesterday and saw that you are playing there on Feb 7th. I'm sure you don't remember my name but we met years ago. At the time I worked at Alcazar and had the honor of working with Dana on Midnight Salvage. You vistied me once there with Dana. Anyway, happily I'm out of the music "business" now and am a full time mom of three beautiful girls. Just wanted to extend an invitation to stay with us if you need a place to stay while you're here. We live about 10 minutes from Middlesex in Waitsfield.Hope your New Year is off to a great start! Best wishes.Joan Hale

Hi Lui,It was great to hear you on Folk Sampler. Mike included you on his Best of 2000 show...you probably already know this but it was nice to hear you get national exposure. Way to go!!!I'm the guy in Richmond that won the Goodtime banjo from Mike last year...I'm still loving it.Take care.Mark

Lui,I will always treasure hearing you perform with Bill and Guy at the Marbledale Pub way back when! Looking forward to hearing you again soon. A private function in Bethel? How does one get on the guest list? :)Fenner

Hi, Lui! We're the folks who hosted you a couple of times at After the Husking Coffeehouse on Block Island. We moved to New Haven in September. We just heard some cuts from your latest album on the radio and loved hearing you again. Hope we can catch a concert on the "mainland" sometime soon! Glad to hear you are still writing wonderful songs.Peace and joy in the new year - Rick and Billie Lanz

Hi, Lui! We're the folks who hosted you a couple of times at After the Husking Coffeehouse on Block Island. We moved to New Haven in September. We just heard some cuts from your latest album and loved hearing you again. Hope we can catch a concert on the "mainland" sometime soon! Glad to hear you are still writing wonderful songs.Peace and joy in the new year - Rick and Billie Lanz

Lui, Hi! Do you remember me? We played as a duet for a shortwhile, many years (26 or so) ago.We almost won that talentshow, playing John Denver's, Country Road.When you were inAshland, a few months ago, you came into a market called Cantwell's and purchased something in the Vitamin section. Iwas at the register, and we stood there smiling and lookinginto each others eyes for a long moment. Something seemedvery familiar to me and then you left. I even thought,later,that you looked very much like Lui Collins. A week or so later, I saw your poster in the window of a shop in town.I'm sorry I wasn't fast enough to catch you in the moment,but here we are now. Our duet surfaces from time to time inthis mind,fondly. Happy New Year & Blessings Joseph Tokarz

Hi Lui,Just a quick note to thank you for the Christmas concert. It was a realpleasure as usual. You're right, the kids are growing up so much that Ialmost didn't recognize them. Tim said to make sure that when you schedulenext year's Xmas concert that it's on the right weekend.Love,Dave

Hope to see you again soon

LuiYou have such a gift for writing....even your November 'Musings' are poetic---' guess that's why you call it 'musings'I've really been enjoying 'Stone by Stone' and was touched by many of the songs. Guinevere and the Fire reminded me of 'Beddgelert'---what a tragedy!I've been working on your 'Gone but Not Forgotten'. It is a haunting mesmerizing song...I want to get in touch with you directly about it soon.It was so wonderful having you and Bob with us for an extended visit. We all shared some memorable experiences and I'm sure we'll see you again (maybe New Year's Eve!)Until then, take care, be safe and have a wonderful Holiday!Songfully,Bett

Just a thanks here. Your Baptism of Fire song/album struck a chord for me when I was sober and trying to stay that way. I've kinda dropped out since those years. Kindly tell me (given that I am anchored to Baptism of Fire) which CD I should select.Oh. I heard you in some church basement or other in Hartford, Ct. I think it was close to Christmas. Still sober and looking for more excellent songs like "Baptism of Fire" and "Waking up is Easy."Best,Patty Ebaugh

Well Lui, I had to send another note because I put the wrong email address in the one I sent yesterday...this is the handicap I labor under! Thanks again for a wonderful concert in Richmond. I'm enjoying your cd a lot!Can you suggest a good clawhammer method book? I 'm inspired to do more. I really think you're doing amazingly for two years.Take care,Mark

