Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #22 - February, 1973

Hi Fans and ATTENTION!

Karen and Richard spend a quiet Christmas at home with Mom & Dad. It took them some time to open all their gifts which half filled with living room. Gifts included a bike for each, for exercise when they're not on tour.

We've had numerous requests for instruments info and who plays what in concert. So first all, Carpenters instruments: For grand pianos, Richard is a Baldwin man. There is a grand piano in the living room and his music room is home for a concert grand - both black. He keeps another concert grand stored away for local concerts, TV appearance and recording. For electric piano Richard uses the Wurlitzer and carries three while touring. His large electric organ is a Kustom. Karen, of course, has Ludwig drums, 2 sets. Each set consist of: bass, 20" snare, high hat, 13" top tom, 2floor tom toms, 14" & 16", concert toms - 4", 6", 8" & 10" and Zildjian cymbals. Her petal is a Rogers pedal and she used No. 11A drumsticks. Also found in the Carpenters home is a guitar, a Univox electric bass and a Japanese stringed instrument which was a gift to Richard from their Japanese promoter in Japan.

In concert, along with Richard who leads the group on electric piano, and Karen, lead singer and drummer, there is: Bob Messenger on electric bass, sax and flute. Doug Strawn on electric clarinet and organ. Gary Sims on guitar. Tony Peluso on guitar and organ. Jim Anthony on percussion and drums. Danny Woodhams on electric bass.

Doug, Gary and Danny help out with concert singing but do not sing on records. The only voices you hear on Carpenters records are Karen's and Richard's. They create the choir effect on record by over-dubbing. On their album Ticket To Ride they had 39 voices - all theirs! Richard does all arranging for both concerts and records and is also his own record producer. At the present time Karen and Richard are spending many long hours at A&M recording another album. If there are no set-backs it will be out in April.

Negotiations for their own TV special have Been completed. It will be sponsored by Anheuser-Busch Company. If you recall, they sponsored the John Wayne Special last year. Part of the package was for Karen and Richard to appear in Houston at the Music Hall during the Anheuser convention. Their personal appearance there on the 17th was complete surprise to the convention delegates. But needless to say the response they received was warm, loud and long. Carpenters were concealed in the orchestra pit, which, on cue, raised to become part of the stage. Appearing with Karen and Richard were Ed McMahon of Johnny Carson fame, and the Burgundy Street Singers. There is not date set, as yet, for the taping or airing of this Special but we'll let you know as soon as this bit of information is revealed to us. 

Though their stay in Houston was brief, they were assigned a two floor suite in one of Houston's plush hotels. Karen said she has never seen a bathroom door as large as the one in her bedroom suite - 4 panels wide. They went to see The Arbors who were appearing in Houston but found that their casual dress was a NO-NO. Two of the fellows in their group were without coats and ties so none of the group went in. There was a sad note of the performance. The vice-president of Busch who was the MC for the program collapsed on stage from a heart attack and was rushed to a hospital. Karen and Richard found out before they left Houston that he would be O.K. Backstage they conversed with Mr. August Busch II and Mr. August Busch III. Richard and Karen were very impressed with these two fine men and with the friendliness extended to them by all of the Busch people.

And now, Fans, - revealed for the first time - the identity of Sugar Bear. Yes there really is such a person. His real name is Mark Rudolph. He is first cousin to Karen and Richard. He hails from Baltimore, MD where his mother, father, sister and two brothers still live. Bear loves fun, food (especially chocolate chip cookies), motorcycles, girls, bowling playing pool and swimming. Oh yes, Richard and Karen and Bear each bought a brand new motorcycle and the three of them enjoy riding together around Downey. So now you know the right-hand man of Richard and Karen.

Will rap more next month, EV.

Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #23 - March, 1973

Hi Fans:

And a great big THANK YOU from Richard for all the get well cards and good wishes. In response to your inquiries, I'll fill you in on the details of his accident.

On Sunday, January 21st, Richard, Karen, Dad and Bear toted their 175 and 250 cc Kawasaki cycles to Palmdale to ride on a dry lakebed. The wind there was so strong, and bitterly cold, they decided against it and headed for home.

