Notes from the Road - Doug Spears, Florida's Native Troubadour

Notes from the Road – The Age of Entitlement

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Spears) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 14:27:00 +0000

Notes from the Road – The Age of Entitlement

When I’m off the road and working at home on new material, recording, rehearsing, etc., I spend some time trying to work through piles of stuff that I collect at conferences and other places, reading what seems useful and tossing out what isn’t. In a pile of material from past Folk Alliance conferences past I came across the May/June 2009 Issue of Elmore Magazine. I took a few minutes to scan the pages and let me tell you, this is a rag worth taking a look at! Check them out at www.ElmoreMagazine.com.

A couple of articles particularly caught my attention as they dealt with subjects that fall into my “pet peeves” or “personal soapbox” categories. First was the regular column of Carl Gustafson, “Kickin’ in Your Stall” titled “the unwarping of entitlement.” The theme of the piece is a rant about what we as a culture now expect from life, i.e., what we think life at a minimum owes us in today’s world. He points out that in our modern society we enjoy unparalleled comforts and conveniences (the crummiest jalopy sure beats a horse; there is no such thing as wearing hand-me-downs these days; etc.). In his words: “Our culture is a fireworks display of opulence and arrogance that would retro-stun the imagination of every two-legged creature back to Adam or amoeba, depending on your beliefs.”

Gustafson doesn’t feel much sympathy for folks in general in this economic climate. In his view, the average musician has always been and always will be an expert at surviving in lean times (a constant condition for them) by managing expectations. “I hear radio interviews where some poor bastard is crying that he has to take a job beneath his education level in order to get by. Of course to him get by means not having to sell his boat, second car, lake cabin and having his kids actually work to get through college. It may, God forbid, mean 13-year-old Suzy-Q has to keep the gap in her teeth until she’s old enough to get her own job and doesn’t get that boob-job that’s been the fashion these days for a graduation present.” Tough words, but there’s a whole lot of truth in them. I’m constantly shocked at the number of kids driving new expensive cars in high school and college that their parents obviously bought for them, setting a standard of living for them that the economy may not support in coming years. And, people that I know don’t have the cash resources are living in houses, driving cars, dining at restaurants and taking trips that I know has to be going on plastic or some other form of “maybe someday I can pay for it, but right now I want it” currency.

There was a time when a good life was having the opportunity, with hard work, to support a family with food on the table and a roof over head (even if it was only one or two rooms) that didn’t leak. Everything else was a plus. Now it’s iPods, iPads, iPhones, HDTV connected to a vast array of cable or satellite gathered channels, stylish new cars (financed or leased), large houses (even the smallest hovel is grand compared to what was the norm 75 years ago), foreign vacations, Starbucks coffee, smoothies and name brand clothes. Anything less is considered abject poverty and cause for serious depression / shame / anger / blame.

This sense of entitlement is revealed in our general tendency to avoid responsibility and look to others, principally the government, to extract us from the mess we, at least in some significant part, created for ourselves and to blame others, principally the government and anyone financially successful, for whatever financial distress we experience. We borrowed 120% of the value of the house we were buying when any idiot with a command of third grade math could tell that when the payments reached their peak we would not be able to make them based on our income. But when that day came it was, of course, the bank’s fault for lending us too much money. We make choices and are largely unwilling to pay the price of those choices. We are Enititled. Our own government, both parties, tells us that the solution to our current recession (I think it’s a depression, but what do I know) is freeing up credit so we can borrow more and buy more. Maybe I’m just an idiot, but isn’t that how we got here in the first place?

I’m as guilty as the next – I’ve clung far too much to material things over the years and I’m trying mightily to cure myself. Fortunately I kicked the debt addiction in the last economic malaise we weathered and don’t have that monkey riding my back this time around. Now I’m in the process of shearing down my burden of accumulated stuff, most of which I never needed in the first place – extra music gear, hobby gear (fishing rods by the bundle, etc.) and other assorted “driftwood” I’ve picked up along the way. I’m trying to simplify, economize and focus on those things which are truly important and preserve those things which I truly value.

The second article in Elmore dovetails with the first and actually ties into my recent musings on the treatment of original or unfamiliar music by today’s society. In “I Me Mine – The Economic Incentive Plan,” Alex Lyras berates the digital phenomena of “free music” as one of the symptoms of our “Entitlement culture.” He argues that the immediate gratification of digital music available for theft through file sharing platforms and simple copying has devalued music as an art form. While I see many benefits of the digital age of music in terms of the ability of artists to have their music heard without the backing of the commercial music industry, Lyras strikes a chord with me on the “ripping and burning” phenomena that impacts independent artists on an even greater scale than it does the monied music mainstream which has taken legal action to try to stop it. I hope we all know better than to file share artists’ music on the internet or burn copies of their CDs for friends, family and neighbors.

Where Lyras connects with my prior musings on society’s trend to be indifferent towards music that hasn’t been played ad nauseum on commercial radio is when he quotes some philosophers that before now had escaped my attention. Adorno and Horkheimer, key members of the Frankfurt School, coined the term “culture industry” in their book Dialectic of Enlightenment, 'The Culture Industry: Enlightenment as Mass Deception' in 1944. Lyras explains their theory “. . . that popular culture was manufacturing standardized entertainment to manipulate the hoi poloi (us!) into complacency; the easier it is to consume these popular pleasures, the more docile and content we all become. They admonished that mass produced products posed a direct threat to the higher arts by manufacturing false desires (“creating demand”) that mass produced, standardized products could then satisfy. The toxic side effect is an atrophied sense of quality.” WOW! Now THAT says a mouthful to me and, to a large extent, provides an attractive, though tragic, answer to my question posed at the outset of my ponderings on original music - What is it that makes original music less instead of more? DISCLAIMER: this is still NOT intended to apply to those exceptional classic songs and traditional folk songs we all know and love. To the extent they arose out of the “Culture Industry,” let’s just say that even a blind pig finds an acorn now and then!

Lyras drives his point home with a quote from Chrissie Hynde, the leader of the rock / new wave band The Pretenders. “Rock used to be a secret between the artist and the audience. Now, it’s turned into a sport. Musicians are hitting gyms because image is more important than content.” I think we’ve all seen that happening in many, many phases of the arts – and in society in general. We have become a very image, appearance conscious crowd as a whole. That’s one thing I admire about nudists – they accept each other as they are without hiding behind adornments, disguises and facades.

In any event, Elmore Magazine is definitely recommended reading. It covers the art of music across all genres (except, perhaps classical, opera, etc.) and is bi-monthly (six issues for $18). Another new music magazine, available only on line, is Driftwood Magazine (http://driftwoodmagazine.com). This comes from the former editors of Dirty Linen, a great print magazine which seems to have gone down the tubes. Driftwood is heavy on music reviews in folk, world, roots, alternative, rock, and indie music. I’ve just gotten my first weekly digest edition which features an article on Cheryl Wheeler and reviews of releases by Audrey Auld, Grant-Lee Phillips, Peter Case, The String Cheese Incident and Tom Fisch. Subscription is (at this point) free so check it out.

Doug
"It's not how far you've come, it's what you've done with the miles"

Doug Spears

36 Interlaken Road

Orlando, Florida 32804
407-257-4242

dcsnole@yahoo.com

www.dougspearsmusic.com
www.reverbnation.com/dougspears
www.concertsinyourhome.net/artists/dougspears
www.youtube.com/nativetroubadour
www.facebook.com/dougspears
www.myspace.com/dougspears
www.sonicbids.com/dougspears

INTERESTING FLORIDA FACTS:

· There are 882 islands or “keys” in the Florida Keys which are large enough to be recorded on the maps of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey.

· The total recorded length of all streams in the Sunshine State is 10,550miles.

· The St. Johns River is the longest river in Florida. Its length is recorded variously as 273 miles long (U.S. Geological Survey) to 318 miles long (State Board of Conservation). The reason for this confusion is that the river’s headwaters are so ill-defined that it is impossible to determine with any certainty the river’s point of origin.

· Florida has 4,510 islands ten acres or larger in size, which is the second highest total in the United States. Only Alaska has more islands.

What is it that makes original music less instead of more?

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Spears) — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 12:38:00 +0000

Notes from the Road – What is it that makes original music less instead of more?

One of the things I contemplated as I traveled from gig to gig on this most recent tour is the reluctance or disinterest of the general public when it comes to seeking out or listening to new original music. In this context I’m using the term “original music” to mean music written by the performer which has not received extensive commercial radio play and is, therefore, generally unfamiliar to the listener – i.e., new, different, etc. In those gigs I played which were not true listening rooms (places people come to listen to music, not just to talk and drink) I invariably had someone ask if I played any songs by (insert name of mainstream artist whose songs are played twice in any given hour on commercial radio). The answer is, of course, “I can, but I don’t.” It’s not what I do or what I have of value to share with an audience.

Now, in the folk music tradition I would understand this completely if it were a case of people wanting to participate, sing along, dance, etc. However, that wasn’t the case. These requests generally came from folks who were listening to the music “with one ear” while socializing, etc.

It seems to me that the majority of our society has come to treat music unlike any other art form. Whereas we will not usually read the same poem 20 times in a week, watch the same movie 20 times in a month, read the same book 20 times in a year or sit and carefully absorb the same painting or photograph 20 times in our lifetime, we will routinely listen to the same song or group of songs multiple times in a single day and then go out to hear “live music” hoping to hear those very same songs performed by someone else who will make them sound exactly the same as what was on the radio. Even then we don’t stop and listen to it to the music, but continue our conversations over it as loudly as necessary to relegate it to mere white noise in the background. Why is that?

Why is “live music” in a venue considered preferable when it simply consists of a commercial radio playlist performed by a band which may or may not perform it well? Why do people prefer venues with live music when they go primarily to drink and socialize rarely focusing on the music itself? Why not just have the radio on, a jukebox or karaoke in the corner?

Now, don’t get me wrong – I love the work of Jimmy Buffett, James Taylor, The Eagles, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and the current parade of performing songwriters of that ilk (those that truly are songwriters) as much as anyone. I’ve spent my share of time playing their songs for loud disinterested bar crowds too. And, I begrudge them nothing of their financial success – good for them, truly! But at some point it begins to feel like commercial radio, Nashville and the established music industry (emphasis on “industry”) has trained us as a society to behave as sheep. They tell us what to listen to, determine for us what is “good” and who has “talent,” and we simply swallow that without leaving room for anything else, i.e., the independent artist plying his craft on the back roads, in the small listening rooms and house concerts. We sit at home in our Lay-Z-Boys in front of our flat screen TVs and computers while the art, the true art, of live acoustic music passes us by.

Are we, at this point, simply a culture with an ever-shrinking attention span and increasing disinterest in music that doesn't immediately explain itself or with which we aren’t nauseatingly familiar as a consequence of continuous bombardment at the direction of a radio culture driven solely by sponsor dollars and the record industry’s dictates? I am a big fan of a large number of singer-songwriters whose CDs I own or whose mp3s are on my iPod. As much as I enjoy those songs I don’t listen to them multiple times in a month. And, I’m always most excited to hear something new from that artist. However, I seem to be in a diminishing minority in that regard and I suspect I’m preaching to the choir here inasmuch as those of you reading this are likely fans of the same music I am for the much same reasons.

Why is it that fewer and fewer people come out to hear something fresh and new in smaller, more intimate concerts by enormous songwriting talents like Chuck Brodsky, Jonathon Byrd, Jack Williams, Michael Smith, Cheryl Wheeler, etc. at a mere $10 - $25 per ticket when they continue to pay $65 - $125 and more to hear music they’ve heard incessantly on the radio being blasted at them in an arena with crummy acoustics in the midst of 10,000 screaming people who aren’t truly listening?

I’m observing, as I know all independent artists are, diminishing audiences, CD sales, etc. And, to the extent that I’m just not reaching people’s hearts and minds with my music so be it – that’s part of the deal and I have no complaints. However, since I get such gratifying feedback after every performance and I see it happening to artists, like the small sample I’ve listed above, whose work is so good that there is simply no debating the quality of what they offer, the smaller audiences, etc. must be the result of musical apathy or lethargy. Of course, the economy has its substantial effect, but it seems that money for the monthly house concert or small venue outings gets cut long before the daily smoothie, Starbucks latte and big name concert tickets. I find that disappointing, even disheartening.

What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts. It seems in these troubled economic times the trend would be different. It looks like people would be connecting to the grassroots, back road music that is out there. Let me hear from you!

All the Best –

Doug
"It's not how far you've come, it's what you've done with the miles"
Doug Spears
36 Interlaken Road
Orlando, Florida 32804
407-257-4242
dcsnole@yahoo.com
www.dougspearsmusic.com
www.reverbnation.com/dougspears
www.concertsinyourhome.net/artists/dougspears
www.facebook.com/dougspears
www.myspace.com/dougspears
www.sonicbids.com/dougspears
INTERESTING FLORIDA FACTS:

·There are 882 islands or “keys” in the Florida Keys which are large enough to be recorded on the maps of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey.
·The total recorded length of all streams in the Sunshine State is 10,550miles.
·The St. Johns River is the longest river in Florida. Its length is recorded variously as 273 miles long (U.S. Geological Survey) to 318 miles long (State Board of Conservation). The reason for this confusion is that the river’s headwaters are so ill-defined that it is impossible to determine with any certainty the river’s point of origin.
·Florida has 4,510 islands ten acres or larger in size, which is the second highest total in the United States. Only Alaska has more islands.

Notes from the Road – Schedule for Fall / Winter 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Spears) — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 16:30:00 +0000

Now that the SE Summer Tour is over I've emptied the travel trailer and am sealing it up for a couple of months. I have no more camper friendly events until the Sunshine State Music Camp in November where I'll teach songwriting for the third year. However, I have plenty of shows on the calendar between now and the end of the year and I will be adding more. Check and see if any of these are in your neck o' da' woods and get it on your calendar.

I will be headed out to Mountain View, Arkansas in mid-October for the Southeast Region Folk Alliance Conference. I was an official showcase artist last year out there and don't know what my status on that count is this year. However, I already have a full plate of private showcases booked and I'm looking forward to the trip. I've been working on bookings after I leave Mountain View and head east. I'm hoping to pick up something for Sunday night, perhaps in Memphis or Nashville and probably hang around Nashville on Monday. On Tuesday I'll pick up Judy at the Tri-City airport outside of Johnson City, TN and we'll head to Mount Mitchell for a couple of days in the peak of the leaf change with friends who live there. I've got a Wednesday gig there in Burnsville at the Mt. Mitchell Country Club. For my return engagement, Chef Teo has planned a Florida Cracker dinner program in a separate dining area and my show will follow the meal - an ideal set up! Friday we head down to Saluda for my return to The Saluda Inn and Wine Cellar. This is a much better date and Joni is very pleased to have me returning for the fall season. Saturday night is tentatively scheduled as a house concert in northern Georgia, but it is not confirmed as yet.

In November I head back out to Texas. I'm waiting for my schedule to firm up before booking my flights so I know whether it makes more sense to fly into Houston or Austin. Two shows are confirmed and several more are in the works. The weekend days are not hard to book, its the week nights that are tough. However, I have a number of musician buddies out there working on those and I'm looking for some "Dinner and a Song" gigs as well.

"Dinner and a Song" is the name put to smaller weekday house concerts by Fran Snyder of Concerts in Your Home. Essentially, it is a brief, relaxing dinner gathering that feature music and conversation with a traveling artist. The host gathers 8 - 15 attendees for a low-effort dinner, followed by a short, unplugged concert in the living room. Attendees donate $5-10 each for the artist and also have the opportunity to purchase CDs after the performance. The host provides dinner and overnight lodging (guest room, etc.) for the artist.

Dinner and Song is perfect for you if: 1) you love the idea of house concerts but feel your space or number of friends is too small; 2)you’d like to have dinner parties but need a “Wow!” reason to do it; or, 3)you’d like to support traveling musicians and see them perform in a special environment - your house. These events are designed to minimize setup and preparation, so that you can have a wonderful, low-stress event on a weeknight - lasting only 90 minutes from start to finish.

I've done a number of this type show here in Florida over the years and am always available for them when I'm in your area. If you're anywhere near my routes of travel and would be interested in hosting a Dinner and a Song evening with me just let me know. I'm a firm believer that its the quality of your audience, not the quantity which comprises it, that makes a show rewarding.

I left September open in my schedule intentionally. Preparing for conferences like SERFA is a time consuming process. I'll be recording a demo of some new songs at Gatorbone with Lis & Lon Williamson in September for Ron Litschauer to combine and master with some existing material. This will be something fresh for me to give presenters and Folk DJs not only in Arkansas, but also in Memphis in February 2011. Plus, there's writing, working on the presentation of new material, updating websites, preparing PR releases and all that other stuff that comes in between the joyous opportunities to share some songs with you guys.

So, that's how things sit for now. Let me hear from you if you have shows you'd like for me to be part of in the coming months and on into 2011. I'm always booking and looking for the next new gig. Don't be shy! And please stay in touch!

Doug
"It's not how far you've come, it's what you've done with the miles"
Doug Spears
36 Interlaken Road
Orlando, Florida 32804
407-257-4242
dcsnole@yahoo.com
www.dougspearsmusic.com
www.reverbnation.com/dougspears
www.concertsinyourhome.net/artists/dougspears
www.facebook.com/dougspears
www.myspace.com/dougspears
www.sonicbids.com/dougspears

Notes from the Road – The Journey Home

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Spears) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:21:00 +0000

Saturday, August 14, 2010 –

And so it ends – another Southeastern US Gas Hog Tour is complete. No flat tires or serious issues (other than that camper leak which it appears I’ve plugged) and some great shows with friends old and new. You can’t ask for much more than that.

I woke this morning ready to get underway. Even as the coffee is brewing I’m putting things away and getting the interior of the camper road ready. By 10 am I’m hooked up and ready to travel. On the way back from Asheville last night I put a couple of gallons of pricey NC gas in the tank, just enough to get me over into SC where I know prices will be 15 to 20 cents per gallon cheaper.

I roll southeast out of Hendersonville on I-26 and in less than a half hour I’m in South Carolina. It’s cloudy, but not rainy, a pretty good day for driving. Sure enough, gas in SC is $2.47 as opposed to $2.66 just 40 miles back. I stop and top off the tank and motor on across South Carolina. I usually play a show on this route in SC either in the St. George area or up near Columbia, but bookings didn’t work out for that this year. All of the town names are familiar and I don’t need the Navagatrix to get me home from here. However, I keep her tracking my progress with the sound off so I can gauge where I might want to stop for the night. Because it’s slow going with the camper it would take me about 10 hours to get all the way home and that’s farther than I usually like to run in one day while towing the big rig. Nevertheless, I’d like to get as close as possible so that I have as much of Sunday to recoup as I can.

Much of the time on the road I ride in silence. It’s almost like meditation for me. I can let my mind focus solely on the road and shut everything else out. Or, I can mull over a single subject at a time – booking for upcoming months, song ideas, lyric refinements, stuff at home, etc. Silence is a valuable thing to me and long distance driving affords me that luxury when I’m out on the road alone.

However, sometimes you need some tunes. And, I’ve had great ones to listen to on this trip. In the CD player has been The Claire Lynch Band “Whatcha Gonna Do”, Lis Williamson “Deep”, a collection of tunes by Frank Serio, photographer extraordinaire who has had the opportunity to co-write with many great writers, 3 Penny Acre’s new disc “Highway 71”, Stevie Coyle’s solo release “Ten-In-One” and some compilation CDs for variety. On the iPod I’ve had Bill Morrissey (what an extraordinary writer), the new Merle Haggard CD “I Am What I Am” which I recommend, Jorma Kaukonen “River of Time” and “Blue Country Heart” (exceptional), smatterings of Guy Clark, Johnsmith, Jack Williams, Jonathon Byrd, Cheryl Wheeler, Allison Kraus, Mary Chapin Carpenter, all favorites of mine, and many more. Song ideas, rhythms and melodies begin to percolate and I periodically turn off the music to sing into my little digital recorder I keep handy just for such inspirations

The haul across South Carolina is a long one. You’re basically starting up in the northwest corner and driving all the way across to the southeast corner, so it takes a bit. But the drive is easy, though traffic around Columbia gets a bit dicey. And, of course, anytime someone pulls over for any reason everyone else has to slow to 20 mph and rubber neck hoping to get a glimpse of a gory wreck of some kind. Rubber necking ought to be a capital offense with serious jail time attached! However, I’m soon on I-95 and bearing down on Savannah. Time to fill up again before crossing over into Georgia.