Hi Lui,It was a pleasure to meet you last night here in Richmond.You are so good!!I'm still getting over the embarrassment of asking you if you "were opening for Lui and Bob?"...beam me up, Scottie!!! The Banjo connection was an added treat.( If you ever see Mike Flynn again you'll have to tell him you met his Deering winner) You made me feel warm and special and I appreciate that...a lot! Come back,soon.Warmly. Your fellow frailer, Mark Troxell

Dear Lui,Your music has always been an inspriation to me and now to my group Spiral singers. We will be singing with you on January 27th in newton MA and we are looking forward to it. We are a local group of four women and we may have Sue Robbins of Libanan as our percussionist that eveing. i am working on the details of that concert now but it looks like a 7 30 start time with Spiral Singers opening with a short set. One of our favorite songs to sing and one that gets the most requestes is Blessed. We would love to do that song for you, with you or both do it separately. this concert is being organized because a friend and UU member is Battling breast cancer and she asked me recently if I hd heard whether you were going to be in the area. she cant always go far esp at night so I thought I would bring her yto you! So thats the brief and she will love it and we hope and pray that she will be in remission at that time; it is always week to week. Belssed is one of her rallying songs too! It should be a great night.if you would like accomodations for that night we will be happy to put you up in whatever works best for you; pets, no pets, families, no families etc etc.I hope that you have good trips south and contect and loving holidays.Daphne Petri

Hi Lui! I enjoyed your show in Bethesda tonight. We talked on the break about "Baptism of Fire". I understood you to say that there were no recordings of Julie Snow singing that song, but indeed I found one in my collection of Fast Folk LPs. She's on April 1985, which as you may know, is now available on CD through Smithsonian/Folkways. Thanks again for a great show. Keep in touch--SK

Lui--Here are directions for 12/10 house concert: it's at home of CFS member Nancy Howe, 2107 Mandarin Blvd., Chlt.1. I assume you'll be coming into Charlotte on I-85 S. If not, let me know.2. Take Sugar Creek Road exit, turn left at lt. at end of ramp, onto Sugar Creek southbound.3. Go about 2 miles, cross Tryon St., RR tracks (get into rt. lane by here); just past Garinger H.S. on rt., your rt. lane will merge into Eastway Dr. (You'll see Hog Heaven BBQ across the intersection.)4. Go about 2 mi. s. on Eastway; lights @ Shamrock, Central, Woodland. Cross bridge over Independence Blvd. (Hwy 74); get in left lane.5. Turn left on Monroe Rd. (You'll see Gus's Sir Beef restaurant on l., gas station on rt. across intersection, Home Depot, etc.)6. Go a little less than a mile, turn left on Mandarin (8th street on left, I think--after Shade Valley, Eaton and Lanier.)7. Last house on left--log house in woods.I'll try to make sure someone is there all morning: phone is (704)536-9594. If you should fail to reach Nancy's no., call my home @ (704)531-9991. I'm mailing you a copy of these directions also. See you on the 10th!

Lui,Looking forward to hearing you play your new banjo at the Dec. 3rd house concert in Bethesda, Maryland. I hope you'll sing Bob's "I Arose to Her Beauty," and that he'll sing "Rarest Rose"--the two songs compliment each other beautifully, and it would be fun hearing each of you interpret the other's song. The first time I heard each song, I immediately could "hear" how well Bob's song would suit you; this was around the time you had started performing "Rarest Rose." Love your new album--see you soon.Eric Brown(formerly from the Monterey area)

Dear Lui,Thanks for enclosing a note with our CD order. My wife and I both lived in CT and Western Mass for several years, until life's twists and turns brought us to the Lone Star State in '98. We miss seeing you perform, but are glad to hear you're coming to TX in the spring. I'll keep checking the website to see where in this huge expanse of statehood you'll be playing. We hope it includes either Houston (where we live) or Austin (driving distance, plus good friends there). Look forward to opening up your newest recording when I get home from work. By the way, North of Mars is our daughters' favorite! They played the tape so much it got eaten up, so we got the CD this time. See you in the spring!

