The last run of the year begins in about 2 hours as we head towards Huntsville. I hope everyone had a lovely holiday season. Lots of friends, family, etc. All was great here. Actually playing Santa Claus is WAY cool. A kid kinda reinforces the ‘better to give than receive’ thing. Good times had by everyone on my end. I’ll catch up with everyone on the ride to Alabama and update you on any and all of their favorite/worst gifts too.
Made it through the acoustic gigs. I’ve got to say I had a damned good time at these shows. It was just Llama and I on the road so the bus was a wee bit empty feeling. All 3 of the shows were a blast. York, SC was this really nice little theater. Everyone there was incredibly gracious and the whole experience was a good one. Met back up with an old pal Eliot Morris for this show. Good seeing him and he was playing a singing great. I was so nervous about these shows. Would anyone come? Would it be good? If not, I can’t blame Siggi like I normally do, it’s just all my fault. Luckily for Siggi and myself, it went well.
Next night in Augusta was a cool little community theater. They do more plays and such and this place so there’s all sorts of costumes and props in the dressing room. It brought back fond memories of my old band’s first gigs in Nashville. The only place that would let us play was a transvestite strip club. Backstage was all whigs and make up and boas and props. I guess that another story, but Le Chat Noir reminded me a bit of that. It’s hard not to come onstage dressed as a nun when presented with the opportunity. Fortunately I fought the urge and just went out in normal rock regalia. Crowd response was again very encouraging. Eliot had another really good night I thought.
Next night was the sold out show at Eddie’s Attic. There’s really nothing but wonderful things to say about Eddie and the whole cast and crew there. It’s a place I will ALWAYS come back and play. Count on it. Our friend Shalom who runs sound there had had a heart attack the previous Sunday. Luckily he’s ok. Back home doing fine. Of course like most Americans, and even more in the music biz, he was without health insurance. So we’re doing what we can to help. I can’t say thanks enough to those of you who donated to the get well fund after the show. It means the world to me and will be an even greater gift for him. We’re putting all the money together now and will be sending it to him January 2! If anyone else is interested in helping out drop me a line and I’ll get you some info as to where/how to help. The outpouring of support afterwards was a perfect end to a really perfect little 3 day run. Justin Townes Earle was the opener in Atlanta. He’s a fellow Nashvillian(whom I had to got to Atlanta to meet) and a great singer/songwriter. I’d love to have him out for some more shows later next year.
Got to revisit lots of songs that don’t get as much attention during the rock and roll shows. It was quite educational. I’d hoped to get some new stuff finished, but I was kind of caught up in the whole experience and got lots of new inspiration, but didn’t finish shit! Oh well, another time.
So that kind of brings us full circle as to where we’re heading now. We’re spending tonight through March 1st on the road with Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit. I’m so excited about this tour. All great cities. Sharing the stage with a great, like minded rock and roll band. I’m ready to get it started. We’ll be swapping off who opens and closes most of the shows. I don’t know if it will even be announced as to who is doing which because it won’t matter! You just need to be there. Come to see us…..stay to see him and vice versa. It’s gonna be a good one! I’ll check back in later in the week and let y’all know how it’s going so far and leave a more detailed and gushing thanks to all of you for a great 2007!
Alright, I’m off to shower and pack up…….

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