On the way, they passed an enormous Motor Bike Park, and decided to ride their bikes there. After paying their entrance fee, signing in, and unloading the bikes from the van, they took off for what they thought was going to be a fun day. The park was a huge section of land with many trails which led them over, up, down and around numerous hills and curves, many of these were blind ones. None of the narrow trails were marked in any way to indicate which direction a rider should travel. It was very unlike our well marked California highways and freeways. Law enforcement in the park was nil. There were riders without helmets, others were criss-crossing, zig-zagging and riding both directions on both sides of the trails. Though they avoided the race track section of the park, two very young boys were racing there, and it was these boys, ages 13 and 15 who made a mistake that was to cause Richard untold miseries.

The sign posted outside the park stated no one under 18 would be admitted without their parents, but somehow the boys, not even old enough for a driver's license, were admitted. While they were racing, they drove off the race track onto the one-bike trail that Richard and his friend had taken, but were headed in opposite directions! Arriving at a blind curve, one boy hit Richard's friend, and the other hit Richard head-on!

Three of the people involved in this double accident were able to walk away on their own power. Richard sustained a broken right leg, left wrist and sprained right wrist. Mom & Dad came to the rescue and drove him back to Downey hospital. He was examined by an orthopedist, and after all X-Rays were taken, and all breaks set, it was an exhausted Richard who limped up the steps of his home. He refused to be hospitalized.

The next day was just another work day, so in spite of three casts, he managed to arrive at the recording studios to continue work on the next album. Three concerts had been scheduled for February. He flew to two of them in Sacramento and Santa Maria.

I caught the Anaheim show and was amazed to see the left hand (still in a cast) play right along with the right hand, even throughout the fast tunes. Performing Dead Man's Curve, Richard takes the lead and though his voice is usually soft, I noticed he really comes on strong now during that number! To quote Richard "Man, can I identify with that (song)". His doctor has warned him the left wrist may take from 4 months to 2 years to heal. In the meantime he intends to fulfill all concert engagements. If you are fortunate enough to see him perform, you'll never know he's doing so with a broken wrist, unless you happen to see the cast.

The new single Sing is now released. It is a catchy tune, and one that everyone should learn. The background vocalists are the young Jimmie Joyce Singers, whose ages range from 11 to 14. During the recording, Karen accompanied them with her 'little girl' voice. As you know, she can sing in many voices.

We still have no air date for Robert Young with the Young. Hope you all check your T.V. Guides and newspaper listings.

Richard and Karen's own T.V. special will have to wait until Richard is fully recovered. I'll keep you posted.

See ya then, EV.

Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #24 - April, 1973

Hi Fans!

In reply to numerous inquires concerning Richard's health, let me assure you he is fine. The casts have been removed from his leg and right arm. His left arm must remain in a cast for awhile longer, but it hasn't hindered him for working. He's been recording day and night to complete the new album scheduled for April release. The title of the album is Now And Then and will include their latest hit Sing.

There have been numerous requests of a question and answer session so here goes:

Q: Why doesn't Richard sing more on records?

A: Be sure to listen to their upcoming album. You'll hear a lot or Richard, and he does a terrific job.

Q: What color is Karen's drum set?

A: Sparkling silver.

Q: Did Mrs. Carpenter object to Karen playing drums at first?

A: She never objected. When Karen decided one Sunday that she wanted a set of drums, Mom and Dad drove miles to find a music store open and they bought her a set.

Q: What kind of records does Richard collect?

A: Everything from classical to rock. He is especially interested in old Spike Jones records.

Q: Did Karen sing when she was a little girl?

A: No. She was more interested in baseball!

Q: What made Karen sing? Did she realize she had such a great voice?

A: No, she didn't. It was difficult to convince her. Her Mom and friends tried to tell her but she thought they were being kind. She finally gained confidence from choir work in college, and encouragement from choir director, Mr. Pooler.

Q: How did she learn to play the drums so well?

A: Drumming was inborn. As a youngster she was constantly drumming tabletops, chairs etc. with her fingers in time to the records or Richard's piano playing.

Q: Does Karen feel uncomfortable traveling with so many men?

A: No. She feels safe. They are all very protective of her. Her hairdresser, Maria also travels with the group.

Q: Do Karen and Richard like outdoor sports?

A: Yes, especially swimming and bike riding.

Q: Do Karen and Richard have other special talents?

A: Richard's many talents are all in the music field. Karen is also an excellent artist and won a poster contest when she as in high school.

Q: What is Karen's voice range?

A: From D below middle C to G above high C.

Q: Have they done any TV commercials?

A: Yes. They sang a potato chip commercial in Texas.

Q: Did Richard and Karen ever wear braces on their teeth?

A: No.

Q: Do they have any new pets?

