For no longer having the Swine Flu!  It took me for quite a run though, but my voice and energy is back finally.  Since last post, I played opening for WookieFoot in Fargo at the Aquarium.  That was a blast, what a great crowd.  The musicians that played with me were Joseph McCaulley, Leif Magnuson, Bobby Patrick, Ben (I'm working on remembering your last name) and David Boose "Booser".  

Also, I played Beethoven's Symphony #9 with the Wayzata Symphony Orchestra.  What a rush that piece is.  Its the one that has "Ode to Joy" in part of the piece.  We had a chorale singing during the very difficult fourth movement.  Our next concert won't be until February I think.  I'll have some good rest in by then to be ready for the crazy amount of practice it takes.

Now looking to the future,  I'll be out in the Dakota's soon! December 10 in Fargo, Dec 11 in Aberdeen and Dec 12 in Sioux Falls.   I am lucky to have a fantastic line-up for the mini-tour.  Al Oikari from the Big Wu, Nate Sipe from Pert Near Sandstone, RJ Peterson from Fat Maw Rooney, David Boose from HyenTyte and the Gypsy Lumberjacks  and John Henderson from Fancy Bastard and The Uncomfortable Uncle.  Can't wait to see you at a show!

I have just finished recording this years Christmas original at the Ramblin Ranch in Wisconsin!  Last year's song, Snow Angels, was a very lovely tune.  This year, however, is a more playful song called "Sox n Undies"!  The instrumentation turned out phenomenal, thanks to all of you musicians who have contributed your time and efforts towards the making of this track; David Boose, Javier Trejo and Jason Marks.  I'm sure lots of socks and undies with pictures of trees will be coming your way this Holiday!

Starting Monday September 14th, Bettina Villamil & Friends will be playing every Monday at the DownTime Bar and Grill. Some drink specials after midnight are $2 Grain Belt Bottles, $2 Bartender Choice Shots and $2.50 Rail Drinks.  I can't think of a better way to start the week!

Check out the DownTime on myspace http://www.myspace.com/downtimebar

The Log Jam Block party is this coming Saturday at the Cabooze, I'll be playing a few short sets during the afternoon.  Hope to see you there.

10,000 lakes festival was a success this year!  I played with The High Strung String Band, Sean Sheil, Living In Tent City, Wookiefoot and by myself as well.  I posted some video on youtube of Living In Tent City.  Wow, posting on youtube takes some major patience (I lack that quality sometimes!).

Besides festivals, summer is going well and flying by.  Last weekend was the weekend of weddings and now my liver needs a break. 

Check out my facebook and myspace pages sometime also, I'm starting to add photos and videos regularily.  Hope to see you soon at a show .  Thanks for all who have come out to show support to the local live music scene. Your the best.

What festivals are you planning on going to this summer?  I have already performed at one festival, this summer, Bella Madre, where I played a solo set and also jumped on stage for a song with The Mark Joseph Project.  It was a great time with lots of different things going on.  They had shows at night in the tent were you could rent wireless headphones to listen to the live music playing.  I had a blast with that!  It became a little difficult when my friends and I wanted to talk, we had to either turn the volume down on our headseats or take the headphones off one ear.  Festivals are a great time for new collaborations and regaining excitement about music and musicians and the endless possibilities.

Well... if you'd like to find me, I'll be at Project Earth Festival (jumping on stage with WookieFoot for a few songs!), The Big Wu Family Reunion X (possibly jumping on stage with The Big Wu friday night!), 10,000 Lakes Festival (playing all over, solo and with different bands) and Harvest Fest. Keep posted though, I might end up at another festival also!

 Hope to see you at a festi!