SPRING, SUMMER and FALL 2009
About this blog
I've been gone alot in the past year. Not that I mind it of course! But I've had little time to blog about any of in the meantime, so I've finally catching up! Forgive my tardy update. I wrapped up an amazing play with an amazing cast of folks from all over the country this past March in Charlotte NC. The play was called Amerwrecka, and was written by he director for the production as well, JD Lewis. I was nervous going into it because I had to polish up my acting skills, but after all was said and done, I had a great time and look forward to more projects outside of my comfort zone like that one. After wrapping the play, I hit the road again and headed to Nashville Tennessee where I played a show at 3rd and Lindsley with Will Hoge and Sarah Siskind. She's been referred to as "the appalachian joni mitchell" which is a pretty interesting way to describe her, but at the same time, somewhat accurate. She's incredibly talented, and has written for Allison Krauss in addition to many other great acts, and her album was just selected for best album of the year for the Americana Music Awards! Not only that, her father and my father were once music buddies "way back when", so it was a real treat to get to reconnect with her and hear her mad talent in person once again, in addition to hearing Will Hoge, who I love love loved as well. After that, I headed up to NYC for a show and couple meetings as well. I played at The Rockwood, and I LOVED IT. In fact, I loved it so much, I went ahead and booked myself to go back up this Dec.9th at 10pm.(spread the word ny-ers) I had some really great meetings while I was there, bumped into Beetlejuice's son at my show at The Rockwood, and ate lots of unparalleled nyc pizza. It was a really fun time. After NYC, I had some great local Asheville shows, and then another unforgettable show opening up for Amos Lee once again at The Neighborhood Theatre. I love Amos, and I love his band, and I LOVE his fans. It was a really great night that I cherish. After my spring and winter shows, I kicked off my summer by heading WEST. For the first time EVER too!! That's right, I headed to hollywood for some shows, meetings, and much needed catch up time with old friends and new friends alike. I played Hotel Cafe, which was a huge success. I was able to call on old friend Bill Smith (smitty) to come play drums with me and he also set me up with some other great musicians while I was out there as well who really helped make my sets sound tasty. After that, I also reconnected with Billy Corgan again, which was a really nice visit as well. I met with some really awesome folks, that I'll be able to blog further on very soon. I don't want to give to much away just yet though. I also played The Viper Room on Sunset, which was kind of odd, and not my favorite gig of the trip, but it was still nice to get the chance to hang with some of my new friends I'd made out there. I also played at a place called The Cinemabar which was a tiny little joint in Culver City, but there was a really really great crowd that had come out, and I really appreciated the audience and folks I was playing with. Three really amazing gigs on the West Coast that kept me wanting more. I hope to head back that way in the coming year for sure. After that I head NORTH to beautiful Canada. I love Canada for many reason. Aside from being the home to SO MANY FREAKING AMAZING musicians and artists, it's also one of the friendlier places I've been, AND the landscapes are insane. I played several places while I was there. I played in Prince Edward Island at a place called Trailside Inn which was a darling little cafe/inn that prides itself in bringing good music to town on a regular basis, with delicious food to boot. The owners were great. It reminded me of a little place you'd see in the movies where one of the characters, who was a writer and had terrible writers block, would go to in order to get some perspective to write or something...long story short, it was very tranquil. After that I hit a place called Canso in Nova Scotia, and played a truly phenomenal festival with really great music everywhere. It was a festival called The Stan Rogers Folk Festival, and it was one of the highlights of my trip up North truthfully. I was part of several writers rounds that were so much fun, and unforgettable for me. After Stan Fest, I headed back down to Halifax Nova Scotia, which is one of my favorite places in Canada. I played The Carlton with a newcomer to the songwriting world by the name of Seirra Noble. She was only 19 and has only released one album of songs she's written, and one of traditional fiddle tunes, but somehow managed to score an opening act gig for Paul McCartney that same week! Being gorgeous probably didn't hurt, but aside from that, you could see a lot of potential for her to do a lot of amazing things in the future. Oh and I can't foget to say that she's a Winnepegger which gave her an instant place in my heart. (I love my Winnipeg duhkies!) So it was a real treat to be able to hang out with her for a few days and share the stage as well. I look forward to bumping into her along the road again soon. After Halifax, I headed up towards Cape Breton to a town called Sydney where I got to share the stage with some of Canada absolute BEST songwriters and artists. Seriously. This WAS the #1 highlight of the trip. Gordie Sampson was on of the 3 I shared the "Songwriters Round" with that night, and he was amazing. He and I even got to sing Your Place In This World together!!!! It was such a blessing, and I still appreciate all he did for us while we were in town. Sydney is Gordie's Hometown, but he lives in Nashville TN because that is of course where he works his hit writing butt off. It was awesome. After that I headed back home to NC for my Birthday, which was one of the best yet! I layed around and acted lazy ALLLL day. Had breakfast in bed. It was killer. After a whirlwind of a summer, I played a lot of really cool shows locally and regionally at different festivals and venues. I could go down a big long list, but it might bore you to much. To wrap it all up, I've been having a great year and been very productive, which is ALWAYS a plus. Coming up, I'll be up in NYC with Michael Bellar and As-Is Ensemble recording 3 of my new tunes for the new album! WAWHOOOOWEEEE! So excited to get crackin' on that. I'm also going to be played a few local shows as well, so keep an eye out for that. I will be launching a great promotion for the new album before the end of the year as well, so stay tuned. you don't want to miss your chance at some exclusive giveaways and bonuses for being a "fan" of mine. You are the reason I am able to do all this amazing stuff, so I want to reward your efforts as well! Until next time!! xox
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