I was driving back from the open mike at my daughter's school lat night where we performed. The moon was peekingout on the horizion. It was the eve of her 16th birthday. I sang Rooty Toot Toot for the Moon to her. Missingyou.Philip Brown

Hey Lui,I am just dropping a quick note because I haven't been to your site in so long. Things are going great out here in the west and of course we so look forward to the next time you are here. Hope to hear you soon!Love,Heather

Back in 1985, I was a sophomore in college, braving another northern Michigan winter. I heard one of your songs on the local radio station one chilly morning, and was moved to go out and buy your lovely album, "There's A Light." 15 years and countless moves later, I've lost that well-played LP, and have searched high and low to replace it in a CD or cassette version. Unfortunately, it's out of print and I've had no luck. Any idea how can obtain it again?

Dear Anne of Randolph, VT, and anyone else who is interested in the music for Blessed. I am always touched when other people wish to sing my songs. Eventually I would love to put together a songbook of all my songs, but this project is still before me. In the meantime, I do have the music written out for Blessed, and am happy to make it available to folks who'd like to sing it.

You can send an email to the address above for more information. I have music written out for many of my other songs as well, so for anyone who's interested, let me know what particular songs you'd like, and I'll see what I've got. Who knows, maybe if there's enough interest, it will give me the impetus to get this songbook project off the ground!

Thanks again to all of you who've written messages here. I am constantly moved by what I read.With love,Lui

Ms Collins:I recently bought your CD "Leaving Fort Knox", which I found to be delightful(I've listened to it several times over the past couple of days). Some time ago,I heard "Swimming to the Other Side" on the radio and was happy to see it on thenew album.I was wondering what kind of banjo you played and,looking at the small photographin the CD, I thought it might be a Bart Reiter and was going to pose that questiontonight. When I logged on to your website, I was suprised to find that you wroteabout purchasing just such a banjo! I own a banjo made by Bart myself, and I havespoken to him on the phone a couple of times to thank him for a wonderful and beautifulinstrument.Is "Spark/Wings" played in double C tuning? It's a captivatingly beautiful tune andI been trying to trying to figure it out (perhaps you'll post some tablature for thoseof us scratching our heads late at night trying to capture each note!)Thanks for a lovely set of music. I look forward to seeing and hearing you play live.

Just saw your show at the Red Barn, Hampshire College. Wonderful as usual! Used to see you at Simple Gifts in Nashua. Hey, great new album.larry.k

Lui, Just got your postcard of your concerts and Dwight & I are going to try to get to one of them. Just got a computer and I see you are trying to cut down on snail mail, so here's our e-mail. Thank-You again and again for singing at my 40th birthday party, May 99" I never felt as loved as I did that day. Hope to see you soon DEB

Lui, I hope you remember me from the old Wellington Room days, where I waitressed and met you and Horace and the gang. I plan to take my nine-year-old son to Hampshire College on Nov. 11 to see you. He has heard me and Barb Torian speak of you. If possible, I would love for him to have the chance to meet you. I know he will be totally spellbound by the evening. We can't wait to see you.

I remember with delight a concert you gave in Peterborough, when Made In New England came out. (I used to be a Dublin resident.) It was winter and you were wearing a long skirt which you hiked up to show us your red cotton longjohns. :-) You were very entertaining!I saw you were in Seattle this year and I'm sad to say that I missed your performance. No more New England coffeehouses now that I'm relocated in Washington state. But, should you happen this way again, please let me know. We have a Friday night coffeehouse in Leavenworth (about 2-1/2 hours east of Seattle) and/or the Wenatchee Valley Folklife Society (of which I am president) could sponsor a concert. Mostly we're trying to get contra dances going, but we do sponsor some concerts. And, I could offer you good food and a place to stay.Folklife is new to this valley, but coffeehouses are beginning to spring up. There's hope!!!Last week Thursday found me driving a friend to the airport in Seattle, singing your songs to stay awake. Now that I've found your web site, I'll need to add to my album collection. I'm glad to see that you've continued to perform and record. I always wondered what happened to you!

