A Von Henry Music Video Production - Doug Spears performs his song "This Old House" live with the story behind the song and video footage of the actual house.
5:53 AM - Notes from the Road – The Gas Hog Tour 2008 – Day 25 – Homeward Bound
Current mood: quixotic
Category: Music
Notes from the Road – The Gas Hog Tour 2008 – Day 25 – Homeward Bound
Sunday, August 3rd
The trouble with staying up so late for me is that I can't sleep that late.By 8:30 am I was up and wandering.Lis had set out the French press for coffee, but I was not at all confident in my competence with the device.So, though my every pore cried out for caffeine, I sat on the back deck and began these notes.Lovely moring, humid but comfortable, and my body soaked up the awareness of being back on native soil.Before long Lon was up to let the Labs out (two big beautiful black Labradors) and he's an expert at the French press, so my coffee jonesing was soon quelled.
Shortly thereafter the queen of the manse arose and, with refilled mugs in hand we went out to Lis' "magical mystery garden" to the left of the driveway out front.Lon brought seed for the bird feeder and Lis instructed as to how to arrange it in the manner the birds liked best.Soon we had plenty of feathered company to entertain us as we sipped coffee and enjoyed the morning.Next I was treated to a tour of Lon's workshop where he builds the finest mandolins you are ever likely to see (Lis refers to the workshop as the boy's club and stayed behind at the house to attend to other matters).We looked at the various woods he has on hand and talked about his plans for certain pieces.Lon is building ukuleles too and has a couple of orders waiting.Plus he still does some guitar repair work – busy boy!
By this time it was already afternoon – time does fly when you are so in the moment, enjoying the company of good friends and soaking up life.But, I hadthe last leg to drive and get home to Orlando and Judy.So, reluctantly, I loaded my minimal gear, gave and got my goodbye hugs and, for the last time this trip pointed the behemoth toward the open road.
Lon and Lis had advised on an alternate route home away from the interstate, through the Ocala National Forest and I anxiously took their advice.Fisrt, I filled up the tank one last time ($3.73).Then I wound through Keystone Heights, dropped down past Interlachen and hit SR 19 right at the bridge over the Oklawaha / The Cross Florida Barge Canal.It was the ideal way to end the journey rolling along through MY FLORIDA, listening to Grant Peeples new CD "It's Later Than You Think" (quick plug – BUY THIS CD, it's outstanding!!Lon and Lis produced it, played and sang on it, etc. and Grant is a rare talent as a songwriter.If you want it straight from the gut, honest and true you're going to love this album.).I cruised past Salt Springs, Juniper Run, through the forests, some of which remained black from fires of the past year and some of which had the brilliant green of new growth rising around the blacked trunks of the long leaf pines and scrub oaks.I ultimately emerged at Eustis on my true home turf in Lake county and then took 441 through Apopka into Orlando and home.
Judy had stayed over on the coast with our grandsons last night and I beat her back to the house, but our dog Aulie was there to greet me and Judy soon followed.I could have gone another week or two on the road, at least, but still there is no place like home.
And, so it ends, much like it started.As I drove the last hour back into Orlando my mind was, again, in quiet thought remembering places I had been, new friends and the treasured friends I'd been blessed to spend time with.I thought again of those I've lost, wishing I could share these experiences with them, but at the same time knowing they were there with me the whole time.
Gas prices are a bit lower than when I left, but still in the upper middle range of those I saw in this three week journey.I sold a lot of CD's, (nearly 100 but I didn't keep an exact count) and we'll have to see how the books balance.I somewhat doubt I broke even, but I may have come closer than I think.It was a tremendous tour and I am so blessed to have the chance to do what I love, travel and share our Florida folk music with those not as fortunate as we that live here in the "Land of Sunshine and the State of Dreams."
If you have missed any of these "notes from the road" postings (and are a glutton for punishment) they appear on my main website at www.dougspearsmusic.com under the "Updates" tab, in my MySpace blog which you can access even if you are not a MySpace member through my profile page at www.myspace.com/dougspears, and they are also posted on my Yahoo Group board at http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/dougspearsmusic/.Hope to see you soon!
7:27 PM - Notes from the Road – The Gas Hog Tour 2008 – Day 24
Current mood: satisfied
Category: Music
Notes from the Road – The Gas Hog Tour 2008 – Day 24
Saturday, August 2nd
Having stayed up late solving all the world's problems we all slept in a bit.But soon enough Hank's two big standard poodles roused the household.With the large guest list Hank opted for breakfast out rather than rustling up several dozen eggs, etc. at home.Sandra Bullock was, unfortunately, still not home and sent her regrets for not being able to join us for breakfast and a big send off.We had a HUGE breakfast at a great local restaurant. The waitress was quite sweet – in my "up too late and up too early" condition as everyone ordered coffee as asked, melodramatically, for a BIG cup of black coffee.When the drinks arrived everyone else got the standard tan restaurant mug of coffee, but she had rustled around in the back and found me a really big blue mug for mine – very funny.
Any remaining world issues were adequately resolved over breakfast – peace, tranquility and prosperity will reign I assure you.Bruce and Laura said their goodbyes and left from the restaurant while the rest of us went back to the house.I showered quickly, loaded my guitars and other belongings back into the behemoth parked out front and finally managed to lumber away at around 1:30 pm.On to Jacksonville!
