Greens tonight in Clarksburg - far from the "ordinary"

The Greens meander their way to a new venue tonight in Clarksburg- The Ordinary, on Main St. As they gather after what was undoubtedly a busy week, I hope they get an appreciative audience of music lovers there in Harrison County. Its getting down to July hiatus time after that. The Greens pick things back up around the last weekend of July. Stay tune for more updates all the time, as the crew fields requests to play from all over. I hope to hear an update about the studio time recording in Morgantown this week from one of the guys.

Finalizing details for our next event(s) in the Americana Music Tribute Series here in Parkersburg

I am very close to finalizing the details of the next live music event in the CHS 2008 Americana Music Tribute Series; stay tuned. Its going to be at the end of July. Then August 16th I will be having the next vinyl record sale, in conjunction with National Vinyl Record Day. Details about both very soon.

Chris Knight, Trailer Tapes

I have been linked to find out about Chris Knight, and his CD Trailer Tapes. Check him out; this is a good find. See where he is playing in a radius around this part of the country.

Greens back in the recording studio!!!!!

Exciting news on the Greens music front; they are back in the studio doing some recording. They are recording at Mark Poole's studio in Morgantown. I'll try to give some updates when I have them about the songs being recorded, the number of songs, etc. to see if a CD is in the works later in the summer or fall.

Basement Tapes and Mermaid Avenue

I finished Sid Griffin's book "million dollar bash" this weekend, and so listened to The Basement Tapes on the way over to Clarksburg Monday. Listening with a fresh ear, after his thorough coverage of the recording sessions, who was playing what instruments, who was singing harmonies, The Band songs re-recorded later, etc. I listened to both disks on the trip; then switched to Mermaid Avenue (Vol 1)- shifting gears to July, and Woody Guthrie's birthday month. Wilco and Billy Bragg did an amazing job of putting these lyrics to music. The lyrics are so intriguingly "old" yet timeless, and so much silliness, and yet turn around and there is a poignant human observation.

Morgantown's wine and music festival yesterday

Andy played as part of the Morgantown wine and arts, music festival, down by the waterfront yesterday afternoon. He played "under the bridge"- and had a fine set list for the occasion. The audience seemed to enjoy the great mix of music styles and his engaging stage presence. I got to catch some of the Weedhawks set on the amphitheater stage, too, which was great and timely, as I am trying to arrange a show with them for Parkersburg as part of the Americana music series. They are very entertaining, and you've love to see a whole evening of their music and stories.

TW Wednesday travelin' music

It was TW Wednesday whilst traveling along the winding WV highways this afternoon into the evening. TW = Tommy Womack and Tom Waits; The tom and tommy w wednesday tunes. I listened to Tommy's "There I said it" and Tom Waits " Heartattack and Vine" on Rt. 47 to Glenville (Burnt HOuse/ Tanner rd over to Rt 5) etc. etc. And Tommy Womack's Washington DC on the way back. The trip wasn't long enough to get Tom Waits "used songs" into the car stereo victrola (1973-1980) That will have to wait for another trip.
The Tom's did me good.

Greens at 6 pence last night

The Greens played Six Pence Pub last night here in Parkersburg. They were in the front room, which was very packed with Saturday night music lovers. The Greens were hosting for two nights of shows, a band from Wilmington NC, Sci-Fi, so they had a set sandwiched between a brief opening set by the Greens, and a longer more "traditional" set to finish up. Tony Castillo was present, enjoying a little reunion playing time with the Greens, due to some (well deserved!) time off from Med School. Tony steps back in and adds some great guitar work to the band. Sci Fi played instrumentals, focusing on some strong keyboard work. They had the Greens crowd up and dancing and sweating (up a storm!). The Greens had been playing 4 straight nights, kind of checking out what a minor tour would seem like; playing consecutively nights. Lewisburg, Elkins, Morgantown and Parkersburg. The Greens played a solid "classic rock" mini set about half way through their long later set; some Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Doors, etc. Much to the pleasure of the audience. I lot of the loyal throng were aware this was a last local show for the Greens until August, so were relishing the infectious, joyous sound and atmosphere. I prefer the "back room" being available for the Greens and their big following; the front room doesn't really provide very many good spots for seeing the band, and lots of "in between" distractions with the bustling activities in the middle of the room. As always, the Greens make the upbeat best of things, to keep a positive, festive vibe going. I guess there may be a return hosting, down in North Carolina where Sci Fi is from for the Greens to play down there, possibly in August.

