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Issue: 17 Part 1 President: Tracey Vice President: Vanessa Jr. Columnists: Jennifer & Kate Webmaster: Jake Member Count: 300+ In this issue...Part 1: A Word From The Prez A Word From The Vice Prez What's Happenin' at The Office...Word News Yes We've Got It...The Wilkinsons Latest News We've Seen Em...We've Read Em...We Wanna Share Em...Concert Reviews Where They Gonna Be? The Tour Schedule Name That Tune...Song Lyrics Would you rather read this newsletter in color? Check it out online at: www.oocities.org/theword_newsletter ~*A Word From The Prez*~ Hey everyone! Sorry about not having an issue out last month...we here at the Word were busy trying to make this newsletter even better than before. We've got some great new staff members (which you'll hear more about later), some new columns, and even a new website! Thanks to everyone that offered to help but we were only able to pick so many. Also, our Vice President Michelle quit due to lack of time she has so Vanessa will be trying out the Vice President position this issue to see how she likes it (and I hope she does because we need a Vice President). Thanks Michelle for all the work you've done in the past and we're sorry you had to quit. Other than that I should hopefully be going to see the Wilkinsons at Winstock and I may be seeing them at Hodag too (Vanessa's going to try and fly here and go with me, how cool would that be?) I'll keep you guys posted :0) Tracey ~*A Word From The Vice Prez*~ Movin on up! to the car wash! Wahoo!....one day ill be takin over the world.....greetings to all! As Tracey said, i am just temporaily just tryin this out...the whole school and 30 hours of work a week on top of that....kinda keeps me busy! but ill see what i can do cause i love doin this! Other then thats, thats all i have to say...until next time! take care and sit back and enjoy the word! and welcome aboard to the new ones! and michelle if youre readin this.....it was nice workin with ya!! :-D Vanessa ~*What's Happenin' At The Office...Word News*~ Lots of news for you this month. You may remember getting an email from us last month asking anyone that wants to be on the Word staff to send us an email. Some of you had some great ideas, a few of which we are premiering in this issue and a few we are considering maybe in the future. We are sorry we couldn't pick everyone, but we are proud to announce the winners. ~Jr. Columnists~ We got maybe ten emails from people wanting to be a columnist, but we were only able to pick 2 and the winners are... Kate - Kate came up with the idea to have a Q&A column each month where fans can write in to the Word and ask anything they'd like to know about the Wilkinsons. We thought that was a great idea, so she'll be in charge of that. Jennifer - Member Rina suggested doing an Advice column, where fans can write in with problems about school, friends, whatever and we'll try and help out best we can. Well we thought that was a great idea (thanks Rina) and Jennifer wanted to do it so here she is. Another idea suggested to us that we will be using is to have song lyrics in each issue. Thanks Crystal for that. ~Webmaster~ Well we only got one layout submitted to us but it was a great one. And the winner is... Jake - Originally we were only going to have someone make us a layout for the main page and then Tracey was going to copy that and make the rest of the pages herself.. However, since we were so impressed with Jake's entry and since we don't have a clue how to make Javascript pages we asked him to redo the whole site and he did, spending many hours on that process (Note from the Prez: I helped...sent in some stuff, but I ain't touching the website for fear of ruining the html codes lol).. So from now on if you have anything for the site contact him because he will (for the most part except for some things Vanessa & Tracey might help out with) be the new webmaster. So be sure to check out the new website today ;0) Congratulations to Kate, Jennifer, and Jake. Welcome to the Word, we look forward to working with you all :0) *~Yes We've Got It...The Wilkinsons Latest News~* - The Wilkinsons have been nominated for a Juno! That's right they're nominated for Best Country Artist or Group. Tune into the awards on April 15th and good luck Wilks! - Going to Fan Fair? The Wilkinsons have been added to the list of artists that will perform on the IFCO show June 11th at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. For tickets and more info please call 615-371-9596 or visit their website at http://www.ifco.org Be sure to tell them you are a Wilkinsons fan!! - Great news for all you Canadian fans...we've just heard from a very reliable source that the Wilkinsons will probably be rescheduling all the cancelled Canadian dates (if you hadn't heard the Canadian tour was cancelled due to lack of ticket sales). So if you were bummed because your concert got cancelled, have faith it just might be rescheduled sometime in the future :0) If we hear anything else we will be sure to