A: They have two goldfish named Jonella and Elliott. (A Christmas gift from Doug and Gary).

Q: What is their nationality?

A: German on their mother's side and English on their father's side.

Many thanks from Karen and Mom for the lovely cards and gifts they received from you on their birthdays which fall three days apart. They celebrated at home with a quiet party with close friends. The highlight of the evening was a preview of some of the new songs that will be on the upcoming album. All I can say is WOW!! You fans are really something! You're the best fans in the world.

Will rap again next month. EV.

Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #26 - June, 1973

Hi Fans.

Hope you watched the Robert Young with the Young special which finally aired May 6^th. Those of you writing in to say there wasn't enough of Karen and Richard on the show, I agree with you wholeheartedly. One song by Karen just wasn't enough! Their new album Now And Then has finally been released as well as a new single called Yesterday Once More. So, Happy Listening! We've had hundreds of inquiries concerning awards, Grammies, Gold Records, etc. that Karen and Richard have achieved so this new list will bring you up to date.

Plaques and/or certificates:

Recognition of High Standard of Music, from sorority of LDS church.

Orange County Press Club Headliners

Award of Notability for Outstanding Achievements from Downey Chamber of Commerce

1971 Trendsetter Award for Billboard

1971 No. 1 Award for Top Single, Billboard Easy Listening Artist

Honorary Chairman, Youth Against Cancer, Karen

Honorary Membership, Youth Against Cancer, Karen and Richard

Grand Marshalls Downey Christmas Parade, Dec. 5, 1971

Carpenters Day, Dec. 17^th, 1971

National Association of Record Merchandisers, NARM, Best Selling Group 1971

WFIL Hall of Fame, Top Ten songs award for Close To You

Salute to Carpenters from Ed Shea and Stanley Adams, American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers for Hurting Each Other, Close To You, and Rainy Days and Mondays (3 Plaques)

A Tribute to Achievement for Gold Record Awards for single, Close To You and albums, Close To You & Carpenters from the continent of Australia.

TROPHIES:

First Place, Chamber music, Richard, while in grade school

Honorary Yearbook Queen, Karen, Columbus Technical Institute, Aug. 1971

1966 Battle of the Bands, Hollywood Bowl, consisted of Best Combo, Sweepstakes, Combo Finalist - Richard, Combo Finalist - Karen, Outstanding Instrumentalist - Richard

All American College Show, TV 1968-1969 consisted of: 1^st Place - Trio, 1^st Place, Trio - Semi Finals, 1^st Place - Karen, drums, 1^st Place - Richard, 1^st Place - Richard, Semi Finals, 1^st Place - Richard, Finals

Downey High School Band, 1967, Karen

John Phillips Sousa Band Award, Karen

Downey High School Outstanding Senior, Richard

American Guild of Variety Artists, AGVA, Musical Group of the year 1971

GRAMMY AWARDS:

Best New Artist 1970

Best Contemporary Vocal Group, Close to You 1970

Best Vocal Pop Group for Carpenters Album 1971

GRAMMY NOMINATIONS:

1970 - Record of the Year, Close To You - Album of the Year Close To You - Best Arrangement Accompanying vocalist Close To You

1971 - Best Arrangement Accompanying vocalist, Superstar

Best vocal performance by a duo, group or chorus, Carpenters Album

Best Album of the Year, Carpenters

1972 - Best Instrumental Arrangement - Flat Baroque

GOLD RECORDS:

Singles - Close To You, Rainy Days and Mondays, We've Only Just Begun, For All We Know, Superstar, Hurting Each Other and Sing

Albums - Close To You, Carpenters and A Song For You

Both A&M Recording Co. and the Record Industry Association Of America presented a gold record for each of the above to both Karen and Richard. This means there are four gold records for each song adorning the Carpenters walls!

Foreign countries, too, show their appreciation for Karen and Richard - beautiful music by presenting gold records. They each have two gold records from King Records of Japan and one from Australia.

How's that for achievements for two youngsters in their twenties?

Available are, T-shirts, Posters, Sew-on Patches, Pens, Pennants, Daisy Key-Chains, Bumper Stickers and Wallet pictures.

Since this is a letter of Carpenter Achievements, I'd like to add that among the trophies won by Karen and Richard, there is also one won by Karen's Belgian Shepherd for best behaved dog in a dog training class!

Rap next month. EV.

Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #27 - July, 1973

Hi Fans & Good News Today!

