Top Concert Omission

Somehow, I forgot to mention the incredible concert Miles and I saw last February in Durham at Duke University.  The Bill Frisell Quartet playing a score to the pictures of Disfarmer's Depression era families of the Midwest.  This was a full media immersion unlike anything I have experienced.  I guess I will put that one at the very top for its unique approach and the way it still resonates.  It was a true pleasure to see one of my favorite guitar heroes in such an intimate setting too.  Here's some of blog entries from that show:  Disfarmer at Duke and here

See ya!

Johnson Family

Today, we skipped church as we had to get down to West Columbia to visit with my Dad's family for post-Christmas get together.  Lots of good food and just a good time sitting around and catching up with relatives and extended family members.  My Uncle Leonard and Aunt Suzie were the hosts and we greatly appreciate their hospitality.  Thanks to Aunt Suzie for putting my camera in a safe place until my sister can pick it up for me.  I must be getting old, had it packed and ready to go and walked out with the salad bowl alone.  Uncle Leonard is having some major shoulder surgery soon and since he has been a parapelgic due to polio since a young child, this will be a difficult recovery period with only 1 arm to use.  Please pray for Leonard and Suzie during this time and send your healing thoughts their way.  

I also got a chance to catch up with my Uncle Harold and talk about a fishing trip soon with Tricia and the boys.  We missed his daughter, Lindsey at the Clemson game yesterday due to some miscommunication.  Uncle Harold also owns a very successful landscaping and feed store and I will be getting some Abraham Darby roses for a new rose bed very soon.  I found these roses at Buchart Gardens up in Victoria, British Columbia way back in the early 1990's and the scent still attracts me and sends me back out West.  Looking forward to working on building the rose bed soon.  Uncle Harold talked a lot about getting a pontoon boat for his ever-increasing trips to the lake.  That is a fun trip and the boys would love to get out on the water and fish and chase gators. Hope that happens soon!

Watching UNC and Wake Forest play basketball while working on the laundry and getting the boys ready for school tomorrow.  Keller is in his cage sleeping and Shadow is roaming the neighborhood.  It's good to be back and ready for a full week at home and at work.  I have a lot to catch up on from being out and onsite last week.  This is a nice end to a full weekend of family fun and some awesome Clemson basketball.  Life is Good!

This week ahead will find a new Derek Trucks CD on the store shelves and Miles celebrating his 11th birthday.  We are planning a pizza party with a trip to the movies and then a sleepover for Miles and some of his buddies.  Then we head North for a snow ski trip on Friday with the Freedom Fellowship youth.  It's going to be a fast and fun week!  

See ya!

Tiger Basketball, Football Playoffs, Home from the frozen North

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Man, I can't tell you how much fun we had today at the Clemson game today with the boys.  The Tigers beat the NC State Wolfpack in a game that had a tight first half; but, saw the Tigers put it away late.  Booker scored almost 1/2 of the Tigers' points.  He is something special to watch and literally carried the team today. They have a tough match next week vs. the undefeated Wake Forest Demon Deacons at home.  Too bad Miles and I will be skiing (well, maybe not too bad...). Miles and Dylan had a great time at the game, the action is so much faster than football and the excitement was top notch today.  Perfect day in Tigertown that was wrapped up with a ride over to roller coaster road!!!  

Watching Carolina and Arizona play their playoff game right now.  Glad I am not there in the pouring rain.  Really surprised that Arizona beat Atlanta last week.  Hopefully, the Panthers won't be the same victims this week.

Glad to be home and hanging out with the family today.  Tricia and I had a great walk this morning in the woods with Keller and even had a nice walk yesterday when they got home from school.  It's a true simple pleasure of life to walk in the woods with family and the dog.  Great way for us to debrief from the week and talk about the weekend.  

We are heading to Lexington, SC tomorrow for a family lunch with my the Johnson family at my Uncle Leonard's place.  It's something we are trying to do each year after Christmas and it's a great way to catch up with everyone after all the hussle and bussle of Christmas.  My sister, Amy, won't be there as she just had gall bladder surgery yesterday.  She seems to be doing okay other than feeling a little sore.  Get well soon Aunt Amy!  

