Does anyone else feel like they're starting to get used to this triple-digit heat? Almost getting to where you kind of enjoy it? Am I nuts? Maybe the dog days are getting to me but there's something therapeutic about getting some needed work done outdoors and working up a good sweat...and then the delicious cold shower. Hope you've managed to take in some of the hot offerings around here in the last week or so. It's Friday night in America, and I should be having a Honky Tonk Experience at Shenanigans, but here I sit. At least it's cool...
We caught the Nickel Creek/Fiona Apple collaboration at Innsbrook a week ago and thought Fiona, whom I'd never heard live before, did a great job in getting into the NC swing of things. The three California kids served as her band while she was onstage and they'd obviously worked out their arrangements well. Welch & Rawlings' "I Want To Sing That Rock and Roll" was a treat. There were more than a few Creek Freaks who felt Ms. Apple's presence took valuable time away from a fond farewell...not enough swan songs if you will. The tour stopped at the Charlottesville Pavilion the next night, with a different set list and a few distracting sound issues affecting, of all things, Chris Thile's mandolin. Given that they carry all their own sound gear and tech crew, that was the last shoe that should've been dropped.
Now all eyes will turn to Chris' new venture as he gets serious about The Tensions Mountain Boys, soon to pull up stakes from NYC and Nashville to set up shop in The Windy City. The How To Grow A Band will soon transition into the TMB consisting, if you've lost track, of Gabe Witcher on fiddle, Noam Pikelny on banjo, Greg Garrison on bass and Chris Eldridge on guitar. That's right, Chris is taking leave of The Infamous Stringdusters to take a ride on Thile's compelling train to Chicago. It was an understandably difficult decision for Critter to make but now that dust has settled, all concerned seem to be cool with it. Obviously a great opportunity for Ben's gifted boy, and a great opening for another fine guitarist Andy Falco who'll replace Chris in the Dusters come September. All the best to both amazing bands.
Sunday, the wilting heat and the threat of thunderstorms forced The Big Boss Combo indoors at Legend's, depriving us of one of Richmond's most entertaining cultural experiences: a deck full of Johnsons. Don't get me wrong, the gifted brothers from Limber, West Virginia do a great show even indoors, but indoors, you just can't make out all the lively stage banter that separates the BBC from all the other would-be bluegrass ensembles hereabouts. (Hereabouts is used in tribute to the late Norman Rowe) I did hear Harry Johnson when introducing brother Slim say "I'd rather hear Slim play the fiddle than eat. Of course I've heard Slim eat and it's not pretty." Don't miss Rusty, Harry, Tiny, Slim and Big Red Johnson when they next find their way to a stage near you.
Two top-drawer acts roll into R-town this coming week...Alison Krauss + Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas on Wednesday at the Coliseum and Sam Bush on Friday at Toad's Place. Seems like an awfully cavernous venue for Alison's delicate acoustic sound but they're blocking off half the building so it'll be a bit more intimate. Let's hope Cliff Miller can make the old room sound good...if anyone can, Cliff's the man. He runs SE Systems in Greensboro, the company that's done all the MerleFests from the beginning. Alison knows a good sound man when she hears one.
I'm really looking forward to checking out Toad's Place for the first time on Friday, and hats off to manager Jeff Sadler for bringing Sam to town. And for picking Jackass Flats and King Wilkie as openers. Should be a great night, especially if they have their ABC license by then. All the folks who were treated to an amazing Buddy Guy appearance there last week apparently got a little thirsty. Incidentally, the Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder show that was set for July 13th was rescheduled for November 3rd. Sadly that's the same night that Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas and Edgar Meyer play the UofR Modlin Center. I hate when that happens.
Congrats to Kay and the gang at Ashland Coffee and Tea for winning a readers' poll in Cooperative Living Magazine as best live music venue in Virginia. They even beat out The Birchmere! Don't miss the legendary Charlie Louvin (Ira's brother and half of country music's all-time best songwriting team) on the 22nd and the golden-throated John Cowan returning on the 30th.
See you somewhere along the way I hope...T
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