tell you. ***Vanessa interuption! i shall try and do this without bitterness....apprently the canadian tour date was cancelled cause of "lack of tour sales" but then it was cancelled cause it cut into their recording session (thats what the venues and radio will tell you) all tickets are to be REFUNDED! any place will be happy to do it for ya **Tracey interuption You can see them in Rhinelander with me :0) - Steve, Amanda, and Tyler recently attended the Country Radio Seminar (a convention held in Nashville each year where dj's from all over the US come to catch up with their favorite stars). The Wilkinsons enjoyed seeing all their friends in the biz again and getting to talk to all the dj's. - Some sad news. The Wilkinsons chocolate lab Jack recently passed away. They are looking for another dog (not to replace her but for a companion for their yellow lab Jill). - New tour dates! The Wilkinsons do have a few new dates so check out the tour schedule and who knows maybe they'll be coming by you one day. *~We've Seen Em...We've Read Em...Concert Reviews~* Okay we realize a lot of you haven't seen the Wilkinsons in awhile, but feel free to send in concert reviews from as long ago as you wish (come to think of it it'd be neat to hear some from the early days). We need more reviews because as of now we have none. If you've ever seen the Wilkinsons and would like to share your story with us email it to jecklund@black-hole.com *~Where they Gonna Be? Tour Dates~* Are the Wilkinsons coming near you? Check our schedule and see. Tracey looked up each concert especially for all of you to see if we could find any details and for the most part she did, though a few shows she couldn't find anything. If you know any details feel free to email us as I'm sure any members going to these shows would greatly appreciate it :0) Friday, April 12th - Sault Ste. Marie, MI @ Kewidan Casino *Casino's Website- http://www.kewadin.com/ (performing with Sammy Kershaw so my guess is they are opening for him) Saturday, May 11th - San Felipe, NM @ Casino Hollywood *Casino's Website- http://www.sanfelipecasino.com/pages/entertainment.html (no mention of Wilks yet) Saturday, May 25th - Boonsboro, MD @ Boonsboro Great Rescue Carnival at Shaffer Park *couldn't find any info, but try contacting the Boonsboro Great Rescue Company (fire dept.?) Sunday, May 26th - Allentown, PA @ Mayfair Festival *MayFair Festival's Official Site - http://www.mayfairfestival.org/ (mentions the Wilks but no further info) Saturday, June 8th - Winsted, MN @ Winstock Country Music Festival *Winstock's Official Site - http://www.winstedholytrinity.org/winstedholytrinity/myarticles.asp?S=252&P=76237&PubID=1685 (Tickets are $50 for a one day pass, which includes not only the Wilkinsons but also The Kentucky Headhunters, Blackhawk, Jessica Andrews, George Jones, Chad Brock, and JoDee Messina. There is an April 15th deadline for the earlybird price on tickets. Order them through the website. VIP seating is now sold out. All seats are first come first serve so get there early. The Wilkinsons hit the stage at 2:30 right after Kentucky Headhunters). Sunday, June 9th - Comstock, NE @ Comstock Windmill Festival *Windmill Festival's Official Site - http://www.windmillenterprises.net/windmillfestival.htm (Tickets are $30 for a one day pass, which not only includes the Wilkinsons but also Alabama, The Oak Ridge Boys, and Steve Holly. The Wilkinsons start off the day at 4 p.m. Get there early because seating is first come first serve. Buy tickets online or call 800-658-4443). Saturday, June 29th - Carrollton, MO @ City Park *couldn't find any info Thursday, July 9th - Calgary, AB (Canada) @ Calgary Stampede at Roundup Center Stampede Park *Calgary Stampede's Official Site - http://www.calgarystampede.com/stampede/ (no mention of Wilks yet that I can find) Friday, July 12th - Rhinelander, WI @ Hodag Country Festival *Hodag's Official Site - http://www.hodag.com/ (Tickets are $50 for a one day pass, which not only includes the Wilkinsons but also Big Al Downing, Sugar Creek, and Alabama. Get there early because seating is first come first serve. You can order tickets online or call 1-800-762-3803 or 715-369-1300). Saturday, July 13th - Timmins, ON @ Timmons Country Festival *couldn't find any info Saturday, August 3rd - Morrilton, AR @ Great Arkansas Pig Roast *found a website but it didn't have squat...however another site had contact info (For details on the Great Arkansas Pigout, contact Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce Office at (501) 354-2393). Friday, September 6th - Wilkes Barre, PA @ Luzerne County Fair *Luzerne County Fair Website - http://www.fairplex.com/ (2001 info still up but check back maybe they'll put 2002 up) *~Name That Tune...Song Lyrics~* Each month we'll pick a song and print the lyrics. Now we probably won't ever print any from Here and Now or Nothing But Love because I'm sure you know all those lyrics by now. Instead we'll look for some newer and rare songs and print those for ya. This months song will be Paper Doll. Some of