Now the plan was to go to Lis & Lon Williamson's fabled homestead on Little Lake Gatorbone in Keystone Heights where I was to spend the night after our show at The European Street Café.Those of you that are more geographically attuned than I was in my still somewhat foggy condition have already thought to yourselves that I was going to pass the location of the show and travel some distance to the Williamson abode before turning right around and backtracking to Jacksonville.I was thinking that Keystone Heights was closer to Jacksonville than it was.When I put their address into my GPS I was shocked to see that instead of arriving around 4 pm, in plenty of time to change, chat, load guitars and head to the show in time to do sound check, etc., I would not get there until a little after 5 pm!Uh oh.I called Larry Mangum, our host for the show, who lives in Jacksonville and was on the road himself returning from the birthday gathering for Frank Thomas (HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRANK!!), to see if I could stop at his house, change and then just continue on to the show in the behemoth.Then I'd follow Lon & Lis home afterwards.You have to stay fluid on the road!
Larry's got a great place in Jax just a couple of miles from The European Street Café and we hit the house within minutes of each other.I had a few minutes to poke around while I was waiting my turn in the facilities and perused Larry's studio / office adorned with all of his memorabilia from his many great bands he's fronted over the years.One really caught my eye – a picture of the Larry Mangum Trio with a young, suave Larry with a big, mod, swept back hair do, beard, mustache, hippie gauze white V-neck shirt, gold neck chain, etc.He looked for all the world like one of the BeeGees, no kidding!
We were at the show in plenty of time and I found a parking spot for the "touring coach" next door behind the ABC Liquor Store (how apropos).Lis and Lon soon arrived and we sound checked etc. as our crowd began to flow in.I have been looking forward to this finale show to the tour with Lis and Larry for a long time.Ray Lewis has done a dynamite job making a go of this series in Jacksonville.He has worked tirelessly and selflessly to provide a first rate venue for this music and we greatly appreciate his commitment – THANKS RAY!The room was at capacity when Lis kicked off the show with Florida Cracker Girl and for the next hour and a half we traded songs, jokes and stories.A wonderful crowd.What a homecoming!Thanks to all who came out!
After the show Lis & Lon led the way back to Gatorbone.It is necessary to clarify a little.Lon was driving and using the GPS to get him back to the interstate.However, Lis was in disagreement with the Lady on the Dash and directed Lon onto a different route.Poor Lon, getting conflicting directions from two women at the same time and ending up quite turned around.I actually pulled into the lead at one point with my GPS homing in and got us the highway so that Lon to retake the lead position.Wow, I'm dizzy just thinking back through it.
Out in the seclusion of Gatorbone we got out the brown whiskey.Lis whipped up some blueberry pancakes and bacon and we sat out under the trees behind the house to eat.Afterwards, drinks refreshed we walked down through the woods and sat by the lake listening to the night and chatting about all sorts of random stuff.Lis kept seeing falling stars, but it could have been the scotch – not sure.In the end we didn't get to bed until about 3 a.m.Ah, the sleep of the well fed and the well satisfied.Tomorrow it's one more tank of gas and home to my bride and Orlando.
4:17 PM - Notes from the Road – The Gas Hog Tour 2008 – Day 23
Current mood: grateful
Category: Music
Notes from the Road – The Gas Hog Tour 2008 – Day 23
Friday, August 1st
I got up at Bill & Barbara's with all good intentions to be on the road to Savannah by 9 am.However, the hospitality and excellent company at the Derby B&B was just too wonderful to rush away from.After coffee out on the deck watching the humming birds Barbara served a magnificent breakfast that I'm sure knocked a little whole in the weight I had managed to lose on this trip.Though I hated to leave I had a long drive to Savannah (about 6 hours) and needed to get under way.So, well supplied with a large travel mug of coffee and a carefully wrapped stash of Barbara's fresh brownies from the night before, I ground out of their driveway at just before 10 am.
The drive to Savannah was largely Interstate and not overly interesting.However, I always use that mindless driving time to work through song ideas in my head and sing anything worthwhile into a little portable recorder that I carry.A little beyond the halfway mark I reached Dublin, Ga.That area is where my grandfather Spears was born and raised.I had visited my great grandmother there once when I was very small, but still remember the cotton field, the old house, the outhouse (yep, still in use), etc.Though I really didn't need gas yet, I pulled off and refilled, mostly just to set foot in that area again.
I rolled into Savannah (actually Tybee Island where my host, Hank Wiseman lives) a little after 4 pm.After being introduced to David and Nancy, Hank's friends from the Asheville area who come down and help out with the monthly concert series, and getting the grand tour of Hank's lovely home out on the Island, we loaded my gear into David's car and went for a quick bite to eat before heading out to the show.
The Savannah Folk Music Society is a labor of love for Hank and his cadre of volunteers.In addition to an annual Festival, several solo concerts during the year and other workshops, activities, etc., they put on the monthly First Friday for Folk Music, a three hour program featuring three artists.There is a minimal donation for admission which goes to the Folk Society to support their various programs and the artists play for product sales only.However, the audience here has a long standing reputation as voracious CD consumers.When you consider that they draw a monthly crowd of more than 200 folks to these shows, CD sales can be quite significant.