I roll on through the tidewater area of South Carolina with its vast expanses of waterways, grasses, birds and trees. It’s about 3:00 or so as I approach Savannah and I know from past experience it’ll be 4 1/2 to 5 hours from there home at the “towing the camper” rate of speed, a lumbering 60 mph. I’ll be in Jacksonville in 2 ½ hours. I’m starting to think that stopping just 2 or 3 hours from home, incurring campground fees, etc. makes little sense. Plus, I’d love to get all the way today, sleep at home tonight, see the family and have all day Sunday to rest. Hmmmmm . . ..

Georgia’s on my mind as I roll I-95 through the Peach State. My gas mileage is much improved as I’m now on relatively flat Interstate. Back roads are much more interesting to drive, but when you want to get on home the Interstate is the way to go. However, even with the convenience, speed and ease of the Interstate as a plus, the overwhelming collage of billboards is still irritating. While I understand the economic, advertising value of billboards they are nevertheless a blight on mankind as a whole! Georgia and Florida in particular have an over abundance of them that swallows the view like kudzu swallows the landscape. No wonder folks never really see the true Florida!

As I pass Brunswick, Ga. my mind is made up – I’m going to tough it out and roll on to Orlando tonight! It’s been a long day and my back and knees are complaining, but I just can’t see stopping when I’m going to be so close. Onward!

I cross into Florida and breeze through Jacksonville. Now I’m really on the home stretch. A fast food dinner keeps me plowing ahead as I pass St. Augustine, Palm Coast, Ormond and Daytona where I connect with I-4 and turn southwest. I’ve pushed the cruise control up to 65 mph. sacrificing gas mileage for speed. DeLand, Deltona and Sanford slip by and I’m now about 30 mins from home sweet home. My pessimistic side creeps in for a moment as I wonder if any of the trailer tires will decide that this is far enough and blow out causing me to have to change one in my exhausted and edging up on irritable condition. However, I roll on through Lake Mary, Longwood and Altamonte without incident and turn off on Fairbanks. I pull into my driveway just before 9 pm road weary, but so glad to be home. And, I receive the welcome from family that I looked forward to so much. A scotch is in my imminent future!

As I say, it was a good tour. I did note the effect of the economy on the size of the audiences, their spending habits in terms of CDs, etc. and the availability of booking opportunities. While I did better than break even financially, I earned substantially less than last year. Part of that is due to my own failings in getting my booking done early resulting in a larger number of high risk gigs money-wise than should have been on the schedule. Lesson learned. However, I added many, many new names to my mailing list, sold more than 50 CDs’ and broke into new venues and areas where I had not previously played. I was healthy for the whole trip. Judy and the grandsons got to join me for part of it. The weather, though warmer than desirable, was mostly good. I had no calamitous events with either the truck or the camper despite covering better than 3,800 miles of at times challenging terrain. And, I got to enjoy to true beauty, wonder and freedom of the southeast portion of this great country that we live in. You know, the more I think about it, it was a GREAT tour! See you down the road.

Notes from the Road – Wednesday, August 11th – Friday, August 13th

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Spears) — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 15:06:00 +0000

Wednesday –

Wednesday I start by sleeping until almost 9 am – man, did I need that! I made a disturbing observation just as I was leaving Stone Mountain yesterday. The inner edge of my front left tire on the truck is starting to show the belts of the radial through the rubber – not good. It was causing me some heartburn as I drove that hat full of hairpins on Hwy 80 yesterday getting down to Dick & Joyce’s place. So, first item on the agenda today (after coffee and homemade blueberry / cranberry scones of course) is to get into Burnsville and find a tire.

Dick volunteers to join me and we decide on a proper agenda. First we’ll drop off my sound gear at Teo’s where I’ll be playing tonight. Next we’ll find me a tire in Burnsville and have lunch. Then we’ll come back and play 9 holes of golf. Sounds like a plan.

Teo is at the restaurant already and directs me to my spot for the evening. I set up my Fishman SoloAmp in short order all the while chatting with Teo. Having learned of our tire mission, Teo recommends a local tire store on SR 19 just before entering Burnsville proper. Dick is skeptical as he is more inclined to go to a “chain” type establishment, but I’m game so off we go.

The tire store is perfect. All four of my tires are worn, but only the one is to the point of needing to be replaced. The rest still have many miles of good tread remaining. I’ve been struggling to figure out the most logical way to do this replacement and I’ve been considering replacing both front tires, keeping the right front tire as the spare (my spare is pretty worn). This will, however, involve a fair expense (around $300 or more for two tires) and will require that we unload the luggage area to get to the compartment where you drop the spare tire from beneath the vehicle (a real pain). However, the tire guy has a better solution. He has used tires for sale as well as new and he quickly finds one in great shape that matches the ones on the truck. He has it mounted, balanced and I’m on my way in short order. And get this - $18! Yep, calamity averted and logistical issue solved for less than a Jackson, can you believe it?

In fact the tire cost only slightly more than lunch. We had some great sandwiches and a bucketful of iced tea on the covered porch of a little joint off the town square in Burnsville. Burnsville is a quaint little town with “antique” shops (some verging on the junk shop variety), local sundries and mountain crafts stores. It’s nice and comfortable as the sky is overcast and there’s been a sprinkling of rain. Soon we’re headed back up the mountain for a little golf.

I don’t have golf clubs or anything with me so Dick loans me a shirt and I don shorts and tennis shoes. He and I will play out of his bag (a technical course rules violation, but Dick’s not one to be hampered by such trivial matters). Though I’ve not swung a club in nearly three years I actually strike the ball fairly well and end up paring 4 out of the 9 holes. We won’t dwell on the other 5. It has warmed up considerably and by the time we finish I’ve soaked Dick’s loaned shirt to the point that I recommend burning rather than washing.

A quick shower and down to Teo’s for the evening show. We’ve had trouble deciding on a time as the likely crowd is bifurcated early and late. There are folks there who’ve come specifically to hear me at 6 pm so I get started. Now this, again, is not a pure listening environment by any means. There is a bar and supper is being served so there is a bit of traffic and noise to contend with. But those that are there for the music are able to find seats closer to me and hold down the fort to minimize distractions. For about 1 ½ hours I play through my intended set list taking requests here and there from folks familiar with my music. CDs leave the table and names are added to my mailing list. I take a break around 7:30 and the entire crowd (with a couple of exceptions) changes over. Well, what the hell – I run back through some of the same songs (favorites like Yellow Butter Moon, etc.) and add about 70% different tunes than those I played in the first long set. By a around 9:30 I am toast! Over some protests from the crowd I put down the guitar for good and settle at the bar for a scotch and a much needed steak. More CDs leave with new owners as I chat with folks while I down my supper and enjoy the hospitality of Teo’s generous bar staff. In the end as the crowd dwindles I decide to leave the sound gear until tomorrow and just take my guitar with me as I steer toward a comfortable bed. See you tomorrow.

Thursday

I’m up early (not so over served in the drink department last night as I was the night before) and do a little internet research to find a spot to call home for my last two gigs of the tour in Saluda and Asheville. I settle on a likely spot near Hendersonville and, after retrieving the sound gear from Teo’s, saying my goodbyes and hitching to the camper I swing north and west through Burnsville (to avoid that freakin’ Hwy 80) and catch I-26 south through Asheville. It only takes me about an hour and a half to get to my new location and I’m soon settled in on site with the afternoon to rest, recoup and restring.

Tonight I’m at the Saluda Inn & Wine Cellar which, according to the Navigatrix, is a mere 20 minutes away. I’m to start at 7 pm, so I make sure I eat by 5 (some left over chicken and black beans with rice) and head out at 5:30. The Saluda Inn & Wine Cellar is a really cool little venue. Joanie, the proprietress, shows me around and suggests the best location for my gear. The Inn, upstairs, is a huge old frame house that now serves as a B&B. The Wine Cellar, as you might guess, is underneath and features rough hewn stone walls, wine racks and misc shelving with a collection of odds and ends, including a vintage whiskey still in one corner. It won’t hold many people, maybe 50 if everyone likes each other, but the charm of the place is irresistible. My SoloAmp is ideal for this type environment and I’m all set in short order.

Now this is Thursday night and though she offers music most Thursdays Joanie has warned me in advance that the crowd may be a little thin. I’ve assured her it’s no problem as this was a late booking to fill a date cancelled by another venue so I’m grateful for the opportunity to get in front of some new folks and the small gig fee. At just before 7 folks begin to appear and soon we have a decent little crowd. As has been my experience there are two couples in the room from Florida (St. Pete area and Sarasota) who immediately tune into selections from my Florida based repertoire and the crowd as a whole is quite receptive and responsive. This is again not a pure listening room environment and a good bit of social chatter goes on during the show, but it does not distract from the material. It’s a good night, particularly for a late booked gig, and Joanie is a gracious host who is anxious to have me back on a weekend night when she can gather more of a crowd for me. If you’re ever in Saluda, NC stop by The Wine Cellar and tell Joanie I sent you.

By the time I return to the campground it’s about 10:30 so I settle in with a last glass of wine and read a bit before turning in. A lazy, reorganization day tomorrow before my last gig in Asheville. Aahhhhhh . . .

Friday

I keep waking up real early, too early, and then managing to fall back asleep. I don’t actually get up to make coffee this morning until about 8. It’s a little overcast outside so it’s not immediately hot – maybe I’ll go fish a little. Naw, coffee and a movie sounds better.

I get the camper cleaned up, dishes done, etc. Then it’s time for lunch and a nap – tough schedule huh? Tonight I’m at the French Broad Chocolate Lounge and for those of you not familiar with the Asheville area, no, this is not a house of ill repute that just happens to offer live music. The French Broad River runs through Asheville, hence the name of this famous local sweet spot that serves all manner of chocolates, coffees, teas, beers and wines. This is another late booked filler gig after a cancellation. Cancellations were a real problem with this tour as the economy and other factors forced many venues / hosts to change plans on short notice.

Though I’ve heard of the Chocolate Lounge I’ve never been there and really don’t know what to expect. I’m to play from 8 to 10 so I get there by around 7 to load in. The Lounge is on Lexington in a bustling part of the downtown night scene in Asheville and parking is difficult. I end up about three blocks away, not ideal. The room is long and narrow with an upstairs balcony area. The chocolates are in a case along the left of the room with area for the servers behind it and ending at the cash register about halfway back. Seating fills the rest of the space and I’ll be up front in the right corner near the door. There is a line of customers about 20 long at the counter as I set up and I’m told by the staff that the line will continue at that length and much greater all night, sometimes spilling out into the street in front. Interesting. Obviously, not an ideal listening environment, but we’ll see.

At 8 pm, as promised by the staff, the line is all the way to the front door and folks are starting to “pool” in the area where I’m to perform. But, they make way as I pick up the guitar and start hitting the first few notes. It is an interesting dynamic. While the entire room, including the balcony, can hear the music and respond with applause, the folks most engaged by the music are those in line. Imagine performing at the check in area for Southwest Airlines and you’ve got a fair estimation of the gig. The audience is in constant flux, but as they stand in line they have time to hear a couple of tunes, look over the CDs, mailing list sheet, etc. Some then find a seat to hear more while others move on out the door. It is another opportunity to simply focus on the technique and presentation of the songs themselves without the patter and story telling that usually accompanies them. What I first had strong reservations about turns into a very enjoyable, unique gig and the staff is both very complimentary and very attentive about keeping me supplied with water, wine, etc. When I finish at 10 the manager tells me they’ve had a great night, in part he thinks to the advertising they did regarding my appearance there, and he doubles my gig fee – nice! Not too much in the way of CD sales, but folks have been showing their appreciation at the tip jar helping to fund the trip home here at the end of the 4th annual Gas Hog Tour.

Instead of making a couple of trips three blocks away with the gear I get everything ready to load and then bring the car up to a no loading zone outside to load up – hey, if you can’t break some rules here and there what’s the point in having them! I’m on my way in short order and after adding a little expensive NC gas to the tank to get me into SC tomorrow where prices are better arrive at the campground at around 11 pm.

Tomorrow I begin the journey home and reflect on these three weeks on the road. Stay tuned.

Notes from the Road – Saturday, August 7th - Tuesday, August 10th

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Spears) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 11:10:00 +0000

Thursday -

I didn’t sleep as well last night as I’d have liked. That usually happens the first night away from Judy sleeping alone again. I have dishes to do and some other cleaning / maintenance to attend to, but I can’t seem to muster the energy. So, by 11 a.m. I give up and get on the road. Tonight I’m “barnstorming” at a campground in southern Virginia a couple of hours away.

It’s an easy drive, Interstates all the way. Near Roanoke I see a sign for BBQ and give into temptation. It’s not very convenient, in a strip center with a grocery store, etc., but it turns out well worth it. 3 Pigs Barbeque is the name and they make all their own sauces, ketchup, etc. It has a music theme and it appears they have live music on the weekends. It’s a small place, probably seats no more than 50 people and I don’t know where they’d set up the musicians, but given the quality of the food, service, etc. I’m sure they’ve got it worked out.

Parking the camper in this kind of a place is tricky. The SUV with the 24’ trailer, plus a hitch carrier on the back of that is a good bit longer than two parking spaces end to end. So, I found a curb spot on the drive that led behind the building. When I’d finished my BBQ I discovered that the drive behind the building did not come out the other side. Fortunately I’m pretty good at backing and it was a simple matter to roll back far enough to make the turn and get on my way, though I noticed folks with cars around me looked plenty nervous.

With the lunch stop I was still at the new campground before 2 pm. It’s a spare looking little place, but it looks quite full. I get checked in and settle into the spot they’d reserved for me down on the pond near the pavilion where I’ll be playing tonight. It is a long, perfectly level site so I don’t even have to unhook – perfect. Plug in the power, connect the water hose and I’m all set.

I noticed coming in that there was a whole passel of those little teardrop shaped mini-campers in the park and out of curiosity I wander up (with some flyers for the show tonight in my pocket, of course) to see what’s going on. It turns out that it’s a rally for teardrop camper owners – a group calling themselves the “Tear Jerkers” – cute. If you’re not familiar with teardrop campers, google them to see what I mean. Many of these little units are homemade / custom made and I’m not talking about rough, slipshod work either. Some are made from sailboat quality teak with fine varnished finishes. The ingenuity applied to accessorize these little units is incredible. Storage compartments, pop out cooking areas, dressing booths, canopies and awnings, etc. were quite amazing. I was surprised to learn that these campers began being manufactured back just after WWII. In fact there was one metal unit with wide white sidewall tires and matching spare that was made in 1947. There were about 50 of these gathered for the rally and they were having a supper just before my show – excellent!

After a little rest I go ahead and do laundry (I’m past due on this) and clean the camper up a bit. Then I go ahead and set up for the show before the Tear Jerkers get started on their supper so I can be ready to go as soon as their function ends to keep as many of them as possible to hear the music. My Fishman SoloAmp is so easy to set up it only takes me about 15 minutes. Then I clear out to rest up a bit, take a shower and get my mind on the set list.

I’m lucky and a good portion of the Tear Jerkers stay behind for the show. It’s a good friendly crowd and I give ‘em an hour and a half of my Florida folk and songs about other parts of the country as well. Again, CDs depart with new owners and the gas hog tour gets funded for a few more miles. Has I known about the Tear Jerkers I would have tried to come up with a novelty song about them – that would have KILLED! But, we all had a good time.

Just as I was finishing up with Steam Train a new member joined the audience. He looked familiar, but I couldn’t place him. When I was done he called out to me – it was Bill Clayton, folk singer from Sanford, FL! The world just keeps getting smaller. He was on his way with his wife up to see her family in Ohio and just happened to stop in at this campground for the night. He was quite surprised to see the posters advertising my show. We chatted and caught up a bit as I started to pack my gear. But, as we both had early starts in mind we kept it short and soon I’m settled back in the camper for the evening. Ahhhhhh . . .

Sunday –

The fact that I have no hooking up to do to leave makes me quite lazy this morning. I think about doing a little fishing, but its pretty hot out so I just lounge in the AC, write a little, watch a movie, etc. Well, Sundays are supposed to be a day of rest anyway, right?

I’ve got a short run up to my next campground show near Appomatox, Va. where Lee surrendered to Grant. I get started by late morning and take it slow and easy enjoying the scenery and stopping to take in some historical sights along the way. Again, I’m at the campground by 2 p.m. This is a nice family campground of fair size. In addition to the standard pool there’s a lake with a swimming area, diving platforms, slide, etc. Posters promoting my performance are prominently displayed throughout the grounds and the young lady at the desk is all set to direct me to my site. This site is a little too far from the pavilion where I’ll be playing tonight to haul the gear over on foot, so I go ahead and unhook so I can use the truck.

After a nap and some other loafing, I go on over and set up my gear. They have a raised stage at one end of the pavilion with an open concrete floor in front and picnic tables around the perimeter, pretty nice. As before it doesn’t take me long to get everything ready to go, including my CD table, etc. All I have to do at show time is step up, plug in and play.

One drawback to this campground is that there’s no internet access and no cell phone reception. I need to make a couple of calls, one to Judy since I haven’t checked in on her today, so I head out in the truck in search of a cell phone signal. Heading back west towards Lynchburg I’ve soon got three bars and make my calls. The I head back to rest a little and take a shower before 7:30 pm.

At 7:30 I step up and begin adjusting sound. A few folks have gathered and as the guitar rings through the SoloAmp more emerge from their cars and campers and filter over. I quickly conclude that I’ve made one miscalculation. The sun is quickly setting behind me to the left, but for the moment it is shining right into the open concrete area in front of the stage. As a result, everyone sits on the benches around the perimeter or in chairs on the grass and many drive up in golf carts and remain seated in them. This means that I’m a good 30 feet from the closest audience members and as much as 45 from the folks straight in front of me. That’s too far for the intimate type show that I like to do – can’t see their eyes. However, it would take too long to move down on the floor closer to them so I carry on as is. Again everyone enjoys the show and exhibit their appreciation with generous contributions to the gas hog tour fund and take home some CDs. Back on the “it’s a small world” theme, one couple is from Gainesville up visiting their daughter in Lynchburg. They particularly enjoy the stories and songs of Florida.

Tomorrow I turn south towards North Carolina. I’ve got a couple of days before my next show at the restaurant at the Mount Mitchell Golf Course where’re I’ll be spending a couple of nights with old friends. I have some computer work to do so I’ll bite off about half of the drive tomorrow and the rest on Tuesday. So, tonight I think I’ll ice down some amber whiskey and stroll the campground a bit before turning in.

Monday –

I thought this was going to be a two day posting originally, but internet and cell reception in southern Va. and North Carolina are a rare and finicky thing. So, I’ve added Monday here and hope I get to post it Tuesday. I’m in no hurry today as I have no show tonight or tomorrow. And, since I’ve got no internet connection I can’t do the usual site maintenance and booking work I’d otherwise be doing. I think I’ll go fishing.

My first cup of coffee in hand I stroll down to the fishing lake here at the campground at about 6:30 a.m. There’s an older couple down on the dock fishing already and, unfortunately, they’ve got a yappy little dog with them. He doesn’t like that I’m using the lake too even though I’m a hundred yards away. Fortunately, the man doesn’t care for his yappiness any more than I do and is effective at shutting him up – they’ve apparently had this discussion before and the dog does not care to debate it again. Not much in the way of fish, but it sure is pretty and peaceful. The sun hasn’t broken yet and there’s a fine layer of fog just off the surface of the water. In just a couple of hours it will be the country version of Wet N’ Wild here as the kids swarm in to swim and play. Summer’s almost over.

Back at the camper I do write a little, work on a couple of song ideas, design some promo pieces – that kind of thing. I should get going, but the road isn’t appealing just yet. More coffee.

Finally about noon I head out. I have no particular destination in mind, I just want to get down into NC and within striking distance of Burnsville. That’s where I’ll be staying Tuesday and Wednesday nights, playing at the Mount Mitchell Golf Club Wednesday night. I’d like to find a nice State Park as they are always quiet, peaceful, pretty and cheaper than private campgrounds. After stopping for a little late lunch at a McDonalds where I can use their WiFi I settle on Stone Mountain State Park north and west of Winston-Salem and set the Navigatrix accordingly.

Now, I wasn’t in any particular rush, but I was thinking I’d get to the campground by early to mid-afternoon and enjoy the day. I also thought (don’t know why) that I’d have cell reception high in the NC mountains somewhat near larger towns. I was wrong on both counts. I finally rolled into the park (the long way around, through the unpaved rear entrance – thanks Navigatrix) at just after 4 pm., barely in time to check in before the office closed. And I found, of course, that there was no cell reception to be had. This was an issue since I needed to contact my friends in Burnsville about arrangements for Tuesday and Wednesday. So, after getting set up on my site (surprisingly warm for high in the Blue Ridge Mountains) and cooling my feet in the mountain stream running beside it (nice!) I headed back out in search of cell reception. I finally found it about 20 miles down the mountain and made my calls (to answering machines of course, meaning I’ll have to do this again to get the responses).

