July 4th we had a fantastic showing in the capitol city, and Jefferson City fans proved to make us feel right at home. A few days later we played for one of the largest-ever crowds at the Shelter Garden Concert series on July 9th (attendance estimated at 1600) and in late July we went on a 4-day tour in Wisconsin and Illinois.

After a personal vacation for Michael and myself (Hawaii was fabulous - you can check my blog for more on that) the summer culminated in the Festival at Sandpoint in Idaho. Being 'treated like royalty' is not just a cliche - I could really get used to the air- conditioned pre-show trailer, massage therapist, catered meal, private bath and all the other perks! The festival crowd is ripe with people ready to be entertained. The beautiful stage is perched on the edge of Pend O'Reille lake, ospreys nest nearby, the stars twinkle, and the music flows. This performance was definitely a highlight of my career. I met several people there who will prove to be important connections to other festivals and return venues in the Sandpoint area. We hope to have a CD release party for our new fans and friends in Sandpoint, possibly in December when we return to the area. I want to quickly thank my band, (including the two honorary band members Jeff Mueller and Ruth Acuff who came along and lent their talent to the cause) Melissa, who was invaluably helpful with merchandise and follow-up promotions, and family and friends who treated the band like gold the entire week.

Looking ahead, we plan our first appearance at Grand Cru Restaurant in Columbia, we look forward to the August 25th Bob Dylan tribute CD release concert at the Blue Note (I contributed 'To Make you Feel My Love' to the CD project, and will be performing 'Oh Sister'; with the Doxies at the Blue Note concert), and we hop in and out of the studio with Steve Gardner as he engineers our soon-to-be-born baby, Road to Hope!

Hilary announced from the stage the Road to Hope Road Sign Photo Contest, and the response was terrific! People from around the area have the opportunity to creatively photograph the Hope, Idaho road sign. The winning photo will be included in the Road To Hope CD booklet and posted on the Hilary Scott website, and a nice gift package will be awarded to the winner.

Roadie package purchasers who would like to bring a spouse/friend/significant other along, admission-only companion tickets are available for $30.00 In addition to admission to the Roadie event, the companion ticket also provides admission to the November CD Release Party.

You're gonna' love having your name in the Roadie credits in the Road to Hope CD insert, partying with the band and being one of the first to hear and own the new Road To Hope CD!

Hannah Vogel, reporter of the Sandpoint Reader, writes, "Her voice is strong and classic, appropriate for someone who describes her first love of music as 'wanting to fill every room with sound'". To read the complete article, click on "Reader, Unofficial Festival at Sandpoint Guide" on the home page of the Hilary Scott website,

The July Wisconsin/Illinois tour, featuring 2-4 pieces of the Hilary Scott Band was completed with flying colors and the band hopes to return to some of the venues they discovered on this trip.

The Nashville project has been on-hold for the past month due to touring, but Hilary plans on returning to Nashville in September for the continuation of the publishing and writing deal she has been working on with Matthew Wilder and other area songwriters.

Road to Hope, the Hilary Scott Band's current work- in-progress, is slated for release November 11th, at a CD release party to be held at the Martini Bar in Columbia, Missouri. For people purchasing the Roadie package, the pre-release party is to be held at the Courtyard Beer and Wine Garden on October 7th. Road to Hope will possibly include a guest mandolin performance by Columbia legend Lee Ruth and includes fabulous tracks by guest cellist, Carol Elliot. Long-awaited songs on this upcoming album include 'Blessed,' 'Loser Blues' and 'Hallelujah.'