On the program for the evening was Bill Shulman (a local favorite on a vintage Martin twelve string), followed by veteran national touring artist Bruce Piehoph from Greenville, SC and, concluding the evening, the guy with guitar calluses an gas pump calluses, Moi.A near sell out crowd, not more than a dozen seats available speckled through the audience in this great auditorium at a Presbyterian Church in Savannah – wonderful sound, lighting, large stage, etc.And a crowd that was there for one thing and one thing only – to hear the music, what a treat!!
Bill Shulman's set really got the crowd warmed up with old favorites, some humorous numbers and a couple of sing alongs.I can see why Bill is so well liked and appreciated by his "home crowd."Then Bruce Piehoph took the stage, and I mean TOOK it.Bruce is an astounding writer and presenter of his vast collection of original material that has filled 17 albums (that are still available) over a career of 40 years.This was Bruce's third appearance at First Friday and the crowd responded to him like a returning member of the fold.Just an outstanding performance – I was privileged to get to see it, much less be saddled with the task of following it!
But, follow it I did and to a tremendous reception by this attentive crowd.Based on comments following the show from the crowd around the CD table, favorites seemed to be Teppintine, Yellow Butter Moon (a new song I've been playing this trip), This Old House, Sinner's Song and Break Some Stones.Wonderful folks, including Sandy Branam, a renowned Savannah artist who produced water color paintings of each performer during their set!I'll have a copy of that posted soon.I thoroughly enjoyed the performance and have been invited back which I'm looking forward to immensely.And, the CD buyers did their part in helping to defray my enormous gas bill for this tour.Thanks SFMS!!
Back at Hank's digs on Tybee Island (Sandra Bullock is his next door neighbor – she sent word that she was so sorry to miss my show but was having babies and shooting movies elsewhere – NOT!) Bruce and his lovely bride Laura joined us and we sat nibbling snacks, swilling beer and comparing notes on mutual friends until the wee hours.As you might guess we solved most of the world's problems and concluded we were all geniuses before the beer ran out.As a consequence of the long day I was physically and mentally incapable of completing these notes and left them for later submission.But as it turned out my last couple of days would be quite busy indeed –
8:27 PM - Notes from the Road – The Gas Hog Tour 2008 – Day 22, July 31st
Current mood: sleepy
Category: Music
Notes from the Road – The Gas Hog Tour 2008 – Day 22, July 31st
I slept in this morning until almost 8 am.The soft patter of the rain and the night sounds of the trees surrounding my campsite made for a very peaceful snooze.However, I knew I had a lot to do today, a "day off" in that there's no performance.Laundry, cleaning the camper, doing the dishes and doing internet promo work for the two remaining shows of the tour were all on the agenda.Again, COFFEE!!
The tasks described took the morning and into the early afternoon mostly because the internet work for the upcoming shows can be laborious and time consuming.There were also general emails to read and respond to, folks who were at the show last night to chat with when encountered, etc.It was almost 2 pm straight up before I put the Ford in gear and lumbered forth.The Lookout Mountain KOA was a wonderful stop and I hope to hit it again on a future trip.
The drive to Blairsville, Georgia, where I'm to stay with my good friends Bill & Barbara Derby, was an interesting route.The Chattanooga / Lookout Mountain KOA is actually situated just over the Tennessee / Georgia line in Trenton, Georgia.But to get to Blairville, almost due east, I had to first go north, back into Tn., then east into NC, then south back into Ga. – go figure.But, after Chattanooga (which was a madhouse traffic wise) it was a very pleasant drive.The route took me through the Cherokee National Forest along the Ocoee River.The Ocoee is dammed at several points by TVA projects creating some beautiful lakes and stretches of white water rapids alongside the winding state highway I traveled.Multitudes of rafting businesses had buses loaded with hundreds of white water adventurers lining the roadway either on their way to drop off a load at the upper end of the runs or to pick them up at the end.Plus, private vehicles were parked all along the shoulder of the road and folks were loading and unloading kayaks, canoes and rafts from their roofs not always mindful of the passing traffic mere inches from their bathing suit bottoms – more than once I thought I'd scored a tourist only to miss by the slimmest of margins.
In about a 2 ½ hours I rolled up to the driveway of Bill & Barbara's new home.Barbara, ever the editor, wished to point out that in a previous blog I mistakenly reported that they used to live in New Smyrna, which I know is wrong – it was Ormond Beach not far from Chuck and Pat Spano.She also noted a couple of misspelled names, but who cares – you know who the folks were no matter how I spelled 'em.
What a lovely place Bill and Barbara have here!Nestled into the wooded hillside is a cozy chalet styled tri-level home on two acres of natural privacy.I got the nickel tour and was thoroughly impressed with the new digs.I particularly like the high open ceiling in the main living area – the acoustics are wonderful as I learned after dinner when I got the guitar out for a little while.