By the time I got gas, got back to the campsite, changed clothes, got a fire started, etc. it was 7:30 pm. However, a campfire and an amber liquid are magical in their ability to bring on quick bliss. I soon had a chicken breast broiling over the wood fire and some yellow rice and collard greens warming on the stove. Very domestic dontcha think? As the daylight fades the cicadas begin their chorus in the trees and bats begin their aerobatic maneuvers devouring mosquitoes. Life is good. After supper I have a little more of the amber and work on some guitar techniques I’ve been toying with. Song ideas flow and the fire crackles. However, before I know it it’s after 10 pm and the mosquitoes are starting to get quite bold in their attacks. I either need to get out the bug juice or retreat. Given the hour I elect retreat and settle into the camper for the night surrounded by the sounds of the mountain stream, cicadas and a gentle breeze rustling the leaves. Not bad, not bad at all.

Tuesday –

Well, still no consistent cell or internet reception so I guess this is a four day journal. From Stone Mountain I’m headed to the home of my friends Dick and Joyce Adams who have a house on the Golf Course at Mount Mitchell. Dick has arranged a show for me down at the golf course restaurant Wednesday night and I’m going to spend a couple of nights with them. I know from past experience that the Navigatrix tends to take me to their house by a tortuous mountain road with sharp switchbacks and steep grades so I’m trying to avoid that. However, I’m at a disadvantage since I can’t recall which road it is that is so bad. To out fox the Navigatrix I set her to take me to a town that I think will dissuade her from the mischief of selecting the usual road. But, she’s smarter than me. Soon I find myself on Highway 80 approaching Mt. Mitchell from the south, just as always. The car groans and the trailer shrieks with each hairpin turn and evil grade – truly hell on wheels. I make it however, tough some worse for the wear. Sure am glad I’m not playing tonight!

Dick and Joyce’s house is up the mountain from the golf course which sits right on Highway 80. So, I turn in to make the last hard climb. There is an abandoned roadway just past the turn down to their house and we plan to park the camper there. This is not the kind of place that gets much idle traffic or crime (other than a little moonshining and perhaps a bit of poaching) so the trailer will be nice and safe. One last little tough steep stretch of blacktop and I’m able to pop it in reverse and swing the trailer right into its graveled space on the abandoned road. Apparently I startled a skunk in the brush with the trailer because the fragrance is strong and unmistakable when I get out to unhitch. The old Ford is well relieved to be shed of its 6,000 lb. burden and rolls exhausted back down the hill to the house. Personally, I’m ready for a drink.

And, my host delivers. Dick is off running an errand, but Joyce is at the ready with a cool glass of nerve tonic – just what the doctor ordered. Golfers parade past on the 14th fairway, bisected by a nice rocky river, and the 14th green which the house overlooks. Quite a view from the front porch where Joyce and I sit with our drinks near the hummingbird feeders and her freshly weeded flower garden. I doesn’t take long before the trauma of Highway 80 inflicted upon me by the mischievous Navigatrix is far in the past. Dick returns and we sit catching up on all the news, old friends and general BS until its time to consider supper.

The restaurant at the Golf Course, Teo’s, is having a “low country boil” tonight, which means shrimp, crab, sausage, corn, potatoes, etc., all you can eat. Our appetites sufficiently whetted by our early libations we descend to the restaurant and wait for the starting bell of the feed. I’ve printed up postcards for the show tomorrow and Joyce goes to work on the crowd making sure they know that they should return to hear me the next night. We’ve also given a passel of them to the golf course to put on each cart that goes out tomorrow. We’re working hard because Wednesday is usually a slow night and we want to see if we can’t create a draw.

Soon the food is ready and the crowd flows into the dining room to sit at long tables covered in newspaper a heavily supplied with napkins. Peeling shrimp and cracking crabs is messy work. The food comes in waves and we fall on it like ferrets – I’m surprised no one lost a finger! It’s REALLY good and there is much discussion about the show tomorrow. We eat ‘til we are near bursting and then repair to the bar for more lies and whiskey. On the whiskey end I freely acknowledge that I have been over served. By the time we head back up the mountain I am completely inebriated and quite ready for some horizontal examination of the insides of my eyelids. And so I say a grateful but abrupt G’nite. Stay tuned.

Notes from the Road – Thursday, August 5th and Friday, August 6th –

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Spears) — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 13:24:00 +0000

Well, let’s see, where was I? Oh yeah, the day after The Purple Fiddle – Thursday. In Elkins, WV the rain continues. We thought we’d take the boys up to Parsons a half hour away (a small town of 1,800 or so) and show them the two acres we bought a couple of years ago there on the Cheat River. We’ve packed a lunch, brought some fishing gear and plan to make a day of it, weather permitting. I also want to show them the wind turbines on the ridge just above Parsons – very impressive sight.

However, the weather is not cooperating. We rolled into Parsons, past the Kingsford Charcoal plant (yep, Parsons is the home of Kingsford), past the signs for the Bluegrass Fest going on at the Five Rivers Campground (the reason I couldn’t stay there on this trip) and out the other side to head up the mountain to the wind turbines. As soon as we started to climb the mountain we hit fog, dense fog. We drove on up to where the turbines sit, but in the fog you couldn’t see a thing. So, back down to Parsons and out to our property.

Like the Shaver Fork, which flows into it, the Cheat is swelled with the heavy rains and is flowing far too strong to fish with spinning gear. You’d have to know where the holes and eddies are and I don’t. We walked the edge of the river behind our two acres and marveled at the size of the deer tracks in the sand of the bank. Deer sign everywhere – huge acorns from the oaks is the reason I’m sure. We are really looking forward to being able to build here so we can start enjoying the river and the surrounding mountains. I’ve started a song idea: “I’ve got sand in my blood and orange blossom honey in my soul, but these hills of West Virginia have taken hold of me and tied loving strings to my heart.”

Since the weather wouldn’t let us really do much we ate our sandwiches and headed on back to the campground in Elkins. The boys wanted to watch a movie and I’m feeling napish so we all crowded into the bed and they watched the movie while I dozed. I got a good nap – I needed it too. At around five I fixed myself something to eat (have to sing tonight, so eating early is necessary) and began to think about my gig at El Gran Sabor in town. Judy and the boys are going to stay at the campground tonight. The rain has let up and the boys are going to try their luck in the trout pond. I’ll rig their rods for them before I leave and Judy will supervise to be sure they don’t get into trouble.

As I wrote last year, El Gran Sabor is more of a restaurant / bar gig which I don’t usually do. But, since I’m passing through here each year and will eventually be living part of the year in the area I’m trying to get in front of local folks as much as possible. This is one way to do that. Plus, Rob Masten, the owner, is a great guy, fellow musician and a real supporter of live music. The stage and sound system are good and so is the food. Because it’s not a listening room I won’t have much opportunity for my usual patter and story telling. So, I’ll approach it like an opportunity to practice, run through my entire song list playing songs I rarely get to and focus on technique.

Even though there is a free bluegrass concert literally across the street and Davis & Elkins College, part of the Augusta Heritage Center’s summer traditional music workshops and programs, we get a good crowd in El Gran Sabor and both Rob and I are pleased. The folks react well to the material and show their appreciation financially so that it ends up being a better night money wise than last night at The Fiddle. I run through my repertoire as planned and, as the crowd turns over, I’m even able to go back and run through some tunes a second time to try different approaches. All in all a very good night.

Although I’ve already eaten, Rob insists that I take a shredded pork dinner home in a to go box – no cooking tomorrow night. We talk about the tour and when I may be coming back. He’d like me to do a Friday night the next time and I may just do that if I can book a house concert somewhere in WV for Saturday and maybe a campground gig on either Thursday or Sunday with The Fiddle on the other. That would make a good run here.

Back at the camper the boys are just hitting the sack. No luck with the fishing, just one small fish between them. But, they’ve had a good time and have been great company. Tomorrow I take them and Judy to the airport in Richmond, Va. for the flight home. Then I continue on with the tour for another week before turning toward home myself. Gotta get up and at ‘em to get on the road at a reasonable hour. G’nite.

Friday, August 6th –

It’s still cloudy out, but it’s not raining and it’s cool, which I appreciate as I set about preparing the camper for the road again. The boys are up and eating Coco Puffs (yuck!) and we’re on the road before ten.

We head east up through the West Virginia mountains on US 33 toward Seneca Rocks. What a spectacular drive! It’s a strain on the SUV hauling the camper up the steep grades (some as steep as 11% or more), but the views and rock formations are breathtaking.

Judy gets a little car sick on the twisting mountain roads so she closes her eyes and snoozes for most of the trip through the mountains however I thoroughly enjoyed it as did the boys.

Within a couple of hours we make the other side and descend into Virginia where we pick up I-81 south to Staunton, Va. I was scheduled to play there tonight at the Darjeeling Café’, but renovations did not get completed on schedule and the gig has been cancelled. Nevertheless, this is where I made my camping reservations and its on the route to Saturday night’s gig so I’m dropping the camper here before heading on to Richmond to deliver Judy and the boys to the airport. I get a good lakeside campsite with about 30 ducks nestled in the grass as neighbors, simple drop the trailer in place and head out immediately for Richmond.

As the approach Richmond the traffic thickens considerably, but we get to the airport ahead of schedule. Jet Blue is the first airline in the terminal so I am quickly abandoned by Judy, Chase and Hunter. It’s been good having them with me for part of the trip. I like my alone time too, but three straight weeks is a lot of alone. So, I was glad to have them with me in the middle like this.

Back at the camper I set up for the night, have my shredded pork from El Gran Sabor (tasty!) and decide to try a cast or two in the lake. With a mini top water lure on an ultra lite rod I quickly snag three small bass. Fun. A little of the amber whiskey and I’m ready for some shut eye. Tomorrow, on the road again. Stay tuned.

Notes from the Road – Wednesday, August 4, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Spears) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 13:41:00 +0000

Well, it’s rainy here in West Virginia. As I mentioned we are staying at a campground northwest of Elkins, WV on the banks of the Shaver Fork River. Great campsite and we’ve really enjoyed the river. However, it began raining Tuesday night after we arrived (torrential down pour during the night) and persisted on and off throughout the day Wednesday (BTW, the cauling job on the camper worked - no leaks!). It has been interesting watching the river change with the rainfall. While the rain we received ourselves didn’t affect it, we could tell it had been raining hard upstream and up the mountain. The river swelled to twice its depth and instead of babbling clear water current it has turned into a cloudy class I or II roiling rapids. The boys (and Judy) have benefited as they rented tubes and have ridden down the flow several times. Me, I don’t really like a cold butt all that much unless it’s hot and sunny out. With overcast skies and medium temperatures I’ve opted for hanging by the campfire (rain permitting), watching the flow and taking pictures – much more to my liking.

We had planned to get out and about a bit today, but the weather and sleeping in late convinced us to hang at the campground instead. I have The Purple Fiddle tonight and I want to rest up. So it has turned into a lazy, periodically rainy day of river floating and dozing. Meant to do laundry, but forgot – I will hit critical mass on that count shortly!

The Purple Fiddle is an hour up the mountain in Thomas, WV right next to Blackwater Falls and the Canaan Valley resort area. Thomas is a quiet little community with one commercial street where The Fiddle sits next to its adjoining B&B, the Fiddler’s Roost. This is a favorite stop for me though the crowd can be unpredictable. The historic brick building has high, stamped metal ceilings and indescribable charm along its various, meandering shelves, nooks and crannies. “Eclectic” doesn’t do it justice as it is not goofy or strange. Just simple, homey, Spartan and inviting. It has a large raised stage in a front corner with full sound and stage lighting. Bands play the Friday and Saturday dates and Tuesday – Thursday plus Sunday are smaller acts and solos like me. Jonathon Byrd, Red Molly, The Infamous String Dusters, and many, many more are periodic performers here. Tonight, Wednesday, it’s me, tomorrow 3 Penny Acre (those guys are stalking me!) and Friday, Donna Ulisse and her band, with Rebecca Loebe opening.

The crowd here is unpredictable as it is not a local crowd. The venue feeds off of folks vacationing in the resorts, campgrounds, B&B’s, etc. in the general Tucker county area. I’ve had full rooms here (50+) and I’ve played my show for three folks plus the staff. You just never know. Last year was a fine night with solid attendance, responsive audience and good CD sales. I arrived well before show time (8:30 pm) to unload, set myself up and be ready for sound check. Judy and the boys occupied themselves with card games and ice cream as I planned my set lists.

It is not unusual here for there to be literally no one in the room until right at show time. I was momentarily encouraged by a flow of folks in at about 8:15, but it was not to be a big crowd night. A combination of the rain, the economy and the general uncertainty that accompanies gigs at The Fiddle rendered me an audience of about a baker’s dozen. Even at that size I often have very good results in terms of connection with the audience and flow of the material. In fact, some of my most memorable performances have been to small house concert or coffeehouse crowds. But, as they say, some days you eat the bear and some days the bear eats you. While polite attentive and appreciative I just couldn’t reel this crowd in. Try as I might to read their reactions and adjust my delivery (up tempo, down tempo, more patter, less, humor, etc.) I just couldn’t get a rise out of them. No one was getting up and leaving mind you, but despite investing all the energy at my command I just couldn’t engage them like I often do. Critique from the management and staff told me I performed well and delivered quality material, but the reaction was flat. No CD sales (I can’t remember the last time that happened) and only one new addition to the mailing list. Ah well, they say everyone has nights like this.

Undaunted, the boys help me pack and load my gear and we headed back down the twisting mountain road towards Elkins. The evening changes none of my affection for The Purple Fiddle and I’ll return again next year (calendars permitting). Hopefully the audience gods will smile upon me more favorably.

Tomorrow night, El Gran Sabor in Elkins. Stay tuned.

Notes from the Road – Wednesday July 28th – Tuesday, August 03, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Spears) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 14:40:00 +0000

Ok, ok, so I’ve been busy! Let me try to get you back up to speed here.

Wednesday, July 28th – Today I’ve got a midweek campground show and this promises to be a good one. The campground is full, VERY unusual for midweek. However, there is a large family reunion using the park, plus two teams of women’s fast pitch softball here to compete in a big tournament. They are all looking forward to the show – excellent!

The weather is cooperating in a fashion – it’s hot, a lot hotter than it should be, but at least it’s not raining. I’m traveling “fully equipped” (i.e., laptop, color printer, supplies, etc.) so I’m working on promo materials for shows during the last week of the tour and preparing them for mailing. I haven’t been in the pool yet, but it sure is tempting.

Brian and Allison here at the Lookout Mountain KOA are great folks and take wonderful care of me while I’m here. This is my third year staying with them and they treat me like visiting family. They’ve even been promotion my shows outside the park which is way above and beyond the call. If you ever come through this area on a camping trip please stop in here and tell them I sent you.

Showtime at 7:30 pm and the folks have gathered, most in chairs or on the benches under the pavilion area and others out on the grass, around the pool or at their campers if near enough by to see and hear. It is by far the largest attendance I’ve had for one of these shows – roughly 50 or 60. And, they enjoyed it as much as I did showing their appreciation with generous donations to the gas fund and buying CD’s. An all around great show. I finish very sweaty and tired, but since I’m staying right there I’m still cleaned up and settled back at the camper by 10:30 or so. Tomorrow’s an early day as I have to run to Knoxville to perform on the WDVX Blue Plate Special at noon. So, g’nite!

Thursday, July 29th – Up and on the road by 8:30. The drive time to Knoxville is unpredictable due to traffic, particularly just outside of Knoxville. In case you’re wondering, gas prices have been fairly consistent - $2.49 per gallon. Not too bad. To get to Knoxville I head through Chattanooga on I-24E to I-75N and then catch I-40E into Knoxville. Smooth sailing all the way and I arrive early at the Knoxville Visitors’ Center downtown for sound check and some coffee.

Every weekday, WDVX broadcasts live at noon with 2 or 3 artists / groups in the acoustic / Americana / folk / bluegrass genres. Folks in the downtown area come in to have lunch and watch the show performed, recorded and broadcast live from the stage the in the center. There is always a full house, plus some standing in the back. The sound is superb, and they treat you so well – I look forward to it every year. There are three acts and I lead it off with When the Hummingbirds Return, Yellow Butter Moon and Steam Train to tremendous response. During the interview segment we talk about the album Welcome Home and where I’m playing the next few nights. It’s fun and relaxed. Folks sign up on my email list and chat with me after the show. And, when I next check, I find new “friend requests” on Facebook from folks that heard the show. It’s all good.

Now, on the return, I have a shopping mission to accomplish. Judy and my two grandsons are flying into Nashville tomorrow and will travel with me for the next week. So I’ve been given a shopping list of food stuff that young folks want on a camping trip – you know, marshmallows, hot dogs, cocoa puffs, chips, the usual. And, I’ve still got some organizing and cleaning to do in anticipation of their arrival so that we are all comfortable in the old camper. Consequently, the return trip from Knoxville is a lot longer than the one this morning.

Back at the camper I’m busy hanging clothes hooks, making beds, washing towels and sheets, putting away groceries, shifting the printer to a new area and other road warrior domestic tasks. I’m sweaty again! I’ll soon run out of t-shirts at this pace and I brought a lot! Supper is late and lite – just some rice and beans with some broccoli. I’m too pooped to fool with much else. Dishes done and I’m ready to settle in and watch a little bit of a movie before I doze off. Tomorrow, Nashville.

Friday, July 30th – I’m up early to finish my preparations for company on the trip, get some more promotional materials out for later shows and work on booking for the rest of the year and the first part of next. Huff and puff, because I have to be on the road by early afternoon to get Judy and the g-kids at the airport. I’m out the door and on the road by 3 pm.

Nashville is a couple of hours away. The plan is to pick them up at “arriving flights” and head out for an early dinner before my show in Nashville at Hillbilly Haiku House Concerts tonight. To get to Nashville I head west on I-24 up through the valley and over Missionary Ridge and the Cumberland Gap. Traffic does not cooperate. Trucks struggle up the winding, steep incline and make progress by others a darting and ducking affair. I only had one “near miss” which I think was fortunate given the conditions and I’m only 15 minutes late getting to the airport.

It’s good to see Judy and my grandsons, Chase (14) and Hunter (10). They are excited about a week in the camper, their last week of summer before they start school again. Unfortunately I managed to slice my right elbow on some plastic while I put the luggage in the back and so we spend a few minutes trying to stop the bleeding and cleaning up where I’ve put my elbow down on the interior leather. I’m always banging myself up somehow. Chase and Hunter have voted for chicken wings for dinner, so we find a Buffalo Wild Wings using the Navigatrix on the Dash and chow down for an early supper before we head to the show. We have plans during the week to see some Civil War stuff, a cavern, some waterfalls and other such while they’re here as well as nightly campfires (they are well trained pyros), etc. They’re even looking forward to seeing me perform a few times – grandkids are soooooo much better than kids!

Hillbilly Haiku is the well established series at the home of Rick and Denise Williams in Lebanon, TN just east of Nashville. I’m performing with my friends 3 Penny Acre from Arkansas and David Glasser, who I’ve heard much about, but never met. The crowd here will be mostly folks who are familiar with my music and I’m anxious to share some of my new material with them, though Denise requests Hemingway’s Hurricane and what Denise wants Denise gets!! Lovely home and two terrific dogs, the younger of which is an Australian Sheppard and the older a Sheltie. Brian, Bernice, Bayard and David are already there when we arrive and a quick sound check gets everything set to go. I lead off with When the Hummingbirds Return, This Old House, I Wish, Hemingway’s Hurricane and a couple of others. 3 Penny Acre follows with an awesome set of their own and one from David. If you’re not familiar with these folks, they have websites, of course, and you should check them out. David is a master guitarist and has been “sideman to the stars” over the years. He is embarking on a solo career at this point and really gives a great show. I’ve been a huge fan of 3 Penny Acre since I met them at SERFA two years ago – awesome performers and Bayard makes all of his instruments – guitars, mandolins, bouzoukis, etc. I think I have a Bayard bouzouki somewhere in my future when finances permit.

It’s a great night and we finish it off with everyone up to do a really high energy version of Yellow Butter Moon. The show was about two and a half hours and we get finished, packed and goodbyes said around 11 pm. The problem is that heading west to Nashville I crossed the central time zone line, so back where we are headed it’s already midnight. By the time we get loaded, etc. and drive back to the Chattanooga area it’s after 2 am – yikes! It takes me a while to wind down after getting the boys stowed in their bunks so I don’t drift off until . . . uh, until . . . ZZZZZZ.