RICHARD HAD HIS CAST OFF! Yup, that last cast was removed from his wrist Monday, June 11^th. Oh Happy Day! He (and Karen of course) had just returned from a 10 day stay in Acapulco where they had both acquired beautiful tans. There was quite a contrast in color on his arm when the cast came off! Reminded me of their new album Now and Then. Incidentally, the new album was named by none other than MOM CARPETNER!

We have a few dates to ADD to the schedule published in Newsletter #25:

Aug. 10^th - Santa Barbara, CA

Oct. 12^th - Provo, Utah

Oct. 17^th - Portland, Maine

Oct. 18^th - Bangor, Maine

Oct. 19^th - Springfield, Mass.

Oct. 20^th - Troy, New York

Oct. 21^st - Binghamton, New York

Oct. 22^nd - Buffalo, New York

Oct. 23^rd - Kitchner, Ontario

Oct. 24^th - London, Ontario

Oct. 26^th - Muncie, IN

Oct. 27^th - South Bend, IN

Nov. 9 & 10 - Arie Crown Theater, Chicago, IL

Nov. 11^th - Evansville, IN

Nov. 16^th - St. Louis, MO

Nov. 19^th - Starkville, Mississippi

There's been one cancellation - Jackson, Mississippi, on November 20. Sorry about that!

By the time you read this, Karen and Richard and the Carpenters back-up group will have contributed again to the Cancer Society. On July 4^th at 1:00 p.m. they will play softball against the dynamic personalities of station WCAU, FM, AM, TV. It will be played in the Tally-Hotel Field in Valley Forge, adjacent to the new Valley Forge Music Fair. That should be SOME game! All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Cancer Society.

Carpenters wrist watches are available but the Fan Club does not handle them.

For those of you who are wondering who the new drummer is that sits in for Karen when she stands to sing, it is none other that Cubby O'Brien, former TV Disney Mouseketeer! His first show with Karen and Richard was in Albuquerque. This concert was also the first time Karen and Richard did Sing with local school children. Karen and Richard really love this part of their concert. The kids are adorable and do a fine job of singing while they nervously finger their dresses, pull on their jeans, or hold on to their shirts. They dress in minis, maxis, slacks, suites or jeans. Their hair is pony-tailed, braided, curled, or hangs loosely around their shoulders. They are tiny, chubby, short and tall - sometimes taller than Karen. They smile confidently displaying a lack of front teeth or are seriously "petrified". They come on cold turkey with no beforehand rehearsal with Karen and Richard.

Another first in Albuquerque was the group dress. The "Layered" look was evident as each member of the group appeared dressed differently from the others. Richard wore a pair of green shoes, so large he couldn't get them under the piano. Karen said she about cracked up during her rendition of Close To You when she heard a decided "clunk" with every press of the foot pedal.

In Las Cruses, Richard and Karen were flabbergasted at the number of stairs they had to climb to get to their dressing room from the stage. They were also astonished to find they had to walk under the bleachers to reach the stage. Quite a set-up! Karen says Odessa must have the world's largest jack-rabbits. She was quite impressed. Wichita Falls has one of the most beautiful concert halls Karen and Richard have ever played in. The 26 youngsters that sang in concert with them there really filled the stage. For relaxation there the group held races and engaged in a friendly ice fight, taking care not to hurt each other. Bill Skiles bought himself an alarm wrist watch which proceeded to go off as the group walked down the street. It sounded like a burglar alarm and scared them out of their wits. I have a hunch Bill planned it that way.

More fun in Austin. This time water fights with toy water pistols which led to squeeze-type spray bottles when the battle became more intense, and they finally gave way to buckets and everyone got a good soaking. Seems Cubby ended up in the pool with his clothes on.

From Austin, the group caravan to Waco in 2 limos and 2 rented cars. Enroute, Karen and Richard were serenaded by their chauffeur who sang them one of his own compositions. One of the cars had a blow-out so Dan & Pete were tire changer volunteers. The concert hall in Waco was "barely". The roof had blown off during one to the Texas tornadoes and the building was still under repair.

Dallas was an excellent date in spite of the lack of dressing rooms in the concert hall. The entire group found themselves in one big room which was to serve as a dressing room for all of them. They managed to screen Karen off in a corner by using the wardrobe trunks. That's show biz. Following the concert, a party was given in Karen and Richard's honor by the SHOWCO people at their headquarters there.