Bill & Barbara Derby, if you don't know them, are among the most devoted fans of both the Florida and national folk scene.They got "turned onto" this music a few years back and just can't get enough of it.I am so fortunate to count them among my own fans and, more importantly, friends.Barbara initially announced (having read my daily blogs during this tour) that we'd be having rice and beans for dinner – I'm sure the stunned look on my face rewarded her evil little joke.I was quite relieved when Bill fired up the grill and brought out some huge chicken breasts – now we're cookin'.I can tell you that the Derby B&B for Hapless Touring Musicians is a five kudo operation.It's wonderful to be spending the night out of the camper with good friends.
I did play a few tunes after dinner just to stay ready for tomorrow night's show in Savannah and we told stories, jokes and generally visited until it was time for fresh baked brownies topped with ice cream and coffee on the side – do I know where to crash or what?!Delicious!I've retired now to my suite to type these quick notes before I drift away to the sounds of the tree frogs outside.If you know Bill & Barbara I seriously recommend that you wangle an invitation to visit them up here.If you don't know them, I'll introduce you at the next festival – they still come back to Florida for a lot of them.I for one still count them among our Florida Flock, Georgia address notwithstanding!
8:09 PM - Notes from the Road – The Gas Hog Tour 2008 – Day 21, July 30
Current mood: thankful
Category: Music
Notes from the Road – The Gas Hog Tour 2008 – Day 21, July 30
First and foremost, happy birthday to my Daughter, Stacey!!Don't be thinking you're too big for the traditional birthday spanking!!
Though I stayed up late last night watching part of a movie on my computer, still a little wound up after a very enjoyable show, I woke at 7 am and set about the business of getting on the road.First things first – COFFEE!!While I sipped that wonderful cup of ½ hazelnut, ½ dark roast and half caff, I sent you guys my daily (or in that case semi-daily) missive.Then I put feet to shoes and hands to labor.Not much labor though.Traveling alone in the camper I do the minimum in terms of setting up and, consequently, there's not much to tearing down.But I did take time to reorganize a bit and rid myself of the refuse of the last few hundred miles of driving (empty water bottles, withered banana peels, soiled napkins, etc.).Plus, "my adapted grand kids", Aaron and Cody were up not long after I began, still in their matching Batman pajamas (complete with capes) and, along with their Boston Terrier, Chico, were right in the mix.I got finished with everything except unhooking the water and power and then went to shower and change.I had promised Aaron and Cody that we'd have our picture taken together and I didn't want to look like the park vagrant for that.Mike and Michelle were so good to me the two nights I was there and Michelle sent me off well provisioned with a grilled chicken sandwich and a bag of cookies – nice, nice folks.Aaron offhandedly, in his best five year old impersonation of a grownup, "wondered if I'd like to go fishin' sometime" and had I not had to be in Chattanooga tonight, I'd have taken him up on it.I hope I see the family again soon and will think of them often.
The drive south was reasonably uneventful.My route took me through the outskirts of Nashville before turning me southeast.Gas prices hovered in the $3.70's, though I saw one station (too late to take advantage) that had regular for $3.49.There were a lot of trucks traveling I-65 and I-26 and, though the terrain was more forgiving and I got better gas mileage, the trucks were intimidating at times, particularly when they fly past you on both sides at once buffeting the trailer with their air wakes.As I was driving through the heart of bourbon country, past the distilleries of Jim Beam, Wild Turkey, Maker's Mark and others, I was tempted to pull off and take a "tour" to calm my nerves.But instead I admonished myself "buck up little camper" and persevered.
I hit the Lookout Mountain KOA right on schedule at 2:30 pm.Coming in I could tell that the park was at peak slow – very few campers dotting the hillside park.It's a beautiful place with lots of shade and well kept grounds.The owners, Brian and Allison could not have been nicer getting me situated and making sure I had everything I needed.Brian took me to the pavilion where I was to perform.It was small, probably 30 x 30, but covered and in a good location.Given the low occupancy and the size of the pavilion I made a command decision – in the tradition of Barberville and the River Gazebo at The FFF in White Springs, we're doing this one all acoustic.Brian liked the idea completely.
I got my camper situated in a perfect site, fully shaded and right across from the showers and the wireless internet antenna.Then I did a little email work for upcoming shows, showered and had my preshow meal (but not beans and rice as I was mindful that the intimacy of this show might prove embarrassing if gaseous emissions pressed forth mid song).I then showered and went back to the front office to retrieve the left overs of the post cards I had sent promoting the show.Borrowing Brian's golf cart I drove the park chatting with folks and making sure they knew the when and where for the show.Then, having hit all I could catch out and about I settled back in to get ready.
I love not setting up the sound system!!Just a table with my product, tip jar appropriately "pre-seeded," a stool for my picks, water, etc. and a guitar stand.I had restrung my Collings and elected to go with just the one guitar and retune as necessary – keep it simple.At 7 pm sharp the folks I had met and handed cards to, as well some others that had been chummed up by Brian and Allison appeared with their chairs in hand and ready for an outdoor house concert.What FUN!!!Small kids were there dancing on the upbeat songs and starring wide eyed at this guy playing guitar and singing right to them.Adults swayed and tapped feet to the music, even singing along as they learned the lyrics.Stories and jokes and impromptu reactions and remarks – it was remarkable.