Saturday, July 31st –

Given our late night in Nashville we elected to try to sleep in a little and have our first day together be a “hang out at the campground” day. We sure didn’t sleep in as late as I’d hoped and I was draggy to say the least. I took the boys around the campground, introduced them to our hosts, showed them where all of their entertainment options were – their favorite, by far, was the “big pillow,” a ground based inflated trampoline of sorts that is a regular feature in KOA’s. Judy’s shopping list, without the boys’ input, was unfortunately far from complete, so in the early afternoon I ran into town to fill it out and got caught in a monsoon. However, it rained little back at the campground and they were driven under cover only for a short while. When I returned we hit the pool to refresh and play a little catch with the foam football.

Soon it was time to think about supper and I opted for spaghetti, still an early supper so I’d be ready to sing at 8 pm. Tonight it’s Charles & Myrtles’ in Chattanooga at the Christ Unity Church. This is a favorite stop for all touring artists roaming through southeastern Tennessee and I always look forward to seeing Andrew Kelsey, the guy in charge, and his amazing home baked cookies.

I left the campground about 6:30 to get in and set up. Judy and the boys elected to stay behind as they’ll see plenty of shows and getting to bed early really appealed to them. Andrew and Alan were waiting to help me with gear, CDs, etc. We chatted over coffee and I learned that Andrew had been out for a bit having surgery for bladder cancer. They caught it very early so he’s fine, but not after wrestling with some complications of the procedure which he described in excruciating detail – issues involving catheters and blockages and pain, all of which had me squirming quite uncomfortably. However, I was saved as folks started filtering in just before show time and soon I had a nice Satruday night crowd gathered for two full sets of material. I gave them a very good show, though I must confess that at the last three songs I had run out of gas and remembering words, or my name for that matter, became a struggle. Against Jack Williams’ sage advice to never make excuses on stage I did allow as how I’d only had about 4 – 5 hours sleep after driving from Nashville the night before and apologized for my depleted capacity. I guess I’m getting’ too old for that short sleep stuff. The audience took it all with great good humor and honored me by taking home many CDs to add to their collections.

Back at the campground just after 11 pm I was surprised to find Judy still awake. She and the boys had watched a movie for a bit and they had gone to bed a few minutes before, already dead to the world. I had a nice glass of wine, recounted the show for Judy and soon the sandman found his way to our end of the camper. G’nite.

Sunday, August 1st –

Well, I didn’t get the complete night’s sleep I’d hoped for. In the early morning hours that monsoon I’d hit in town made another circuit and hit the campground. I love sleeping in the rain like that, but not when I can feel my feet getting wet – LEAK! Yep, the same one that got me over at the State park. I grabbed towels and placed them to catch the flow as best I could – Judy slept through the whole thing. I was able to get a little more sleep before time to get up and about, but not nearly as much as I needed.

Part of the Charles & Myrtles’ gig is to return Sunday morning and a short set of music for the service. This is a nice extra which they pay you for and you get to play for some who didn’t make it to the show the night before. Judy and the boys had planned to go, but with the leak issue we decided they’d best stay behind and dry things out so that I could work on repairs when I got back. The service was especially nice and was focused on finding God both out in the world and within your self. To try to match that theme I played Do You, Welcome Home (which, with my intro about Steve Blackwell and the example he set for us all, had more than a few in moving tears) and Break Some Stones – very well received by the congregation. Though the service included lunch afterwards, I made my apologies and hurried back to work on staunching the leak at it’s source.

With caulk gun in hand I borrowed a ladder from our campground hosts and inspected the possible sources of the flow. Very mysterious. The most likely cause I could identify was the area around the fire escape window on that side. I could see that there was a heavy flow of water running down from the gutter overhead right onto that seam. So, with no regard for appearance whatsoever (the camper is pretty beat up anyway) I slathered on the silicone caulk at all possible points of entry. Meanwhile, Judy had raised the mattress, no small feat, and had fans running to dry it and the decking while the linens tumbled in the washer.

With that underway we headed out for a little sight seeing. Up at Lookout Mountain we enjoyed the “Battles of Chattanooga” presentation which really explained the pivotal confrontation in the Great War of Northern Aggression that took place here at this essential railroad hub. When the South lost Chattanooga to Grant it paved the way for Sherman’s march to the sea and the ultimate surrender at Appomattox. Next we hit Raccoon Mountain Caverns, a very impressive 45 minute tour of an enormous cavern system that is millions of years old. The boys really enjoyed both, but I’m guessing they liked the caverns the best. However, pizza for supper before heading back was also a hit.

Back at the campground I got ready for my final show in the campground. There are a lot fewer folks now and I’m wondering if we’ll have much of a crowd. However, as evening approached several more campers rolled in, all of whom were recruited at check-in for the show, and at 7:30 I had a nice group of 20 or so willing listeners. Everyone enjoyed the songs and the stories. This group seemed to particularly like Crescent City Lament, a new song about how I perceive New Orleans to have changed over the years (having nothing to do with Katrina). CDs went home in other folks’ cars and I packed up before settling before the fire with a nip to watch the boys roast marshmallows. Tomorrow, on the road again.

Monday, August 2nd –

I had hoped to get on the road by 9 am, but that wasn’t to be. As it turned out 10:15 was more like it. We rolled out and headed northeast through Knoxville and the Johnson City area on up into Virginia. Gas prices remained consistent at about $2.49 per gallon at the truck stop type stations (Pilot, Flying J, Kangaroo, etc.). The weather was overcast, but it made for nice driving.

Just before Knoxville we stopped at one of the boys’ favorites, Cracker Barrel, for a good lunch and then continued on. Without a map you can almost tell when you leave Tennessee and enter Virginia. The character of the landscape and architecture of the structures changes perceptibly. Virginia has an unmistakable gentle, rolling, aged feeling that you more sense than see. I enjoyed driving in silence much of the day while Judy and the boys’ snoozed, read or listened to their mp3s. These boys are excellent travelers – not one “how much longer” the whole trip (so far).

Figuring that 6 hours on the road was enough for us all, I picked out a State Park in Marion, Va., just south of Wytheville, called (no kidding) Hungry Mother State Park. The name originates from an old legend that I won’t repeat at length here, but the park is magnificent. It’s center piece is a big lake with a brown sand beach and bi-level diving platform – the boys were in heaven! I got us a campsite near the creek that feeds into the lake and turned the boys loose while I set up for the short one night stay and prepared to cook supper – steaks over an open wood fire with baked potatoes, asparagus and warm bread. Hey, this was a night off for me and I wanted a great meal! After supper we brought the VCR out under the stars and watched Robin Williams in RV (how appropriate) by the campfire. I know, I would have rathered just watch the fire, may pick a little, etc., but you have to wean kids off of the electronic world slowly and we’ve pretty good so far.

Tuesday, August 3rd –

With the lake and the diving platform, an early start on into West Virginia was not in the cards, so while the boys swam I made lunch to eat on the road, began working on this update you’re reading and then packed everything up for the next leg of the journey. On the road at 1 pm, not too bad.

I knew from past experience that gas prices in West Virginia will be A LOT higher, so I topped the tank off before heading on north on I-79. Just as Virginia has it’s own unmistakable character, so does West Virginia. It is clearly wilder and more rugged with steeper hills and rocky outcroppings. For me it is the most beautiful of all, untamed and unspoiled in so many ways. The going gets a lot tougher here as the steep inclines strain the SUV hauling the big camper. You can almost watch the gas gauge drop as the engine revs to make each peak. I finally had to make a fuel stop about 45 minutes short of our final destination, Elkins, WV. And, as expected, the gas prices are $.30 more per gallon here – ouch!

We’re staying north of Elkins at Revells Campground on the Shaver Fork River. Our site is right on the river lined with trees and the boys are thrilled at the prospects for exploring, fishing, etc. We’ll be here three nights before moving on to Virginia. I drop them off at the airport Friday in Richmond, Va. for their trip home. We set up for the longer stay (all stabilizers down, sewer attached, awning out, etc.) and supped on hot dogs by the fire. I can tell rain is on the way – sure hope my patch job works. I’ll keep you posted!

Notes from the Road – Monday & Tuesday July 26 & 27, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Spears) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:44:00 +0000

Notes from the Road – Monday & Tuesday July 26 & 27, 2010

Thought I’d combine a couple of days since I’ve been in one spot and have had no shows to report on. However, the time has been very productive and I’ve really enjoyed being at Cloudland Canyon State Park. The scenery here along the canyon rim is magnificent and there are two waterfalls that you can hike down to if you’re willing – I haven’t been willing, but I’m sure they are beautiful and well worth the 1200 foot climb.

My neighbors here in the campground have been largely deer, a red fox, a lot of squirrels, some fiercesome looking bees and tons of birds. The rain they kept predicting came Monday afternoon – a real rumbling thunder frog strangler. I just huddled in the camper, did some computer work, sipped some strong amber liquids and watched a DVD I brought along. Unfortunately I’ve developed a hidden leak in the front left corner of the camper at the foot of the bed. I can’t figure out where the water is entering so I can repair it, but I need to soon – much more rain predicted. However, with the sound of the dripping rain I slept harder and longer than any night so far. I needed it.

I do have some news flashes regarding the new album “Welcome Home.” First, Acoustic Rainbow Records (Michael Jonathon’s label that produces Woodsongs as well) included “A Mother’s Tears” on their new Sampler that features Pete Seeger and a song from his new album. That Sampler is headed out to 1200 Roots / Americana stations now and I should be getting additional airplay from that. Call your favorite station and ask if they’re on the list for that sampler and request songs from it.

Also, I was just notified that The Alternate Root, an interactive music magazine featuring all genres of traditional American roots music including, Americana, Alt-country, Blues, Rockabilly, Folk, Bluegrass, and more, will feature me in an upcoming addition with a review of “Welcome Home.” The current issue (go to http://www.thealternateroot.com/the-current-issue-of-the-alternate-root) features an interview with Patty Larkin and reviews of new albums by The Drive-by Truckers and John Hiatt. It’s a great music magazine so check it out and watch for the review coming soon.

Finally, the Will McLean Foundation is preparing to release another compilation CD with 15 songs that have won awards from the foundation in the past five years. “State of Dreams” will be included along with tunes by Rog Lee, The Ashley Gang, Liz Williamson, Gary Doles and many more of Florida’s best. Ron Litschauer in West Palm is producing and mastering the compilation so you know it will be first rate. Watch for that release in August and be sure to order a copy from the Will McLean Foundation. All proceeds go to support the foundation and the Will McLean Folk Festival, so snap ‘em up!

Back to the road. I selected Cloudland Canyon as a 2 night stop over as I knew it would be inexpensive, I had heard it was very nice (correctamundo) and it put me fairly close to my next stop, a long six night stay at Lookout Mountain KOA where Brian and Allison take such good care of me each year. They give me a terrific rate for the week, which is just slightly more than free, host two shows in the park (Wednesday and Sunday both of which are usually well attended) and I can make runs, sans the camper and thus with vastly greater fuel efficiency for shows in Knoxville, Nashville and right nearby in Chattanooga – perfect. This is my third year on this program with Brian & Allison, they are the BEST!

So, I got hooked up and prepared to leave Cloudland Canyon. I hit the bookmark in my Navigatrix for the KOA and was nearly embarrassed to find it was only 20 minutes away. Now THAT’s my idea of a road day! Allison was there to greet me and to let me know that not only was the park fairly well occupied for the whole week, but that they’d been promotion my shows in town (Trenton, Ga.) and through friends with businesses in other nearby communities. I told you they were the best.

Here I went ahead and set the camper up for the longer stay. Stabilizer jacks, levelers, the whole nine yards. I’m planning grilled pork loin tonight with whole grain rice, black beans and broccoli. Supper’s around 7 so come on by. Tomorrow night, the first of two shows here at 7:30 and I’ll be out meeting campers, passing out postcards, etc. tomorrow.

That’s it – more to come.

Notes from the Road - Day 3 - Sunday, July 25, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Spears) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:57:00 +0000

Notes from the Road - Day 3 - Sunday, July 25, 2010

A significant part of the hard work once a tour starts is the driving. The road time is productive (you'd be amazed how many song ideas pop up if you just ride in silence, no radio, etc. to distract you), and enlightening (the world is an interesting place, particularly if you make the effort to stay off of the "I" highways), but it is also wearing, tiring and, at times, dangerous. I'm thankful that today is the last long road day until next week. I can use the down time.

My plan was to head north and get as close to Chattanooga as possible while trying to get some altitude and escape a little of the heat. You can be flexible when you have your house rolling right behind you. A little internet research got me interested in a State park in north Georgia called Cloudland Canyon just north of Rising Fawn, GA. Supposedly it is breathtaking - we'll see.

I haven't slept well the first two nights on the road. Even though it is "my bed" it isn't MY BED. Comfy though it is I'm a finicky sleeper and it takes me a couple of nights to adjust to the trailer versus the house and the lack of companionship (i.e., Judy's presence and "sounds" - if I said more she'd be mad). So, today I'm a little draggy and ready for some R&R. But Cloudland Canyon is a little more than four hours away - do I want to drive that much? Well, as I said, I can be flexible so no pressure.

Heading out of Auburn the Navigatrix (I know, I should name her) wants to take me on a bypass around downtown. However, the police have different ideas as they have that route closed off for some reason. So, straight through Auurn I go, which turned out for the best since I went straight through the university campus and got to see it's magnificent architecture and charisma - very impressive. Also, summer classes are in session and the women students were obviously working hard at dealing with the oppressive heat. Lest I sound overly sexist I will say only that less is more when it's hot and BOY HOWDY was it HOT! I know, slap me later.

Proceeding generally north through the back country of Alabama I conclude that the State plant must be Kudzu. WOW! Serious Kudzu! There were places where it was obvious that trees of various types lined the roadway, but you could not see them because they were covered ground to tip top with a solid woven blanket of matted and dominant Kudzu. Like giants in leafy camoflage frozen in a pose aside the road - it would be a little spooky with the right lighting and organ music. The Adams family with a deep southern accent.

As I passed through little towns (and I mean tiny) I felt reassured to know that folks still live simply and quietly away from the hustle and traffic too many of us choose to endure. I also saw the effects of the current state of the economy - small store fronts closed up, etc. But I saw more than a few old fashioned barbershops which though closed on Sunday still had men sitting out front in rockers passing the time. They all watched with curiosity as I lumbered down main street with my camper in tow.

It took about 4 hours (including a stop for some BBQ for lunch) to reach Cloudland Canyon. I checked in and made my way to the camping area to select a site. Wow! This place is gorgeous. Heavily treed, level sites with none feeling like you're on top of another. Much like the great state parks in Florida this will be a real treat for a couple of days of "down time." Not that it's really down time as I have promo work to do and practicing, etc. But an excellent environment for a couple of days out from behind the steering wheel. Who knows, maybe I'll post some pics! Stay tuned.

Notes from the Road - Day 2 - Saturday, July 24, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Spears) — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 14:50:00 +0000

Notes from the Road - Day 2 - Saturday, July 24, 2010

Man is it hot! When I first started this annual SE tour part of the reason was to get out of Florida's heat and up into higher country. However, I'm rethinking the timing here. Not only is booking more difficult in the summer here (a lot of the established series shut down in the SE for the summer), but this year in particular the weather forecast for everywhere I'm going is hot and more hot.

I headed out of Bainbridge around noon after making some stops at the grocery store, etc., things I didn't have time for on Friday. I wound through backroads Georgia north and west towards Alabama. Watching my external temperature guage I twice noted it rise above 100 degrees. The fields, the ones that weren't being irrigated, literally shimmered in the heat of the sun. Each day some rain has been forecast, but so far I've seen neither a cloud nor a drop. Just as well, it would turn to steam immediately and make things even worse. Nevertheless, in the cool A/C in the car I enjoyed the drive west to Auburn.

I actually lived in Auburn the first couple of years of my life. My Dad went to Veterinary school here when I was a toddler. We lived in a trailer park somewhere in Auburn and I had a sturdy tri-cycle that did it's best to maim me. It broken my left ankle and nearly cut off my left pinky finger in separate incidents. This is the first time I recall coming back through here since then.

Using my trusty Navigatrix I found an inexpensive campground just a couple of miles from where I was to perform. Easy in, easy out - just like I like it. I crossed into the central time zone so I picked up an hour. I'll lose it again tomorrow heading north. I had time to relax a bit, eat an early supper and then change into clothes suitable for my evening performance.

The Gnu's Room is a nice find. I found it by snooping on Roy Schneider's calendar for places he's played out this way. A very eclectic place, The Gnu's Room is a bookstore dealing largely in used books, some collector's items, and serves a large variety of exotic coffees. Just before showtime the staff cleared the front reading area and set up chairs for the guests. Tina, my host and owner of the shop, had warned me that the crowd would be light in the summer - shows are much better attended when the college is in full session. However, we had a nice comfortable crowd at 7 pm and more trickled in as I got into my first set. I was flattered that some had taken time to check out my websites and had specific song requests. A fellow songwriter (a Kerrville winner and touring performer who lives in Auburn) Dave Potts came out for the show - always nice to get support from others in the biz. Interestingly, a young lady in the audience (also named Tina) perked up when she learned I was from Leesburg, FL - her father was born and raised there. Such a small world.

Due to the requests, my selected material varied a bit from the set lists I had prepared. However, I'm always happy to give folks what they want to hear - requests are always welcome. I continue to be pleased with the very warm reception my newer material is receiving. When the Hummingbirds Return, Cresent City Lament and I Wish were all hits with the crowd. In the small room a sound system was unnecessary, something I prefer when its possible. Every possible inch of every wall, hallway, nook and cranny of the bookstore is stuffed with racks, stacks and shelves of books, so it made the room very acoustic friendly in that there was no bounce or echo like you might get in an empty room with a hardwood floor. At the same time, that lack of natural "reverb" makes you work harder to keep the guitar perfectly in tune and carry notes longer vocally to compensate. It was a wonderful evening and a very enjoyable show. CDs have, again, made their way to new homes. I'll look forward to coming back to the Gnu's Room on future tours trough the area.

The downside of picking up an hour was that when I finished playing at 9 pm it felt like 10 pm and I was definitely getting a little droopy. Fortunately my rolling home away from home was only a couple of miles away. I stopped only to fill up the truck for tomorrow's drive and then got right back to stretch out, have a little nip o' whiskey and drift away. I'll have a couple of days off now, but tomorrow I'll roll north towards Chattanooga where I'll be "based" for the next week. Hopefully I can find someplace where the temp gets down to the low 90's!

Notes from the Road - Friday, July 23, 2010.

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Spears) — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 12:41:00 +0000

Notes from the Road - Friday, July 23, 2010.

And so it begins. I hit the road about 10 a.m. - first stop Bainbridge, Ga. for a KOA Campground show. The new owners booked me for the date back a few months ago and were very enthusiastic. It was over a five hour drive from home at my ponderous 60 mph, plus stops for gas, food, etc. Though the "Navigatrix" on the dash wanted me to head west on I-10 from I-75 I continued north to Valdosta before turning westward. That way I got the benefit of cheaper Georgia gas prices and got some backroads travel.

The melon fields are green and bulging with fruit. Cotton looks good too, as well as the corn and other truck crops. There are really some magnificent old houses in tiny towns in Georgia. Southern architecture at it's best. Two and three story frame houses, all white of course, with bay corners and tin roofs that defy imagination as to the difficulty of the installation. Broad porches surrounding the entire structure, just begging for a rocking chair and a glass of lemonade (or something stronger) with simple railings and sturdy stairs.

About halfway I called the campground to estimate my arrival. The new owners were not there and would not be this weekend which seemed strange. The manager had not heard of me and did not know I was coming (UH OH). Since I had sent posters and postcards for distribution I was particularly troubled. He promised to investigate the situation, but would be ready for my arrival. I pulled in at about 4:45 and met Harold, the manager I had spoken to. Nice fella, VERY talkative. He had my posters and postcards on the desk in front of him and explained that they had gone unnoticed in the owners' mail. It seems the owners have had some personal emergencies and everything had been thrown off kilter at the park. The park itself was not well populated and many of the guests were residents living in the park while working what jobs they could in the current state of the economy.

Harold had already distributed cards in the park, called on Church friends and distributed fliers at a local grocery - good man. However, despite his best efforts, the blazing heat and swarming gnats of the sinking Georgia sun doomed me to an inauspicious start. My small crowd at the park Gazebo and I were well relieved when Harold suggested we move into the air conditioned rec room inside the office though it is usually claosed after 5 pm. There, with no need for a sound system, I entertained my new friends with an hour and a half of song and story, actually a very enjoyable show and exceptionally well received. CDs went home with the audience and I packed up my gear. Even at 10 pm the air was so hot that I sweated as if it were noon. A cold shower never felt so good.