I'm a "born again' yankee, I lived in New England for 16 years before my work caused me to move to the deep south. I was having a bad bought of homesickness when I decided to tune my computer to WUMB. This morning I heard "The wildflower song". Thank you for the sweet memory of the song that most reminds me of my early relationship with my husband, and of a place I love so much.

LuiThanks for all the years of filling my soul. Wish Willy Lauf was gonna be in Milton with you next month, but I'll come anyway!!Robin

Hi Lui,It's been a long time....Maybe 18 years since I saw you and Rod last in CT. I just saw that you are in Olympia tonight, not far from here. I would have come down to see you but I have a new 17 day old here at home who needs some extra attention. If you're around you'd be welcome to stay. At least give a call 206-567-4959. Love to you and your's,Lyman

Hi Lui, I've been re-introducing myself to your music the last few weeks and adding some friends of mine to your list of fans. I am back in school and taking a course on Oppression. One day someone was talking about forgiveness and moving on and used a metaphor that brought me back to Stone by Stone and how proud I was to have been at the first public performance in Hartford at that striking UU Church and the benefit concert for the Medicine Circle that was working in Connecticut prisons.This seemed a great way to get back in touch. Today I am SUPPOSED to be writing a mid-term on Social Policy, but I would far rather ponder Leaving Fort Knox, Mystery Play and still another Selkie song I mean one day to take the various Selkie songs you have recorded and play them back to back. much love Jerry

Lui - come to Randolph, VT and sing "Blessed" on Christmas Eve at Bethany Church. Or come hear us sing it, if we can find themusic.

LuizinhaMary Alice (Lee) Johnson told me she had attended a concert at which one of the performers was Lui Collins; could it be the same Lui who was with us in Curitiba? I did a search, and here you are! I'm excited about your recording career and happy you're able to do something you love. I'll keep scanning your schedule for future Wisconsin tours; how about a duet in Portuguese?AbracosPaulo

Luizinha

Caught your act with Bob Franke at The Arkin Ann Arbor 15 Oct, 2000. Another great concert!

So amazed to have finally found Lui! Back in the eighties (!) I came across your music and was so...hmm, don't know exactly how to descirbe, it was as if I were singing, listening to your voice, it was like I was being sung. Go figure. But hadn't found your music on cd till now, and so glad to be in the vicinity of where you're performing so! Am looking forward to some concert very soon, up here in the northeast. Keep playing you do us all good.Jenny

So amazed to have finally found Lui! Back in the eighties (!) I came across your music and was so...hmm, don't know exactly how to descirbe, it was as if I were singing, listening to your voice, it was like I was being sung. Go figure. But hadn't found your music on cd till now, and so glad to be in the vicinity of where you're performing so! Am looking forward to some concert very soon, up here in the northeast. Keep playing you do us all good.Jenny

Hi Lui,I just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed theconcert in Grand Rapids. I was a wonderful way to endAllison's 8th birthday. The best part about the experienceis that Allison and Evan spent yesterday singing the chorusfrom several of the songs we heard that night. Theyespecially liked "I won't miss you anymore" and Bob's AcidPolka.Thank you for providing our children with a form of music otherthan Brittany Spears and Back Street Boys.We hope to see you again.Mitzi, Geoff, Allison and Evan Crowe

WOW What super-super show. When you sang you painted a canvas with your lyrics. your guitar and banjo playing are a perfect compliment to the poems that you have written. Maybe I don't get out much or something, but I have never found anyone that pulled my heartstrings like you did at the show in Oswego last night. Your songs hit at my heart like a ten pound hammer. Outstanding!!! Thank you very much It was a time to cherish forever. ps have played Leaving Fort Knox 3 times already this am and like the first song says have got "Things To Do " lol... thanks again the guy from Rouses Point

It's been a long time. In about 1983/84 I was in Boston on business and decided to go to a folk concert I had heard about. It was at Harvard (Cambridge, MA), and although an occasional banjo picker myself and folk music lover, I had never been to a concert before. The lasting impression I had among all of the singers was you Lui. You with the angelic and powerful voice, music with deep currents, acoustic guitar, barefoot and long New England dress. That night I bought 2 LP's -- "Baptism of Fire" and "Made in New England." I've listened to them many times over the years and I've introduced your music to my family (several children) and many friends. Periodically over the past few years I've tried, without success, in finding those and other albums on CD (my LP's have long since worn out). It's been a while since I tried looking again. Tonight I found your website and located a music resoure. Three albums are now on their way, including "Stone by Stone." I'm looking forward to sharing your music with others now, many of which were still in diapers in the early 80's. I appreciate you and your continued devotion to the essence of life.

