Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Truth Tuesday - Walker Young - December 3, 2013






























Hello In There
Reckless Heart 
Heading Back To Tennessee 
See The Sky About To Rain
Open Eyes 
Pick Me Up
Sway
Strange
101
Along The Way
Big Sur
Christmas in Dixie

Monday, December 2, 2013

November 30, 2013 - Do317 Lounge - Indianapolis, IN


0:Shady River >>
Hail Hail >>
Island
Call Back
Appalachian Hilltop
Pick Me Up >>
Heart Like a Wheel
Rise Up >>
Old Piano
Brothers Sons and Daughters
Them Jeans >>
Bird on the Wing >>
Welcome to L.A. >>
She Really Does It for Me >>
Summertime >>
See Her 
Middle Island Creek

E: Pure Mountain Angel

November 29, 2013 - The High Watt - Nashville, TN
















0:Middle Island Creek >>
Heart Like a Wheel
Jump the Ship >>
Silver Lining >>
Island
Bird on the Wing
Welcome to LA
Games People Play >>
I'm Not Your Boyfriend
All Stand Tall >>
Back In Your Love
Appalachian Hilltop
Call Back
Keepin' On (with Shawn Lacy)
Out on the Weekend >>
I Shall Be Released >>
Out on the Weekend (with Jason "Slim" Gamble)
Giant >> (with Brian Wright)
Hail Hail (with Brian Wright)

E: Cowboy Song (with Leroy Powell)

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Truth Tuesday - Tim Jones - November 26, 2013





















We Got It (So Good)*
In My Dreams -Chevy Downs
I'm Not Your Boyfriend
Bobby, You are the Queen -Old Pike
Old Piano
All Coming Back*
The Rest of You -Old Pike
She Really Does it For Me
Thunder Road -Bruce Springsteen
Purple Rain -Prince
Embrace Me*
What am I Gonna Do with You *
Birds -Neil Young


* - first time played

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Truth Tuesday - Scott Kinnebrew - November 19, 2013

Satellite of Love
Summertime
Beautiful Life
Pasadena
Mission in the Rain
Back in Your Love
Giant/I Only Wear Blue
Bird on the Wing
Unchained Melody

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Truth Tuesday - Walker Young - November 12, 2013













See Her 
Tuesday's Gone
Envy of Any Man
101
I Must Be In a Good Place Now
I Smoke Every Weed
It's Up To You, It's Up To Me
Pure Mountain Angel
Clay Pigeons
I'm Not Your Boyfriend
Call Back
Pick Me Up
I Am Alive

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Truth Tuesday - Smitty - November 5, 2013













Pancho & Lefty
It's Gonna Be OK
Appalachian Hilltop
Brothers Sons and Daughters
Willin'
Welcome to LA
Bohemian Grove
San Diego
Louisiana Woman
Between the Lines
Middle Island Creek

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Truth Tuesday - Tim Jones - October 29, 2013


















Heart Like a Wheel
Whiskey, Cards and Women
Island
Old Piano
Life Has Its Little Ups and Downs
Special
Back In Your Love
Western Front
Pale Blue Eyes
Night Moves
Don't Let Me Down
Silver Wings

Monday, September 30, 2013

September 29, 2013 - Shank Hall - Milwaukee, WI


0:Shady River
All Stand Tall
Silver Lining
Welcome to L.A. >>
Back In Your Love
Jump the Ship >>
Out on the Weekend >>
I Shall Be Released >>
Out on the Weekend
Pick Me Up >>
Island >>
Charm City
Brothers Sons and Daughters
Life Has Its Little Ups and Downs
Appalachian Hilltop >>
Summertime >>
See Her >>
Shape I'm In

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Sunday Evening Post by Tim Jones


Tuesday rocked in St. Louis. This was me and Dean's giant room at the Crowne Plaza. Had great view of the arch if you looked left out the window. Did I mention how much I love hotels?















This was poster in Rudy's pizza shop for my girls Haim. When I booked Sunday nights at the Hotel Cafe from '05-'08, they were one of my faves. They're totally blowing up right now and deservedly so.  Three bad ass sisters who are as good as they are fun.  What great music is all about.  Estee makes some of the best "Bass Face" around.

















This is half Sausage and Pepperoni half bacon and spinach from Rudy's Pizza in Lawrence, KS. On Wednesdays it's half price. I can't pass up a good deal.  And I like pizza as much as hotel rooms and Pho (Vietnamese Soup).

