Saturday is another day. I'm off to Auburn, AL for a show at The Gnu's Room. More to come . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Spears) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 04:43:00 +0000

Notes from the Road – Southeast Regional Folk Alliance (SERFA) Day 3

Saturday, October 17 – After having to get up early on Friday for the workshop gig I elected to sleep in Saturday and miss the first workshops. Around 10 am I wandered up to get some breakfast and a gallon or two of coffee. I finished in time to hear the closing minutes of the “road dog” workshop headed by Jack Williams and Still on the Hill. Next was the presentation by Still on the Hill and people from the Folk Arts Center itself about Arkansas folk life, history and heritage. I was really glad I kicked myself out of bed for that! Very interesting and, as usual when Kelly and Donna are involved, high energy fun! Amazing instruments and techniques were demonstrated and at the end we were all assigned parts in a mass folk instrument ensemble. Quite unique!

Even though I’d had breakfast only a little while before I followed the crowd in for lunch and still ate my share. Meals are great gatherings at these events, always someone new to get to know. All of the meals have been provided buffet style and have been adequate, but it has been a challenge for those who are vegetarians – not me, of course. I’ve enjoyed the convenience and the staff has been first rate taking care of us.

The afternoon schedule included organizational meetings and mentoring sessions which, while interesting, were not how I wanted to spend my afternoon. Craving some fresh air, I walked out through the extensive and elaborate crafts village where shops offered goods for sale which are produced on site in traditional ways. There was a clothing shop that made 1800’s style men’s collarless shirts on at a time by hand on a foot pedal singer sewing machine. I HAD to have one of THOSE! In fact, I picked one that would be perfect to wear for my official showcase that night. I wandered through jewelry stores, a luthier shop where they were making various musical instruments, a soap shop, wood crafts, etc. Soon I’d satisfied my fresh air craving and headed back to the room to put new strings on the guitar and practice a bit.

Saturday night was my official showcase onstage in the conference center. Like FARM, there is no other activity taking place during the official showcases, so everyone attends. Also, the Folk Arts Center allows outsiders to attend the show for an admission fee. These are 20 minute sets, one right after the other from 6:45 until 10:30. My slot fell after Kim Richardson who I met earlier this year at the national conference in Memphis. She is an excellent performer, very high energy, very funny, a great writer, guitarist and vocalist – not an easy act to follow so I really needed to be sharp!

I chose four songs figuring that with my stories between I’d get 3 done with one in reserve. Kim Richardson did the expected blockbuster job and had the crowd really fired up when it came time for me to step to the microphone. Taylor Cafferty, one of our radio luminaries in attendance, had been tapped as an emcee for these events. He gave me a warm and kind introduction (some of it was even true!) and away I went. Since one of the focuses of the conference had been the building of community through music and having a “sense of place” I began by telling the audience a bit about where Florida through “State of Dreams.” Then I took them to the Keys for the story of the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 and “Hemmingway’s Hurricane,” followed by a bit of Florida moonshining history and “Yellow Butter Moon.” At that point I got the two minute warning and, not having a 2 minute song, I gave a quick intro and did an abbreviated version of “This Old House.” I leave it to someone else to evaluate the performance, but the crowd response was excellent and I really enjoyed the set myself (which I always take as a good sign). I think I will have a couple of videos of the show available and should be able to post some clips in the weeks to come.

So, with my performance done (and once my adrenaline allowed me to sit) I settled in for the rest of the show. Unfortunately I missed most of Laurie McLain’s set as well as Ed Peterson’s. But, based on prior experience I know they were both excellent. As with the previous evenings, there was one exceptional performance after another. Any one of the performers should be welcome in any venue or house concert in the country with stellar results. K.C. Clifford, Jamie Michaels and Louise Mosry all really impressed me. I’d be hard pressed to pick a favorite act for Saturday, but if forced I’d have to go with Bill & Kate Isles from Minnesota. Bill’s song “Hobo’s in the Roundhouse” just floors me every time I hear it as does “Fences.” And, their total shtick and back and forth exchange on the “Kamasutra Polka” is just hilarious.

Soon it was time to head back to the room, have a little coffee and get ready for the private showcases. Only two for me on the last night and everyone approached things with a relaxed approach. I started with a solo set in Bill & Kate Isles’ showcase room following Ben Bedford and K.C. Clifford. While Ben and K.C. played their sets I warmed Kate and Ben’s wife, Kari Abate, with a little of the Irish Whiskey I miraculously had discovered in my bag – wonder how THAT got there?! When it came my turn to play I shared “Welcome Home,” “Break Some Stones” and “It Must Be You” with their crowd which, interestingly, included some of the “outsiders” who had purchased tickets to the official showcases and had managed to find their way back to the cabins for the private showcases – very nice!

I ran over to the Concerts In Your Home room to hear a couple of tunes from Roy Schneider – this guy has the stuff! Make sure you catch his show sometime. I was to finish up in our Florida showcase room and I got there in time to hear a couple of Larry Mangum’s tunes which is always a treat. Gloria Holloway and David Russell were there and we started talking about old cover songs. Larry had done one at the end of his set so while we worked on the Irish Whiskey, David and I played a couple, “Long Black Veil” and “Go My Way” I think were the two. I repeated “It Must Be You” to hear David play lead on it and he did a wonderful and tasteful job.

Things were really winding down, but I had one more stop to make. Kari Estrin always has a last night session at her showcase room and I wanted to stop by and say thanks for all of her hard work. I was too tired to play anymore and there were plenty of guitars already uncased anyway. Fran Snyder played a tune, then Roy Schneider put one on us, followed by David Llewellyn and Louise Mosry. About there the Irish Whiskey and my ability to stay vertical ran out simultaneously. I said my goodbyes and trudged back to the room for a last night of not enough sleep. Larry, of course, was already dead to the world so I quietly squared myself away and conked out myself.

The Departure and Travel Epilogue

Sunday, October 18 - Rest assured that 8:30 came WAY too early. Larry had already made coffee again (good man) and was loading up, anxious to get back to Florida. After infusing some caffeine I began to organize and pack. It’s always so much easier to pack to go home than to leave home. There’s no choosing what to take and you are less concerned about what condition things arrive in at the other end. So it’s more of a “stuff and haul” affair, much quicker. I was soon packed, loaded, showered and ready for Breakfast. I stepped out into the most beautiful cool, clear, sunny morning imaginable – figures, just when its time to leave.

I sat and ate breakfast with Kim Page and her husband Leon and Garrison Doles came over and joined us for coffee as well. We rehashed the conference / retreat and solved most of the world’s problems in short order. It’s a burden to be so wise and all knowing!

Goodbyes take a while, so many friends to hug and thank. But soon the airline schedule dictated that I get started on my 2 hour drive back to Little Rock. I am exhausted, but at the same time energized. The tremendous talent I saw here challenges me to work even harder at my craft and continue to grow as an artist. This was a superb atmosphere for making new connections with other artists and getting a sense of the heart of the Southeast Region moving forward. While actually booking gigs at conferences is great, validating your artistic focus and sharing it with your peers pays untold dividends, financially and otherwise. I see writing and gigging collaborations on the horizon with so many of these fine folks. Thanks again to the SERFA Board under Kari Estrin, John Stoecker and Denise Williams for putting on a great conference. Thanks also to the unsung heroes who worked hard getting the event set up, but were unable to attend themselves, Betty Friedrichsen and Christine Stay and Aiden Quinn of Friction Farm. Lastly, a huge thanks to the Ozark Folk Arts Center – you really treated us great and made us feel so welcome in your home!

Lastly a couple of travel notes. When things are done right (like how the airlines have treated me with my guitar, etc.) I try to give credit where credit is due. The same applies when things are done wrong. Travel Note #1 – avoid the Dallas / Ft. Worth airport at all costs. It is a poorly organized, poorly run and over crowded nightmare. If your only choice is to travel through DFW I suggest you buy a horse. It’ll be faster, much more comfortable and far less infuriating. It ranks right up there with O’Hare and Miami for being a giant pain in the @#!! and makes Atlanta seem like a walk in the park. Travel Note #2 – if you work in the “service industry”, remember that the word “service” literally in your job description. The two ladies working the counter at the Starbucks in DFW across from Gate C20 get my award for least likely to succeed at anything in life if they don’t improve their attitude. When the “Peter Principle” hits you at the counter at Starbucks you are really in trouble. They were obviously annoyed that I would ask what the flavor of the day was and when I was unfamiliar with it and asked whether is was light, medium or bold the woman at the counter sarcastically and with great teenager style attitude declared “I don’t know.” I was also informed they didn’t have any decaf brewed at the moment and were unsure when or if they would. Sure seems like in a time with record unemployment these two would be thankful for a job and be more cautious about losing it. Ok, that’s off my chest

Alright, as I write this I’m finally home in Orlando at 12:30 am, sipping a little o’ the Irish and waiting for my eyes to slam shut involuntarily. Tomorrow I’ll get my Kendall fix!

– see you soon!!

Doug
"It's not how far you've come, it's what you've done with the miles"
Doug Spears
36 Interlaken Road
Orlando, Florida 32804
407-257-4242
dcsnole@yahoo.com
www.dougspearsmusic.com
www.reverbnation.com/dougspears
http://www.myspace.com/dougspears
http://www.sonicbids.com/dougspears

Notes from the Road – Southeast Regional Folk Alliance (SERFA) Day 2

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Spears) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 20:32:00 +0000

Notes from the Road – Southeast Regional Folk Alliance (SERFA) Day 2

Friday, October 16th – OK, so where was I? Oh yeah, I was asleep. So, this morning I had to get up early because SOMEBODY (Kelly, it was you! Or was it Donna – don’t remember) tagged me for the panel in a workshop on writing about your home place, your culture, etc. at 9:45 am, so sleep was curtailed long before I would have liked! Anyway, Larry got up before me and made coffee (he’ll make someone a lovely husband – oh, hey Christy!) so I was able to open my eyes at least partially.

After a quick breakfast I headed over to the workshop. There were 8 of us on the panel and 12 folks in the room (including the panel) – hmmm . . .. me thinks others felt SLEEPING was more interesting!! On well, that was my knee jerk reaction as well. However, I have to say that the discussion amongst those in attendance was lively and very intriguing. As usual, when I’m on the “teaching” end of things I tend to learn more than anyone else. I swear that Steve Blackwell was in the room. Someone asked, “how do we get people to get out in their own back yards?” For those of us familiar with Steve’s music, does that sound familiar?!! The discussion evolved into the role of music, folk music in particular, in building and maintaining community. Much food for thought in what was brought up regarding the lost art of shared music, ‘self entertainment’ and the passing on of art forms generationally by participation. All of these things played such a large role in people’s leisure / social time before radio and TV and now are rare at best.

While, I was a firm and continuous grouser about the geographical location of this conference and the effect distance was likely to have on attendance, I have to concede that “I get it.” The Folk Arts Center here is uniquely suited for the purposes of SERFA – in fact, it is dedicated to the very thing we all pursue as folk artists, the preservation and perpetuation of our art form. I am proud of our Florida contingent, 6 artists (plus some spouses) and 2 presenters strong. While we had the furthest to travel we have demonstrated the strength and vitality of the folk community in Florida and have carried the banner proudly. Other than Arkansas, we may be the best represented state in the region, though I do not have the official numbers on that. I hope that next year even more folks will make the commitment and take the journey, it is a wonderful place.

I don’t know the actual attendance numbers, but I’m guessing around 75 – 100. In that group are some prominent radio personalities from the region: Taylor Cafferty of WRKF in Baton Rouge who has 25+ years experience as an independent folk dj; Mike Flynn of Folk Sampler, a syndicated folk radio show carried by over 160 stations; and Michael Jonathon, the originator and host of the Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour which is broadcast on radio and televised in 180 countries around the world. It is a unique opportunity to get to interact with these folks one on one and share music with them.

I took some time off to practice and rest in the afternoon. We’ll still haven’t had any sun and the chilly weather with no sunlight starts to drain my batteries in a big way. But, I re-energized by supper time and headed to the restaurant for a bite with the gang before the evenings showcases got under way.

The official showcases were quite good one and all. Jack Williams turned in his usual outstanding performance to tremendous applause. 3 Penny Acre, a four piece group from Fayetteville was also outstanding. Ben Bradford and his bride, Kari Abate, showed why he topped the folk charts with his music this year in their set just before the break. However, it was David Llewellyn that truly blew me away. First, David is just now recovering from a near catastrophic collision between his left hand and a power saw only six weeks ago. It very nearly took his thumb and the entire side of his left hand off and required extensive surgery, pins and a cast to reattach – really not good for a guitar player!! He has only had the cast off for a couple of days and will start rehab next week. Nevertheless, he played beautifully through the obvious pain and floored me with his song of a Welsh coal minor taking his young son down into the mines for the first time to begin a life of hopeless labor. For me it was the stand out show of the evening.

I missed the last few showcases to, again, get some rest and tune up before my private showcases for the evening. I started off in Kari Estrin’s Suite at 11:30 with a very nice crowd that included Kari, David Llewellyn, Ed Peterson (Nashville), Andy Cohen (Memphis), Jan Seides (Austin), our own Gloria Holloway, Ronnie Cox and a couple of others. I was informed by Kari that my song Hemingway’s Hurricane won an award from American Songwriter Magazine! I didn’t even know and haven’t been able to find out what or when! So, I played that and, at Gloria’s insistence, several other of my Florida tunes in my allotted time.

Next I headed over to Bill & Kate Isles Present for a round with Bill & Kate and a young writer I’ve just met here, Adam Klein. They were running a bit behind so I got to hear a little of Lauren Lapointe’s set with them and our Larry Mangum. When it was my turn we swapped into the seats and, again, enjoyed a fine audience that included Gary Gordon, Ben and Kari Abate - Bedford, Jan Seides, Kim Richardson, Louise Mosrie, Pete Leary, and a member of 3 Penny Acre who’s name (because I have a small and weak mind) I simply can’t remember. It was a great round and Bill video’d a part of it so hopefully I’ll be able to share that at some point.

Then to Concerts in Your Home with Fran Snyder. Due to the schedule lag at Bill & Kate’s I was about 15 – 20 minutes late getting there which is death for having any crowd. So, Fran, Lauren Lapointe and I sat and swapped songs, guitar pull style, passing Fran’s nice Taylor back and forth instead of uncrating our own. I neglected to mention Fran in my rehash of the official showcases for the evening – he also turned in a stand out performance there. If you haven’t visited Concertsinyourhome.com, you should. It is the ultimate house concert resource in the country. Check it out!

Ok, so its 1:30ish – time to go get off my feet. Larry is already in bed again with the lights out (poor old fella), but I went ahead and turned a light or two on, poured myself a bracer and sat talking to old sleepy head for a bit. After doing a little computer work and reading a few stories in Bob Patterson’s book I called it a night around 3:30. Hmmmm, short of sleep again tomorrow I guess. Ah well!!

Doug
"It's not how far you've come, it's what you've done with the miles"
Doug Spears
36 Interlaken Road
Orlando, Florida 32804
407-257-4242
dcsnole@yahoo.com
www.dougspearsmusic.com
www.reverbnation.com/dougspears
http://www.myspace.com/dougspears
http://www.sonicbids.com/dougspears

Notes from the Road – Southeast Regional Folk Alliance (SERFA) Day 1

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Spears) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 19:53:00 +0000

Notes from the Road – Southeast Regional Folk Alliance (SERFA) Day 1

Well, on to the next Folk Alliance Conference, this time in Mountain View, Arkansas at the Ozark Folk Center, a State Park facility dedicated to the preservation of the folk arts. It is a terrific facility, if not ideally located to encourage maximum attendance being in the farthest northwest corner of the region, and I’m really looking forward to it.

My day started at 6 am EST, which is actually 5 am where I was headed. With my daughter, Jessi’s, considerable help I had everything prepared and packed the night before, so I rolled out of bed, showered and headed for the airport. Miraculously my travel from Orlando through Dallas connecting to Little Rock, AR was uneventful – was able to get my guitar on board without hassle (thanks American Airlines), my flights were on time, my baggage came through and my rental car was ready and waiting. I even ran into Cheryl Paige and husband Leon in the airport at Little Rock (they were waiting for a shuttle that runs once a day up to the center, but I got a good deal on a car and preferred the independence. So, by a little after 2 pm (Central) I was winding my way northwest out of Little Rock toward Mountain View.

Though the day was grey and overcast, what a beautiful drive. Once out of Little Rock I traveled through farmlands and small towns climbing up into the Ozarks. Its cool here (low 50’s) and the leaves are in full change. Folks in Arkansas are not aggressive drivers so in those parts where there was any traffic it was a low key affair.

My room mate for the trip is Jacksonville’s Larry Mangum who arrived a day earlier. He had left a phone message asking that I acquire some liquid refreshment of the adult variety before I got to Mountain View, which is a small little place and has no liquor stores. I should have taken care of that before leaving Little Rock. I passed 62,000 churches of every conceivable denomination, at times three or four next door to each other in a row (ok, maybe only 50,000, but A LOT) and not one liquor store of any description. No beer or wine in the supermarkets either, I checked. I thought of stopping at one of the Baptist churches to talk to the groundskeeper (they always know where to get locally manufactured whiskey), but just thought I’d better press on. I have a little sippin’ tonic with me and I’ll have to share it sparingly.

The drive took about 2 ½ hours and the last part through the mountains was particularly winding and climbing. However, I enjoy the mountain roads and the scenery. Saw a couple of deer, a red fox and a big hawk soaring the thermals over a big lake impoundment near Greer. Really pretty. But I was getting tired (traveling does that you know) and anxious to get to the center in time to join everyone for supper, so I pushed on through without dawdling to admire the landscape much.

Upon arrival I got checked in, registered, found Larry and the room, tossed my stuff out of the car and hustled over to the restaurant for supper. I was in hyper mode and really had to work at winding down as all I could think of was things I needed to do. I wolfed down my buffet meal while said my hellos to all the familiar faces - Jack and Judy Williams, Ronny Cox, Ray Lewis, Kelly and Donna Mulholland, Jaime Michaels, Lauren Lapointe, Denise Williams, Gloria Holloway, Daniel and Ellen Boling, Kari Estrin, John Stoecker, Bill and Kate Isles and on and on and on. My apologies to the many I didn’t list specifically. Then I hustled over to the main conference area to put my materials on the exhibit table, spread out the bags of Cracker Crunch (what I’m calling my Chex mix now) and then whirled back to the room to change before the evening showcases. Whew!!!

I finally managed to settle into relax mode (after a phone call with Ron Litschauer about the mastering progress on Welcome Home and a call home to my bride). I went up to hear the first of the official showcases (mine slot is on Saturday) and enjoyed nice sets from Lauren Lapointe (Savannah, Ga.), Chico Schwall (Oregon) and my buddy Larry Mangum, who did a particularly good set including his tribute to Gamble Rogers, I Knew the Last Troubadour. Then I ducked out for a little rest (coffee) and practice before my private showcases for the evening.

My first showcase was a songwriters’ round in the New Mexico room hosted by Daniel and Ellen Boling. They really went all out setting up the room with chairs, lighting and décor. I was honored to be in the round with Jack Williams and Ronnie Cox, two of the best on the circuit. Jack is an unparalleled writer, singer and, particularly, guitar player. Ronnie, though better known as a actor (Deliverance, Beverly Hills Cop, Murder at 1600 and, most recently, Imagine That) is a tremendous touring folk musician who has earned a lot of attention in the past few years for his musicianship. We had a wonderful 1 hour round swapping tunes for a full room. I thoroughly enjoyed it and had looked forward to it as one of the highlights of this conference. I wasn’t disappointed!

Following us came Kelly and Donna Mulholland, Daniel Boling and Jamie Michaels. I was able to stay for only part of their set as I had a show to do in our Florida showcase room at 12:30 a.m., so at the appropriate time I slipped out. The Florida Room is being hosted by Ray Lewis from Jacksonville. I was following Larry Mangum and enjoyed hearing some new tunes from Larry. When it came my time Roy Schneider (Naples FL) had joined us in the room. I had missed Roy’s official showcase earlier in the evening so after a couple of tunes I invited him to step in for a couple. Wow, great stuff! Roy was a finalist in the Kerrville New Folk showcase this year and I can see why. What a treat to get to hear some of his material! Then I took back over and finished out the set at 1:00 am.

Now, a day that starts at 5 am and ends at 1 am is a long day, I don’t care who you are. So I headed back to the room (where Larry was already trying to get to sleep), had a small snort of that fine amber liquid I’d brought along and read a few stories in “Forgotten Tales of Florida” just released by my friend Bob Paterson in St. Augustine. By 1:45 it was lights out in more ways than one!! More tomorrow.

Doug
"It's not how far you've come, it's what you've done with the miles"

Doug Spears

36 Interlaken Road

Orlando, Florida 32804
407-257-4242

dcsnole@yahoo.com

www.dougspearsmusic.com
www.reverbnation.com/dougspears

http://www.myspace.com/dougspears

http://www.sonicbids.com/dougspears

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Spears) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:11:00 +0000

Notes from the Road – FARM Day 3

Having gotten in so late, I really didn’t expect to be up and about in time for the 9:30 workshops. However, at a little after 8 a.m. I could sleep no more though I clearly needed to. So, down to breakfast I went leaving Judy to another day in the city with our pals.