And so were the CD sales and tip jar proceeds.The crowd was never more than 20 people (including kids) and really only about 12 adults start to finish, but every single one bought CD's ( mostly the give me all you've got type), signed my mailing list and generously hit the tip jar with non-ones.I talked to them about house concerts and a couple are anxious to stay in touch to set something up back home.It was just the best!!
In all this exuberance over how fun it was I forgot to tell you – it rained nearly the whole time!!These folks came in through the rain to have fun and boy did we!!I won't soon forget this show.
It's still raining now, though it has slowed to a drizzle, and I'm sitting under my awning enjoying the night sounds and the dripping of the water from the trees.Tonight I eschewed whiskey for wine, a nice pinot noir, and I hope you are suitable envious.I shan't stay up so late tonight, the wine will see to that.
Tomorrow I'll wander over to Blairsville, Ga. to spend the evening with Bill & Barbara Derby who recently moved there from New Smyrna.They graciously invited me to swing through on this trip and I'm taking them up on it.Looking forward to seeing the new digs and relaxing a bit.Then it's Friday to Savannah and Saturday to Jacksonville – the home stretch.I'm not tired of the road, but I'm not adverse to getting home either.More tomorrow.
4:56 AM - Notes from the Road – The Gas Hog Tour 2008 – Day 19 & 20, July 28 & 29
Current mood: froggy
Category: Music
Notes from the Road – The Gas Hog Tour 2008 – Day 19 & 20, July 28 & 29
Let's see, where was I???Oh yeah, Berea, KY – nice little over night stop.Had very little to do to break camp so I was underway by 9:30.The original plan was to be in Louisville, KY (Shepherdsville actually) by noon with time to get the lay of the land and begin promoting for Tuesday's KOA show there.However, I noticed that the brand new tires on the brand new axles I just had installed on the camper before I left were wearing very unevenly on the front set of tires, enough that I was becoming concerned about them making it back to Orlando.So, I checked the GPS and found a tire place near the Interstate and pulled off.After checking a number of things the tire guy (what are they 'mechanics', 'technicians', 'rubber analysts', what?) surmised that the front axle was slightly misaligned and was causing the rapid, uneven tire wear.Well, I have a warranty back in Orlando, so I didn't want to have this guy do any serious work.I just had him switch the front tires to the back and the back to the front – let the other set wear for a while until I get home and can get this sorted out.
So, with my little tire sidetrack, plus a stop to get a prescription refilled, reload on water, gas up, etc. I actually didn't pull into Shepherdsville until about 1:30 pm.Nice KOA park and they've done a nice job promoting the show.The real question here will be how many folks there will be in the park mid-week.Unlike Cherokee, NC this is not a high traffic tourist area and the park is not even half full as best I can tell.Nevertheless, there's plenty of folks to play for if I can get them to toddle on over Tuesday night.
Now I had another issue to attend to – in Bristol, TN I discovered that one of my speaker cables is shorting out.So, I needed to pick up a spare.Once I got in my campsite I did a little google research and found a chain music store about a half hour away.I made the run to get that and a couple of other nic-nacs and got back to the campground around 4 pm.Wow was it hot!!In the high 90's and they say tomorrow it'll hit 100!I may need to get back to Florida to cool off!
I sought the shelter of the AC for a little rest before going out to scout the possible show sites.At about 6 I took a sweltering stroll in the late afternoon sun and determined that there was really only one logical spot that would be shaded at 7 PM on Tuesday and had available power for the sound system.With no rain in the forecast the fact that it is out in the open towards the front of the park should not be a problem.So the Tuesday night concert will be in the shaded grassy area adjacent to Site 309.
Dinner time – thick juicy pork chops with seasoned lima beans and broccoli – YUM!My next door neighbors have two little boys, Aaron and Cody, who have adopted me obviously concluding that no old guy in my condition should be left unattended.Cute kids.
Used some of my WV firewood that I stocked up with in Parsons before leaving there to build a small, warm night fire and picked some tunes.As usual, folks will always stop by to hear what you're doing and I'd tell each one about the concert on Tuesday.Before I knew it 11 pm rolled around and it was time to crash.Too tired to even start my "NFTR" post so I just shut off the light and snoozed out.
Tuesday, July 29th
Eight AM, coffee, time to get to work promo'ing the show.Aaron and Cody invited me over for pancakes and bacon (courtesy of their folks Mike and Michelle Smith) and so I got my morning sugar and caffeine high going.I went on down to the campsite I'd selected for the show and set up my speakers and sound board (covered in case of rain) with signs promoting the "sundown concert" at 7 PM.I gave the front desk some additional postcards promoting tonight's show for anyone who came through today and I put up a dozen or so additional posters in key locations (i.e., the bathrooms and pool area).At about 3:30 I'm going to walk the campground and hand out cards to anyone who's around.Wish me luck!
. . . . LATER ON . . .
So now I've handed out about 30 postcard invitations and chatted with folks about the show.It's still hard to tell what kind of turnout I might have.The heat is going to deter some, but that's why I emphasized the "shaded grass" next to Site 309.I'm going to bring my super, duper, blow your shorts off, stage fan which should help me with the heat a little.Nothing left to do but get ready to play.
