Valerie Borman Blog – Nothing like coming home

When I began planning my sets for the Heidelberg-Lynn Township historical Society’s Pioneer Day 2010, I had no problem choosing the first number. For years, I’d waited for the opportunity to sing Carolyn Dawn Johnson’s “Simple Life” in my hometown of New Tripoli, PA because for me, it is autobiographical – so much so, I was asked if I wrote the song… I WISH!!!

“I have wandered this world far and wide. I’ve been all around and to the other side, but there’s nothing like coming home….nothing like coming home.”

Singing Carolyn’s lyrics under the most beautiful sunny sky on October 2nd was one of the most memorable moments of my career. I grew up a “stone’s throw” from the Ontelaunee Park on Borman Rd. (Yep – I’m not kidding. The state named the road after my family.) I remember as a kid hearing the music coming from the Park every Sunday afternoon. I also remember driving past the entrance and seeing the names of the artists who were playing there: Porter Wagoner, Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty and Buck Owens – ahhh, Hee Haw. The Ontelaunee Park had a history of hosting the biggest names in Country Music like Johnny Cash and Hank Williams – and I wanted to be part of that history. My childhood dream had finally come true.

But the magic of my perfect day didn’t end there. It’d been a long time since I lived in New Tripoli and worked at my parents’ butcher shop/retail store, Rose Valley Farm. It had been years since I graduated from Northwestern Lehigh High School. (Just remember – I’m only 29!!) October 2nd became a homecoming AND reunion all in one. Everyone with whom I spoke was a part of my personal history: people who knew me as a kid behind the counter in the butcher shop; alumni from dozens of graduating classes of NHS; my former teachers and classmates; friends with whom I’d participated in the Relay For Life of Northwestern Lehigh. There were lines of people just waiting to chat with me. I have never felt so loved and appreciated. And the best part of all of this – my family was there with me. My Mum and Dad were feeling well enough to come to the show. It was THE perfect performance.

I am so thrilled that I got to share my personal history and Pennsylvania Dutch heritage with my wonderful friend, and guitarist, Tom Williamson. He flew from Nashville to PA to join me on my “personal high for a day.” (Sorry about the tour of Philadelphia, Tom!) I took him on my personal tour of Borman Rd and Mosserville and even got him to ask my Dad over the mic, “Kuscht du mikka funga?” I still laugh every time I think about it.

When the gig ended, we took the party to the Leather Corner Post Hotel, the “Home Of The Boombas,” to see the Dr. Jim Band. (I will have to find the video of me playing Boomba and post it here on the website!) The members of this awesome rock ensemble were also classmates – and neighbors – of mine “back in the day.” The musical magic led to an all-night kitchen jam in Jim and Laura’s kitchen. And at 5 a.m., I still wasn’t ready for the best day ever to end. There is “nothing like coming home!”

Valerie Borman dates added Oct 07, 2010

The following new dates have been added to the Valerie Borman Calendar.

For additional dates and details, visit the Valerie Borman Calendar section.

You can also subscribe to Valerie’s E-mail Newsletter to be notified of her latest news, events, and website updates.

Date	Venue	Details
Saturday Oct 16, 2010	Music at Lenox Village 6901 Lenox Village Drive Nashville, TN Get Directions	10AM-1PM Open to Public
Friday Dec 17, 2010	Christmas Party Allentown, PA	Private

Valerie Borman Gallery – Pioneer Day Festival

Photos of Valerie Borman performing at Pioneer Day Festival in New Tripoli, PA on Oct 02, 2010.

Valerie Borman Gallery – Friends and Fans

Photos of Valerie Borman with some of her friends and fans.

Jeff Arrandale Calendar Update Oct 04 2010

The following date has been added to the Jeff Arrandale Calendar.

For additional dates and details, visit the Jeff Arrandale Calendar section.

Subscribe to Jeff’s e-mail Newsletter to be notified of his latest news, events, and website updates.

Date	Venue	Details
Sunday Oct 10, 2010	Certainty performing at Fellowship Community Church for Transformed (FCC Youth) Appearing with Gospel Link Bible College students from Zambia, Africa Norwalk, IA	6PM