In San Antonio, Carpenter disciples hounded Karen and Richard nearly every step they took when they did the restaurant to restaurant trek in search of a meal. All restaurants were closed so after an unsuccessful quest they returned, hungry, to their rooms where they watched TV. Guess we'll have to leave them hungry in their rooms there but be assured, next month we'll pick them up in New Orleans next month for more Carpenters Capers.

See ya then, EV.

Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #28 - August, 1973

Hi Fans:

The softball game on the 4th July was a sizzler for the Carpenters who were whammed by the WCAU personalities 12-0. I have no details on the game yet, except that Karen was the pitcher. More on it in next newsletter.

We go to New Orleans where the French Quarters was home to Richard & Karen during their stay there. They settled into some lovely rooms, and when they ordered snacks to be sent up to them, they were flabbergasted to find the 'snack' was enough to feed 20 people. Dinner that night was at the Plantation. The road was excellent, The Corpus Christie concert audience was very receptive, and their responsiveness was much appreciated by Richard & Karen. The concert sponsors gave them an after-show party in their hotel where a professional hairdresser was among the guests. He kept touching their hair, and asking Maria all about it. It was so soft and silky, he couldn't believe it was their own. Richard said the Brownsville audience was the best they had ever played to. They not only gave Richard & Karen a standing ovation but honored Skiles & Henderson in the same manner. Karen said she'll never forget the heat there and the HUGE insects, truly Texas size!

For dinner that night, they drove across the border into a pretty little Mexican town. They remember Abilene for the limo driver who gave them quite a fright when he drove in the wrong direction on a one way street. Later he was told to take Richard & Karen to a restaurant, but instead, followed the first limo that was transporting the rest of the group back to the hotel which was on the opposite side of the town.

In Lubbock they had shower trouble. Seems there was no water pressure. Then they found themselves and their abundance of instruments and equipment overflowing a minute stage but of course, the show went on. Amarillo was another fun place. For a change of recreational pace, the group purchased Frisbees. They also managed to play a game of softball in the concert hall before the gig, which was a sell-out. They enjoyed shopping in a huge mall but lost track of their rented car in the sea of parked vehicles that had surrounded it. They searched for some time, and when the others gave up, Karen & Bill continued the search and finally located it.

Tornadoes, thunderstorms and rain plagued them throughout Texas. One of the jokers in the group called Tony and told him to go to a shelter because a tornado was due. Poor Tony packed his suitcase and was on his way before discovering it was just another practical joke.

Richard & Karen enjoyed the Texas tour, and were impressed by the lovely white limos that transported them back and forth to concerts.

Oklahoma City offered a lovely concert hall, and the shows performed there were received by very appreciative audiences. The concert sponsors served Chinese food to all show personnel backstage. The hotel they had made reservations with was 'something else'. They arrived amid pouring rain and gusty winds, to find the hotel had lost their reservations and had no room for them. They finally settled in at a Holiday Inn.

The Holiday Inn in Missouri was a huge complex with doors that jammed. It was here that the Roadies decided to pull a practical joke on Bear. They knocked on his door, enticed him to step into the hall, then slammed his door and took off. So there he was, locked out of his room in his underwear.

Just received word on the Wallingford softball game. Better news this time, The Carpenters won that match 15-3! Other games scheduled are Holmdel, New Jersey July 19. Pine Knob, Michigan July 28, and Universal City, California August 8. Will keep you posted on scores.

Unhappily we report that Tony Peluso is temporarily absent from the group due to illness. He is now out of hospital. recuperating at his home.

I'm sure we all wish him a speedy recovery.

Will pick up the group in Columbia, Missouri next month, and, will rap with you then. EV.

Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #29 - September, 1973

Hi Fans,

Good news! The Carpenters Softball Season ended in victory for the Carpenters team on the Sawtelle baseball field in West Los Angeles on August 5th. They scored over the DJ's All Stars 9 to 5 in the top of the 9th. inning. It was an exciting game with Karen pitching for her team, and Wes Parker, formerly of the LA Dodgers, pitching for the All Stars. Actor James Caan was also on the All Stars team. Lineup as follows:

CARPENTERS - POSITION- Jim Brown

Mark Rudolph (Bear) - 2^nd Base - Dave Diamond (KIIS)

Bill Skiles - 3rd. Base - Neale Blase (KKDJ)

Cubby O'Brien - Short Stop - James Caan

Doug Strawn - Left Field - Bill Wade (KHJ)

Dave Connelly - Right Field - Ray Willis (KBIG)

Richard Burkhart - Short Center - Mike Butts (KTQQ)

Dan Woodhams - Center Field - Arnie McClatchy (KEZY)

Mike Cunha - Catcher - Jerry Bishop (KFI)

Karen Carpenter - Pitcher - Wes Parker

Richard was the scorer. Though the season began with a whooping for the Carpenters team at Valley Forge, they were victors of the remaining five games.