The Owners of Rudy's Pizza met at a Grateful Dead show and they've got ticket stubs from some of the 70+ shows they attended. I love a good romantic music/pizza love story!















It was a massive haul from Lawrence to Minneapolis. We caught a few hours of sleep in Des Moines and rewarded ourselves with one of Minneapolis's many claims to fame. The Juicy Lucy.  It is a hamburger stuffed with American cheese. This one from the Depot(which is part of the 1st Ave empire where we played) was also stuffed with delicious bacon.  You can almost taste the pleasure in Adam's face.  They call it "inside out burger" here because Matt's Bar or the 5-8 club retain the rights to Juicy Lucy trademark.



This is Buick Skylark at a gas station. My dream car is a '72 Buick Riviera. My grandparents always drove Buicks so I guess I'm a Buick man myself.

Here's the sunset over the Mississippi on our way in to Rock Island.  I love a good sunset as much as hotel rooms, pizza, Pho, and Buicks. Be a simple kind of man.



September 28, 2013 - Schubas Tavern - Chicago, IL


0:Pick Me Up >>
Rise Up
Games People Play >>
I'm Not Your Boyfriend >>
Island
The Bad Times >>
Appalachian Hilltop
Call Back
Shady River >>
So Sad >>
Old Piano
Middle Island Creek >>
Bird on the Wing >>
See Her
Giant >>
Heart Like a Wheel

E:Golden Slumbers >>
Carry That Weight >>
The End >>
Hail Hail
Pure Mountain Angel

Saturday, September 28, 2013

September 27, 2013 - Rozz-Tox - Rock Island, IL*


0:Bird on the Wing
Games People Play
Appalachian Hilltop
Pick Me Up
Heart Like a Wheel
Hail Hail >>
Island
Jump the Ship
Old Piano
I'm Not Your Boyfriend
Middle Island Creek
Summertime
Welcome to L.A.
Pure Mountain Angel

*all acoustic show

Friday, September 27, 2013

September 26, 2013 - First Avenue & 7th St. Entry - Minneapolis, MN


0:Hail Hail >>
See Her
Appalachian Hilltop >>
Island >>
Silver Lining
Jump the Ship >>
Heart Like a Wheel
Welcome to L.A.
Shady River >>
Old Piano
Pick Me Up >>
Bird On The Wing
Call Back
Summertime >>
She Really Does It For Me >>
Middle Island Creek

E:Cowboy Song
Them Jeans

Thursday, September 26, 2013

September 25, 2013 - The Bottleneck - Lawrence, KS


0:All Stand Tall >>
Heart Like a Wheel
Pick Me Up
Welcome to L.A. >>
All I Can Do Is Write About It >>
Charm City >>
Back In Your Love
101 >>
Bad Times >>
Appalachian Hilltop >>
Bird on the Wing >>
Silver Lining
Middle Island Creek >>
Summertime >>
See Her >>
Shape I'm In

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

September 24, 2013 - Old Rock House - St. Louis, MO
















0:Bird on the Wing >>
Welcome to L.A. >>
Island >>
Games People Play
I'm Not Your Boyfriend 
Call Back 
Appalachian Hilltop
Life Has Its Little Ups and Downs >>
Rise Up
Pick Me Up
Brothers Sons and Daughters >>
Heart Like a Wheel
Out on the Weekend >>
I Shall Be Released >>
Out on the Weekend
Summertime >>
See Her

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Sunday Evening Post by Adam Grace


The Season of TV


People often wonder what “rock stars” do while riding on the bus or what happens when our hotel door closes.  I’m sure that most people think that we spend our down time pounding shots of Jack Daniels, trashing hotel rooms, and raising all kinds of hell.  If that is your idea of what we do on our “down time” and you would like to keep that fantasy alive, please...read no further.


I spend less time trashing big screen TV’s and more time watching the damn things.  In the last few years bands have become technologically advanced.  We have GPS’s to guide our routes, iPods to hold our music, and every imaginable way to catch up on our favorite TV shows.  Just a couple of years ago, I would have to TIVO all my favorite shows and watch them when I got home from tour.  Now, with websites like xfinity.com and Netflix, I can watch every show the night it airs.  


So let me depart from the norm, and give you my thoughts about this season's TV shows… straight from my iPod touch.

By far, the very best show you should watch this season is Breaking Bad.  This show is as addictive as the very substance in which the show revolves.  Yes, crystal meth!  You can start your addiction to Breaking Bad on Netflix, watch the first four and a half seasons, and pick up the rest on xfinity (If you have a cable subscription).  It should only take you about 50 hours to catch up to the finale which will be airing in one week.  If you hurry, you can make it.