Tommy Womack's show last night

Tommy Womack performed last evening at the Court Street Grille in Pomeroy. Tommy is a great combination of sharp lyrics, inspired, energetic singing and guitar (and harmonica) playing, and feeding off the audience to really lay it out there with his music. He has some very insightful social commentary in his songs- that nice balance between dissatisfaction with the American culture, but a true compassion for people, and a wry sense of humor and the absurdities of life.
He has some touching "family" songs, and some great vignettes of some intriguing characters. He'll get his digs into certain poly-a-tissions too.......
He obviously is connected with others I enjoy: Will Kimbrough, Todd Snider, in his joint songwriting, outlook on life, the music business.
Only having seen him once before, I am intrigued with his wild "cover" selections, and wonder how diverse he goes. When he did "I am Woman"- that was truly inspired- I guess the three women dancers let him down a bit, by not coming in on the high refrains, but he didn't let that deter him. Sam Stone, John Prine's song about the Vietnam vet, was very strong rendition. When he went into that eerie falsetto on "You shook me all night long"- you could only imagine the full potential of things he could do with an all night covers night....... hhmmmmmm. He had an early Folsom Prison Blues, interspersed with his excellent originals.
He was on to Indianapolis for a show tonight, and then a house concert in Indiana. Once again, check out his website and myspace; he is a hardworking, inspired musician.
There were some contented music fans at the end of the evening at the Court Street Grille, and Jackie has to be satisfied to bring such great acts to our little humble neck of the woods.

Great evening at the Court Street Grille

Jackie Welker has a great place there in Pomeroy. He was a very enthusiastic host, and we had a good talk about live music, and some of the dynamics for him of bringing national touring acts in. The Court Street Grille is definitely a worthy destination spot for an evening of music. I will return!

Tommy Womack at the Court St. Grille in Pomeroy

Tonight is a fantastic opportunity to see a great performer within an hour (or so) drive from Parkersburg. Tommy Womack will be at the Court St. Grille in Pomeroy Ohio. Tommy is part of a greatly admired group of musicians/ singers/ songwriters based in Nashville that I follow pretty enthusiastically. Todd Snider, Will Kimbrough etc. You can hear him with Will in a group they perform as: Daddy. He has a great perspective on the music "biz"- makes some very inspiring music, all in all a worthy reason to get out and see him when he is in the area! I am eager to visit the Court St. Grille, as I have heard great things about it over the years, but haven't made it there yet. Check out Tommy's website for some intriguing stuff.

Greens on the go

The Greens have been down into WV these last two days, with shows in Lewisburg and Elkins. They are in Morgantown tonight, hosting "sci fi" from Wilmington NC for a show in the Greens stompin' grounds. Tomorrow night they are in Parkersburg at 6 pence, same bill. This is a reminder to Greens fans, that there is an opening act! This will be a chance to catch the Greens before they take a little hiatus from playing in Parkersburg for awhile, so better come out and get a Greens boost (other than a little performance at CA House music on the last Saturday of the month)- they will not be back to Parkersburg till either late July or into August. Andy and Brandy's wedding on July 5th and two weeks in Hawaii!
Friday the 27th, they have a new gig lined up in Clarksburg, at "The Ordinary." This is new territory also.
Come out and ask the guys how playing 4 nights in a row works out!

Traveling Music to Morgantown and back today

In the CD player:

Suzanne Vega Beauty and Crime
Alison Krauss A hundred miles or more
Joan Osborne How Sweet it is
John Hiatt Same Old Man
Kathleen Coffee (self-titled)

Marty sent me John Hiatt's CD. He was at Ear Exstacy in Louisville and Marty got an autographed copy for me. We had seen him with some other songwriters at the NewPort Folk Festival a couple of years ago. This is a great CD with some excellent songs- worthy of really getting into. He is a wise observer of the human condition, and his music (melodies and instrumentation) is top notch.