After a quick buffet breakfast with Steve Jerrett [KOPN FM] I caught the last half of Bill Isles’ creative imagination workshop and then milled about with folks in the exhibits area until the lunch break. I was able to acquire lunch companions (Joan Hellman of AACTMAD and Mary Postellon of the Grand River Folk Arts Society) and enjoyed a good lunch on top of the big buffet breakfast – always good to keep your body fueled when its low on sleep.

After lunch came the Folk DJ panel discussion. Lots of good information offered by the DJ’s on submitting material, appearing for live shows, radio play and contact etiquette came from the 7 DJ’s participating and all were very open and direct in answering questions from the considerable crowd. These workshops are the most valuable, letting you get the word directly from the horse’s mouth on the workings of folk radio, both standard broadcast and internet.

Following the panel discussion was a more informal meet and greet reception with all of the DJ’s giving everyone an opportunity to connect a face with a CD, provide their latest product and give a little pitch about their material. Much like the national conference, but on a smaller scale, this is much like speed dating. It helps the shyer folks get over the hesitation to approach DJ’s with their CD’s – that’s the expressed purpose of the reception so all DJ’s have their hand out so to speak. I had already put mine in the hands of most of the DJ’s on Thursday or Friday, so I could be a little more relaxed and just socialize.

Another unique feature of FARM I forgot to mention. Each day, before and after the official showcases, there are two rooms of “Performance Lane” showcases. These are 10 minute slots for artists attending who were not selected for an official showcase performance. Sort of like a sign up open mic I attended a few of these and was, again, impressed with the caliber of performances from very experienced and well established artists.

Saturday night’s official showcases were, again, exceptional. I hesitate to highlight anyone for fear of implying someone else was not as good – not at all. However, I particularly liked Mark Dvorak’s set (his trio actually) and the performance of Tom Kastle, who rendered his interpretations, accapella, with guitar and with concertina, of traditional maritime ballads. Great stuff.

Well, it’s the last night so no reason to crash early, though I have to admit I was feeling very fuzzy around the edges. I spent a lot of time in the hallway chatting with this one and that about one thing or another (gig swapping, etc. and generally yucking it up) and then went into the song swap room to listen (no guitar) a while before trundling off to bed. However, at one point I stepped back out into the hall (to go refill my covert flask of amber liquid). I was corralled by Heather Styka and Amy Dixon-Kolar who had concluded they’d prefer a smaller song circle elsewhere and invited me to join them. So, I went and grabbed the guitar and we connived our way into an unused (and probably off limits) board room. Fully assembled, the group included those mentioned, as well as Andrew Calhoun (Waterbug Records), Jane Godfrey and David Hawkins, as well as some listeners, Dave Humphreys (Two Way Street Coffeehouse in Chicago), Randy Styka (Heather’s proud Dad) and a couple of hotel guests who just happened to hear a couple of tunes in the lobby and begged to be included for the private show.

My now not so secret amber liquid (Dalmore single malt, if you must know) was quite popular with the gathered and I soon had to dash upstairs for another refill. All so well worth it! We played and laughed the night / morning away. Before we knew it 4:00 a.m. it was. We unanimously called it a night and wandered off to find horizontal comfort. My head finally hit the pillow with a satisfying thud at about 4:30. What a tremendous finale to a really rewarding conference.

Sunday Checkout

Well, all good things must end. I forced myself out of bed at about 10:15 and began packing up. After a shower to try to wake myself better I went downstairs to collect my display materials. Lots of goodbyes to those in the lobby checking out and beginning their drives home. I was the one having traveled the farthest to be there so I was one of only a few going to catch a plane – most had a long day on the road ahead of them.

Many many thanks to Sandy Andina, Susan Urban, Joan Hellman, Annie Capps and all of the FARM volunteers who really put on a great conference. As a result of my visit I’ll be doing a Midwest tour in the summer of 2010 and am really looking forward to it! Thanks again FARM, I’ll be back!

Doug
"It's not how far you've come, it's what you've done with the miles"
Doug Spears
36 Interlaken Road
Orlando, Florida 32804
407-257-4242
dcsnole@yahoo.com
www.dougspearsmusic.com
www.reverbnation.com/dougspears
http://www.myspace.com/dougspears
http://www.sonicbids.com/dougspears

Notes from the Road – Folk Alliance Midwest, Day 2

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Spears) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 16:52:00 +0000

Notes from the Road – Folk Alliance Midwest, Day 2

Ok, so the weathermen in Chicago are no better than those in Orlando. The rain kept up throughout the day Friday. But, it really doesn’t matter as I’ve been indoors all day anyway. Friday started off with a leisurely breakfast in the room with Judy as the first workshops at 9:30 weren’t of pressing interest to me (mostly just general peer group discussions). So, after coffee and room service I finally got dress and headed down for the 11:00 a.m. House Concert workshop / discussion with Fran Snyder.

All artists agree that house concerts are the future for folk, acoustic and singer / songwriter music. And, all presenters and audience members who have been exposed to house concerts agree that it is the best way to hear the music. However, all report falling attendance numbers at shows and all have frustration about how to turn that tide. Though the economy may certainly be a factor, most presenters in the discussion did not feel like money is the issue, though for some acts the difference between an artist donation of $15 and $12 might increase the audience by 10% or 15%, which in most cases is a wash on the door receipts, but increases the number of folks hearing the music and possibly joining the mailing list and / or buying CD’s. The challenge, most everyone agrees, is continuing to motivate people to leave their cocoons of computers, flat screen TV’s, and other life demands competing for their time to hear live acoustic music. Clearly the quality of music and settings are there, but the trick is to get the core group “reinvested” in supporting the series.’ While no clear answers or solutions were offered in the short time of the discussion, it was comforting (I suppose) to know that folk clubs, long standing house concerts and high caliber artists in all parts of the country are experiencing the same trends and struggles. We in Florida are not alone. Without exception, all the artists who spoke up said they would still rather play for a small crowd of 15 – 30 at a house concert than rely on the venues to provide a platform for their material. So, all you presenters and potential presenters out there, take heart! Let’s keep on keepin’ on and work together to find creative ways to grow our audiences.

Judy spent the day out with friends we have here in Chicago, so I took some time midday back in the room to rehearse and plan for my showcase. Short presentations like this are much more difficult than full shows. You have only a four or five song window to capture and hold your audience. It only takes one misstep in the performance (whether it be choice of material, manner of presentation or quality of performance) to lose a substantial sector of your audience with no time to win them back. I settled on a four song set (giving myself time for my stage patter and stories that are an essential part of my show) of (1) Do You (uplifting, upbeat, positive message) (2) Yellow Butter Moon (good story, catchy tune, fun lyrics) (3) Hemingway’s Hurricane (another good story, powerful message and driving rhythm) and (4) This Old House (nice melody and heart warming sentiment).

In all of this activity I kind of (not kind of, actually) skipped lunch. Figured I’d eat a very early dinner so I’d have no issues singing by show time. So I attended another workshop and networked with the radio DJ’s, presenters and artists I ran into in the hallways. Time well spent. As always, my homemade Chex Mix (actually made this time by my daughter Jessi under my direction) is a hit and folks are scarfing bag after bag. I’m thinking of calling it “Cracker Crunchies” for future events – what do you think?

The Midwest is a good region for my music – something Jack Williams told me a while ago. While the material is Florida based, the stories, messages and emotions are universal and seem to strike home particularly well here. I’m looking forward to getting to tour up in this part of the country and am having some good discussions about that with presenters and local artists that are the key to making that happen.

I cut out at 5 pm to go get some dinner. I was starved so I selected a homestyle buffet close by and, as you might guess, having skipped lunch, over ate. So bloated with mashed potatoes and roasted chicken (plus some apple cobbler and ice cream) I waddled back to the conference center to shower and prepare for the evening. BURP!!

The keynote speaker for the conference was Claudia Schmidt. If you’re not familiar with Claudia, you should be. More than three decades as a touring professional have found her traversing North America as well as Europe in venues ranging from intimate clubs to 4,000 seat theatres, and festival stages in front of 25,000 rapt listeners. She is familiar with the mediums of radio and TV, including regular stints on Public Radio International's "A Prairie Home Companion" in its early incarnation, and starring in an hour-long documentary called "I Sing Because I Can't Fly," produced by KTCA TV in St. Paul. She participated in the delightful Les Blank movie "Gap-Toothed Women," contributing a song as well as an interview. She wrote an award-winning score and performed in the Goodman Theatre's 1992 Chicago production of Brecht's "Good Person of Szechuan." In 2006 & 2007 she has been a lead performer along with Ruth McKenzie and Prudence Johnson in “The Gales of November.” The “Gales” is a musical retelling of the Edmund Fitzgerald tragedy from the point of view of three wives of the doomed crew of the Great Lakes ore-carrier. Her music has also recently appeared in the documentary, “Motherhood Manifesto” produced by John DeGraaf and the folks at moveon.org. She has recorded fourteen albums of mostly original songs, exploring folk, blues, and jazz idioms featuring her acclaimed12 string guitar and mountain dulcimer playing. Check her out at http://claudiaschmidt.homestead.com.

Anyway, her keynote address was TERRIFIC. Claudia has a delightful, wicked and stealthy sense of humor which she uses to great effect in conveying her message which was the role of the folk community in service and keeping the spirit of roots music alive and thriving. She wistfully recalled her early days in folk music when artists seemed less competitive and so much of what we do now wasn’t driven by technology. She urged less of a sense of the individual and a return to the sense of community that makes this music so powerful (preaching to the choir, of course, at a gathering like this). Bemoaning the technology of all of the “i” products she pointed out that when they finally came out with something called “We” they spelled it “Wii”, again missing the point! I thoroughly enjoyed her presentation!

Showtime. My plan was executed to great effect and response! Other than the fact that the mounds of mashed potatoes and chicken, even 3 ½ hours later, made it a little hard to hit and maintain the long high notes in “Do you”, the showcase set went exceptionally well and I was complemented throughout the remainder of the evening by presenters, DJ’s and artists alike. With the pressure off I was now free to sit, imbibe and listen to the other showcase artists that followed. I didn’t hear everyone (those that came before me) but I have to say the caliber of performance was exceptional. Debra Cowan was a standout presenting traditional tunes, some accapella, with tremendous power and presence.

After the showcases folks started to gravitate towards separate rooms for song circles and jams and I settled into one to enjoy the camaraderie. In my particular circle Rich Baumann was the “everyman” playing fiddle behind many who shared a song, including a wonderful job backing me on “It Must Be You.” Steve Jerrett played some great 12 string guitar on two of his originals which, not remembering the titles, I’ll call “The Billy Goat” song and the “Grandpa” song, both wonderful tunes. Anne Capps played a beautiful love song and commented how much she missed her husband and music partner, Rod, who couldn’t be there. A duo, Beaucoup Shakti (Sharon Bousquet and Heather Collmer, from Fairfield, Iowa were also particularly powerful. Maggie Ferguson put us all in stitches with a hilarious Halloween tune “Bats.” And, in the midst of it all, Ryan Baddour of The Flipside video taped various messages of information and advice from us for his daughter Nikki and Sasha who are just learning guitar and the craft of music. My advice, “don’t trust boys who play guitar and play what makes you happy, not what you think will make someone else happy.”

Totally exhausted I stumbled upstairs at abut 2:30 a.m. Saturday – back to the networking, etc.!!

Doug
"It's not how far you've come, it's what you've done with the miles"
Doug Spears
36 Interlaken Road
Orlando, Florida 32804
407-257-4242
dcsnole@yahoo.com
www.dougspearsmusic.com
www.reverbnation.com/dougspears
http://www.myspace.com/dougspears
http://www.sonicbids.com/dougspears

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Spears) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:44:00 +0000

Notes from the Road – Midwest Folk Alliance Conference – Day 1

Good morning from Bolingbrook, Illinois, southwest of Chicago. It’s cool (40’s – 50’s) and rainy since we got here (Judy’s tagging along for this one), but relief from the hot and humidity is welcome regardless of its packaging. We arrived just after noon yesterday on Southwest (one of my favorite airlines – very musician friendly) and though it was rainy and windy at Midway we landed on only the second bounce (ok, it was a jarring landing, but any landing you walk away from is a good one).

The FARM conference has a long history having begun meeting in 1991. This is my first visit, precipitated by my selection as an official showcase artist, and I didn’t really know what to expect. I had heard mixed reviews by folks who had attended this conference in the past regarding the size of the gathering, the programs and value to the artist. But, FARM has experienced a renewal of commitment under its leadership and, though I have nothing to compare it to since I’m a Newbie I’m thrilled to be here. The attendance is around 100 with a very good representation from venues, house concert presenters and Folk DJs – on a percentage basis compared to artists, about the same as the National Conference in Memphis. In just the first few hours I’ve gotten to spend time with folks I would not otherwise have met or would only get to see for a minute or two in the madness of the National Conference.

The first night the presented a new feature of the gathering. Concerts In Your Home (Fran Snyder) produced a special invitational showcase for non – official showcase artists and some special guests. Ten acts were presented over about 2 ½ hours. Though all were quite good and entertaining, I have to admit my favorites were Claudia Schmidt and Joe Jencks. Great talents both and certainly folks I would recommend without hesitation to any venue, house concert, festival, etc.

This morning things start of with workshops and peer group discussions on various topics. I’m looking forward to some of the business oriented workshops and to sitting over coffee with new and old friends alike.

My official showcase is tonight. One thing that distinguishes the smaller regional conferences over the national is that the official showcases are done one at a time in one room – no other activity at the same time and, therefore, everyone is in attendance. That’s a good feature for the artists chosen and somewhat guarantees that the folks you really want to hear you are in the room (illness or exhaustion excepted). While I have a table display set up in the main hallway of the conference, its not one that I have to be with so I’m free to roam.

Stay tuned!

Doug
"It's not how far you've come, it's what you've done with the miles"
Doug Spears
36 Interlaken Road
Orlando, Florida 32804
407-257-4242
dcsnole@yahoo.com
www.dougspearsmusic.com
www.reverbnation.com/dougspears
http://www.myspace.com/dougspears
http://www.sonicbids.com/dougspears

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Spears) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:21:00 +0000

Notes from the Road – Trenton Ga to Cullman AL to Knoxville TN to Parsons WV

What a week! Lots of shows and a bit of road time. Let’s catch up.

Friday, August 28th – Cullman, Alabama

The way I’ve worked this trip I’m leaving the camper set up in Trenton, GA at the Lookout Mountain West KOA and traveling to and from my gigs from that home base. Brian and Allison, the owners, became great friends and fans last year and agreed to have me stay an entire 8 days with them this year and I’ve GREATLY appreciated it. If you are campers and want to head to the NW Georgia / Chattanooga area you will make a big mistake by not stopping in and staying with Brian and Allison. Their’s is not the average KOA – it is what the model should be. They made a decision to change their lifestyle to focus on family and friends. They treat that campground as their home and you as an honored guest in it. This is not a “corporate” campground like some where the bottom line is all. To be sure, they are there to make a living, but they are intent on giving every guest more than the value of the fee they pay to stay. Please stop in there and tell ‘em I sent ‘ya!

Friday night was my show at Berkley Bob’s Coffeehouse in Cullman, AL. I “poached” this gig off of the Bluesgotus calendar when I saw they were playing there back in June (thanks Bill & Eli for the tip!). I frankly didn’t know what to expect and kept myself ready for anything. It turned out to be a special treat and I made a lot of new friends.

Bob Keefe, the proprietor, used to live down our way and played the Florida Folk Festival once back in the Cousin Thelma days. He’s had Berkley Bob’s now for about 7 years and moved to this particular location a couple of years ago. What a great room! A 100 year old brick building with high ceilings covered in stamped tin tiles – the place just oozes charm and warmth. Coffee’s, teas, deli items and baked goods are the fare served up by Bob’s daughter behind the counter. A nice sized raised stage in the corner farthest from the entrance looks out on tables, couches and arm chairs with books, teas, coffees and other items for sale lining the walls. The coffee / tea station is to the right of the stage and I had the usual concern about the overwhelming noise of the cappuccino machine and blender (smoothies) kicking in just when I het a soft, soulful song. I worried for naught. This is a REAL listening room – the folks know that if they go over and order something that will require noisy apparatus to prepare then they’ll have to wait just a bit until a space between songs, etc. before the equipment will be used – VERY impressive. I had a solid crowd of a little over 50 who listened to every word and note, signed up on the email list, bought CD’s and generously supported the gas fund. Bob has enthusiastically invited me back and I intend to take him up on it for sure. This is one of the true small listening venues of the southeast. Thanks Bob and all my new friends in the great state of Alabama!

Saturday, August 29th

Trenton GA is, of course, just 10 – 15 miles southwest of Chattanooga, so I had a short commute to my Saturday night show at Charles and Myrtles’ Coffeehouse at the Christ Unity Church in Chattanooga. Andrew Kelsey is the host of the series which has been going strong EVERY WEEK (that’s right, 50+ shows a year) for 16 years. The opportunity to play Charles & Myrtle’s is a privilege and I was looking forward to it.

The Church is a small house converted to the purposes of the congregation. There is seating for about 80 arranged in a short, upside down “T” from the performance space (which becomes the pulpit on Sunday). I was thrilled to walk in and immediately see Bill & Barbara Derby, our good friends and expatriots from Ormond Beach who now live in Blairsville, Ga. A two hour hike for them to come see me – THANKS GUYS!!

Again, this is a true listening room environment. The folks come strictly to sit and listen, many with their eyes closed a good part of the time, swaying to the music. You know, an old storyteller and song writer like me just eats that up with a spoon – what a treat. A major plus is Andrew’s home baked cookies – WOW! Totally addictive and loaded with all the good (bad for you) stuff.

The appearance at Charles & Myrtles’ also includes an appearance at their Church service the following morning. It is a lay ministry which features a different speaker each week either from the congregation or someone traveling through. This is a very liberal, relaxed, Christian based fellowship that includes much laughter and song, as well as mediation and personal introspection. If you can believe it, ASCAP & BMI make the Church buy a license because they use some contemporary music in their service (i.e., Morning Has Broken by Cat Stevens, etc.). I’d REALLY like to hear the PRO’s defend THAT! They brought me on for a two song offering (“Do You” and “It Must Be You”) which was very well received. Andrew invited me to come “do it again” and I intend to get that on the calendar soon. Thanks Andrew!

Sunday, August 30th

Time for a goodbye show here in the KOA. These are, by definition, small shows for 25 or less. But, you can never judge the quality of a crowd by its size. In my two years of doing these campground shows I’ve learned “the ropes” of making it work, for my type of act at least, and these are some of my favorite shows of the tours. Like a house concert, they are small and intimate, but with the plus of being in a beautiful outdoor setting designed for this purpose, like a festival performance. Again, the folks that come to these are there strictly for the music and want to here every word and note. They are generous beyond measure and love to purchase CD’s. From a purely economic standpoint I do nearly as well with these shows as I do weekend shows at a coffeehouse with an admission fee. From an artist enjoyment standpoint they are second only to house concerts in the pleasure I derive from the people and the music.

This show here at the KOA was no exception. A good crowd on Sunday night, 25 or so, and a full offering of tunes from the soon to be released (no really, soon now, I promise) CD Welcome Home, my 2007 album Break Some Stones, as well as older material and newer stuff not currently on an available CD. Another “perk” of these shows is that you are meeting folks from different parts of the country, not so much locals. There was a group this night from the Houston area who were thrilled to hear I’d be in their neck of the woods in November and have already made plans to attend my shows there. I really love these shows and the folks I meet in them.

Monday, August 31st

On the road again . . . I didn’t get started as early as I would have liked due to work that had to be done in connection with the new CD, etc. So I pulled out just before noon to make my way north into West Virginia. I knew I wouldn’t make it all the way, but I wanted to get as far as possible so that I could get in and settled in Parsons sometime Tuesday morning. I learned last year that pushing the big Ford to haul the trailer at 70 mph plus, particularly in the hill country, destroys what little fuel economy you can get out of a V8. So the time v. $$ trade weighs in favor of keeping it around 60 mph and accepting the longer drive time.

I had pure interstate highway driving up through TN and Virginia. Still, scenery was nice and the driving was fairly easy except around Knoxville which can get a little congested. Once I crossed into West Virginia two things changed – one good and one bad. The bad first – gas prices jump .35 per gallon immediately after crossing the state line!! They must have a serious gas tax going on up here. But, the good is that the driving converted to a state highway system with gorgeous scenery. As WV is owned nearly 70% by the federal government, much of the drive is through national forests. I crossed great dams, rivers, man made lakes, etc. and the Allegheny Mountains (part of the Appalachians and forming the border between Virginia and West Virginia) which were breathtaking.