I'm going to have my early rice and beans pre-gig meal in a few minutes, then I'll go ahead and do a sound check down at Site 309 (starting to sound like the scene of a paranormal gastric event of some kind isn't it?OH NO, NOT SITE 309!!!!).I also plan to hook my iPod up to the system about ½ hour ahead of time and let the music help with the draw (hopefully).I'll let you know how it goes.
MUCH LATER ON . . .
As I said in Johnson City, some days you eat the bear and some days the bear eats you.Well, that old bear meat is pretty tastey let me tell you!I had one of the best listening crowds and nearly the best CD sales of the tour – on a Tuesday night.The heat did get things off to a bit of a slow start, but two or three songs in I had a nice little group of 30 or so.The audience had shade right from the get go, but I was in the sun for the first 30 – 40 minutes.People kept filtering in and out and I had the usual "cheap seaters" sitting at their campsites and enjoying the music from afar.Though I'd rather have them in close, it creates some lighter moments when you get clapping and whistles from 100 yards away, to the left and to the rear, after a song – pretty comical at times.The sound system was carrying wonderfully out across this meadow-like spot and as the sun continued to descend it was really a beautiful setting.I had a symphony of crickets accompanying me (or me them) as the light turned soft in the trees.The crowd was terrific and I really enjoyed the show.
9 PM seemed to come too quickly.It was still light, but fading fast.I wrapped it up and the crowd showed their appreciation by buying CD's and padding the tip jar.Four couples bought everything I had, both CDs and the DVD of my Octagon Arts show back in 2006.I chatted with the group, took an offered beer from one of those that had come best prepared, got hugs from some and had pictures taken with others.Great night.
So now I've had my wind down time sitting at the campfire next door with my "adapted" grand kids, Aaron and Cody, and their folks Mike and Michelle Smith.I learned something sitting there by the fire – the hub for UPS air is in Louisville.As we sat by the fire I noticed a real increase in air traffic on landing routes into Louisville.Mike said "well, it must be just after 11 because the UPS planes are coming in."And boy did they ever!It was if they were landing single file with only a minute or so between them and we were right on the glide path – high enough so as not to ruin the peace of the fire, but noticeable.
5:21 AM - Notes from the Road – The Gas Hog Tour 2008 – Day 18, July 27
Current mood: awake
Category: Music
Notes from the Road – The Gas Hog Tour 2008 – Day 18, July 27
My next show is in Louisville, KY Tuesday night, so I've got a couple of days "off."My stay here at the Bristol KOA is up today and my stay in Louisville doesn't start until tomorrow.So my plan is to head up to Berea, KY today and hit a cheap campground there leaving me only a couple of hours into Louisville on Monday.Part of the "master plan" with the KOA gigs is to stay for free as much as possible.The only nights I've paid for so far were the first night in SC and the four nights that Judy and I were in WV.In WV we paid less than $15 per night so that didn't hurt the budget much.Between what I've saved on hotels and meals I'm still within range of breaking even on this tour, although last night certainly didn't help.We'll see.
Gonna have one last cup of coffee and get hitched up.I'll add to this later on once I hit Berea.
Well the gas saga continues, but for the better.I was able to buy a few gallons today at an all time low for this trip - $3.59 – and that was in northern Tennessee before I crossed into Kentucky.Kentucky is generally higher in the $3.85 neighborhood, but it varies considerably from town to town, as much as .20 per gallon just a couple of miles apart.Very odd.
The day has been clear, sunny and hot.It was in the high 80's to 90's even at higher elevations.The drive from Tennessee was beautiful up through the Cumberland Gap crossing large lakes created by the dams of TVA projects on these graceful, dignified rivers.I stayed off the Interstates for the most part and took to the state highway systems where possible, all four lanes so good roads and easy driving.I was in Berea (say it like "tortilla") and set up on my campsite by 3 pm.I had a serious sagging spell at that point and took a siesta in the cool AC.
I'm fixing dinner right now (back to beans, rice and veggies now that I'm batching it again – I cook fancier when Judy's around, otherwise I just keep it simple) and then I plan to pick a little outside once the sun goes down, maybe work on the new tunes some more.Only four shows left – Louisville, Ky., Chattanooga, Tn., Savannah, Ga., then back onto home turf to finish up in Jacksonville with Larry Mangum and Lis Williamson.This tour has been a great adventure and a substantial learning experience.You can't pay your dues as a songwriter and performer without doing the road thing and I hope to do more and more each year.It's tiring, but so rewarding.
Someone left a pile of wood in the fire ring on this campsite – it was obviously started, but extinguished almost immediately. Probably rain.In any event, it let me get right to the fire without unstrapping my firewood container, etc. on the back of the trailer.I got out the old Martin and played a little, but my heart wasn't in it.I really wanted to sit and watch the fire and get into my cups a little.Such a clear sky tonight with the big dipper right overhead.If it weren't for the sounds of the interstate so close by it would really be beautiful, but the crickets are cranking it up a notch as if competing with the road noise.A few fireflies out, but not many.A black & white cat wandered up and, I guess, didn't realize I was there because I shook the ice in my cup and the cat came three feet off the ground.
The fire is getting down to a soft glow and so am I.Tomorrow I'll wander on up to Louisville, just a couple of hours, and start promoting for my show there Tuesday night.I think I'll turn in – g'night.