Tommy Womack's journal/ blog - fun stuff

On the way home from Wapakaneto, OH. (God bless the Rythm & Brews club!) with the Coalmen this afternoon, we encountered our first gas at $3.99 a gallon. Of course it was three dollars and ninety-nine and nine tenths cents, so essentially $4 a gallon. I can’t predict the future, but what I can see for the immediate time times to come is that things are awfully gloomy for people who do what I do. This is the most acutely felt recession I’ve ever lived through and the gas prices are at the heart of it. Not only does it break the bank just getting to and from the gig, but folks are so reluctant to spend money now that they’re not coming out to the gigs. Either that or I suck.
Okay, I googled some reviews. I don’t suck apparently, so it’s definitely the economy. When 20 folks come to a gig, you owe them the same show you’d give for 1500 people, and generally I do pretty well delivering the goods in that spirit, but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a drag on the engine. Don’t get me wrong! I’m sure glad and grateful for anybody to come see me play. But… well… you know what I mean.
I see both a new emphasis on regionalism (playing gigs within 150 miles of home generally, something that doesn’t leave all gig revenues at the pump) and figuring out some ways to have “live on the net” gigs where you pay your cover through paypal or something. I’m trying not to be just Joe Gloomy dwelling on a doomsday scenario to the exclusion of what might be done to mollify the situation. There will always be a way to bring you and me together; those ways just might have to change a bit.
It’s good to be home. Nathan turned 10 on Saturday and he got a Mario Kart Wii, which is some sort of brain-suck machine. I hate video games. Why don’t you just pull it out and jerk? Maybe when he hits puberty I’ll one day yank the joystick out of his hands and say “hey son, why don’t I show you a real joystick!”
You know what else I hate? Tattoos! What is the DEAL with all this drawing on your bodies that I see? There is nothing to make a supple fetching young lady’s ass look instantly unattractive like some giant fucking pair of bat wings, or horseshoes, or twisted thorns. A naked female body is a very attractive thing, to me. You may feel that way about the male body and more power to you. I assume it goes the same way. Basically, skin is pretty unless you have serious leprosy or acne or something. Skin with ink all over it is not pretty. I don’t care if you’re Angelina Please Go Away Jolie. It’s not attractive. And here’s a hot tip. Put all your money into tattoo removal companies, makers of tattoo-removal instruments and supplies and local tattoo removal outlets, because those places are going to do more and more business in the coming couple of decades as youngsters realize what a stupid mistake it was to tattoo Charles Manson’s face on your left shoulder blade or make a Marvel comic book out of your forearms.
I’m on the road in Indiana and Ohio next weekend and then there’s a month off which should give me and Will Kimbrough time to work on - and even perhaps entirely finish - the next Daddy record. I assume we’ll both being taking second mortgages on our homes in order to take Daddy on tour some, when the record is released, or maybe we’ll just pierce our lips and do a tour of local tattoo parlors. And don’t even get me started on earrings on lips. Don’t even get me going!
Rest in Peace Bo. We met once and I came away knowing that Bo Diddley was a lovely man! We’ll miss you. Tell Jimi hey.
love,Tommy

A Very Enjoyable Day with Jason Wilber

We hosted Jason to Rubi's on 7th St. for lunch/dinner yesterday before his evening show. He is a great guy, with many interests and he's gracious, and all those good qualities. He is very deliberate in his sound check and preparation for a performance; its impressive to observe.
He put on a second night in a row of a great song selection, good story telling in between, great delivery of his music. He mixed up the songs from the previous show, adding more, probably a little more on the introspective side. He connects with the audience in this intimate setting, and responded to the exchanges of questions, comments, friendly banter. He left a good impression on all he came in contact with on this little foray into the Mid Ohio Valley. He ended with Steve Goodman's City of New Orleans, a very classy version. He headed off to get a little start on the road back to Indiana. He has some local shows coming up, before a trip later in the month down in North Carolina, playing with Iris DeMent.
This is not a complete list of songs but some of the ones he did:
Satellite, in her veins, pay bo diddley, king for a day, lost in your hometown, my great uncle jim, goin' fishin', the ballad of amazing grace and sideshow dan, the galway waltz, its not saturday (my request), indian summer, lazy afternoon, lay down when you're done, the great twenty eight, watching picasso, indigo, down in russell square, (a Gillian Welch song). Sorry that's not complete.
I got positive comments again this time, on the set up of the venue, for listening to a singer songwriter. Stay tuned for announcements about upcoming events.