Well, time to focus on the football game and get the boys in the bed for the long day tomorrow.  

See ya!

Homeward Bound

Like Paul Simon and with a little warmer weather on my mind. Clemson BB game with the family tomorrow!! See ya.
on Blackberry

Sitting Around Waiting On An Airplane

Sitting around the airport in Detroit, waiting on a short flight to Appleton, Wisconsin to work this week. It's 26F here and gonna be a lot colder in Wisconsin. Got some duckies at Wally World last night, hope they serve the purpose, really all I could find in my size. It's not easy having big feet.
Just had a lunch at Chili's in the airport and then watched a really cool water fountain sculptor in the airport concourse that had me hypnotized for few minutes while I sipped my post lunch latte from Starburst [sic]. It's so easy to people watch in airports, you see the weird side and the busy side. Stress and frustration seem to be the order of the day. I have a few hours on the delay, so I stroll around in a leisure pace. I think that makes those in a hurry even more stressed when we don't get to the left of the moving sidewalk fast enough or don't full speed climb the escalators. Speaking of hypnotizing, the tunnel from the main concourse to the smaller terminals here in Detroit is illuminated and made into art with lights and music. Really cool distraction while you glide along on the moving sidewalks. Hopefully, you look down in time to jump off…

Yesterday was our 13th wedding anniversary and Tricia's birthday. Unfortunately, Tricia and the boys had to go back to school/work. Tricia did get some flowers from some guy named "Honey" delivered to the school. She was pleasantly surprised by his thoughtfulness and willingness to show his love in silly ways like flowers. He must be a nice guy and a lucky guy too. Maybe I need to take lessons from him… Whatever, I am a lucky man blessed with a kind woman who is a true friend and a great mother to my boys. Love that girl.

After going downtown to work on some paperwork for our home refinancing, we took the boys (who entertained the mortgage company secretary with their knowledge and overall "coolness") downtown for dinner at Smoke on the Water. We had a great meal and then a nice stroll (there's that word again) across the sky bridge. Miles took a couple of pictures of the happy couple in celebratory poses. He even ran the length of the bridge to show he could do it. It was a fun night with a light drizzle starting as we headed back home. Just hanging around the park, the four of us had a good time just goofing and soaking up some Greenville.

On the flight from Greenville to Detroit, I started reading a book that I gave to Tricia on Christmas 1998, ten years ago. Conversations with God. So far, I am staying with it, it does take you for a ride and is a challenge to follow and understand, as the author suffers the same during his conversation with God. I tried to pick it up a few years ago; but, I guess I wasn't ready for that teacher yet. The teacher does appear when you are ready to experience what needs to be taught. I stole that line from the book! I think "The Shack" got me in the frame of mind to open myself to what I need to "re-member" from this book. It might take a few readings and I am interested in the books that follow. Funny just listening connection…Bob Dylan's "Trying to Get To Heaven Before They Close The Door" is in my ears from my Ipod right now. I get it, sometimes you can get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right…
See ya!

on Blackberry

Discovery Place, Grandparents from Ohio visit

Today we got up early and drove Tricia's parents to the airport in Charlotte so they could travel down to Orlando to visit Disney World with Tricia's sister and family. They are going to have a very busy week, Tricia's sister has two young boys under 4 and one of them has been sick already before traveling down to Florida. Say a few extra prayers for the whole family this week. Just keep smiling Kathy!

After dropping the in laws at the curb, we headed towards Pineville to waste some time at the mall before our 1230 reservations at Discovery Place. During the delay, we hung out at Barnes and Noble where I had some coffee and read the paper while the rest of the family browsed the books, one of their all time favorite activities. Before getting lunch at Jason's Deli, we hit Best Buy and got the entire Wii Fit package. Tricia is going to use the Wii Fit as her Wellness Benefit with my work since spouses are now covered. I should recover 70% of the purchase thanks to work. A good deal and we all benefit.

