We've played in basements where the pipes are literally dripping over your head, but where the listeners don't seem to mind because it's one of the best places in the city to hear live music.

Recently we played at a historic movie theater which had been renovated into a performance theater and where long-time residents from this very small town gave us their time and appreciation.

We've travelled across the country to play, had our gigs recorded by professional and amateur videographers alike, and have our very own official band photographer!

And, we've enjoyed equally the gigs on our home turf where on a late summer evening we lift up BA's garage door and give the neighbors a 'show', proving there's no shame in being a garage band!

By now, the list of gigs in our history numbers into the hundreds. Bill Adams (known affectionately by all his friends as BA) who serves as our self-appointed band historian, has three-ring binders literally BUSTING with showbills, posters, postcards, newspaper announcements of our shows, set lists, comments from show-goers written on napkins - you name it! I must have a selective memory, but sometimes, the shows blur together a bit, and you only look forward to the one coming NEXT.

This month, I went back and REFLECTED a bit on the amazing places we've been. Reading through my blog, looking back at old gig listings, reading over my press kit materials and the venues listed there, something always comes back to me. The names of venues toggle a switch in my head and suddenly I remember a special fan who approached me and made my night with a postive comment, or a sound guy who stood out above and beyond the rest by treating us with incredible kindness, or that AWESOME green room (trust me, the GOOD ones are noteworthy!) or the employee at a venue who went the extra mile by giving us a free meal or even a place to stay for the night. (There was even an employee at a certain Kansas City venue who offered to give up his paycheck to bring our band in.) I list these examples as though they are singular, but many of them have happened repeatedly, the good ones I'm speaking of, and I realize how lucky I am to be able to say that.

Hilary, her percussionist Michael, and other acoustic guitarist Bill Adams, will perform their debut gig at this fun new venue on Saturday, February 11th, from 5-8pm. This is guaranteed to be the perfect Valentine's Day date for you and your sweetie. Dede has a special menu planned, some complimentary beverages, and the place will be decked out to make you feel the romance! Here's a sample of what will be available to tempt your tastebuds:

Baked Spaghetti with Bread and Salad sides

Grilled Salmon on a Bed of Lettuce with Asparagus

Shrimp Cocktail or Shrimp Salad

Chicken and Broccoli Crepe with Sauce, and Bread and Salad sides

Dede's featured Specialty Sandwiches will also be available

This restaurant has an exclusive boutique feel, and the food screams gourmet with a touch of home. You will not be disappointed - and we'd love to see you come and mingle with us as we provide entertainment in three forty-five minute sets. Come sit at your own romantic table amidst the glow of candlelight and flowers, and help us celebrate the grand opening of Dede's Tea Room and our first performance there!

The Mountain Music Shoppe also offers a very popular venue for artists. It is known and loved for the quality of the artists it presents and the intimacy of the concerts (only 60 seats, which almost always sell out), and there isn't a bad seat in the house.

For those who have been waiting for a new release from the Hilary Scott Band, your wait is becoming shorter! 2006 will bring a new release by the band, with special appearances by guest artists, including cellist Carole Elliot. Songs recorded for this release will include 'Blessed,' 'Road to Hope,' 'Sugar Bomb,' the new version of 'Daydreamer,' the band's versions of covers like 'Hallelujah' and 'Long Ride Home' and more! Special promotional ideas and ways for fans to become a bigger part of the process are being discussed by Belltown Records. Keep your eyes and ears open for updates!

Recently, as you know from December's newsletter, Hilary was featured on the cover and in an extensive article in 'Inside Columbia Magazine,' and one short month later, was also voted Columbia's Best Singer in the magazine's January edition. (Thank you, Columbia fans, we love you!) Copies are still on newsstands.

The fan club website is moderated by Melissa and Mark, who bring you the latest news about Hilary Scott and the Band, often before it hits the Hilary Scott website. They also post fun and interesting polls and moderate the forums where fans can share news and views. There are a lot of great gig photos posted by members in the photo album, with lots of room for more! Madrigal Solutions does a great job of hosting the site.