Andy's song list for the showcase time slot yesterday

Little Warrior
Moving Picture
Homeless Melodies
West Virginia Dream
Drag Yourself

(you were allowed 20 minutes)

Overall Colony Songwriter Festival recap

There were somewhere between 24-30 songwriters involved in the all day events at the Galley in Marietta. Its a great place ("ambiance") with an unbelievable beer selection! There were many of the local familiar musicians and some stretching probably from a little further. There were a lot of good songs cranked out all day long. I caught up some with Don Baker, Aaron Whited, checked out many of the ones I didn't know. Todd and Billy Matheny kept the sound going and Lisa kept the voting and contest stuff going smoothly. I was a little disappointed in the crowd that actually made it over to the Ohio Valley Players Theater, but we didn't let that discourage or daunt us, from enjoying it; both the two opening acts and Jason Wilber's performance. I assume things like this will keep happening; though you can't deny its a lot of work and somewhat of a "risk" support/ attendance-wise. I think it just needs to keep being a part of a mix of things that are tried locally to boost the live local music scene. I don't know if the Mountain Stage New Song contest is in the works for around here again, or if it might have a different format this year.

Andy Tuck in the songwriter festival

Andy played some choice selections in the songwriter festival, but came up short in the "judging-" its hard to pick one song in the contest portion (he chose Apple Pie) and then in the showcase time, I think it was as much a matter of timing; the later part of the afternoon, when many of the musicians were taking a break, so there weren't many listening (and voting) right then. It seems a matter of luck of the timing, and possibly having a "contingent" of people there to watch YOU that wins that part of the festival. But Andy seemed to enjoy the comraderie of the musicians and his enthusiasm for live music and performing shines through. He took in Jason Wilber's show in the evening, and enjoyed that connection, too.

Kathleen Coffee wows the Mid Ohio Valley songwriter community

Kathleen Coffee made the long early morning trip up from the southern part of the state to Marietta to the Songwriter Festival; and walked away with the "prize" of best songwriter. She won over the audience in both rounds, and the showcase, and as the opening act for Jason Wilber. Kathleen's voice, distinctive guitar styling, lyrics and passion are so very impressive; and she has definitely made herself a name here in the Mid OHio Valley. We hope to have her back in late summer for some sort of event. She was intensely involved in the festival; enjoying the other musicians and making connections- she is such a contagious enthusiast for live music; her own and everyone elses!

Jason Wilber in Marietta Ohio last night

Jason Wilber put on a great show in Marietta Ohio last night (Saturday the 7th). This was the culmination of a day of songwriter festival activities. Jason did some great guitar work; sings very movingly; has fine lyrics and tunes; and tells some good stories between songs. He 's a very personable and gracious musician; puts the audience in a nice mood of appreciation and enjoyment. Tonight he will be here in Parkersburg for a follow up performance; which we are eagerly awaiting.

Songwriter event in Marietta tomorrow

There is a big, day long songwriter festival tomorrow, mostly at the Galley in Marietta, with the closing event at the Mid Ohio Valley Players theater. The first part is a songwriter contest. There will be between 22-28 songwriters in the contest. They have rounds of 7 contestants, playing one song. Winners of those rounds (4) compete in a second round to determine the winner. The winner opens for Jason Wilber in the evening event. The afternoon has 20 minute showcases lined up (mostly the same participants)- these will be both upstairs and down at the Galley. By popular acclaim from all audiences, a winner of this showcase will also open for Jason Wilber in the evening. Andy's time slot is (downstairs) at 3:20-3:40. Kathleen Coffee's is right after that. Its a lot of details to keep track of (!) but promises to be a good day of music. Lots of familiar names among the contestants for local songwriter fans.
And, after a number of months of planning it is exciting to have Jason Wilber here in the Mid Ohio Valley this weekend. The MOVP theater will be a nice venue to see Jason, and there should be lots of appreciative songwriter fans in the audience to relish his performance. Then, Sunday night, come over to my place to hear and see him again, in a more intimate setting, where there will be a good chance to hear him perform and talk about the music world he circulates in (touring with John Prine, his radio show, his local music scene, and his connection to many great artists.) Sunday's event is 7 pm - here on St. Mary's Ave. in Parkersburg. I'll be starting the transformation into the "coffee house" today if you want to stop by and get a sneak look (or help!!!) We are working on a special audio visual surprise which may be ready for Sunday).