By 7 pm I had crossed the New River Gorge, passed Beckly and Fayetteville and was looking for a likely place to stop for the night – cheap, comfortable and easy were my criteria for a campsite. I saw a sign for the Summerville Dam National Park and turned towards it. Now, I made a large mistake at this point. As it was nearly dusk I was looking to make sure I didn’t miss the turn to the park. I came upon “Camp Site Road” and quickly turned right. Bad, bad move. Camp Site Road is a private road of residences and is a narrow rock road that drops STEEPLY down the mountain a couple of miles to a dead end with ditches on both sides of the road. Remember, I’m towing a 24’ behemoth behind the Expedition. Well, thank goodness for 4 wheel drive and an ability to back a trailer. I saw my chance about a mile down – one gravel driveway went steeply up to my right while another dropped down to my left almost straight across. I switched into high 4 wheel drive on the fly, hit the gas up the steep drive on the right and ground to a stop as the trailer cleared the road. After a quick assessment of my angle and a deep breath I put ‘er in reverse and let her go slinging the rear of the trailer into the descending drive across the way. Again, gravel flew as I ground to a halt. Now, low 4 wheel drive was needed to bear down and pull the trailer up and around onto the road heading back the way I came. Now I REALLY needed to get to the campground and a little brown whiskey!

Soon I crossed the Summerville Dam and then came to the camping area right on Summersville lake. Cheap, very comfortable and (but for my own folly) very easy. I checked in and received a site right on (I mean 10 ‘ close) the lake. The site was perfectly level so I had no set up – just left the trailer hooked to the car and plugged in the electric. I had a nice quiet dinner looking out over the lake as night fell and then sat and picked the guitar for a bit as I sipped that amber libation I had been craving after my backing adventure. Cool, sleeping with the windows open and the blankets on – can’t beat it.

Tuesday, September 1

I got up early to get under way. I made a pot of coffee and stepped out to appreciate the early sun on Lake Summerville. The water is crystal clear and the mountains and trees rising around me were as peaceful as I could ask for. The blue wing teals make their home here and are fat from the offerings of the campers in the area. I got out a few slices of bread and within seconds I was surrounded by 30 or more beautiful ducks wrestling for the bits I tossed their way. The experienced ones watched the arc and caught the bread in the air before it hit the water. I have lots of pictures and will post a link when I’ve got a chance.

Only two and ½ hours from Parsons I pressed on and arrived at Five Rivers Campground by 11 a.m. I was soon settled in and connected to the internet to do some promotion for the shows in the area on Wednesday and Thursday. The campground sits right on the Cheat River, just two miles upstream from the 2 acre parcel we bought here last fall. At this time of year the river level is dropping though still plenty of water for fish and that peaceful moving water sound across the polished rocks. Very cool here – low 50’s to high 40’s at night and 70’s during the day. Clear blue skies – magnificent! I spent the day working, as described, with breaks to go wade the river a little, skip some stones, take a supply run to local grocery and scare up a little firewood. Whiskey and a warm fire looking out over the river – this is living!

Wednesday, September 2

I played a new venue last night ½ hour down the mountain in Elkins, WV. Elkins is an “artsy” little community which includes Davis & Elkins College, a small private liberal arts school. I’m playing at a local music venue, El Gran Sabor, an authentic Venezuelan restaurant. The food is wonderful and the building is another charm oozing edifice with wood floors and an outdoor courtyard up front. The owner, Rob Masten (along with his wife, Derdlim, the master chef and, in Rob’s words, “the boss”) is also a musician and teaches music both at the local high school and at Davis & Elkins. The restaurant has a terrific music room in the back of the building where the bar is located. A full stage with good sound and nice lighting sits back there and looks out over a seating area large enough for at least 50 or so. The live music runs Wednesday and Friday from 7 to 10 and focuses on original music of various genres.

I had a great time playing the room, though it is not what I’m typically used to. On this night the smallish crowd, though paying attention to the music and appreciative, were not a pure listening crowd. Sitting mostly around the bar there was a great deal of conversation and noise during the show. Consequently, I couldn’t establish my usual audience connection, tell the stories between songs, etc. that I usually do. Nevertheless, the crowd was hearing me, was generous in terms of the gas fund and very complimentary during breaks. I think the room has wonderful potential and I’ll look forward to playing here again in my new “home away from home” neighborhood. Rob is a very outgoing and helpful guy who can be of great assistance locating other rooms to play within a reasonable driving distance for future trips. It’s all in the attitude with which you approach it and the effort you invest to develop it. I think El Gran Sabor is well worth it. Thanks Rob!

Thursday, September 3

OK, you’re up to date. I’ve spent the morning writing this in the cool, beautiful WV weather with a campfire crackling and the Cheat River gurgling. Tonight I play the Purple Fiddle in Thomas WV less than a ½ up the mountain and then head out early tomorrow for NC (house concert Saturday night), SC (campground show Sunday) and home on Monday. I may wait until I get back for the last installment, but you never know so stay tuned.

Notes from the Road – Trenton, Ga. to Knoxville, TN

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Spears) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:20:00 +0000

Notes from the Road – Trenton, Ga. to Knoxville, TN

Had a bustling day Monday. I’ve brought all my computer gear (including my color laser printer) so the camper during the day is like a home office. I had posters, postcards, etc. to print for a show in WV next week, so I did those and ran in to the post office in Trenton to get those in the mail.

Trenton is a quaint little town. On the way back I saw an old fashioned town graveyard so I stopped and wandered a bit. The graves in the front of the cemetery were the oldest and they worked back from there. The markers and monuments bore dates as early as the 1830’s. You could tell which families had moved on or died out as their plots were crumbling and weed covered. You could also tell who the prominent families in the community are by the conditions of their plots. I saw graves for folks that had lived remarkably long lives for the period of time – one lady was over a hundred when she died in 1911. I also saw grave stones for young people, less than 20 and some infants. When I wander a cemetery like this I always wonder about who the people were and what things they’d experienced. Probably not as fascinating as I imagine.

Monday night’s show in the campground was terrific. I learned last year that weekday shows are the best for the campgrounds. I always walk around during the day to say hello to folks and make sure they know about the show. There are few campers here during the week, but with only one exception every single camper was present. These are the small, intimate crowds that every songwriter lives for. And, surprisingly rewarding financially as well. There is no admission, of course – just a tip jar and CD’s. But, without exception I’ve found that these folks generously toss appreciation into the tip jar (many times what you normally see in a coffeehouse type setting) and hungrily buy CD’s. Had I charged an admission fee, some would not have come in the first place and those that did would not have been able to buy the number of CD’s that the full crowd did. I really like this approach for weekday “filler” shows when you would otherwise be idle or playing a coffeehouse on a tips / sales basis anyway.

I used my new, compact Fishman SoloAmp sound system and really loved it. What a treat to have the whole system in one rolling bag weighing 30 lbs! The sound coverage is excellent and no feedback unless I turned directly into the unit from very close range. Really makes set up less of a chore.

Tuesday was a work day getting email done, checking in on the status of the Welcome Home Project, conference call with my “folk mom”, Kari Estrin, in Nashville, accounting work, etc. – yep, dull and boring. But, I took a break at lunch time and went to tour the Chickamauga Battlefield which is close by. It is the oldest of the national military parks, dedicated in 1895. Covering 8,000 acres it is also one of the largest.

I started in the visitor’s center with a 20 minute movie that explained the general troop movements, etc. Like most of those productions it was unnecessarily corny and dumbed down, but nevertheless gave the basic information to let you guide yourself through the park. One of the first things you come to on the self guided car tour is the monument erected by the State of Florida honoring those regiments of the CSA from our home state. Impressive monuments exist throughout the park marking the places where each State’s troops engaged in action, where certain soldiers were wounded or killed, etc. These battlefields always have a profound effect on me. The park is so peaceful, hardly anyone there during the week, dozens of deer roaming and grazing unconcerned with my presence. To think of this place shrouded in the smoke of battle and soaked with the blood of young Americans leaves me with an eerie sense of sorrow, duty, honor and incredulity all mixed together. There are so many that think they understand why that war was fought and what goals it accomplished I won’t dare offer my viewpoint. It was interesting that the bookstore in the visitor’s center had volumes covering all viewpoints and I overheard two different people registering formal complaints with the guards on duty regarding what they viewed to be historical inaccuracies being perpetuated by the exhibits. But, one thing is clear to me - we don’t learn much from history and continue to make the same blunders time and again.

Wednesday was an up and on the road early day – time to appear on WDVX’s Blue Plate Special in Knoxville. The station’s studio is located in the Knoxville Visitor’s Center and has a formal performance stage set up in the lobby with the gift shop and coffee bar. Every day at noon the station presents a live performance broadcast. It’s very popular with the locals. About 60 seats are set up (including the standard lunch tables) and folks come in for the lunch hour and the show. By 11:45 am there were few seats left and those were gone by Noon. It was a very enjoyable show and performance to this pure listening (and munching) crowd. The host, Matt Morelock, does an excellent job keeping things organized and moving. The show draws acts from the very big names in folk and bluegrass (Doyle Lawson, Tim O’Brien, David Olney, etc.) to lesser mortals like me. They record the show and provide you with a CD and I videoed the performance as well. Hopefully the links work and you can see me do “Yellow Butter Moon” in front of the Blue Plate Wall of Fame.

Its Thursday as I write this and its rainy out. That’s OK, because I’ve got lots of work to do. Stay tuned for more!

Notes from the Road – Havana, FL / Trenton, GA.

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Spears) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 12:38:00 +0000

Notes from the Road – Havana, FL / Trenton, GA.

Back on the road again – time for my SE US mini-tour. Two and one-half weeks in the camper doing shows in north FL (1), GA (2), AL (1), TN (2), WV (2), NC (1) and SC (1).

I got on the road Saturday morning to head to Havana, FL, just outside of Tallahassee, for a gig at The Mockingbird Café that Lis & Lon Williamson put me onto. The 4 hour drive was a slugger along I-75 with 2,000 truckers and 5,000 morons through lightning, thunder and rain most of the way. There was one REALLY bad accident in the Gainesville area. Don’t know what happened first, but it appeared that there was a bad crash in the southbound lanes and then some idiot rubberneckers in the northbound lanes cracked up while trying to see if there was any visible blood on the southbound side. You know, as a species we aren’t getting any smarter at all.

But, I made it to north Florida unscathed. I checked into the Big Oak campground just 10 miles from Havana, had a quick bite to eat and then headed over to get set up. Boy, did I get a surprise when I got out of the car and started towards the Café! There outside the patio entrance were Pete Gallagher and Pat Barmore up all the way from St. Pete / Tampa. Now, of course, my ego said “WOW, drove all that way to hear me!” In reality, there was some booking confusion. Lorie (the proprietress) had me booked and advertised, but Pete & Pat thought they were booked. Stuff happens! After a few minutes of head scratching it seemed like the sensible thing to do was just split the night. Pete & Pat had driven 5 hours themselves to get there so it made no sense to just say “sorry” and send them home. Problem solved. And, really to my advantage since my SoloAmp system won’t handle a duo, so Pete & Pat had to set up their Bose system – less work for me!!

The Mockingbird is truly a lovely venue and the food is absolutely AWESOME. They had a special rib-eye steak that was just killer and the cheesecake with fresh berries was to die for. Their house specialty, black beans and rice, is also just as advertised – delicious. The café is quaint and spacious inside and the patio entrance is quite charming. All of the staff goes way out of their way to treat the performers as part of the family and get you anything you need throughout the night (including slippery elm tea – great for the vocal chords). We had a warm, receptive and generous crowd, a true listening crowd. I made some new friends and reconnected with some old ones. It’s always nice to have local performers drop in to catch your show – Mimi Hearns and Grant Peeples were in the house. Pat, Pete and I switched ½ hour sets from 7 – 10 and everyone had a great time. I’m really looking forward to playing The Mockingbird again soon.

Sunday was my long drive day. I needed to get up to Trenton, GA where I’ve wangled a week’s stay at one of my KOA friend’s campground while I play gigs in TN and AL. It makes much more sense (gas wise and time wise) to leave the camper in one spot and drive to the gigs – nothing more than two hours away. I’ll play a couple of shows in the campground during the week as well. Works out great.

I got underway around 10 am and took the back roads up through GA towards Atlanta. The corn was harvested back in the early summer and those fields are brown and in stubble, but the peanut fields and truck crops (beans, peas, etc.) are lush green and endless. The cotton is coming in as well and will be harvested in September. Some of the prettiest peach orchards and pecan groves I’ve ever seen lay along the route I drove. I should have stopped for pictures, but you know me. To say this is Bible belt country is a vast understatement. You can’t swing a worn out guitar strap without smacking a Baptist, Methodist or more fundamentalist type country church.

I really enjoyed the first half of the day’s drive. I stopped in Dawson, GA for lunch at a great little Mexican grille. Had to stay away from the cerveca and the tequila though – Georgia back roads on a Sunday afternoon is no time to get stopped by the local sheriff with beer breath!

Then I hit I-85 to I-285 around Atlanta and I-75 to Chattanooga – back to the world of morons and Nascar wannabes. I was more than ready to hit the campground when I pulled in around 6:30 pm. My hosts had left a map pinned to the front door showing me to my site. I got settled in, had a little pre-dinner cocktail while I wandered to see who my neighbors were, then had that wonderful ribeye steak meal from The Mockingbird (they fixed up an extra one to go so I’d have it when I got to my next stop!). The weather here is cool, clear and wonderful – goodbye heat!

Stay tuned – more to come.

Notes from the Road – Gamble Rogers 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Spears) — Thu, 07 May 2009 12:27:00 +0000

Notes from the Road – Gamble Rogers 2009

From Friday, May 1 to Sunday, May 3 we gathered at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds in Elkton, FL, west of St. Augustine for three days of music celebrating to life of one of our own, the late, great Gamble Rogers. I hope you are familiar with Gamble’s life and work. If not, here’s a little bit about him.

Florida Times Union columnist, Ron Johnson, wrote in his Friday edition:

The son and grandson of influential architects, Gamble Rogers was described as both a "modern troubadour" and the "resurrection of Will Rogers and Mark Twain". Rogers was a master performer--enchanting an audience with Travis-style guitar finger picking and relating downright rib-tickling tales about the inhabitants of the fictitious Oklawaha County.

The Atlanta Constitution called Rogers, "an American treasure worthy of inclusion in the Smithsonian". Rogers was just hitting his peak when he died, on October 10, 1991, trying to save a man from drowning. The recreational area in Flagler County, where the accident occurred, was later renamed, "The Gamble Rogers Memorial Park".

Gamble was universally revered and loved by his fellow musicians and fans alike. Gamble never met a stranger and his gracious assistance to young up and coming artists is legendary. Known for many philosophical witticisms like “the Lord gives me grace, but the devil gives me style”, “sorry is as sorry does” and “life’s what happens to you while you’re making other plans” Gamble was the perfect blend of master storyteller and musician. Many songs have been written honoring Gamble, but my personal favorite was written by my friend Steve Gillette who I think fully captured his spirit:

I remember Gamble Rogers,
He was a gentleman with a guitar,
He’s gone on a little further now,
A little deeper in the stars,
He went down into the water,
To help to save a drowning man,
And he left this world,
Holding out his hand.

It’s been my great privilege to participate in this gathering for many years now and have been looking forward to this second edition in the new location at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds.

Friday, May 1

You may recall that I’ve been having trouble with my car battery when I hook up my camper lights to the car. Or, maybe you don’t. For you it doesn’t really matter. As for me, I unfortunately did not remember it until Friday morning when I was preparing to load up. Shoot! Off to Costco I went to get a new battery. While I was there I also picked up one of those portable jump start units – handy looking thing. I didn’t have time (or rather didn’t want to take the time) to install the new battery (in an Expedition its not as easy as it should be), but at least I’d have the new battery and the jump start unit in case I got stranded.

Back home I loaded up my gear, my Samplers for presales of the new CD and some things I might need if called to Tallahassee for the arrival of the new granddaughter (yeah, the little bugger is still stuck in there despite continual warnings of imminent commencement of the birthing journey). Off I went and was surprised to arrive at the fairgrounds nearly ½ hour before I expected.

All was in order. I was issued my artist’s pass and given directions to my campsite. I drew a wonderful spot – right next to Larry Mangum. That wasn’t what made it so wonderful, though it was clearly a bonus. Rather it was the shade from the big oak that would protect my roof from the broiling sun most of the day. Bill & Eli Perras thought it looked pretty good too and, though without access to power or water, they elected to join us there under the oaks.

We were soon engaged in a songswap over at Larry’s with Charlie Simmons, Jack (oops, can’t remember), Bill & Eli, Jen Weidley, Chuck & Pat Spano, Grant Peeples and probably others that at this writing two days later I can’t recall. I introduced Grant to the wonders of Gorilla Snot (it’s a real product, I’m not making it up) – a pine resin product that helps you keep your grip on your guitar pick in sweaty or other conditions adverse to guitar pickers. I believe it changed Grant’s life, though probably not as much as some of you might have hoped.

The weather Friday was magnificent – cool in the shade and breezy, crystal clear and springtime fresh. The songswap would have gone longer, but Larry started serving some red wine which at that afternoon hour brought on the drowsies in some. Me, I had to go check my CD’s in at the product table and circulate among the other arrivals so I put away the guitar and set off. In truth, I figured on finding someone who was camped over close to where the fish fry was to take place at 6 p.m. Succeeded too, as Al Scortino, reliable for such as this, had parked his Casita within spittin’ distance of where the line would form. So, with a beer in hand (that vendor opened early and was doing a brisk trade) I ambled over and infiltrated the Ashley Gang crowd. Sure enough, we got some of the first fish out of the oil and feasted our fill.

The evening schedule featured some of my real favorites. My good friend Jack Williams started things off with his usual stellar set that left folks hollering for more and all the guitar pickers considering another line of endeavor. He was followed by Tracy Grammer and The Rowan Brothers with wonderful performances. Then our own one man band sensation, Ben Prestage, came on to prove that all that caterwauling about how good he is actually sells him short. He’s a serious showstopper. Those guitar pickers in the crowd that had managed to recover from the humiliation of watching the mastery of Jack Williams were beset with a new wave of discouragement regarding their own abilities and I’m sure many a guitar came close to violent disposal or cheap sale.

Once the main stage wrapped up I discovered one significant negative to my beautiful campsite. Turns out the evening contra dance that often doesn’t end until people are too exhausted to stand was taking place on the Pickers Stage with 100 feet of my rolling abode. Not to worry – I was running my AC unit and I came equipped with foam ear plugs for just such a situation.

The campsite songswaps were more active and widespread than I can recall in recent years. It was terrific. I started over with Jerry Mincey’s crowd, then filtered down to the Mayhaws’ area where I found Lis Williams and Lolly Rogers (Gamble’s daughter). Lis sang some harmonies with me on Banks of the Old St. John’s which was fun. She was not camping and soon made her preparations to head out. She had a tin cup of Irish Whiskey that some provided her and that she hadn’t finished. Knowing exactly where it would be most welcome she blessed me with its care and disposal, swearing me to faithfully return the cup to its owner when its contents were expended. A fine and bonnie Lass she is!

I next found myself at the rough camping segment of the Ashley Gang – Al, of course, long since absent and gone back to the Casita to enjoy AC and deep slumber. David Russell and his lovely bride Ann were there, David kind of sitting right in the middle of things adding accompaniment to whatever was being played. Since we had played it at Folk Alliance together back in February (check back at those Notes for the background on that) he joined me very capably on This Old House. Glenn Smith and his far better half were there with a tune or two. Larry Mangum slide in from the dark at some point. Soon Jack Williams showed up to trade licks and an encyclopedic recall of a vast catalog of old tunes with Russell. Grant Peeples was in there too, begging more Gorilla Snot. He took to putting a gob of it on the bill of his cap so it would be handy whenever he needed it. Of course, all of the Ashley Gang was there, Michelle, Norm and the couple Garfinkle (Al in abstentia of course already sawing logs). Again, I know there were many more that I’m overlooking and please pardon me for the omissions.

By a little after 1 a.m. I realized that I was exhausted and stumbled my way through the campground lights back to my traveling bedroom. I’ve been carrying my cell phone waiting for the stork to call, but nothing yet. Tomorrow I’m on the Old Town Stage. G’night.

Saturday, May 2

I woke up way too early, but I think I got enough sleep to survive anyway. I stumbled over to the artists’ hospitality area for some coffee and breakfast. All kinds of folks were wandering through and really don’t remember everyone I ended up chatting with while I was there. The hospitality for the artists at Gamble Rogers is always first rate and gracious, just like the festival’s namesake.