Lui, I've loved your sound since first I heard it via the radio. I would love to purchase your songs on sheet music to learn for my own enjoyment. Is this possible? Do you have a songbook? Your lastest CD sounds wonderful and I will be ordering it. I've heard you give an interview and the beauty of your soul shines through. Thanks for the music. Ellen

One of your songs was an important gift to me in 1994.Baptism by fire. My sister Wendy Bennet-Alder died of AIDS in Boston.I put together a tape of songs, mostly sung by women, to help her and the rest of our family through the end of Wendy's life.I called the tape "Hugs & Courage". Your song was special, because it is a song of recovery. Wendy was 10 1/2 years clean & sober when she died at age 45.She was a fiber artist. She had a peice of artwork on her wall that showed a phoenix or moth around a flame and a tree. She decided to make that her panel for the Names Quilt.With a name & date section on the bottom, it was exactly the required size.Your song will always remind me of that panel, that time, and that woman.Thank you so much for having the right song at the right time.

I actually bought Leaving Fort Knox at the Eighth Steplast night before I heard Wanda Fischer rave about it inher introduction of you. I am listening to it right nowand just wanted to say it is every bit as good as described.Thanks for this beautiful / moving recording.

How is your latest CD being distributed? I work at a record shop in Portland, OR and have a customer wanting to get the latest "Leaving Fort Knox". I see it on the website here. Can I order it through Pacific Coast or other one stops, or is it only mail and e-mail order?TinaReverb

Dear Lui. My name is Gail with Blue Wolf Productions out of Salt Lake City, Ut. I spoke with you several times over the phone to try to book you in Salt Lake. But I am moving to Washington and I just reserved to tickets to see you at the Greatful Bread. I am so excited, I have been wanting to see you in concert ever since I have bought your music. I cant tell you how excited I am to see you. I hope if it is okay that I get to meet you. So I hope that you rememeber speaking with me. And I am so looking forward to finally seeing you and hear your great healing music that has helped me in so many ways. Thank You

Delighted to stumble upon another musical member of the clan.l am a Singer/Songwriter myself and if you want to you can hear my debut album "Barron Delta Blue" on mp3 at my website www.andycollins.com l go from Blues to Country to Latin to Folk to Big Band Swing to Love songs etc.New sounds from Downunder.Kind Regards, Andy Collins

Hi Lui: We look forward to seeing you Oct 29 in Olympia WA. I'll be producing your concert at the Unity Church. Really enjoy your latest CD and your children's album (we did Peace on Earth as a sing along during a service last month, by the way, had a 12 year old friend add a flute part). Your promo info has inspired me to get my children's stuff out there a bit more. So thanks for that! Many blessings to you!Robyn Fisher

A friend of mine recently sent me an e-mail stating that she had ordered some CD's from you. She said that she also received a phone call from you following up on the order.She has been a BIG fan of yours from some time and was so excited that you called...The reason that I am writing is to ask a question that I may already know the answer to you, but hey it never hurts to try. Do you perform at weddings? I have been trying to think of a very special gift for my best friend (we have been friends since kindergarden) and when she sent me the e-mail about you, a light bulb went out.She is getting married April 7th in Redding, CT.Thanks for taking the time to read this and I look forward to your response.

My wife and I saw you and Dana recently at the Towne Crier in Pawling, N.Y. It was a pleasure to finally see you live, as we've long enjoyed your albums. We also bought your newest one, and want to thank you for again creating a masterpiece. Our favorites are "Green Light", "Mystery Play" and "Swimming to the Other Side" (I have Pat Humphries version on her CD, and find yours better, I guess due to a better voice). Other songs on the CD are also great. Thanks again, and hope you'll be either at the Towne Crier again, or at The Turning Point, which is reasonably close to us.