My second favorite is Newroom.  Again, the entire thing, both seasons, are available on xfinity.  This show is from Aaron Sorkin, the same guy 
who made the West Wing, another great political drama.  It’s a fun show with a fast-paced nature and quick-witted humor...but deals with political topics from the viewpoint of a newsroom staff.  This is another you will not be able to stop and one I watched from my iPod while barreling down the road at 70mph (Don’t worry - I wasn't driving).



When you finish with those two, flip back over to Netflix for their original series called House of Cards, a Kevin Spacey show that deals with a crooked house majority whip who will stop at nothing to rule the world and take revenge on his enemies.  This one is saucy and wicked and you better enjoy a little subversive humor.


The last on my list, and certainly not the least, is Law & Order.  Now I know you are saying this isn't new and you are right.  BUT...there are literally hundreds of these episodes from which to choose.  By the time you get to the end, you won’t even remember the beginning.  And if you watch closely you will see yours truly from an episode in 1994 when I did my very first extra job in the acting world.  This is always my go-to show when it’s time to go to bed.  It’s absolutely the best show to sleep to...like the xanax of ones and zeros...or just half watch while you aren't paying attention...more of a zen like practice that helps clear the mind and sooth the soul.


So that’s it...tune up your Netflix account, pay your cable bill, and get ready to live like a rock star.  After all, we spend most of our time riding in a bus or waiting to play and we need something to do...right?  

Now, let me take a swig of this Jack...I’ve got some curtains to light on fire!  (Grabs remote)

September 21, 2013 - Summit City Lounge - Whitesburg, KY


0: Pick Me Up >>
Island
Jump the Ship
Bad Times >>
Appalachian Hilltop
Call Back
Life Has It's Little Ups and Downs
Bird on the Wing >>
Heart Like a Wheel >>
Welcome to L.A.
Silver Lining >>
Charm City
Old Piano
I'm Not Your Boyfriend
She Really Does It For Me
Middle Island Creek
See Her

E: Rise Up

September 20, 2013 - Downtown After 5 - Asheville, NC



0:Hail Hail >>
101 >>
Island
Welcome to L.A. >>
Bird On The Wing >>
Heart Like a Wheel
All I Can Do Is Write About It >>
All Stand Tall >>
See Her
Old Piano >>
Out on the Weekend >>
I Shall Be Released >>
Out on the Weekend >>
She Really Does It For Me
Call Back
Bad Times >>
Appalachian Hilltop >>
Shape I'm In
Jump the Ship >>
Back In Your Love 
Pick Me Up
Games People Play >>
Shady River
Giant >>
Middle Island Creek >>
So Sad
Silver Lining

E: Rise Up
Pure Mountain Angel

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

The Low Country by Walker Young


For the last week we have traveled to my new favorite slice of America. Local people call this stretch of marsh, ocean, and coastal towns the "Low Country". It is rich in culture, diverse in history, and tempting to the pallet. Highway 17 spans between Wilmington, NC. and Savannah, GA. rolling through growing towns like Charleston, SC. to sleepy beach communities like Pawley's Island.



On Friday night we played a gig called Party at the Point. It was just outside the Holy City, Charleston, named for the city ordinance that leaves all the church steeples exposed to be viewed from a far. We played just across the river in Mount Pleasant at Patriots Point. Our backdrop was the retired USS Yorktown, an air craft carrier docked on the river. Across the bay, I could make out Fort Sumter a pivotal fort in the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. We had a great view of downtown Charleston. Church steeples shooting out above the other buildings.


Saturday we headed to Savannah, GA to play the first annual Savannah Revival Fest. It was held at the Georgia Railroad Museum. We played inside an old railroad warehouse and it was a super cool backdrop. Old machinery, old railroad cars, and old bricks. There were local vendors selling whiskey, beer and food. Local artists printing posters and a great after party in a downtown bar called Ginx.



Our last show of the weekend was in Wilmington, NC. Downtown Wilmington is located right on the Cape Fear river. Across the river is the USS North Carolina, a retired battleship. We played at an old pool hall named Ortons where Willie Mosconi made a world record of 526 straight pool shots in the 1950's. Orton's was built in 1888 and as we set up our gear, ghost tours rolled through looking for beings from another realm. 

