Another new idea: All duets, all the time

The following is a fakeout press release.

The duet has been a musical concept that has produced hit after hit in the music world. When two great voices come together, usually in the form of a love ballad, the result can be magical. Consider these examples:
*"Endless Love" - Diana Ross and Lionel Richie
*"Ain't No Mountain High Enough" - Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
*"Islands in the Stream" - Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers
*"When the Bough Breaks" - Buddy Wayne Barefoot and Brittany Spears

So what's the next logical step? Of course, it's to have a whole album full of them!

That's what Brightful Birdsong (top) and ButtaFly (bottom) are working on for release in a few weeks on the Little Boy Records label.

The pairing makes perfect sense: Both are talented artists who are steeped in the R&B and pop music traditions that have produced the greatest duets. They have known each other since they attended high school together in the Atlanta area. Oh, and they have been romantically linked!

"This new album, Flying Together, marks a new era in the genre and one that I hope will be well received," according to Barefoot, who also happens to be Little Boy's founder and owner. "This sets the standards in production values and performance."

"It's a challenge I am glad to take on," added Matthew McBriar, head of production for the label. "Besides, working Brightful's soulful voice and Fly's poetry slam style will make for a sound never before heard on record on a major label."

The first single, appropriately called "We're In Heaven," is available for download now, with the album to come on April 26. Appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and other shows will follow to promote it. This will be followed by a tour starring June 9 in Anaheim, CA.

Annual calendar of events

Here is a rough listing of annual events and milestones of Idealian life. Dates in parentheses are in 2010 if necessary.

JANUARY

January 1: New Year's Day

FEBRUARY

Mid-February: African Life Festival

To coincide with Black History Month in the U.S., there are a number of special events including a "battle of the bands," a fraternity step show, and a gospel music concert.

MARCH

March 14: Buddy Wayne Barefoot's birthday

This is marked by music, storytelling, and other events.

March 21: Robin's Day

Named for the bird that is the symbol of the coming of spring, it is intended to celebrate the bounty of nature.

Last Sunday in March: Easter

This holiday is on a more standardized date than is celebrated in the real world, which can take place between March 21 and April 20.

MAY

Third Monday in May (May 19): Heroes' Day

This honors Barefoot, Ritterblatt, McHooligan, Bryant, and others who made it possible for Idealians to celebrate their lives.

JUNE

First two weekends: Film Festival

The latest movies from local filmmakers are all released at this event that simulates all the Hollywood buzz.

Fridays starting on or about June 21: Concerts in the Park

Bass-Timberlake Park hosts a series of concerts and readings. All the local favorites, such as Barefoot, Blondie, the Spears Family Band, and Hootie & the Blowfish, have performed in this series.

JULY

July 4: Heritage Cup

This is the race of vintage automobiles that was the site of the most unforgettable event of Buddy Wayne's life.

SEPTEMBER

Ten days from first Friday to second Sunday: Blue Ribbon Days

Bass-Timberlake stages a replica of an American country fair, including food contests, rides, and special shows.

OCTOBER

October 31: Death's Holiday

This event, commemorating the moment that Heaven was realized and when sickness and death was eradicated, substitutes for Halloween.

NOVEMBER

Fourth Thursday (Nov. 25): Thanksgiving

DECEMBER
December 25: Christmas Day

Happy anniversary, Buddy!

The miraculous triumph of Buddy Wayne Barefoot in the Heritage Cup vintage-car race took place on this day. The event is scheduled for the Fourth of July - America's Independence Day - to honor the significance of families and to coincide with when the highest number of family reunions are held.

I also want to correct a point in the book which relates to the race: On page 205, I reported on what happened during the red-flag delay due to a strange use of the sprinkler system. I wrote that Bunky Barefoot (Crabtree) kissed a woman, and I reported that it was neither Laura or Heather, the twins that he was "married" to. I meant that he kissed one of the two, but due to their similarities it was not clear which one.

To read the whole story, see chapters 12 and 14, as well as part of chapter 13.