John Hammond, Jr.

I am reading a book called Million Dollar Bash, (its at home, so I don't have the author's name right with me)- I'll write about it some more, so will be able to give credit), its about the year in Woodstock at the Big Pink, etc. when Dylan and the Band recorded the songs known as the Basement Tapes. Its a detailed account. It has some early threads of interesting connections in the early part of the book ,setting the stage for the recordings. It mentions that the Band (at that time called the Hawks) played with JOhn Hammond Jr. on a few recordings in the early 60's- and as it turns out, I have two of those albums, Mirrors and So Many Roads; so was giving them a fresh listen last night. We have seen John Hammond twice on Mountain Stage in recent years, he has a long, respectable career (visit his website!) and these early albums are impressive- he was just right around 20 years old. Levon Helm, Robby Robertson, etc. playing on these albums.

John Hammond, Jr.

Jason Wilber's VIP club

You are encouraged to sign up for Jason Wilber's VIP club off his website; this is some good "inside" stuff to get a glimpse into his music world. He has a nice "Wilber News Extra" section where he writes little journal entries; some adventures on the road, and some just fun reflections on life. There is a photo album with some road shots, people getting their pictures with John Prine and Jason, and some back stage shots of live shows, some touring stuff- Europe, etc.
Its definitely worth signing on for.

Yesterday to Morgantown and return

I had a work related trip to Morgantown yesterday. I listened to Jason Wilber's King for a Day on the way over, and Robert Earl Keen's BEST. On the way back I listened to Dylan and the Band's Basement Tapes, and Will Kimbrough's Americanitis. While in Morgantown, I had lunch with Andy at the Black Bear, and we bumped into JF Rote, who is excited to begin publishing and putting on line a new political forum, independent entertainment news, etc. Its called ink.- the website (just getting started is www.inkwv.com )- this is something positive to anticipate- I'll give further updates. He (JF) used to write for Graffiti, and penned a very nice review of Andy's solo CD a few years ago; and covers great music venues, and events, and also has a good slant on political and social issues.

Utah Phillips; R.I.P.

Tue 27 May 2008
RIP Utah PhillipsPosted by Will under Blog
I copied this from a really cool blog site: http://katry.blogspot.com/
Read on:
Bruce “U. Utah” Phillips, the Grammy-nominated folk singer known for his bushy white beard, tireless tour schedule and equally tireless work for social justice, died of congestive heart failure Friday at his home in Nevada City. He was 73 and had been having health problems in recent years.
In a letter to friends nine days before he died, he wrote: “I spent a long time finding my way—couches, floors, big towns, small towns, marginal pay (folk wages). But I found that people seemed to like what I was doing. The folk music family took me in, carried me along, and taught me the value of song far beyond making a living. It taught me that I don’t need wealth, I don’t need power, and I don’t need fame. What I need is friends, and that’s what I found— everywhere—and not just among those on the stage, but among those in front of the stage as well. . . . The future? I don’t know. But I have songs in a folder I’ve never paid attention to, and songs inside me waiting for me to bring them out. Through all of it, up and down, it’s the song. It’s always been the song.”
http://www.utahphillips.org/

marty with a band at waterfront park in Louisville KY

Here is Marty hangin' with a band called "Backdoor Slam" who played in Louisville KY recently. Look at their my space site; they are from the UK - they are on a touring frenzy around the country. (for those who don't know, Marty is the one on the far right.......)

Patrick Sky's song "Many a Mile"

So, in my attempts to gather a massive archive's of classic folk music from the 40's, 50's, 60's- I have a Patrick Sky album (his debut, I believe). This morning on Below the Salt (the sunday morning great radio show on WOUB). Keith played Patrick's version of the song, as part of a travelin' / hobo-in' kind of tribute to Utah Phillips who died last week. Then on the blue grass show in the afternoon on WOUB, a bluegrass group played their version of Many a Mile. So then I had to dig out Buffy Saint Marie's version on her greatest hits collection album. That's where I had heard it first. So three versions in one day of that fine song.