I was introduced to your music in the early 80s by an old girlfriend of my faters. The album was Baptism of Fire and I fell instantly in love with it. When I went to college, I met someone who was then the "love of my life". One evening he asked me to play my favorite tape for him and it was Baptism of Fire. He said when he heard the music he knew he was in love with me. OF course, being young and all - things didn't work out (he dumped me for a Pizza Hut manager LOL) - but for years I couldn't listen to that album without crying. I've gotten over it now - and it remains one of my favorites of all time. Since that time I've discovered your other recordings and plan to order more CDs as they come out - but nothing will ever match that Baptism of Fire album for me and how I still get goosebumbs when I listen to it. Thanks for being a part of a wonderful time for meBobbi Lyon Currie

Lui,I'm still looking for a copy of your record "there's a light". I will not rest until I find one. Will it ever be re-released? I saw you years ago in Boston and you were fantastic.I have your newer records but that one proves illusive.Guy OlivierPS. if you have any ideas on how to get one, please send me a line.Thanks.

Hey there lui...sittin here w/my buddy, cookin on the grill with your music blastin:) Love it so! Looked at you and dana's schedule and decided to hit up the next ct gig on sept 1'st. Can't wait! You guys are wonderful..i especially enjoy hearing the stories behind the tunes you write...and reading the inserts on the cd's that include brief hx's of how the lyrics were inspired (ie Stone by Stone) Aaaand, the songs 'bout relationships and love and longing...can totally relate! I've been back and forth in a rela for the past 3 yrs, and "green light" really hits home, as does the one "...i long to be w/you, to share this moment..." I was just tellin annie (used to sit for your kids) that if i ever get married, i'd like to hire you folks to play at my very casual, non-traditional marriage ceremony outside somewhere. Also, i must see you 2 play (or 3, should your other buddy-allison?- be there on the banjo)outside in the summer so i can "cut some rug"...some of your guys tunes are so danceable. I really miss havin a computer at work (got a new job 6 mos ago)with a cd player...i would play "paired down vol's 1 & 2" as i did my paperwork...was so relaxing...and it brought me out of the "hussle bussle" and into my own little world. Oh well, now i blast 'em at home instead. Hey-are you playin at the peoples pint in greenfield the first wed in sept? We'd asked you in montegue, and you said you weren't sure....let us know. My e-mail's just about up and runnin, and when it is, i'll conect with you. Until then...hasta luego...Que te vayas bien:)-a smily face in case you don't know....Namaste-rachel from spfld (first saw you guys a few yrs ago in nhampton-fire and water-while my brother and family was visiting from cal...i was pleasantly surprised when you walked in and started playin...it was "love at first hear"...my niece was tappin her feet...modelling after dana...do you remember that by any chance??? it was sooooo cute! keep up the good work!!!)....RachelHi Lui-so grateful to have our paths cross again. You are such an inspiration to me. Spirit flows through you and touches everyone you meet. I love the heart and soul in your music and am so enjoying watching you evolve. I love your poetry as well. I am a poet and need to keep my creativity burning. Sometimes I get so tired working a 9-5 job that I lose my creativety. Listening to your music rekindles that light inside that sometimes becomes dim. Well hope to see you soon.Love Annie

Hi, Lui. It would surprise me if you remembered me, but I used to sing at the BOG coffeehouse at UCONN back in the early 70's. We did a couple of those shows together. I did a bunch of solo stuff and also brought a bunch of drunken dormn mates called "Porky and the Strokers" to some of the shows.I was listening to "Made in New England" the other night and decided to look for a web site for you. You "wowed" me 25 years ago and you still do. I missed you the last time you were playing near DC. I will try to catch you in Herndon next January if that's my next chance.Be well and be in tune. It would make my year if you dropped me a note.Peace,Charlie

When are you coming to Omaha!!!!!!!!? Or at least St. Joe's or Minneapolis or St. Louis?