Add another award to the list published in Newsletter #26. The Carpenters were honored by the navy in the form of an impressive plaque for their support of the U.S. Navy recruiting program. Rear Admiral Emmett Tidd made the presentation at a gathering of Navy, A & M and Universal Studio VIP's in the Sheraton Universal Hotel after the opening night concert in the Amphitheater there.

Now we'll back-track again to pick up the group on their April tour in Columbia, Missouri. Bad luck struck them when their sound equipment was damaged by TWA which plagued them with sound problems from then to the end or their tour. During Skiles and Henderson's opening act, Pete became violently ill. He managed to finish the act, then took off to see a doctor. It happened so quickly Karen had no knowledge of Pete's absence, and when she looked for him to accompany her on the song Johnny Angel there was no Pete, so she had to do it solo.

It was Sherwin's birthday that day, so Karen and Richard fixed him up with a "Birthday English Muffin" all toasted and buttered, and a candle glowing brightly in the center. A lovely hotel with beautiful rooms was "home" for them in Kansas City, Missouri. During their concert here, the sound effects stubbornly refused to work.

The first indoor football stadium our duo performed in was Pocatello, Idaho. It is HUGE! So huge, they had to drive to the stage. Tony's guitar got waylaid by the airline who flew it to Salt Lake City, Utah instead of Pocatello. Bear was designated to drive to Utah to retrieve it, and get it back in time for the concert that same evening. The group all agreed the omelets served to them in that town were super delicious.

Laramie's dirt roads and dirt stadium they performed in will not soon be forgotten. It was called BREEZE FIELD, and Karen and Richard said it really was. Wind and dust like you just can't imagine, which gave Bill laryngitis. They celebrated Pete's birthday that night with a party for him in Bear's room, and a good time was had by all.

The U.S. Airforce was host to Karen & Richard when they played two concerts at the Airforce base in Colorado Springs. They experienced their first 0.1. meal there, which included home-made ice cream. The base is so large that during the bus ride from the base back to the airport Karen thought they should be nearly to the airport, and then discovered they hadn't even left the Airforce grounds yet.

Karen and Richard have been working on a new single, and many of you will be happy to learn that Ticket To Ride is one of the tunes that will be on it. The other side will be Top Of The World. This song rose to the number 1 spot in numerous foreign countries.

This completes the April tour, so next month we'll rap about their White House visit in Washington. DC.

See ya then, Ev.

Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #30 - October, 1973

Hi Fans,

Richard & Karen have spent the past three weeks getting together an Album of their greatest hits. It will be called The Singles 1969-1973. Their new single Top Of The World (written by Richard & John Bettis) will feature Heather on the flip side, rather than Ticket To Ride as originally planned.

Good news for t.v., watchers! Richard & Karen will guest on Bob Hope's Special in November. Tentative air date is November 13th. The October/November concert schedule now stands follows:

Oct. 9^th - Las Vegas. Nevada

Oct. 10^th - Ogden, Utah, Weber State College

Oct. 11^th - Rexburg, Idaho, Ricks College

Oct. 12^th - Provo, Utah, Brigham Young University

Oct. 17^th - Portland, Maine, Exposition Building.

Oct. 18^th - Bangor, Maine, Municipal Auditorium

Oct. 19^th - SpringField, Massachusetts, Civic Center

Oct. 20^th - Troy, New York, RPI Fieldhouse

Oct. 21^st - Singhampton, New York, Broom City Vets Memorial

Oct. 22^nd - Buffalo,. New York, Kleinhans Hall

Oct. 23^rd - Kitchener, Ontario, Memorial Auditorium (Canada)