10:20 PM - Notes from the Road – The Gas Hog Tour 2008 – Day 17, July 26
Current mood: Weary
Category: Weary Music
Notes from the Road – The Gas Hog Tour 2008 – Day 17, July 26
The show last night here at the KOA in Bristol, TN (Blountsville actually) went well.This is a nice park and the folks here had put in some effort to drum up interest.While I had some of that "sit at the camper and listen safe from the CD sales and tip jar" stuff going on I still had a nice crowd under the pavilion and sold a reasonable number of CD's – even the tip jar did well, so no complaints at all.I relaxed and had fun with the show, even throwing in "Port-O-Let" since there were no kids present at that time (if they were hanging out at the camper that's what they get!!).
Though I missed Judy already I still slept pretty well.There is a lot to be said for hauling your own bed around with you.I've been very comfortable on this trip and it lets me know that more of this traveling lifestyle in the years to come will suit me just fine.
Today, as advertised, was cloudy with a misting, drizzling rain off and on.The good news is that it kept it cool.I sat under my awning and did computer work (even posted some pictures as you probably discovered at http://photobucket.com/DougSpears - go take a look) and worked on some songs, etc.It really was a very nice, relaxed, productive day.Around 4 I went and took a much needed shower (odiferous maximus – or was that a skunk?) then at 5 I headed out for my Johnson City show about a half hour away.
Now, the old saying goes that some days you eat the bear and some days the bear eats you.Well after tonight's show I'll be bear poop in the morning.The Acoustic Coffeehouse in Johnson City is a mainstay of traveling acoustic artists coming through this area.But it can be a difficult room as it is near a college and it is a "watering hole" (specializing in microbrews).Last year, though it was a weeknight with cheap beer and a lot of traffic right in front of the "stage" (i.e., the spot on the floor in the room where you stand) I did pretty well with CD sales, etc.However, this year it was close to the gig from Hell.
I got there early to reacquaint myself with the room, the sound board, etc. and have a bit to eat.I made some notes on song ideas, put together my set list and got myself mentally ready for what I hoped would be a well paying show given that I was featured on Saturday night instead of the mid week slot I'd had last year.I did not prepare myself for what was coming.
The first mistake I made was not knowing that there was a major music festival event in town this weekend, Belle Cher, and those folks that would ordinarily have come out to see me were elsewhere (as more than a few pointed out by email in the last couple of days).Two - Beer – they love their beer here – so do I for that matter, but REALLY!!Most folks chose to sit outside so that the sound of a solo artist on an acoustic guitar would not impede their beer drinking.Those that stayed inside were mostly polite, but largely disinterested.It was, sum and substance, a bar gig.I don't do bar gigs anymore for this very reason – original music won't carry the day and folks are not there to listen at all.So, while the tip jar did reasonably well (mainly because when the line for beer backed up they were standing right in front of me and I was singing directly to them – pretty hard not to throw some of dad's cash in the jar when the old guy with the nice guitar is staring right at you!!), CD sales were abysmal and I just wasn't having much fun.But, you have to admit, what other job in the world is there that a bad day is defined as one where you get to drink free beer and sing songs?Nobody EVER said this was an easy road to travel and you've got to expect some speed bumps here and there.Chalk one up to experience and move on.
So, after talking a while to the two or three folks that were actually listening and enjoying the show (and taking full advantage of my freebie privileges on the beer – if you can't beat 'em join 'em) I packed up and wound my way back to the KOA (topping off the gas tank since I saw a $3.81 price along the way) where I'm sitting outside, listening to the crickets and writing to my favorite folks (that's you guys).Tomorrow I'm going to head on into Kentucky at a leisurely pace.My next show is Tuesday night in Louisville Kentucky.Sleep well my friends.
3:16 PM - Notes from the Road – The Gas Hog Tour 2008 – Diary Day 14 - 16
Current mood: cheerful
Category: Music
Notes from the Road – The Gas Hog Tour 2008 – Diary Day 14, July 23, to
Oops – my post for yesterday left out the name of the falls we went to since I was having a senior moment – It was Blackwater Falls.Sorry for the gap in the info.
Spent the day looking at property around Parsons, West Virginia which is halfway between Elkins and Thomas (where the Purple Fiddle is) – 14 mountain miles either direction.At Parsons, the Cheat River joins with the Shaver Fork and the Blackwater rivers.The water is crystal clear and flows quickly in white water riffles over, around and between the rocky bottom and shores.In places the river is about more than 50 and in most areas is similar in the width to the Suwannee at White Springs when it is up to normal levels (not low like it has been for the past couple of years).The water is cold mountain spring water.It looks like trout and small mouth heaven.It's popular with kayakers and canoes.
Parsons itself is a small, quaint little town, only about 1,600 residents.It is the home of Kingsford charcoal and sits below the great ridge of wind turbines north of town just before you reach Thomas – owned by Florida Power by the way.It's the kind of place with one decent grocery store, a Rite-Aid pharmacy, a couple of gas stations and an assortment of small local businesses huddled around the late 19th or early 20th century style red brick courthouse, city hall, etc.There is one motel and it's for sale.I've been told there's not a single bar in town.A lot of churches however, mostly Methodist or other conservative protestant sects.While it might not sound like my kind of place there is an irresistible charm about it.
