Well, we’re all back in Savannah after a fun little strum-a-thon road trip up to Atlanta, DC and West Virginia.
Tami, Peyton and I took off for Atlanta over a week ago to visit family and play the open mic at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur. That is surely one of the best songwriter venues in America. Much like The Bluebird Cafe, in Nashville, folks are there to hear songs, have a drink or two and not yap too much. The talent was exceptionally diverse that night featuring everything from bluegrass to the avant garde, which is very different from The Bluebird. If you’re in the Atlanta area on a Monday night and have five bucks burning a hole in your pocket. you can’t beat Eddie’s for an evening of interesting music. Check ’em out.
Peyton continued the Atlanta experience with her grandparents while Tami and I loaded up The Green Machine and headed up to the Washington, DC, area for a little show there. We had a big old time; cruised over to Dupont Circle to one of our favorite book stores, Kramer Books, and ate lunch in a wonderful Greek joint called Zorba’s. Later, at the gig, our friend, Tim Hughes, who used to work for The Secret Service, showed up with some pals and big laughter ensued. We’re hoping to go back up there and play some of the beautiful wineries that abound around there.
The next morning I chased my own tail lights, winding through the mountains of both Virginias, to our next stop, an afternoon show at The Purple Fiddle in Thomas, West Virginia. This place is a must if you love homegrown music. Thomas is a hamlet, cradled by steep hills and filled with friendly hippies. Our kind of town! As I was unloading The Green Machine, I heard this Scottish voice ask me, “Hey, is there any good music around here?” I turned around and there stood our fabulous friends, David and Mary Ellen Leask, who had driven ten hours, all the way from Toronto, on a whim no less, just to hang out with us and see my little show. What a surprise and treat!
I first met David about seven years ago out in Calgary at the Canadian Country Music Awards and we’ve been pals and co-writers ever since. He and Mary Ellen have stayed with us in Nashville a number of times and it continues to be a joyous hoedown every time we see them. He is a very special singer/songwriter and they are both deep, soulful people.
Do yourself a favor and go to www.davidleask.com . He’s so good.
But, now we’re back in The Coastal Empire and we are digging it big time. Both oyster and Bulldog season are here! The jellyfish are gone and The Pirate Festival on Tybee is only weeks away. Peyton can’t wait!
Also, we’ve started a little family travel blog about Savannah and we’re having a ball with it! www.savannah-georgia-vibe-guide.com It’s just in its infancy but we’re adding stuff all the time. Check it out and let us know what you think!
Peach and love!!!