We had the next day off and we headed out for some relaxing hours on the beach. We went to Wrightsville beach which on this sleepy Monday morning was all ours. A huge storm passed through. We stayed in the water. As the storm passed overhead, a beautiful rainbow appeared across the ocean bringing us beauty, hope, and inspiration for the week of travel ahead.


Sunday, September 15, 2013

September 15, 2013 - Orton's - Wilmington, NC


0: Bird on the Wing
Silver Lining
Island
Welcome to L.A. >>
Rise Up
Shady River
Back In Your Love
Appalachian Hilltop
Call Back
All Stand Tall
Heart Like a Wheel >>
See Really Does It for Me
Middle Island Creek
Golden Slumbers >>
Carry That Weight >>
The End
Hail Hail

E: Games People Play
Pick Me Up
Touch of Grey

Friday, September 13, 2013

September 13, 2013 - Party at the Point - Mount Pleasant, SC


0:See Her >>
Bird on the Wing
Shape I'm In
Appalachian Hilltop >>
Island
All Stand Tall
All I Can Do Is Write About It
Middle Island Creek >>
She Really Does It for Me >>
Rise Up >>
Back In Your Love
Out on the Weekend >>
I Shall Be Released >>
Out on the Weekend
I'm Not Your Boyfriend
Games People Play
Golden Slumbers >>
Carry That Weight >>
The End
Hail Hail

Monday, September 2, 2013

September 1, 2013 - Juanita's Cantina - Little Rock, AR















0:The Bad Times >>
Silver Lining >>
Middle Island Creek
Rise Up >>
Back In Your Love
Games People Play
Life Has Its Little Ups and Downs
Appalachian Hilltop
Call Back >>
Island >>
Charm City>>
Out on the Weekend >>
I Shall Be Released>>
Out on the Weekend
Shady River >>
She Really Does It for Me
Pick Me Up >>
All Stand Tall

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Sunday Evening Post by Dean Moore



I'm writing Saturday evening from the first bench, second position of the Champion, who has us smoothly rolling down the 40 East (with an assist from Smitty's steady hand at the wheel) somewhere in the Texas Panhandle. Can't believe we're headed towards the final show of the first leg of the Pick Me Up Tour...although I can't say we're not all ready for a break after six weeks of traversing the vast outstretch that is the American West.

One thing easing the pain of today's 630-mile drive is the fact that it's the first full day of college football season. HELL yes. My favorite sport. It's currently halftime of the game of the week, Georgia at Clemson, with the Dawgs tied with the Tigers at 21. Co-pilot Walker has a stream of the game piped through my Jawbox portable speaker, which has served as our only non-AM/FM audio source for these drives after our cassette player up and busted.

Walker is a fan of all things Georgia, so he's rooting for UGA in this one even though in his heart of hearts he's really a die-hard Georgia Tech fan. He grew up in Atlanta going to Yellowjackets hoops and pigskin games with his dad and brothers. He hates Duke basketball and Coach K about as much as he loves Tech. But for tonight's purposes he says he doesn't have too much animosity towards Tech's ACC rival Clemson…he'll just choose anything Georgia over anything non-Georgia, every time.

Smitty's more of an NBA guy with his brother being the head trainer of the Dallas Mavericks (as well as until recently the longtime head trainer of the Olympic team, which means he's worked extensively for that organization's current coach…Walker's favorite, Coach K!), but being born in West Virginia and growing up in Southern Ohio, he'll casually follow the West Virginia Mountaineers and the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Tim Jones does the unthinkable during basketball season and roots for both Kentucky, who much of his family loves, and his alma mater Indiana. These schools are arch rivals, so such audacity particularly gnaws at my soul being an IU grad myself. But in football, at least this season, he might have to officially side with the good guys since here in Week 1 IU beat Indiana State 73-35 and UK lost to Western Kentucky.

Adam and Scott have no rooting interests in college football or any other sport, really, although Scott says he likes football just fine and Adam, after observing Walker, Smitty and I discussing College Football Day One, showed some home state pride and posted the message "Hail State?" on his Facebook page in reference to Mississippi State. It's a start.

I'm from Northwest Ohio, a few minutes away from the Michigan border and closer to Ann Arbor than Columbus -- which means I was either gonna be a Wolverines fan in enemy territory, which plenty of kids around me were growing up, or a Buckeye fan of an even more fervent condition than most. There's a photo of me at a few days old swaddled in a "Beat Michigan" t-shirt, an adult scarlet and gray beanie leaned up against my head, and a genuine battle-scarred pigskin football beside me.