Discovery Place is a science and education museum in uptown Charlotte. Today was the last day for the Pompeii exhibit and I made reservations since I knew we would be driving Frank and Kathy to the airport today. I have to admit this was a great idea on my part if I do write so myself. The entire family was impressed with the exhibit. Some recreations and videos but that complimented the vast array of artifacts. My favorite part were the plaster cast figures that were created when archeologists poured plaster into the large open spaces they encountered during their digs. That was cool. The weird part was seeing everyone use the audio devices you could rent that read or discussed exhibit items. It looked everyone was walking around talking on the telephone and looking at ancient Roman life at the same time. A collision of time and space. I think Miles and Dylan enjoyed the exhibit and mentioned it several times. They got a big laugh out of the nude statues as well. Boys can't help it, we have to laugh.

After about 1 1/2 hours in the Pompeii exhibit, we spent another 45 minutes in the main science hall. Dylan enjoyed the Circus science expo and Miles went around the room with max attention deficit, touching everything. I think Dylan's favorite was the building blocks area. He and Mom made a tall sky scraper like the ones we saw driving into Uptown Charlotte. One of the funniest moments was when Dylan and I went into the rain forest expo and Dylan saw a door on the side of a cave and said "look, a door!" I went around the front of the "cave" and said "I think you might not want to do that". Dylan walked around to the glass and saw the VERY large python snake laying just on the other side of the "door". He and I got a big laugh out of that.

It was a very busy day but an exciting day for the whole family. We are going to miss spending time with the grandparents, it was a great visit. Very mellow and just hanging around the house. Miles and Dylan got schooled by Grandma in the art of Jacks. Just think, they had fun without using video games, how did kids survive in the days gone by? We talked to the Edwards and they are now in Orlando after a long day of air travel. Glad we had a good visit with them here at home and plan to repeat that next year at this time if possible for all.

I am flying out to Wisconsin on Tuesday for work in Appleton. It's gonna be COLD! But, tomorrow is another great day! Although the kids go back to school and Tricia back to work, it is also our 13th wedding anniversary and Tricia's birthday. After school and work, we have to head downtown Greenville to sign some paperwork for our home refinance package (6.5% down to 5% fixed on a 30year loan, thank you!) and then out to dinner to celebrate our anniversary and Tricia's birthday. I will fly out Tuesday at lunch and get back on Friday. Should be a fast week. Here's some photos from my Blackberry taken at Discovery Place.

See ya!

Top Shows of 2008, Clemson Bowl loss

As promised, I wanted to take a few minutes to write about the concert fun from 2008.  If you know me, I live for LIVE music and 2008 was a good year; not the best year for music, but a solid year.  

Before I dive in, just a few words about the Tiger's performance today in the Gator Bowl vs. Nebraska.  I thought the defense was the hero of the game and turned in an incredible spirited effort.  The offense on the other hand, hmmm.  Did they show up in the 2nd half?  Not until the last series in a do or die, and...well, they died.  Not one 1st down in the 2nd half until the last series.  You can't leave a defense on the field like that and expect a win, no matter how good they really can be.  Bowers and the rest of the defense line really showed what they have and will be offering next year.  This was the end of the James Davis era.  Sorry to not get a win for him and I'm almost hoping that Spiller goes to the NFL.  His unsportsman-like conduct call in the 2nd half for throwing the football at the defensive player from Nebraska was warranted to a point and not a good way to reflect on the Clemson team.  Cullen Harper didn't have his best game, leaving the pocket too early, too often and that last series failed in part due to his inability to avoid a sack.  But, overall, I am proud of this team and how they rallied after Bowden's departure and if nothing else, they gave them Gamecocks a fine defeathering in the Valley.  Lots of fun this year and lots of heartburn.  But, the season is done and I look forward to the Swinney era.  Go Tigers!

Now, let's talk about the concert fun of 2008!

#5 Allman Brothers and Phil Lesh, Verizon Wireless Ampitheatre, Charlotte, October

Two of my favorites and the Allmans came out with all cylinders blazing.  A shorter set for them but really glad to see and hear Gregg in such great form after his recent Hep C treatment setback.  The good thing about shorter ABB sets, the drums don't go on forever.  :-)  Nice to see Phil with his new band, it had been since Dylan was born since my last Phil show.  I became a Larry Campbell fan this night and seeing Phil is like catching up with an old buddy.  

