Dear Friends,
Neal has been drafted into the NBA! Yes, at the age of 54, with a stunning vertical jump of almost 1.25 inches, and a 3 point shot that no one can figure out how to shut down, he is headed for the pros! Then he will hit the ATP tennis pro tour, with a serve at least as fast as his age!
OK, that’s not quite true. Well, it’s not true at all. Except for the part about his age.
Neal used to say that the only thing that would stop him from performing as part of Neal & Leandra would be if he had the opportunity to play basketball or tennis full time. Turns out, that wasn’t true either. So what’s going on?
You haven’t seen us for over a year. No shows, no radio performances, no postcards in the mail. We’ve been on a performance sabbatical. Sabbaticals are times to rest and reflect. We rested and reflected. We did it some more. Then, we realized we want the sabbatical to continue.
After twenty-five years of earning our livings as singer/songwriters, performing hundreds of concerts for millions of fans (just wanted to make sure you were paying attention), releasing fourteen CDs, receiving two McKnight Fellowships, appearing twice at Carnegie Hall, headlining eight sold out shows at the Guthrie Theater, playing more community concerts and coffeehouse gigs than you can shake a stick at while driving almost five hundred thousand miles in three different minivans to give those shows in forty-five states… well, we’ve “been everywhere, man!”
Now it has come back to the two of us, Neal & Leandra. As a duo, we have always been committed to sharing truth, harmony, courage, and hope through our music.
Truth – We are ending this chapter of our career as Neal & Leandra. We will continue singing and writing, but there will be no more Neal & Leandra concerts.
Harmony – This decision comes from our hearts, which are brimming with both tremendous excitement and sadness. This decision also brings great harmony to our lives.
Courage – Your embrace of our music, and us, changed our lives and made us more courageous. We are strengthened by your support as we move into new adventures.
Hope – Neal is passionate about his work as the Director of Tennis & Life Camps at Gustavus and his solo career as a songwriter and facilitator of workshops. Leandra is thrilled with the creation of Daily Plan-It Accountability Coaching, where she coaches clients to create their own life’s work.
So we are sure to see you somewhere down the road! Our recordings will still be available (the store is always open!) We are deeply grateful for your years of support.
Because, it might still go without saying, but we still say it anyway…
THANK YOU!
Hi !
Have enjoyed your music in the past..
Just found this note describing the change of career focus for you both…
(Thru a link listed on Pete Mayer’s website!)
Am interested in the daily plan-it coaching you mentioned …
Would like more info please… thx!
I am a USAF female Viet Nam veteran with tenitis. I purhased your CD, The Honeysuckle Vine at a thrift store in Mankato; and
this is when I felt truly blessed. Thank you for your creation. The CD is my anytime go to place that helps to relieve my stress
and fatigue that goes along with this constant ringing in my ears. You are wonderful. Keep on sharing your gifts and talents.
Your music has moved me to tears on so many occasions in my life. The song “Here” taught me me what I needed to learn at that time in my life. I was frequently at your concerts at the Guthrie, Harriet Bandshell, and so forth. Thank you for the beautiful gift you shared with so many of us.
Wishing you much joy in your next chapter.
Former Gustie Tennis Player. 😊
A little over 20 years ago I booked you in a place “Biddle’s Cafe” outside Philadelphia. The song I remember was “Old Love” and how much I liked it. I produce and host a folk radio show on WPPM-FM in Philadelphia and I found the song on a compilation CD I have called “House of Fire”. I’m going to play the song on tomorrow’s show.
My wife, Kathy, and I really love your music. Your concerts were always fun and you will be missed on the concert front. We host house concerts now in the East Metro Area, Musicians Corner House Concerts and our audiences would absolutely loved listening to you guys. If you ever decide you miss it and just want to do a low key house concert with 50 or so music lovers, just let us know! Enjoy your roads!
Dan