Conference calls and caring hearts: everything you need to know about this weekend*

Kathy created a cover that's right on time for this week! It's the fifteenth entry in our "Bucky Covington CD Cover Un-Contest", and it features two great concert photos by Mike/Sciortino 11, blended with a dramatic nature shot taken on the PeeDee River. (It's also a little larger than Blogger's margins permit; please click the image to enjoy it in its full large-format size.) The soft blues and greens create the peaceful, easy feeling of an afternoon enjoying the natural beauty of the river, and some fantastic music, too. Kathy 's beautiful artwork and graphics are also available at her blog, Team Covington, and her terrific fansite Bucky Covington Fans R Us. Thanks, Kathy!

This busy weekend ahead is so fully packed for Covington fans that it needs a guidebook of its own! Luckily, one popped into our email box earlier today; Happydays passed on Lisa/letusjudge's handy summary of the news you'll want to know, whether you're headed to Hugo's and the Erin's Victory Dance benefit in real life, or you'll just be there in spirit.

Hugo's (October 13th):
(Graphic by Lisa/letusjudge)

If you're headed to Hugo's (303 East Washington Street, Rockingham, NC 28379) to see Rocky and Bucky on Friday, October 13th, you'll want to get there a little early; the doors officially open at 9 p.m. (but see this thread for Buckaneer-specific time changes) , and the cover charge is $10 per person. There's a planning thread happening here at the Fox boards--be sure to check it for the latest info and for any sudden changes. Oh, and pack the house, y'all! This should be a night to remember.

Not able to go? You're not alone (I'm right there with you), but through the kindness of Happydays, Hildi, Hugo's manager and quite a few others--please let me know who I'm leaving out and I'll update this pronto!--there's a conference call happening that night, allowing you to get a little taste of the excitement live. Here's the information, straight from Lisa's message:

Now the fantastic news. Cert Cell...does that ring a bell? How about a conference call? If not, listen up. Both of these events will feature live feed through the technology of a service called Certcell. The CERTCELL service is free for everyone.

YOU WILL BE CHARGED A LONG DISTANCE CHARGE IF YOU DO NOT HAVE FREE LONG DISTANCE OR FREE NIGHTS AND WEEKENDS ON YOUR PHONE. CERTCELL SERVICE IS FREE, GETTING THE CONNECTION TO CERTCELL VIA THE LONG DISTANCE CARRIER IS WHERE THE CHARGE COMES INTO YOU. IF YOU CALL VIA YOUR MOBILE OR CELL PHONE AND HAVE FREE NIGHTS AND WEEKENDS YOU SHOULD NOT BE CHARGED. THE ORGANIZERS HAVE NO CONTROL OVER HOW MUCH YOUR LONG DISTANCE COMPANY WILL CHARGE YOU, SO PLEASE KEEP THAT IN MIND.

The Buckaneers have set up this service so that everyone can hear both Rocky and Bucky on Friday, and then again on Saturday from the Gala.

If you are not sure how it works...it is very easy. Buckaneers Hildi & Happy have set up the account and after many hours of organizing this plan, the plan is in effect. And just a little side note, as Happy and Hildi were making the arrangements both of these lucky ladies got to speak to Bucky himself. So yes, he is still out there, and has not forgotten about his fans. He was actually rehearsing while Hildi was on the phone making the plans and could hear Bucky singing "Superstition".

At approximately 9:30-9:45, a thread on American idol in Bucky's board will be started by leafdancing. It will be something to the effect of "Live Hugo's conference call". A number will be listed for you to call that will put you in the conference call, and you will hear everything that is going on. Listen to Bucky and Rocky live through the phone, or if you have a VOIP set up through your computer you can listen that way also. One word of caution on Friday--Hugo's is underground and the reception is terrible for a cell phone. Wayne from Hugo's has agreed to let the Buckaneers use the Hugo's land line phone for this call. He has agreed to 30 minutes. I know... but this is the business phone and 30 minutes is better than no LIVE BUCKY AND ROCKY. Now, it will be important for everyone to keep checking the "live" thread because if we are disconnected we may have to post another number you will have to call.

As always, check the ongoing thread for the very latest--things change fast, and we want you to be on top of the news! We'll post any updates as soon as we can, but the thread is the easiest way to know what's what.


Erin's Victory Dance (October 14th):
(Graphic by Lisa/letusjudge)

Bucky will be the star attraction at this benefit for the Victory Junction Gang camps for chronically and seriously ill children; Mary Beth Browning, Erin's sister, is your hostess for this event--in place of a sweet sixteen party, she's raising money for the camp her sister enjoyed so much. The gala will be held at the Empire Room in Greensboro (203 South Elm St., Greensboro NC 27401), and "casual formal" attire is requested. The ticket availability has been extended, and donations at the door are now being accepted for entry--please email Mrs. Browning, Erin's mother, at erinsvictorydance@hotmail.com to be added to the RSVP list. (This will ensure the caterers can provide for the extra attendees expected.) If your plans have changed at the last minute, by all means go, enjoy a performance by Bucky, and support this worthwhile cause!

There will be a conference call on Saturday evening as well--the event begins at 7 p.m., but Bucky's actual performance time is unknown as of this post, so be sure to stop in at the Fox boards and look for a thread announcing the Erin's Victory Dance conference call. (And if you get through, consider donating to the Victory Junction folks directly in Erin or Mary Beth's name, as a way of saying thanks for a wonderful evening.)

We'll try to post updates about this weekend's events as often as possible--in the meantime, we'd like to thank Happy, Hildi, Lisa, leafdancing, and everyone for sharing information and news. Much appreciated!

More soon...

*Did I mention that it's best to stay tuned to those threads at the Fox boards for any last-minute changes? Better check right now...I'll be here.