I know Ohio State's school song "Carmen Ohio" by heart, wake up at anywhere from 7am to 10am on fall Saturdays (depending on which time zone we're in) to watch ESPN's College Gameday, listen to the OSU Marching Band ("The Best Damn Band in the Land") play standards when I have trouble sleeping, and on the right day (OK, every single time), softly weep when witnessing the dotting of the "i" as the "Buckeye Battle Cry" is played during Script Ohio.

Notice that these activities exist because a football team exists, but has little to do with the game of football directly. I love the game itself, and love the X's and O's of both college and pro to the extent I understand them, but college football is the greatest sport in the world -- better than anything pro, better than college basketball -- because of the tradition, ceremony, culture and passion surrounding it that no other sport inspires.

So when asked why I care about a "game" so much…it's not just about watching a team play a game that you want 'em to win; it's all the peripheral goodness that goes into it, too, which means the world to me and my family and was infused into my DNA long before I was born.

Go Bucks!
Love, 
~dean

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

August 27, 2013 - Club Congress - Tucson, AZ


0:Pick Me Up >>
Heart Like a Wheel
Bird on the Wing >>
Welcome to L.A. >>
Shady River >>
Back In Your Love
Rise Up
Far Away >>
Island
She Really Does It for Me >>
See Her
Appalachian Hilltop
All Stand Tall

August 25, 2013 - The Griffin - San Diego, CA



0:The Bad Times >>
Appalachian Hilltop
Call Back >>
Island >>
Bird on the Wing >>
Them Jeans >>
Silver Lining
Welcome to L.A. >>
Old Piano
I'm Not Your Boyfriend
Games People Play
Jump the Ship
101 >>
She Really Does It for Me
All Stand Tall

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Tuesday Evening Post by Tim Jones


We kicked off last weekend at The Shakedown in Bellingham, WA. 

Sunset over Bellingham, WA

Walker was gifted a coonskin cap by our buddy, Josh Dixon, and we let our new friend Jessica try it on.

Harbor of Puget Sound.  Internationally known kissing destination.

I love hotel rooms. Like, a lot.  Nice ones, historic ones, and especially funky ones like the Ranch Motel in Oakland, OR. A-frame design.  Adam had a spider in his bed, though. He didn't like it and was mad at me all day for making him stay there.  There was also a super killer Ponderosa Bar/Restaurant in front.



We taped a radio show for Jefferson Public Radio and got to stay at another really cool Mom & Pop motel called The Timbers.  Say “hello” to Jeff there for us. He's the manager and a helluva friendly guy with a great smile.


We played one of our best shows on the whole tour in the sleepy enchanted make believe town of Mill Valley at Sweetwater Music Hall. So very wonderful and cool there. The staff was incredible and they fed us delicious Chicken Mole. Bob Weir and Lukas Nelson were among the revelers at Sweetwater. 

Lukas Nelson, Adam, Bob Weir, Alex Slemmer at Sweetwater Music Hall

There was an entire cooler of Ginger Beer/Ale at this little grocery store across the street.  I love that stuff almost as much as hotel rooms and French Onion Soup.  I was so excited, but overwhelmed, so I didn't get any, but at least I can look at the picture and dream.



The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.  He wind there howls like Allen Ginsberg this time of year, but always fun to be back at Cafe Du Nord.  The owner Carrie is such a sweet heart.  Here's my friend Jennie and her best bud Valentina who came down from Los Gatos for the night.

My friend Jennie and her best bud Valentina who came down from Los Gatos for the night.

The Troubadour show on Saturday was literally one of the most rewarding experiences of my entire musical career. Everything just clicked. There was a tight bond between all of onstage and so many old friends in the audience. It was a delightful sort of homecoming.  






All Troubadour photos by Sandra Smith

This is my great buddy and former opener from our winter 2012 tour, Jesse Thomas. She is an incredible singer and writer and as wickedly cute and funny as she is talented. She's wearing my glasses that I got so I can finally see all the way to the back of the crowds!