you may have heard this song, it was sung on the CCMA's and was talked about being a single from RCA. Not sure if it will be on the new album or not or ever released as a single now, but it's a great song. Paper Doll an unreleased song Lead: Amanda Thanks to David for the lyrics :0) Verse1: You like the way that I dress You like the way that I act I'm really flattered, I guess But there's more to me than that Verse2: You've got it all figured out The wife, the car, and the kids You've got the urge to play house Just like Barbie and Ken Bridge: But something's missing in your perfect scheme You can't just paste me in your cardboard dream Chorus: I'm not a paper doll A picture on your wall You can't just cut me out And put me anywhere you want I'll be your fantasy But baby underneath There is a woman Who lives and breathes And loves and needs And laughs and cries And feels I'm not a paper doll I'm real (I'm real) Verse3: I come with flexible parts Complete with love that can bend And if you reach for my heart I'll stay with you to the end Bridge: But just remember I'm flesh and blood A real live woman who wants your love Repeat Chorus: (ooh) Ending: I'm not a paper doll A picture on your wall You can't just cut me out And put me anywhere you want I'll be your fantasy But baby underneath There is a woman (yeah, yeah, yeah) There is a woman (ooh) I'm not a paper doll  Amanda & Tyler -- Smethport, Pennsylvania  Amanda & Steve -- Smethport, Pennsylvania Copyright: David Pennybaker ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*THE WORD*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*THE WORD*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Issue: 17 Part 2 President: Tracey Vice President: Vanessa Jr. Columnists: Jennifer & Kate Webmaster: Jake Member Count: 300+ In this issue...Part 2: Good Ole Articles The Special Person of the Month It's YOUR Birthday Want Ads...Find Other Wilkinson Fans Links...You Want Em? We Got Em! Q&A...Wilkinson Style Need An Ear...Advice So One Wilkinson Said To Another And So Another Newsletter Comes To An End... ~*Good Ole Articles*~ So its kinda long.........but its the Wilkinsons in a giant nutshell! its compliments of country.com its the biography which they have posted there, so if ya want more info from them its just a website away! The Wilkinsons are one of the most amazing success stories in contemporary country music. Virtually unknown two years ago, the family trio has received more nominations, awards and honors in two years, than most artists garner in a lifetime. In 1999 alone, they were nominated for everything from AMA's Horizon Award and Vocal Group of the Year to the Academy of Country Music Awards' nomination for Single of The Year and Top Vocal Duo or Group - well over twenty nominations. The threesome took home a remarkable five Canadian Country Music Awards (Single of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Group or Duo of the Year and the Wrangler Rising Star Award) and four Big Country Awards (Best Vocal Group/Duo of the Year, Single of the Year, Video of the Year and Album of the Year). Taking it even higher, their debut single, "26¢" from their debut album, Nothing But Love, was the highest single debut in the history of Radio and Records and went straight to No. 1 (together with their follow-up releases, "Fly" and "Boy, Oh, Boy," The Wilkinsons have sold over half a million singles). Now with their second album, Here And Now on Giant Records/Nashville, they're here to turn up the excitement and raise the bar on their already stunning career. From the opening chords of Here and Now, you know you're in for something different. The Wilkinsons are doing things their way. The family group, known for their sweet harmonies and fresh-scrubbed image, has grown up. Their latest album for Giant is a dramatic leap forward, and it's clear that the act has taken the reins. "We loved the first album," confides Amanda Wilkinson, the female lead voice of the group. "But this time we feel we've gone the extra mile. We poured everything we had into the songs." "There's been incredible growth - almost at light speed for my kids and myself," says dad Steve. "We were always into music, but we've been living it and breathing it for the last two years." That growth is evident in their voices. Amanda's vocals have taken on a greater depth and soulfulness and Tyler has made the transition from adolescence to emerge a heartthrob teen idol. "On the last album, Tyler's voice was going through that funky Peter Brady phase," laughs Amanda. "It's been incredible to see the change from last year to this year. He sounds like this grown-up man now." Indeed, this time around Tyler takes the lead on half of the songs. Russ Zavitson (who, along with Doug Johnson and Tony Haselden, once again produced the group) laughs when he recalls the younger Wilkinson's performance in the studio. "It was like Roger Rabbitt bounced into the studio - and Frank Sinatra stepped up to the microphone." The family's pure love of singing is evident throughout the collection. "I