Dear Lui Collins,I am home in the states visiting family in Western Mass but Iactually live in Spain. Your song Hallelujah is one of ourfamily favorites back in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. As oneof your other fans wrote, it has a deep spiritual side withoutthe religious trappings. We are here for a month, but we'llnot be able to get to your Montague Center concert thisweekend as we are going to Vermont. I hope we catch yourperformance in Amherst later in the month.Thanks for the inspiration and best wishes with your musicand life. david

We're old fans from way back in our college days -- Cambridge and Passim's in the early 1980s. Many years and many influences have passed since then. Aki moved to Japan, and Bonnie moved to Michigan... but Aki just had her first baby, an angel named Erika, in April, and we're all together now in California... and singing to a new baby brought us back to thoughts of you. Forgive us for moving your CDs away from the front of our collections, but know that they'll be moving back now. Your recorded voice and our live ones will be singing your songs to the next generation. Thank you for your love and inspiration.--Bonnie and Aki

Lui,I want to thank you for sharing your music with us. I enjoyed both shows. I hope we can get you back down this way soon.Stay well and keep the music alive.Tom C

I've been enjoying your new C.D. all week as I"ve driven up and down through New England. Your songs are moving and beautiful, with a hint of fairytale and mystery that is woven throughout your music. My mom, friend and I so enjoyed seeing you and Dana in Litchfield on the Green! Even though the sound system wasn't terrific, you two were! Hope you had a great concert at Longwood Gardens!

My e-mail address has changed. Please change it on your mailing list so i can once more receive your news of concerts, etc. Thanks so very much.

Hi Lui,Great website, my complements to you and your webmaster.I'm glad that there's a place that I can check to find outyour concert listings (since I just got your postcard lastweek - Torrington isn't very good about delivering either2nd class mail or postcards.) I hope to see you and Dana atthe concert on Wed. the 12th in Litchfield, even though I'mnot quite sure where it is. The listing on the concert venuepage said "Concerts on the Green," so if I can't get in touchwith the Park & Rec, I'll assume that it's on the green (duh).Give my love to the kids when you talk to them - I almostcan't believe that Sylva's graduated; I remember one concertabout 8 years ago at the Sounding Board when she was about 10years old and trying to put away the folding chairs that wereas big as she was.XOX, Dave

Lui, your new CD arrived like an 8-layer fudge chocolate cake. I couldn't wait to dig in.What a lovely album, and a very brave one. Your music always reminds me that we're all linked to the human race. It came as no surprise you finally recorded "Swimming to the Other Side"--I knew you would! The new music is such a rich cornucopia of life's many facets. I especially enjoy your mischievious reading of "Things to Do"--Washington, D.C., is full of Type-A's! Congratulations. Will miss your Capitol Mall show on July 18th after all, due to a previous commitment. But I almost have the new album memorized; I play it once a day! Let me know when you reissue "There's a Light" Your Web site is wonderful. Who would think that the low-touch world of computers could bring Lui Collins fans together? Warmly, Eric Brown

Hi. I'm wondering three things. 1) How do you pronounce your first name? 2) Is any of your music available in songbook form? 3) What is the Ethopian folk tale that "Flicker of Light" is based on?Thanks,Jennifer

The Arkansas connection will no longer be in Arkansas. He's been downsized and will be off to New York or North Carolina later this summer. I'm really looking forward to the new CD. Peace,Jim

Hello Lui,It was so great to read all the loving words in here from old and new friends alike.. I can't wait to hear the new CD and to sit down and play some more banjo with you. Lots of Love, Guy <><>>> PS the crock is back in one peice!! See you soon.

Hi Lui!!Long time, no see! Great web site. Guess I need to make a better effort to get out to see you sometime real soon. Hope all is well.Kurt and Maureen

Hey, Lui. I"ve seen you perform only once. It was at theold Coffeehouse Extempore in Minneapolis, sometime aroundthe early 1980s. One line from one of your songs has stuckwith me since then: "The only way out is through."I don't remember the title of the song, or which album it'son. Can you tell me? I think I'd like to add it to myrepertoire.Glad to see you're prospering. Be well.

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