Oct. 24^th - London, Ontario, Treasure Island Auditorium

Oct. 25^th - Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University

Oct. 26^th - Muncie, IN, Ball State University-Emens Auditorium

Oct. 27^th - South Bend, IN, University-Convocation

Oct. 28^th - Evansville, IN, University of Evansville

Nov. 9^th & 10^th - Chicago, Illinois, Arie Crown Theater

Nov. 11^th - Rockford. Illinois, Rock vE1lsy College

Nov. 12^th - Lahkosh, Wisconsin, Wisconsin State University

Nov. 13^th - Macomb. Illinois, Western III University

Nov. 14^th - Columbus. Ohio, Mershon Auditorium

Nov. 15^th - Louisville, Kentucky, Convention Center

Nov. 16^th - St. Louis, Missouri, Kiel Opera House

Nov. 17^th - Nashville, Tennessee, Auditorium

Nov. 18^th - Memphis, Tennessee, Mid South College

Nov. 19^th - Starkville, Mississippi, Mississippi State University

Nov. 20^th - Florence, Alabama, Florence Teachers College

Nov. 21^st - Moblie, Alabama, Municipal auditorium

Nov. 22^nd - Macon, Georgia, Coliseum

Nov. 23^rd - Savannah,. Georgia, Convention Center

Nov. 24^th - Orlando, Florida, Sports Stadium

Nov. 25^th - Ft. Petersburg, Florida, Bayfront Center

Promised to rap about the White House visit last May; an experience they will never forget. They flew in on Monday for an interview which had been set up and took place before their luggage arrived from the airport. There was quiet a scrounging around for suitable clothing to wear for the interview and Richard ended up wearing Paul Bloch's shoes (several sizes too large) and their promotion man, dressed in a suit, sat shoeless. They held a rehearsal that afternoon for a sound check. The White House staff came in to listen, so the group played nearly a full concert for them. The evening was spent dining at the Jockey Club, and dancing at the White House. Protocol necessitated Richard & Karen must be one room behind the President as he proceeded from room to room to the last room where guests are privileged to form a line to meet the President. Once through the line, Maria realized she hadn't finished Karen's hair, and couldn't get back again. GIANT PANIC! All ended well when a kind lady escorted her back to much relieved Karen. The concert was enhanced by the accompaniment of the U.S. Marines Band the President and his guest, Chancellor Willy Brandt of Germany, thoroughly enjoyed the concert.

Rap later. EV

Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #31 - November, 1973

Hi Fans!

Richard conveys his warm appreciation for the lovely birthday cards and gifts so many of you sent him.

He celebrated his 27th birthday at home Sunday evening with a small group of intimate friends, including good friend Allen Osmond.

Two days later Richard & Karen were on their way to Portland, Maine to start another tour. We'll pick them up now in Corvallis, Oregon where sound system troubles had flown right along with them to bug their concert. Their hotel, an hour's drive from the concert hall was so near a railroad track, the trains shook them awake every time one passed by.

The really great audience in Bozeman, Montana compensated for the barn-like concert hall that gave them sound troubles. They were rewarded with four standing ovations. It was in a Bozeman restaurant that joker Bill Skile sauntered in wearing a miner's hat and proceeded to read the menu from the light of the attached lamp.

En route to Missoula, one of the trucks got two flat tires, consequently they did not arrive at the concert hall until 6:00 p.m. In setting up their equipment that evening, the roadies movements must have been reminiscent of the very early Keystone Kops flicks-quick, quick, quick! By 7:30 they were all set for lights action!

Twin Falls, Idaho brought back fond memories to Richard & Karen, for it was there they had staged their very first performance two years previously to an audience of 400 people. The numbers had swelled to 6000 this time!

Even the weather set out a WELCOME BACK sign for them in the shape of old man Sun. There were more sound troubles for them in San Diego. (Drat that TWA, the sound board hasn't worked right since they dropped it.) In spite of the annoyance the audience was truly great. The drive from the Carpenter home in Downey to San Diego is a very lovely one, and Richard was happy for the chance to drive his Ferrari there and back.

The huge arena there was large enough to house two events simultaneous and they discovered the other half was being set up for the TV show Wide World Of Sports to be taped the following day. Richard also drove his little red car to their gig in Bakersfield where they enjoyed a game of golf in part of the auditorium before staging their show. They enjoy doing local concerts where they can do their own driving. So they were happy to make a return engagement to Fresno California too.

The eight San Carlos shows were sold out, and it was their first experience working on a revolving stage which is terrific for the audience. Misfortune struck Pete here, in the middle of the act his bass broke.

Each night Bill made a zany entrance for his appearance with Karen in the Johnny Angel number, and no two shows were alike. One show he appeared as a cowboy, another as a skin diver, but perhaps the craziest of all was when he was attired in garment size plastic bags not unlike those used by dry cleaning establishments. He'd come flying down the aisle on a bicycle or drive nonchalantly to the stage in a golf cart, hitting fake golf balls from the aisle into the audience. The two shows a day there afforded them the luxury of eating their dinner before midnight as they managed to eat between shows.