I spent a fair part of the morning in the camper restringing the guitar, making a set list, practicing, working on some new tunes, etc. And, of course, I kept checking to see if there was any baby alert – nothing. I went on back over to the hospitality area for some lunch, chatted a while with the Dean of Florida folk, Frank Thomas, and numerous others filtering through. I also ran into my old friend Bob Higgenbotham who plays the festival every year – we only live about 45 miles apart (he in Winter Haven), yet we see each other more often at Gamble than anywhere else these days. That’s a large part of the joy of these gatherings is connecting again with so many great folks.

I got to be part of a terrific line-up on the Old Town Stage. Magda Hiller had drawn a good crowd over and I got to enjoy her set. What a great, great performer she is! She had Jack Schwade with her which added another layer to the high luster of her show.

Charlie Robertson, who was to play after me, was doing a quick stand in as emcee and asked me what I wanted said as my introduction. “Aw Charlie,” I says, “just make some lie up that’ll make me sound good.” So, Charlie hops up on the stage and hollers “Please welcome one of the truly great Florida songwriters, Doug Spears.” Now, I ask you, since I told him to lie . . . hummmph! I gave ‘em 6 good ‘uns – This Old House, State of Dreams, On the Other Side, Marker 26, A Mothers’ Tears and Yellow Butter Moon. I also told them about the new CD (I love bragging about the stellar line-up I’ve got on there) and afterwards several folks grabbed me to buy the pre-sales sampler.

I stuck by to hear Charlie’s set – he is just one of those amazing songwriters who can see every little thing from every possible perspective and picks the one that should be obvious, but which you hadn’t considered to write about. It just knocks your socks off. He also is given to unpredictable commentary that makes you laugh until you hurt. You shouldn’t miss any chance to hear Charlie perform.

Next I hustled back to the camper, dropped the guitar, etc. there and headed over to the Big Top. Missy Raines (my bass player on 8 tracks on the new CD - brag, brag, brag) has rolled in with her exciting band, Missy Raines and The New Hip, for their two mainstage performances. Husband, Ben Surratt, was hustling about running their sound and I took a seat at the railing right behind him. I let him get everything settled during their first couple of tunes then leaned forward, tapped him on the shoulder and handed him a cold beer I just acquired from that busy vendor on my way in. It seemed one of the more welcome hellos he’d had! At his invitation I circled around at sat at the board with him for the show and thoroughly enjoyed Missy’s set.

What a GREAT band – I mean top to bottom superb surrounding Missy’s incomparable bass. Their album, Inside Out, just released on Compass Records, is terrific CD that I highly recommend to everyone. However, I have to admit that for me seeing Missy play is so wonderful I close me eyes when I listen to the CD so I can imagine her groovin’ around through the tunes. Just how much she loves what she does shouts out from every twist, turn and hop and the sounds she produces from that big stand up bass are not to be believed unless you hear her while seeing it with your own eyes. After they finished I went around backstage for a hug and a hello. Ben’s beer had already drawn jealous glances from the band and I feared that my failure to bring a whole tray might put me in jeopardy, but Missy fended them off for me.

By this time, with a beer or two in my gullet, I began to feel a bit peckish. Over at the hospitality hut I sat and chatted with Ben and Missy a bit about life in general and the progress of the CD project. Then the more serious hunger began setting in. They weren’t yet ready to lay out the supper spread yet so I wandered back over to the Big Top looking for Jason Thomas (my producer and fiddler for Gatorbone and Claire Lynch) who was to have arrived to warm up with Gatorbone for their 7 pm set and bring me some material from the CD. To my dismay I found that Jason was stuck in a major traffic back up on I-95 and would not be making it for the show – shoot!

So, I hooked up with Lis & Lon Williamson and Lolly Rogers for a little supper. Then I settled in for the excellent Saturday evening line-up. My absolute favorites, Gatorbone kicked it into gear at 7 pm. They were sans Jason Thomas (who ended up turning back in the face of hours of backup on I-95), but they still rocked! There is no finer singer than Lis Williamson, nor a better rhythm gypsy jazz guitar player. And, if you lined up 25 guitar players and had them perform the same licks I could pick Gabe Valla out blindfolded. The tone he creates is so clean and crystal clear that it can’t be confused with any other, truly one of a kind. Lis and Lon sent goosebumps through the crowd with their duo performance of Love Hurts – WOW! And, Kurt Johnson is a stellar addition to the group on pedal steel and keyboards. The rest of the night had a high bar set by Gatorbone!!

Willy Claflin came next with his recreation of Gamble’s signature music and stories. He ain’t Gamble, but he’s close! It was a fitting and well received presentation for this crowd.

Jesse Winchester alone on stage is a treat for any lover of the pure craft of songwriting. His songs have been recorded by everyone in the business and have been sung, hummed and enjoyed by every one of us, whether we knew it at the time or not. His easy going, homespun Memphis manner is deadly and the audience was charmed from the first note.

Next, my bass player (I love saying that!), Missy Raines and The New Hip laid another stellar set on the crowd to close the night. Call it “jazz-grass” or whatever you like – this group is HOT! Stop, Drop & Wiggle, Basket of Singing Birds and Inside Out seemed like crowd favorites. This is a group that makes you move. The musicianship and arrangements are stunning.

Back out in the campground the song circles and jams were in full swing. I started out right at my own camper with Ron & Bari Litschauer, Stan Geberer, Jeannie Fitchen (Ned lending moral support) and Clyde and Lorelli Walker (though Clyde elected to assume the position of listener and star gazer in the background). Ken Buchanan brought a couple of chairs over and sat to enjoy the show. John Alison soon joined us with his tasteful backing and beautiful OM and then Jack Williams ambled in to add his signature licks to the mix. Several others migrated in whose names I don’t know and for a while there it got to be a pretty sizeable jam. However, the Roadside Revue folks and the Walkers needed to head home to the Walker abode in St. Augustine and things broke up at the camper around 1:30 or so.

I had played enough, but felt like listening some more so I wandered the grounds with a little refreshment in hand. I sat at the Ashley Gang area for a bit and listened to David Russell, Michelle, Carly Bak and others swap tunes and licks. Over at the Mayhaws settlement a HUGE crowd had gathered. As I pushed into a spot where I could lean and watch Grant Peeples was holding court. Jack Williams was in there as well. Dale Crider and Rod MacDonald were in the mix and many, many more.

Starting to droop I began the wander back, stopped by Jerry Mincey’s fire and chatted a bit, then meandered on back to the bunk on wheels - 3:30 is late enough for me! ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ . . . .

Sunday, May 3

As you might guess, I slept in a bit waking just in time for lunch . . . barely. I headed over for a burger and a hot dog at the hospitality area (and a LOT of coffee). I wasn’t to play until 3:40 on the Florida Stage, but I had plenty of cleaning up and departure preparations to take care of, so I got busy. As I cleaned and organized I ran into one and another friends and began the goodbyes. Sunday was a good bit warmer, more like the usual Gamble weather we’ve had for the past few years, but the breeze kept blowing which helped a bit.

Before I knew it 3:00 was upon me. I headed on over to hear Charlie Robertson who preceded me on the Florida Stage as I got ready for my set. I started off with Banks of the Old St. Johns, Heminway’s Hurricane and State of Dreams, then by prearrangement Ron & Bari Litschauer and Stan Geberer joined me and we rocked ‘em with Teppintine, Withlacoochee Dreamer, There’s Always a Middle and Steam Train. I love playing with those guys and they add so much to the performance. When we were finished Rod MacDonald closed the Florida Stage and another Gamble Rogers Festival was in the can.

I went and collected my CD $$ and product from the sales area and quickly loaded and hooked up to the rolling behemoth. Many more goodbyes were exchanged. However, with the afternoon heat I was glad to get into the airconditioned car and I was off for the run home. See you next year Mr. Rogers!

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Spears) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:29:00 +0000

Notes from the Road – Barberville Spring Frolic 2009

If you’ve never been to the Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts in Barberville you really are missing one of the most interesting, quaint villages in Central Florida. The Settlement consists of many acres of land covered with historical buildings that have been moved to the grounds from the central Florida area. Native crafts (blacksmithing, woodworking, turpentine manufacturing, quilting, etc.) are demonstrated on the grounds periodically and twice a year the folk music community descends for a couple of days of terrific acoustic music. The stages are set up inside some of the buildings (the Church and the Barn are my favorites) and some are outdoors under canvas canopies. In all, 6 stages of music run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the Barn stage continuing on until 11 pm on Saturday night.

Friday, April 24

In the past I’ve not camped at the Spring Frolic as the weather tends to be hot and, in some years, very wet. It’s only about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Orlando, so it’s not a big deal to go back and forth. However, this year the weather is predicted to be very comfortable and I hate to miss the late night pickin’ in the camping area, so I’m hauling the camper on over. Judy has to stay home and care for her dad so I’m flying solo on this trip.

I got hooked up and underway by about 3:30. It’s a pretty easy drive, just east on I-4 to Lake Helen, into Deland, take the bypass around downtown and catch 17 north up through Deleon Springs to Barberville. The only interesting part of the drive is the last few miles on 17 – otherwise just regular old highway and town roads.

I’ve been having a problem with my car’s electrical system when I tow the trailer. For some reason hooking the trailer lights, etc. to the car puts a tremendous draw on the battery and it starts with difficulty after just a short time. I stopped in Deland to pick up some supplies and shut the car down – mistake. When I came back out and tried to crank back up all I got was that rapid clicking sound that lets you know you’ve got trouble. Lucky for me there was a guy parked next to me in a big F150 Ford pick-up chatting on his cell phone and, learning of my situation, agreed to assist with jumper cables. Vvvrrrooommm – On the road again . . .

I swung into the campground right at 5:30 and quickly located a somewhat shady spot right next to my friend Doug Purcell. In no time I was unhooked and set up (I let the car continue to idle for about 20 minutes after disconnecting the trailer to let the battery recover). Soon I was sipping a beer and chatting with all the musicians that had gathered early, enjoying the evening breeze and the cooling air.

Joe and Katie Waller are the pair responsible for this bi-annual event. The job of organizing a festival of this size is a herculean, thankless task and they do a magnificent job. Besides the setting in the historical pioneer settlement, another unique aspect of the program is that all stages are 100% acoustic – no sound amplification of any kind and all acoustic instruments. Some find that daunting, but I love it. The acoustics in buildings like the Church are fabulous and its so much fun to be able to perform free of microphones, speakers, wires and such. It really creates a connection with the audience that is “house concert like” though in a more formal setting. In addition, there are no Emcees – each stage has a large clock on a stand directly in front of the performer and you are expected to start and conclude your show on time. While you might think that would lead to time problems with no one in charge, the opposite is actually true – the musicians are fastidious in respecting the time schedule and everything runs . . . well . . . like clockwork. That was a Joe Waller innovation a couple of years back and was a master stroke!

I circulated and sipped a while and then decided to fix a little something to eat – a heaped turkey sandwich did me just fine. I brought some boiled peanuts and some ice cream for later if I get snacky. Time to hit the song circles.

I quickly settled in with James Hawkins, Leigh and Steve Humes, Mike Worral and Larry Mangum. We began swapping tunes, some truly great tunes. Larry’s got a new one which I’m guessing is called ‘These are the Times of Our Lives’ that’s gonna be a crowd favorite. I kept dreggin up old ones that I rarely play and have never been recorded. Mike Worral is also one heck of a writer who I’ve not had the chance to sit and appreciate before. It seemed like in no time at all the tequila had suffered mortal injury and, well, it just got late all of a sudden. Everyone started to sag around midnight and I settled back into the camper for a late night snack, a little reading and some serious zzzz’s. Tomorrow things get under way.

Saturday April 25th

With all the windows open (no electricity in this camping facility, just open ground and trees) I woke to the melodious sounds of Triad (Doug Purcell with Carl and Barbara Wade) as they rehearsed for their 10 a.m. set. Charley Groth was also there and soon he was running tunes with the various folks he had joining him for his shows. I made coffee on the gas stove (the old fashioned way) while I washed the night from my face. Then, armed with coffee, I ventured forth to check in at the musicians’ table and start thinking about my day. I’m starting off with a noon show in the Church, one of my favorite stages. I’m a little nervous about my voice – it still seemed a little weak last night, apparently still recovering from my Will McLean illness. I restrung my guitar over a second cup of coffee and then fixed myself a little breakfast (hard boiled eggs and fruit). Now with third cup of coffee in hand I began to consider my set list for the first show.

I tested the voice and it really seemed ok, though not full strength and I didn’t want to strain it. So I eased into Banks of the Old St. Johns, Teppintine, Hemingways Hurricane, Marker 26 and Steam Train. Everything seems fine, so I’m ready.

The Church, while one of my favorite stages, is sometimes not as well attended as others. Audiences can be really small – in past years often as few as 8 to 10. However, today folks are out and looking for music (and, hopefully, for me). I had around 30 or better for this first show, a great turn out. Lots of old friends, but many new faces as well. The voice really worked well (a few cracks and yodels, but nothing embarrassing) and the set went without a hitch. I added many new names to my mailing list and sold a couple of CD’s too. Terrific start.

After chatting outside the Church with a few folks I headed over to do my songwriting workshop with Larry Mangum. I never find one hour workshops to be very productive in terms of really imparting much information on the craft itself, but I was looking forward to this one because I enjoy Larry’s company. We had a small determined group in attendance, but as it came time to start, no Larry. Hmmmm . . . Oh well, we got started anyway and really had a nice one hour session – much more productive than the typical. The attendees were all business and knew what they wanted to ask and learn about. Quite a pleasure even without Sir Mango. Wonder what happened to him?

With that work done I was in need of nourishment. They have a hospitality area for the performers serving stew, cornbread, etc. and it fit the bill just fine. I sat and chatted with some old friends and as I was finishing up I happened to look over at a table under one of the Chickees and there was Larry Mangum! So, I went over, chastised him (to his great embarrassment) for ditching the workshop (which he totally forgot as he was sitting in with some other musicians on their set) and informed him that I would be taking his half of the workshop fee. What is half of zero anyway? Also sat and chatted a bit with Ron and Mary (soon to be Mr. and Mrs. Johnson) about their upcoming CD release and the status of mine.

Lots of time to kill now as my next set isn’t until 7 pm. I headed back to the camper to take care of some housekeeping issues, write a little of this stuff here and otherwise chill. My laptop battery had expired so I went over to the Settlement schoolhouse and sat in one of the old desks (a tight fit) and plugged into an outlet to recharge while I worked. An older fellow came over and talked to me for a bit. Turns out he is from Pierson and as an elementary school kid had gone to school in the very building in which we sat. In fact, he allowed as how he had gotten the only “F” in his life in that very classroom – it taught him not to argue with the teacher!! Interesting fellow and I enjoyed out chat.

Back in the camping area I sat over with Doug Purcell, Rick Kennedy and Denise Adams while I constructed my set list for my evening Barn set. The evening lineup in the Barn is quite special – everything else shuts down except for the dance stage and you always have a great crowd for the Barn on Saturday night. I always appreciate being included. I settled on a song list of On the Other Side, Withlacoochee Dreamer, State of Dreams, Welcome Home, This Old House and Yellow Butter Moon.

That accomplished I practiced a bit back at the camper. Raven Stands Alone stopped by for a while as did Bill & Eli Perras, Brian and Tia Smalley and a couple of others. Idle time passes so quickly and soon I grabbed my gear and headed over to the Barn.

I got there in time to hear a little of Hannah’s Whirl (my friends Tami and Paul from Tampa) and Garrison Doles (my great songwriter compatriot from Orlando). Then, show time! As expected I had nearly a full house (was full if you counted the lingerers outside the back doors where the breeze was cooling the evening down. In that room I felt like I needed to push the vocals more to be heard throughout the room (and beyond) and I found that while I’m recovered from my Willfest ills my voice is still a little weak from lack of use. So, I had some more noticeable cracks and yodels early, but again nothing terrible or embarrassing. I truly enjoyed the set and the crowd response was awesome. There were mailing list fans there that I hadn’t seen in quite some time and lots of new faces as well. So much fun.

James Hawkins and Cold Harbor came next with their usual terrific set, then The Ashley Gang, another of my favorites (Al Scortino is, in my opinion, one of the best songwriters I know) and then the ever popular and superb M.T. Pawkets. What a great line up and a real treat to hear. Joe & Katie Waller with Jackson Creek finished out the night, but I confess that I had not yet eaten and I was feeling the considerable gravitational pull of that tequila. So, I ducked out and repaired to the campground for nourishment and refreshment.

Of course, others were already there and the song circles and jams were in full swing. So after my bite to eat I headed back over to the Cold Harbor campsite where my badly wounded tequila bottle had been left to languish. Larry Mangum, Mike Worral, Mike McKee, Raven Stands Alone and a couple others were in full song swap. I just listened for a bit, but then drug out the guitar. We were soon joined by James Hawkins, Leigh and Steve Humes (whose chairs, etc. we were already using in their absence), Ron & Mary Johnson, Jonathon and Sherry Hodge, Charlie Groth (and I’m sure I’m leaving someone out). Great, great, great song swap with some great players who could back any song that came up – quite a treat. I had a fair amount of help with the libations - the tequila finally succumbed to the beating it had sustained and lay dead on the field of battle. By midnight I was no longer able to concentrate enough to finish a song so off to bed I went, though I could hear others continuing on for hours after that. Nice cool evening with a refreshing breeze coming through the windows – holler if I snore!

Sunday September 26

Surprisingly, it got pretty cool last night and at one point I woke reaching for the blanket. I really slept well and didn’t roll out until around 8 a.m. I made coffee and worked a little on this epic chronicle for a while before venturing out. I visited hither and yon with these and those, circling back for more coffee when appropriate. Everyone is really enjoying the weekend of magnificent weather, great music and good friends. But, you already sense the restlessness that comes with knowing today it all ends and soon it’ll be time to pack up and head out.

My sole set on Sunday wasn’t until 2:30 back in the Barn, so I had plenty of time to futz around with things. I got my set list together – today I thought I’d do Annie’s Chairs, The One Not There, Break Some Stones, Okeechobee and, the only repeater for the weekend, Hemingway’s Hurricane. After establishing what I would play I cleaned up (as best I could with no running water, etc. – shower is first priority today when I get home) and then headed over to the Settlement buildings to recharge my computer battery and get some lunch from the hospitality area. I sat down to lunch and solved many of the world’s problems with Chuck and Varney Hardwicke and Joe Waller.

The only feature of the Pioneer Settlement that I am not fond of is the large aviary full of peacocks near the Barn and Sugar Cane stages and right across from where we were eating lunch. Peacocks, though beautiful, are noisy, irritating birds. This is even more so in the spring when they are full time engaged in activities of the amorous nature. The males are strutting, fanning and preening while the girls look just about as bored and put off as when us males try to show off by proving who can drink the most beer. They kept screeching and calling to the point that I was having murderous fantasies involving a guitar string garrote, colorful feathers and a BBQ.

Having finished lunch and settled most all of the pressing problems of mankind I headed back to get my gear for my show. I did not really expect to have much of a crowd for this show since I had stiff competition on other stages and the Sunday crowd tends to be lighter in any event. I got to the Barn in time to hear Triad (Doug Purcell, Carl Wade, Barbara Shaeffer and Rick Kennedy) do a very nice set including Will McLean’s Hold Back the Waters. Bill & Eli Perras, Bluesgotus, followed with a great set of their originals accompanied by Bill’s exceptional guitar licks, Chuck Spano’s tasteful percussion and Eli’s heartfelt and expressive vocals. Wonderful stuff.

To my surprise and pleasure I had a very nice crowd for a Sunday afternoon and the song selections fit right in with the mood. Having learned my lesson last night I took it easier and did not push the vocals so hard – all went well. Such a pleasure to play for lovers of the music there to listen and let you into their hearts.

Well, time to load up. Everyone was breaking down by the time I got back to the campground. My first order of business was to go fill up with gas so there’d be no stopping once I hooked up to the behemoth and started home. Alas, the strain of getting to Barberville Friday with the mysterious power drain on my battery had proved too much and the car just wouldn’t start. Fortunately Carl Wade had jumper cables reasonably handy and we used Doug Purcell’s car to get me cranked. I went on to the gas station and violated one of the usual rules – I left the car running while I pumped the gas. If I hadn’t it likely would not have restarted. No incident however and soon I was back at the campground putting things away and hooking up to get under way. Goodbyes were shared all around. Many of us will be at Gamble Rogers next weekend, but some I won’t see until the Florida Folk Festival towards the end of May. That’s as it is for this family of musicians and none of us would have it any other way.

Still no Granddaughter – ARRRGGGG!!! Next weekend, Gamble Rogers near St. Augustine at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds. Hope to see you there!