NC / SC Tour Blog #2 (Day 20)

Driving Stats:

Miles Driven - 1508
Average Speed - 48 mph
Miles Per Gallon - 32


Alright; we left in Asheville, NC, where we stayed on the evening of the 14th. On the 15th, I was scheduled to play at a country club in Cornelius (just north of Charlotte). I had played there last year, at a restaurant on the grounds. This year, I was originally supposed to play in the same spot. But the event was moved to the pool, which was appropriate, except that the weather was not so good that night. Thunderstorms were threatening, but holding off around the time that I arrived. So I was instructed to set up at the pool (under cover, thankfully). The skies continued to look dark in spots, but it didn't really rain more than some drops in certain places. Several people had called during the day to ask about music that night, so we were expecting at least some music listeners, if not any swimmers.

A few people showed up, including some who just wanted to hear music, so I promised to play at least a set for them. I took a break, and stuck around a little to see what the weather would be like. I sold a couple cds, and then it started to rain - drizzling, but steadily. So that was it - maybe the easiest paid gig I've ever done. But given the interest throughout the day, it would have been better to have been able to perform a couple more sets. Ah well; I'm not complaining.

Here's a crappy cell phone photo from the night:

I have to get ready to head out for my last Hilton Head show now, so we're going to have cut this entry short.

I hope everyone is having a super summer!

NC / SC Tour Blog #1 (Day 13)

Driving Stats:

Miles Driven - 935
Average Speed - 50 mph
Miles Per Gallon - 32.5


So... I guess I am on tour now, but some might argue that I am not. I am writing this blog from the island of Ocracoke (in the Outer Banks, NC). My wife and I hit the road on Sunday, July 10th. We headed out to beautiful Lake Junaluska, NC, where I would be playing guitar for the SOULfeast conference. It's a pretty nice gig, because I don't need to be the person up front (most of the time), and I don't need to have all of my music and words memorized. And I get to hang out in a beautiful location for several days.

The conference ran from Sunday night until Thursday (the 14th) morning. I played two solo shows at a coffee shop by the lake, on Monday and Wednesday. I also got to play some tennis, and went for a run around the lake (which resulted in sore legs for the next 2 or 3 days) during the week.

I also ate my first Taco Bell XXL Stuft Burrito. It was not XXL. I do not recommend it. I like Taco Bell, but it failed me in this instance. I'd much rather have three Hard Taco Supremes... or is it Tacos Supreme?

Oh, and speaking of firsts - I almost forgot this - I had my first Cheerwine while I was at the conference. No, it's not wine, and it contains no alcohol. It's a soda that seems to only be available in western North Carolina. Here's a picture:

(*There will be a picture here, eventually*)

After the conference concluded on Thursday morning, I did a lunchtime show in the nearby town of Waynesville. It was unfortunately a bit low on the attendance side, but a few people grabbed some CDs before they left, and it was still definitely a worthwhile show. The CDs grabbed to persons in attendance ratio was pretty good. My wife and I grabbed lunch afterwards, and while we were eating, a woman collapsed behind me and had a seizure. Paramedics came to the coffee shop, and she came to while they attended to her. An otherwise uneventful day became very eventful. The woman has apparently had continuing issues, but we haven't heard much about her in the past week. I hope she's okay.

That evening, we stayed with some friends, and had a nice dinner in Asheville, NC. I was hoping to perform there that night, but things just didn't pan out this time around. Get it? Pan?

Okay... I'll probably have a couple opportunities to post a couple more blogs next week, while we are in Hilton Head. So stay tuned for the continuing tale of the NC / SC Tour!