On a funny note - I have been on Korean television not once but TWICE (and maybe even more times that I am unaware of). The first time I was walking through Myeongdong (a shopping district) with two of my friends from Bulgaria when we were apparently filmed without our knowledge. We only found out about it when a friend of ours from the Phillipines, who just HAPPENED to be flipping channels and decided to stop on the Korean channel, in that VERY instant saw the three of us before her on the screen! Talk about coincidence! Then just a week or so ago, I was in the same neighborhood with a friend, and a camerawoman asked if she20could film and interview me about leather and fashion. I was wearing a leather coat and boots. I was asked to zip and unzip (slowly, mind you!) the front of my jacket. The number of re- takes was hilarious. I was also asked to turn around and flip my hair and smile as though I were a model on a runway. I was then asked a few questions about why I like leather clothing. It was an experience I will always remember and laugh about.

I am working hard as a professional musician, six nights a week from 8pm to midnight, sometimes playing in alternate venues for special events, but mostly in the Paris Bar, which has been my home for nearly two months and will be for over four months more. Korea is very different from Vietnam, in many ways. I am growing as a musician as I prepare new song lists to meet the Korean musical tastes and learn to "read" this new crowd. One of the very positive pieces of feedback I received the other day was from a Korean gentleman who told me there is 'nowhere else in Seoul to hear the kind of music I play'. He was very appreciative of my song list and performance style, saying he 'could tell I was influenced by Joan Baez.' Another aspect to my time here has been performing Christmas songs, which I have rarely performed in the past (I remember one Martini Bar show where the Hilary Scott Band threw in some Christmas tunes - it was a great time) and I find it amazing how well received these songs are when so many musicians sigh at the prospect of playing them for a month out of the year. However, finding fresh ways to present them is fun and challenging, and even though I miss my friends and family back home dearly, and even more so at this time of year, I find the songs giving me a little boost when I play them - the cheer is infectious.

I am looking forward to 2009, when I will have two months in the US to relax, visit friends and family, and on the musical front, to tour a new release which I have been working on for nearly a year during trips back to Columbia, MO. The tour will most likely occur in late May through early June and will include venues in several states in the Midwest. The as-yet-un-named- album is a collaboration with Wes Wingate of Hometone Records and Productions and includes a mix of originals and carefully-chosen covers.

I want to extend a thank you to all of you who read this newsletter and continue to listen to, and support my music. Although my music evolves and my life changes direction, every step along the way is important to me, and all of you are responsible for helping me to continue to play and create music for a living. During this holiday season, I want to say I am thankful for that support, it is the best gift I could receive.

Tour dates/venues for Hilary's as-yet-untitled release with Wes Wingate of Hometone Productions will be released in an upcoming newsletter.

In July of 2009 Hilary will return to the Park Hyatt Saigon for another three month performance contract. During her previous contract, the venue was very pleased with her performances and asked her to return. After Vietnam, Hilary may be headed to Macau or Japan for a one or two month contract.

Check out some interesting websites and links that include info about Hilary Scott and her music, fan- written bios, and comments:

Last.FM

The Late Greats posted a blog comparing various artist's versions of Sinead O'Conner's Last Day Of Our Acquaintance. The writer noted that there were several versions they liked, including Hilary Scott's live version. In addition, one person's comment was: "I have been a hardcore Sinead fan since her first album, but I have to say I prefer Hilary Scott's version...I may be showing my ignorance, but I have never heard of Hilary Scott before. What else does she have? How long has she been around? I am going through this situation right now, so this song really speaks to me".

Mogger s Favorites By Hilary Scott This site includes this comment: "I'm unemployed (I mean, "between jobs"), so I haven't been treating myself to a lot of music. But I had to buy the new Hilary Scott album, and it arrived yesterday (yay!). I've been following Hilary's career for a few years (this is her fifth album). She started as an acoustic folk- confessional singer-songwriter, but as she's toured she's aquired a band and a stronger twang. She's opened for Beth Orton and Tanya Tucker, and both combinations seem totally appropriate, which might help explain why I can't pin down her genre. It's a bit too early to review the whole album, but my favorite thing so far is her cover of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah. Everyone and their dog has covered that song, it has its own wikipedia entry, but I just never get tired of it. I've been rotating Hilary's cover with the kd lang, Allison Crowe and Damien Rice versions, and it's standing up quite well. (I also love the Rufus Wainwright version, but I haven't got it). It's an old question, but whose Hallelujah cover do you think is the best"?

Topix .com

Ancient Temple

Reunification Palace

Saigon At Night

Post Office and Other Landmarks

Embroidery and Fashion

Friends and Goodbye For Now