love getting the reaction from people when we sing," says Amanda. "Ever since I was little, my favorite thing has been being able to touch people through music. It's like acting, except you only have three minutes to portray a certain role and tell a story. I love being able to perform every day; that's my joy." In fact, what other acts might call a grueling tour schedule, The Wilkinsons call an opportunity. Not only have they savored being able to see so much of the country, but they credit their daily sets with sharpening their abilities. "Being on the road has strengthened our voices, given us more range and tones we never had before," says Amanda. "That really helped when we came in to do this record. We were able to focus and stretch - both vocally and with our music. We had a confidence that we didn't have before." They were also able to have more fun with the arrangements, giving each song the setting it needed, even using instruments like tuba and sitar. "It definitely is different, but I think it adds an element that hasn't really been explored," says Amanda. "Yet when you listen to it, you can still hear the roots of Country. I'm proud to say that this album really captures what we are, and what we have always wanted to be." The Wilkinsons were the wide-eyed success story of 1998. Just three weeks after Steve gave up his construction job in Canada to pursue a publishing deal in Nashville, the trio was the subject of a bidding war from several major labels. Listeners were charmed, not only by their Cinderella story, but by the group's insightful songwriting, family harmonies and true spirit. The members of the trio, are especially proud to be able to tip their hat to their influences with this record. "We're a Heinz 57," laughs Tyler. "Dad grew up listening to everyone from Jim Reeves, Lefty Frizzell, Hank Williams, Bob Wills, Del Shannon and Jack Greene and everything from blues to r&b to pop." "I think it's really cool that he has been able to expose us to so much," says Amanda, who listens to Ella Fitzgerald, Emmylou Harris and Etta James as she drives around town. "If you just limit yourself to one genre of music, you shut yourself off to great music," preaches Steve, and indeed, if you stepped onto their bus, you would hear everything from Keb 'Mo and Collective Soul to George Jones and Santana. "Here and Now is who we are, and where we came from," says Steve. "Our music is about feeling good, even when it's introspective." As the band's main songwriter, Steve wrote six of the album's eleven songs. "For me, writing fills a creative need," he says. "I would love to be able to paint or to draw, but I couldn't draw a ragged breath. But when you write and sing a song, you get three minutes to tell a story, to paint a picture for somebody." The family strives to write and find songs that fit where they are in their lives. "The most important thing is that the songs be honest and be believable," says Steve. His daughter agrees. "I would never want to sing something and have people my age go, 'What the heck is she talking about? How would she know?' laughs Amanda. "Because the kids are older now (Amanda is 18 and Tyler will soon be 16), they can sing a different style of song," Steve continues. "Their perspectives have changed over two years, and the songs that they're singing reflect that maturity." From the infectious and catchy "Jimmy's Got A Girlfriend" to the fun Beatle-esque romp "Hypothetically"; from the soulful groove of "Till You Let Go" to the yearning of "I"ll Know Love"; and from the lush, full "1999" to the poignant "The Only Rose," the songs on Here and Now convey the fun and liveliness of the family's personalities. In fact, all you have to do is listen to their latest offering to get a feel of the family dynamics. When they sing together, their harmonies are organic and blend together effortlessly. Even when Tyler and Amanda share lead, their voices support each other and play off each other - just like at home, where they admit that they love hanging out together but still fight over "stupid things," like who gets the front seat in the car. Tyler still loves to make fun of Amanda's driving and Amanda enjoys teasing her little brother about his adoring female fans. So even as they've changed, the things that make The Wilkinsons special remain the same: the wonder of life, the gift of love and the joy of music. As Giant president and co-producer Doug Johnson says, "The world needs to know The Wilkinsons. They make it a better place." ~*The Special Person of the Month*~ Are you a huge Wilkinson fan? Think you should be The Word's next fan of the month? Fill out the form below and send it on in and you just might be our next winner. We've only got two other entries left so we really need more. Please send in those entries and good luck to all :0) Name: Email Addy: Current Residence: Age: How did you become a Wilkinson fan? How long you've been a fan? How many Wilkinson shows have you been to? Fave Wilkinson memory: Fave Wilkinson: Fave Wilkinson song: Why do you like the Wilkinsons? What's the most devoted thing you've done to support the Wilkinsons? Why should you be fan of the month? April's Fan of the Month is...