Heylo

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Jul 20

Well, it's mid July and it's almost too hot to go outside. I agreed to run a race in the fall with my friends, and I know I need to get out there and start training, but I can't seem to get out of the house early enough before the 90's emerge. (Not the decade, even though the dream of the 90's is still alive in many of our minds) At least iced coffee and I get along. This weekend my friend Dylan Lee Johnston dropped off a couple of bikes he found at a yard sale. They were in good condition. We rode around all day Saturday, and even though it was hot and I hate riding uphill, the breeze felt great and we got to work our legs and ride through Shelby Bottoms and it was an overall satisfying experience. Speaking of Dylan, I am getting ready to join him in the studio this week in the making of his record. He has some amazing songs and I'd to share this link so you can check out his music and consider donating to his kickstarter campaign. No one who is a creative person really enjoys asking for money and soon I will be doing the same for my record (which is about halfway there, so excited though) Here is the link!!... https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dylanleejohnston/dylan-lee-johnston-just-like-rain-lp

Meanwhile, I have a few weeks off the road and I'm integrating all the fun times I've had so far this summer. Most recently I was at 'Woodyfest' which is the annual Woody Guthrie Festival held every year in Okemah, Oklahoma. Again I had a great time playing with Tim Easton, Amy Speace, Nellie Clay, and David Amram. This year's festival was bigger than ever, with so many of my friends performing, it was truly special. One of the most touching parts of Woodyfest this year was witnessing the Oklahoma community of musicians saying farewell to their friend Tom Skinner. He was an influential songwriter to so many people, and was booked to play Woodyfest this year. Unfortunately he was admitted to the hospital right before the festival began and it was known he would not recover. Everyone who knew him found ways to send tributes to him, visit him in the hospital, and send their energy toward him throughout the weekend. He passed away last Sunday as the festival concluded, but I feel clear that he knew he was loved.