What a wild six days. I don't think I have ever had so much fun crammed into
one week in my life. My feet hurt, my back aches, I am sleep deprived, but so
full of great memories that it was worth every busy minute.
Smilin' Jim's party kicked it off in style, and I have to agree with the host
that Beaver Nelson ruled. He writes some killer songs, and his delivery was
awesome. I also though Anna Egge was a real good guitar player, even if her
tunes are a little folkie for my taste. It was great to meet a bunch of P2ers,
and who would have known that by Sunday we would all have spent so much time
together? Sick minds think alike, huh?
Wednesday started at the Continental with the Hot Club of Cowtown, who are so
damn good now I can't believe it. Then down to Threadgill's for Dale Watson,
who had James Intveld do a great set. I got to meet and hang with a childhood
hero, Sir Doug Sahm. We was hilarious, and when we found out we were both
rasslin' fans he invited me to go to San Antonio with him and Augie Meyers to
see some Mexican rasslin' sometime. A run to the Broken Spoke found James
Hand doing some hard core honky tonk, and then Charlie Burton doing a great
set.
Thursday started with the P2 party at Cherlyn's, which was a blast. Highlights
included the Meat Purveyors, the ExHusbands, and Jim Roll with the Silos. That
night was rainy, so I settled at the Spoke and saw Monte Warden, who was
really good, and Charlie Robison, who I enjoyed a lot.
Friday was the Bloodshot party, where the ExHusbands did a great set, the
Grievous Angels and the Meat Purveyors were also on the money. That evening I
went to see Gwil Owen, and he was more rocking than I expected, but good
nevertheless. Then I stayed at The Checkered Past showcase for the night, and
saw 8 good acts! Highlights were the Old Joe Clarks, Paul Burch, and Lonesome
Bob.
Saturday totally ruled. I got a ticket for Tom Waits then spent the early part
of the afternoon at the Texicali Grill where Cornell Hurd played. Featured
guests included the above-mentioned Doug Sahm, and a 40 minute set by the
incredible Johnny Bush. Then to the No Depression party, where I was
impressed with the Continental Drifters, Hayseed (who had Lucinda sing a duet
with him!), and Cisco. Saturday evening was the 1st Donald Linley benefit,
featuring Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Kimmie Rhodes, Guy Clark, Hal Ketchum, and
Robbie Fulks for one song. Rumors of the Flatlanders reunion and Willie Nelson
were abound, but I had to leave to go see TOM WAITS!!!
Waits was the hot ticket of the fest, and he delivered an amazing career
retrospective. He was in rare form, with hilarious banter between songs, and a
fine band. It was worth the hassle to get the ticket, and one of those shows I
will never forget.
Sunday I almost cancelled to stay home and recuperate. I was exhausted, but
went to Michael Ullman's partry out near the lake, and had a pleasant restful
afternoon. Sunday night was the Pine Valley Cosmonauts' tribute to Bob Wills,
featuring many of the artists on the record. Kelly Hogan did 3 songs and in
spite of the flu she was fantastic. The show closed with Alejandro Escovedo's
orchestra, which was the best show I have ever seen him do. At one point there
were 15 musicians on the stage, including a 6 piece string section. Stunning.
These are my musical highlights, but I have to say that the most exciting part
was meeting so many P2 folks (and others). Our cybervillage is full of great
folks, and it was great to put faces with names. Thanks to all the people who
were so friendly, and I am not even gonna start naming y'all because I will
leave somebody out.
I stayed home from work today, and now i'm bored. Let's do it again starting
tomorrow!!!
Slim - np: the new Big Sandy EP
