To Whom it May Concern, My name is Troy Deckebach. I am writing you this afternoon because I serve as the point man in Philadelphia for Chicago singer/songwriter Michael McDermott. McDermott will be playing two shows at The Point on Saturday, September 18th and I would be more than happy to set up an interview between a member of your staff and Michael. Back in 2001 when Michael was in town to support his Koch Records release 2001, you folks did a nice feature of Michael to get the word out on campus about the show and subsequently Michael made some new fans. As you may or may not be aware, McDermott has released 6 major works since coming on to the music scene in 1991. I can have his publicist send you a press kit that includes a full bio but I thought I would just highlight for you below some current local connections. Michael’s 2004 release Ashes has received significant airplay on WXPN this year. Two of the songs (Everything I’ve Got, Hellfire in the Holyland) have been in regular rotation and no less than 7 other songs from Ashes have received airplay. He has been a live in-studio guest twice this year (most recently live from Penn’s Landing moments before he took the stage with his band at XPN’s Singer/Songwriter Festival). Last month Ashes was a featured album of the week on XPN and Michael also made his second appearance on the XPN produced World Cafe earlier this summer. Although Michael has played the Point multiple times in the last several years, we are particularly excited about this upcoming show. After playing his band in Philadelphia twice earlier this year, these shows will see McDermott playing two very special acoustic sets (7 and 10 PM) back at a venue that has become his home away from home. Moreover, former Ani Difranco’s guitarist Andy Stochansky will open both of the shows. Please let me know what I can do to see that your readers are made aware of Michael McDermott’s September 18th shows at the Point.

Take care,

Troy Deckebach