Judy had found a couple of listings in this area that interested her.We located one yesterday on our way up to Thomas.It was three acres on a small stream with a worn looking little box house and some outbuildings.Not bad and the price was pretty good, so it had possibilities.However, I wasn't chomping at the bit to make an offer.The other listing we needed a realtor to actually find.It is two acres fronting on the Cheat River (192' of river front) just on the outskirts of Parsons and we headed there today just before lunch time.As we rounded the corner on the road to the property the realtor pointed and said "there it is."Ahead, between two attractive houses on similar large lots was the two acre parcel with tall lush trees along the river and starring back at us from the lot were five deer, four bucks with horns still in velvet, who were grazing peacefully in the drizzling rain.We watched the deer for a while (and I snapped some pictures I hope to share at some point) until they decided we were too curious and moved on away.Then we walked down to the river bank through the trees.This is it!!The river here is wide, 50 yards +, with lots of white water giving you the gentle sounds of the swift current wherever you are.There are beautiful trees and a sloping bank down to the water's edge which is speckled with the smooth river stones of varying sizes that you prized so much as a kid.Though we looked at a couple more pieces of property today, we were smitten with this piece and went back to the realtor to make an offer.By the time I return to Florida I hope I'll be under contract for this terrific piece of land which, even at the asking price, is cheaper than any subdivision 1/6 acre lot you'd find anywhere in Florida – amazing.
The trip back to our campground was an adventure.The realty office was in a little town called Belington and I asked my trusty, sexy voiced GPS to guide us home.Yeah, the same GPS that took me to the one car ferry in Virginia – OK, I'm a slow learner.We were soon turning up "roads" (i.e. two rut trails with some marginal gravel on them) until we were impeded from further progress by a locked iron gate and a no trespassing sign – apparently the blessed lady of the GPS knows no such obstacles and as I turned and headed back out the way I came she tersely advised "recalculating."I was tired and really wanted to get back to the camper and relax, but we went one way and the next trying to get back out of the middle of nowhere and I began to think we'd be spending the evening huddled in the Expedition.Suddenly we crossed a narrow passing over a small creek that I recognized!We turned around and went back – I was right!We had passed the entrance to our campground from the other direction (no sign facing the National Forest, because who in his right mind would come that way)!Somehow we had passed over the ridgeline and down through the National Forest arriving at our campground from the well protected rear.I could swear I could faintly hear the GPS smirking derisively.
Speaking of National Forests, I learned today that West Virginia is owned 70% by the government as protected lands.Interesting.
Finally back to our campsite and the comforts of "home."A little dinner (ham, corn roasted on the grill and asparagus) and a little dvd on the computer.See you tomorrow.
Day 15, Thursday, July 24th
Getting a slow start.The camper has developed a plumbing leak in the bathroom that I can't identify yet and all of our towels have been used soaking up the water.I guess there'll be no showers this morning.
I need to get into town today to get the brakes on the Expedition looked at – there's a vibration I don't like particularly when I'm having to haul the camper up and down mountain roads.We also need to get to phone reception so we can check on our offer on the property.And, I have some MySpace work to do promoting my shows this weekend and next.Lots to so – coffee up!
What a beautiful day – clear skies and the temperature has dropped into the 70's.Eat your heart out Florida folks!Headed out to Elkins and on the way Judy negotiated via cell phone for the river acreage – and struck the deal!!All we have to do now is go sign the papers.But, first things first.That brake thing is really wearing on me – don't want to put that off.We got into Elkins and found a repair shop that could look at it right away.No big problem, just as front brake job.We went and found some WiFi while they did the work so I could send emails to promote my Jonson City, TN show Saturday night.An hour and a half later and we're on the road again.
We headed on to Parsons and decided to go by the property first to confirm this is what we wanted.One of our deer was waiting on us – a six point velvet buck – as if to confirm the decision.We walked the property again and talked about how we would orient the house.The sun rises over the river which will be the rear of the house and sets behind the mountains which will be the front.We got down in the river, not as cold as we'd expected though cool aplenty, and soaked in the beauty of the place.It really is everything we'd hoped to find.
So, on to sign the papers at the real estate office and WE'RE UNDER CONTRACT – WOOHOO!!What a great bonus for this trip!
We went on back to Elkins in search of WiFi (I had more promo to do) and to pick up a couple of things we needed.What a terrific day.Back at our campsite I got cooked dinner (grilled chicken with yellow rice smothered in tomatoes and okra and steamed asparagus, yum!!) then took a walk while Judy cleaned up.Down at the fishing pond a couple that lives close by were doing pretty good – six catfish (one a 22 incher) and a few bluegills.I was informed upon inquiry that last week the Misuses hooked at bass over six pounds.I was further instructed that the bass in question was not consumed as table fare, but was in the freezer awaiting proper display in a place of honor.I concur.
Tomorrow we get back underway by 9:30 a.m. so that I can get Judy to the airport in Charleston and then head on to Bristol, TN where I have a show tomorrow night.Judy's already sawing Z's as I type – think I'll join her.Night!
energetic
quixotic
satisfied
grateful
sleepy
thankful
froggy
awake
cheerful