This takes them through May. Next newsletter will find them in Acapulco, Mexico, where they staged two concerts for an IBM Salesmen's convention. Their brief stay there was to be the only vacation planned for this year, and they enjoyed ten days in magnificent surroundings.

A reminder to letter writers: We have been receiving letter signed with first names only, and NO RETURN ADDRESS ON EITHER LETTER OR ENVELOPE. It's usually those letters where even the postmark is either obliterated or just stamped "U.S.-Postal Service". Will you PLEASE remember to sign your last name, and write your return address. Thank you.

Don't forget to order your Carpenter keepsakes early if you plan on giving them for Christmas gifts.

Carpenters and Fan Club staff wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving..

Rap later. EV.

Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #32 - December, 1973

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HANNUKA & JOYFUL HOLIDAYS TO EACH WONDERFUL FANCLUB MEMBER!

That means you! This is a personal message from the Carpenter family. They are very sincere in their wish for you that the coming Holidays will be the best ever. By the time you read this your favorite roadie-Sugar Bear- will be married. Bear, whose real name of course is Mark Rudolph, will be married Saturday, December 1. The lucky girl is Janet Chambers of Valley Forge. Pennsylvania. I'm sure you all join me in wishing them much happiness.

Our duo's stay in Acapulco was quite a holiday. They were engaged by IBM to stage two performances for the company's salesmen's convention, otherwise the remainder or the time was their own. They spent a great deal of time relaxing by the pool acquiring enviable sun tans. A Dodge Cart was at their disposal, and they were assigned a most beautiful circular house atop a hill overlooking a magnificent bay in Las Brisas. There were no phones to answer and their round the clock household help assured them complete relaxation. The living room had no outside wall, and the gentle ocean breeze circulated throughout the house. They slept late, then enjoyed a leisurely breakfast on the outdoor terrace overlooking the bay. A great attraction proved to be the swimmers diving from the high cliffs by the light of the moon.

A private sight-seeing tour was conducted by a friend of Sherwin's who owned one of the big dress shops there. On several occasions Karen & Richard took a 30 minute drive to the peninsula to feast their eyes on the huge waves and fantastic sunsets. On the agenda was boat rides, water skiing and of course a party or two! One party featured a water ball party in the pool with Maria as goalie (until she was hit on the nose!). Richard had to settle for the position of referee-out of the water-because of his cast. For refreshments, one of the roadies cooked a tender, juicy delicious pig Hawaiian style over hot coals deep in the ground.

On Thursday Mom & Dad flew in to join them for a brief respite, and they enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere. When they returned the following Sunday evening, they all looked like buttered toast with their spectacular tans.

Their Southern tour started in Atlanta, Georgia where they played to a sell-out crowd who gave them an instant ovation. The Regency Hyatt House which was home to them that night was quite impressive. Inside the lobby they could see to the top of the building. Beautiful hanging plants were suspended all around, and the glass elevators in the center of the building afforded the riders an opportunity to view all facets of the unique building. They dined in a restaurant which had been converted from a church and what was once the altar is now a bar. Dinner music featured a harpist, appropriately!

Quaintness and nostalgia were the words they chose to describe the restaurant they dined at while in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It was previously an old train station and the old cars were transformed into beautiful nostalgic rooms with gas fires and picturesque fountains. Also a lovely pool which the group enjoyed when they went for a swim in the wee small hours of the morning to cool off after the hot Chattanooga concert.

It seemed lightening had struck the air conditioning system at the auditorium knocking it out of commission, and it wasn't long before the group was wringing wet on stage. When they played there two years previously they were the first group ever to sell out at the auditorium. This time they repeated that same record.

Looks like I boo-booed my lines up. Seems like I looked at page 2 of my notes and had them start their tour in Atlanta. Actually it began in Lake Charles in the State of Louisiana. They flew there frown Houston where they picked up their charter plane. At Lake Charles they played before 74,000 people. Tony who had been left behind in a sick bed, managed to tape record the DJ segment of the concert he does so well in order for the show to go on as usual. Though the taping went real well, everyone was happy to see Tony return when he was well. A weary K & R signed a jillion autographs while waiting for their dinner to be served. Next month will mention Shreveport and Birmingham, then head for Knoxville for sore capers.

The Carpenters and fan club staff wish you all Happy Holidays.

Rap next year. EV.