*drum roll please* Crystal Congratulations :0) Here's part of her entry. Name: Crystal Edwards Email: C_Wilk2003@hotmail.com Current Residence: Colorado Springs, CO Age: 17 How long have you been a fan? 3 Years What's your favorite thing about the Wilkinsons? They Are So True To Their Fans And So Sweet To Everyone They Meet What's your favorite Wilkinson memory? The Night I Got TO Meet Them!! They Were So Awesome And So Sweet, And Not TO Mention Tyler Gives The Best Hugs Why should you be fan of the month? Because I Have Been A Fan Through And Through, And They Inspire Me So Much Both In My Career And My Life. You can view the rest on our website at http://www.oocities.org/theword_newsletter ~*It's YOUR Birthday*~ Since we didn't get out an issue last month we'll include Febuary birthdays too. If you've got a birthday coming up in April or May send it to us now. We need your name, age and the date of your birthday. February 15th - Martina turned 19 24th - Brian turned 18 28th - Michelle turned 17 ~*Want Ads...Find Other Wilkinson Fans*~ Are you looking for an email/chat pal to talk about Wilkinsons with? Then you've come to the right place. Fill out the following form and send it to us. Name: Age: Current Residence: Hobbies: Fave Bands: Email Address: AIM/Yahoo/MSN/ICQ handles: This month's applicants... None. We NEED your entries. Without the fans the Word is nothing. ~*Links...You Want Em? We Got Em*~ Got a Wilkinson site (or a site with the Wilkinsons on them and I don't mean you mention them in your fave bands I mean there's info and/or pics up on there)? Send the url to us and we'll add you to our links. The Words Official Site - Check out the new layout! The Word's Official Site The Wilkinsons Official Site WilkinsonsOnline.com Wilkinson High - Tracey's Wilkinson Site Wilkinson High Captivating - Jake's Amanda Site Captivating Wilkinson Village - Michelle's Wilkinson Site Wilkinson Village The Greatest Unofficial Fan Web Site - Scott's Wilkinson Site New Country Canada The Wilkinsons In Concert - David's Wilkinson Photo Gallery Online Photo Album Brian's Wilkinson Empire - Wilkinson Empire Brian's Amanda Wilkinson Palace - Amanda Wilkinson Palace The Wilkinsons Zone Wilkinson Zone Krystin's Wilkinson World Wilkinson World Wilkinson Fan Finder - want a pen pal/email pal? Look here. Wilkinson Fan Finder ~*Q&A...Wilkinson Style*~ Hey Everyone... Got any questions on The Wilkinsons?? Ask Me the Question Master....Just send in your question/questions to me at wyoarmybrat@yahoo.com and I'll do the best I can to answer them. ~Kate :) ~*Need An Ear...Advice*~ Do you have a problem that you need advice on? Submit your problems to us and we will try and answer as many as we can per issue. So... e-mail me at morningglory_64@hotmail.com. Your name will not be printed so if you want to you may sign your e-mails at: Confused in Michigan (for example) or whatever you'd like. I hope to hear from you soon. ~Jennifer ~*One Wilkinson Said To Another*~ Alright........i kinda suck at finding these, so your help would be muchos appriciated! But heres what i got after a bunch of uhh...crazy but yet dashin young girls yelled out "Tyler will you marry me" Steve replied with "hes still to young" followed by..."are you sure you would want to marry him" "if you want to know the value of a dream- We'll tell you its 26 cents" Steve Wilkinson "We dreamed of this success, but I think I've been around the music business long enough to know it's pretty tough to get a record deal and it's pretty tough to get new songs." Steve talkin about success "Music is our real joy, and we've been doing it for a really long time. If ever at any time it gets grueling for us, or we don't like to do it anymore, we definitely would do something else." "Get sleep when you can!" Tyler talkin about advice in the music buissness Amanda asked if Kiaya would sing with us sometime, and Kiaya replied, "You already look waaaaay too much like the Partridge Family!� Question: What inspired you to write "26 Cents"? Steve: It came from a couple of different sources. One was the old expression “a penny for your thoughts.� I always loved that expression. And my wife's aunt Kathy related a humorous story concerning a young man hitting on her when she was a teenager. She just blew this young fella away by a line, and he tossed her a quarter and said, "Call me when you grow up." So anyway, I thought the song should have a positive spin, so that's how the quarter got there. ~*And So Another Newsletter Comes To An End...*~ Wow.......this really was fun! Being vice president might not be sooo bad.......i had fun searchin for quotes! most of em are from old aol chats! Anywho, we hope you enjoyed the new updated word and be sure to check out the new word webpage! its pretty cool......if ya like baby blue! *wink* Until next time, take care everyone!  Tyler & Steve -- Tulsa, Oklahoma Copyright: David Pennybaker |