The Road Continues

After hanging out for a couple of enjoyable and relaxing days on Lake Gaston in North Carolina, it was time to head north once again on Tuesday, June 9. I had a couple of days, so I wanted to try to see some sites. After deciding to make the trek along Virginia's Skyline Drive, I headed that way. When I arrived about 6PM, there was still a few hours of daylight left, so I ventured in. The view was somewhat hazy, but the sun shown beautifully and I think I got some great shots, which will be posted later. At dark, I headed down to Harrisonburg, VA. to get some dinner, buy some supplies, and spend the night. This, of course, is done at the world's largest retailer, which is referred to as The Million Dollar Refrigerator. We'll leave it at that.

In the morning on Wednesday, after breakfast and doing a bank errand, it was back up the mountain. This day was very hazy, but the drive was still enjoyable. I took a lunch break at one of the wonderful views off the drive. Late that afternoon, I headed to a regular travel stop of mine to grab a nap, fill the water tanks, and head into Hanover, PA., where the next gig is. When I arrived at Kclinger's Tavern I was pleasantly surprised that the legendary Nighthawks are performing. This group has been on the road playing the Blues for 40 + years. The highlight for me this night was to sit in and do 3 songs with the band. I was getting kind of restless with a couple of days of, which is normal, so sitting in with a band of this caliber was just what the doctor ordered. At this writing, I am getting ready to set up for tonight's solo gig in the beer garden at Kclinger's. If it becomes the rain garden, which it might, we'll check now for the alternate indoor location. Stay tuned. Next stop is St' John's Coffee for a solo show on Friday.

2009 Blazing A Thousand Trails Tour Now Underway

Left home on Thursday, June 4 in the rain. Usually this is the toughest time to head out on a tour. With 4 months of the unknown ahead, it can make one wonder why we do what we do. It is always easier returning from a long tour, because the wonderful experiences are always better than you thought they would be. From the gigs that turned out great, to the CD's sold to folks that like what you do, to sites that you got to see, to the great people met along the way, to that exhilarating feeling returning home of a mission accomplished, are all the reward. Whereas most people leave home in search of a vacation, for a change from the norm, coming home to a touring musician is only the start of a wonderful vacation.

The first night out in Greenville could have been better. Thursday night is Bike Night at Chief's, but the rain kept the bikes way. We still had a fun set inside, although some of the folks didn't know what hit them when the band started. The bikers never have a problem with that. Not to worry as there will always be another good weather Thursday down the line.

Friday was a different story. This was a great time in Greenville. Thanks to the folks that drove 100 miles or more to be with us, and they were numerous. That's why we're on the road. Now the band heads back to Atlanta and I head North. Next stop: Lake Gaston, NC.

The solo gig here on Lake Gaston, NC was OK. When you play for a crowd that has a DJ mentality, then communication is sometimes hard. There is a whole generation of folks coming along that were raised on recorded music. That is so sad. Fortunately, there are always a few in the crowd that have a clue, and appreciate good music and to hear something they haven't heard before. I can observe so well the people sitting and listening, that are enjoying, and are relating to the songs I wrote, as well as the ones I didn't. They are the ones that will buy CD's, contribute to the gasoline fund, and let you know they liked what you do. As long as DJ's, Karaoke bars, and the media for that matter, keep feeding the the masses the same thing over & over, that's all they will ever hear. Here's to the independent musicians and songwriters that keep on writng and touring and attempt to weave new threads into the old fabric.

Now I'm sitting in a beautiful site in the campground on the lake. I'm going to work on some new tunes, and to listen to the Atlanta Braves on XM (even though I'm PO'd at how they treated Tommy Glavine). I'll hit the beach, do a long walk, and thaw the steak for a cookout later. The plan is stay here two days and head to Pennsylvania on Tuesday. More to come. Stay tuned.