The taller Rancher is still not 100% recovered from his prolonged siege of laryngitis, but we’re tired of waiting for that day to come, and are therefore boldly setting forth this week for a brief flurry of shows, high on enthusiasm and low on worries — come on out to a show and see for yourself if we manage to pull it off:

— THIS FRIDAY, May 8, 8:30 PM: Luna’s Cafe, Sacramento, 1414 16th Street, (916) 441-3931, $7

— SATURDAY, May 9, 7:00 PM: PRIVATE SHOW, Sacramento (email for details; chas@ranchersforpeace.com)

— SAT., May 16, 6:00 – 10:00 PM: Benefit for HANDS in Nepal/EARTHQUAKE RELIEF; Community Center, I Street, Santa Margarita — $20; great food, music, silent auction, prayers and offerings for all those enduring hardship after the big shake. Join us, join HANDS, and join friends from all over the world in helping the good people of Nepal rebuild their lives.

—  SUN., May 31, 3:00: we’re back at St. Benedict’s Church in Los Osos for our twice postponed Benefit for “Outside Now” in support of their great ongoing programs in Nature Connection for kids and adults. Check back here soon for ticket info and further details:  http://www.outsidenow.org/events.html

— SUN. JUNE 7, 11:30 – 3:30: “Afternoon of Epicurean Delights” — We return to the ocean-side Chapman Estate in Shell Beach for this great fundraiser on behalf of CAPSLO — crazy amounts of food and drink from top SLO County restaurants; music on two stages, in a beautiful and unique bluff-top setting. If you haven’t tried this yet — you’re missing quite an experience. Tickets $100; info here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1021722