Sunday, August 25, 2013

August 24, 2013 - Troubadour - West Hollywood, CA




0:See Her >>
Bird on the Wing >>
Heart Like a Wheel
The Bad Times >>
Appalachian Hilltop
Call Back
Games People Play >>
Pick Me Up >>
Island
Welcome to L.A.
Rise Up >>
Back In Your Love
Giant >>
Middle Island Creek
So Sad
She Really Does It For Me >>
Silver Lining


Saturday, August 24, 2013

August 23, 2013 - Cafe Du Nord - San Francisco, CA


0: The Bad Times >>
Silver Lining
Middle Island Creek
Rise Up >>
Back In Your Love
Games People Play
Appalachian Hilltop
Call Back
Island >>
Charm City
Touch of Grey
Shady River
She Really Does It for Me
Pick Me Up >>
All Stand Tall

E: Golden Slumbers >>
Carry That Weight >>
The End
Hail Hail
Pure Mountain Angel

Friday, August 23, 2013

August 21, 2013 - Sweetwater Music Hall - Mill Valley, CA



0: Hail Hail >>
Silver Lining >>
Island >>
Middle Island Creek
Call Back
The Bad Times
Appalachian Hilltop >>
Bird on the Wing
She Really Does It for Me 
See Her
Giant >>
Heart Like a Wheel
Golden Slumbers >>
Carry That Weight >>
The End
Pure Mountain Angel
Games People Play
Welcome to L.A.
Rise Up

E: Pick Me Up
Shape I'm In

Thursday, August 22, 2013

August 21, 2013 - Marilyn's on K - Sacramento, CA


0: Shady River >>
Silver Lining >>
Heart Like a Wheel >>
Bird on the Wing
The Bad Times >>
Appalachian Hilltop
101 >>
Island
Rise Up >>
Far Away
Pick Me Up
Middle Island Creek
All Stand Tall
See Her
She Really Does It for Me

Monday, August 19, 2013

August 18, 2013 - The Shakedown - Bellingham, WA



0: See Her >>
Island
Rise Up
Welcome to L.A.
Shady River
Them Jeans >>
Silver Lining
Appalachian Hilltop
Call Back
So Sad
Old Piano
I'm Not Your Boyfriend
Middle Island Creek
She Really Does It for Me
Far Away
All Stand Tall

E:
Life's Has Its Little Ups and Downs **
Pure Mountain Angel

**Charlie Rich cover, 1st time played


Sunday, August 18, 2013

Sunday Evening Post by Adam Grace


From the Rockies to the Cascades

Every week is interesting when one is a musician.  I wake up and check the "tour book" to see what the day holds... but often the day turns out quite differently than the schedule reflects.  This past week was one of those weeks where my path went in a different direction than I imagined.

It all started in Colorado.  Aspen was beautiful as always...and we had a few hours to kill before loading into the Belly Up.  Walking around that city reminds me how the "other half" lives.  Shops fill the streets, many of which I could never afford, and   Aspen is blessed with the kind of weather that most of us dream to have.  It's almost like a bubble is around that city, protecting it from any bad vibes.


That night, I witnessed Wes Sheffield slay the audience with his set.  Wes has been on the road with us this entire tour, riding in the "bus" with us and lending his bluesy sound to our show.  I've seen him play many nights, but he was on fire in Aspen.


By the time we hit Denver, I was in awe at how beautiful the Rockies really are...you Colorado folks are so lucky!  We rocked Denver on Friday night and had to be up super early on Saturday, August 10th, to play the AAA radio conference at ten -thirty am.  

August 10th is always a solemn day for me.  In 2002, one of my very favorite musicians passed away on August 10th.  Michael Houser, at only 40 years old, passed away from pancreatic cancer on that day.  He was a driving force in Widespread Panic. 

The tour book said that we were to leave Colorado and drive to Salt Lake City.  But, right at the last minute, I got a call from Sam Holt.  He invited me to play a tribute show for Michael Houser in Denver that night.  I had to do it!

When I arrived at Cervantes, Sam had acquired me a B3 organ, piano, and Rhodes...three of my favorite things!


Getting to sit in with Sam, Tori, Eric, Spanky, and Andy was a thrill!  They are a great bunch of guys and killer musicians.  Check out the Sam Holt band if you get a chance. We sound checked a few tunes while a terrible thunderstorm raged outside.  When I walked out, I was amazed at one of the most beautiful double rainbows I've ever seen.  


That night we played to a huge crowd of people there to celebrate the life of Michael Houser...and let me tell you...I felt like Mikey was there watching us!


I'm writing this from Seattle and it amazes me how awe inspiring the Cascades are...equally as beautiful as the Rockies.


If only the "tour book" could prepare me for the things I'm going to see, the people I meet, and the experiences I cherish so much.  Thanks Sweetie, Jen, Sam, and Mike!  - Adam Grace