#4 Marc Cohn, The Orange Peel, Asheville, NC  1/20/08

This was a birthday present for Tricia and just an incredible night of music, intimate and spirited.  I think he came back for 3 encores.  Just a perfect night in Asheville for the two of us.

#3 Rush, Verizon Wireless Ampitheatre, Charlotte, NC, July

Miles got his first Rush show and I got to see almost the same set list from the 2007 tour but I tell you this was not the same show.  This was near the end of the tour, 2007 near the start and the difference was more than tangible.  The band was dialed in and had a ferocious spirit and focus.  It was almost too good.  Can't wait for the next tour!  Miles had nothing but smiles and we enjoyed hanging with my good buddy, Matt at the show.  

#2 Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Asheville Civic Center, June

Although the Civic Center is not the best place for music, it has a great ambiance.  This collaboration giving us the full Raising Sand experience along with T. Bone Burnett and Buddy Miller as support was one of the best shows I have seen in a long time.  Tricia and I had such a good time at this show.  She came away thinking "that Robert Plant guy can really sing" .  There versions of "The Battle of Evermore" and "Down To The River To Pray" were goose bump inspiring.  Really, this is one I hope to see a DVD of the tour or a live album or something.  I would like to relive this one again, soon.

#1 Christmas Jam, 12/12/08, Asheville Civic Center

This was the first night of the 20th anniversary for the Christmas Jam which has raised close to 1 million dollars for Habitat for Humanity.  Any night I get to see Govt Mule, Derek Trucks Band and the Allmans has got to be good.  Through in a bunch of guests including John Paul Jones from Led Zep and it's close to concert nirvana for me.  The show started at 7pm and we walked away from the Allman Brothers set at 420am.  This night will be one for the books.  I could have done the 2nd night but I was more than satisfied by what we received on night #1.  Thank you Warren for a Real Good Time!

Honorable Mentions:

Greyboy Allstars, Wanee Festival, April (man, I danced a hole in my shoes during this set)

Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby, Peace Center, April

Susan Tedeschi Band, Peace Center Ampitheatre, April

Wanee Family Jam at the Wanee Festival, April (April was a good month for concerts :-) )

Derek Trucks Band, Spirit Square, Uptown, Charlotte, November (with Miles)

The Blind Boys of Alabama with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Isothermal Community College 

North Mississippi Allstars, The Handlebar, May

Yonder Mountain String Band, The Handlebar

James McMurty, The Handlebar

Biggest surprise of the year:
Steep Canyon Rangers, Peace Center Bluegrass Festival

This was hands down the best bluegrass I have seen ever.  These guys are tight and fast with locked down vocals and stage presence.  Can't wait to see them again.  I'm a fan!

The concert that made me feel the oldest:

Avett Brothers, Peace Center

Tricia and I felt a little out of place at times during this show.  Were we too old to get this screaming and thrashing?  One minute it was a thrashing bluegrass folk concert, the next it was some of the best acoustic folk you will hear any where.  A great act but I just don't get some of their more energetic tunes.  They have tons of talent and a fanatic following of young folks. Like I said, I like these guys and their more mellow stuff a lot but just don't' get the rest of it. That's okay cause I doubt I will pay to see them again and can pick and choose what tunes to listen to when I am ready.

Lots of great free shows at the Bohemian Cafe for the WNCW Tower of Song show tapings.  My favorites would be Tyler Ramsey back in the spring and the masterful Jerry Douglas playing to a PACKED house.  The North MI Allstars were great there too as was hometown boy, Edwin McCain.  Still pinch myself that we get such great free shows there and often too!

So, as I wrote about these concerts, I got to thinking about my previous judgement about the year in review.  This was a great year for Live music on my part.  I have really taken advantage of living in the Upstate and The Handlebar and The Bohemian are homes away from home for me, gotta love the smoke free places that support music and good times.  I made some great recordings and a couple of not so great but the Sony PCM-D5o continues to be the best digital recorder I have ever had.  I am blessed and I look forward to more concert fun in the new year.  Here's to the fun and the music to be experienced!

See ya!