Clay Eals book: Facing the Music (Steve Goodman)

Clay Eals noted my referring to his book in my post earlier in the day; which I appreciated his acknowledgment. The book is celebrating the one year anniversary. There have been excellent reviews of it, and as he has toured the country at book signings there have been musical tributes and the like. Steve Goodman, especially as seen through the eyes of such a thorough and caring biography, fits all the more importantly into the lives and music of many other musicians I have followed through the years since the early 70's. His version of "The Vegetable Song" (Barnyard Dance) was one that I quickly picked up an accapella version of, to amaze and baffle "generations" of staff and residents of the emergency shelter I have worked with for a number of years. To then find out more about Steve's interest in the string bands that folks like Carl Martin played in; and to trace their roots back down to WV and VA was and added bonus. That mandolin work is great. In the latest "e-mail" update from Clay, he talks about someone finding some video footage of Steve talking his way through a broken string, ad libbing a song. I will seek this out. I should connect Andy to that one, too.

Jason Ricci show pictures passed along

A variety of shots capturing the excitement of a Jason Ricci show. Bill has a lot more; perhaps you can see more appearing on the Front Row website (frontrowlive.net) Thanks to Bill for providing a LOT of pictures of three events over the last week; the Dylan birthday tribute, the Jason Ricci show, and the Greens Friday night show.

www.insearchofasong.com

Jason Wilber has a radio show (podcast) where he interviews musicians and hears songs. Visit this site to see the interesting collection of folks he has had on his show. His interviewing style is great; he shows a knowledge of the musicians, and the appreciation of their craft.
What will be nice having him visit, will be a chance to do likewise with him, kind of search out HIS story. We are referring to his concert as a "workshop" to convey this idea that it is intimate and listeners will have a chance to hear him talk about writing and influences and connections.

John Prine's meandering through my years

I mainly grew up in the suburbs of a midwestern town. My high school years were unremarkable for the times, with school, sports, and 60's music dominating. As I went off to college at a private college "down-state," I was fairly quickly having horizons expanded in terms of "social awareness" and consciousness-raising sorts of things. At college, being a confusing mix of fairly "comfortable" with myself, but also mainly on the shy, introverted side, I went in two directions: one, becoming pretty politically/ peace movement oriented, and two, getting pretty intrigued with folk music/ singer songwriter / reflective type stuff.
A dorm mate, down the hall, was from Indiana. He connected me to the music of John Prine, at the time, who was really just probably "breaking out" from the Chicago scene, to a wider audience (see Clay Eals book on Steve Goodman, for a thorough recounting of this interesting era). I don't know exactly where this fellow first encountered Prine's music, but it was really just the first two albums at the time: the self titled debut, and either Sweet Revenge, or Diamonds in the Rough. We quickly memorized that first album, and marveled (as obviously many others did then and since) that a debut album could contain so many unbelievable songs, and human stories, and catchy observations and lines. So there has been a constant connection ever since, 1972 with John Prine's music. As I left college after two years, and spent several years living in voluntary poverty, traveling the country, and sitting around circles of guitar players, the songs of John Prine kept re-emerging, and widening the links to kindred spirits. Its another "leap" of a few years, evolving from albums to cassettes, and following the beginning of his own label, after he struggled with "corporate" music business, and trying to be "classified" as a certain type of music. In the early 80's eagerly listening for, and reading for, any signs of touring, putting out a new album, linking with other musicians, etc. I followed his career and kept a steady appreciation for the value, importance of his songs, his outlook on life, to me.
I have no way of recalling clearly when I saw him in Charleston at the old Capitol Theater downtown, with Arlo Guthrie, and who knows who else.
The recent barrage of shows began when Andy was living in Wheeling, and I saw he was going to be playing up there at that old theater downtown. I got enough tickets to bring a little group together to go see that show. As it turns out, Andy's gal, (they are getting married this summer) was there, too, and it became a point of connection for them when they met a few months later).
Now we (some combination of the Tuck household) have seen John Prine in the past few years at: the Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island, at a free outdoor show in Pittsburgh at a city park, Cleveland, Ashland KY, Louisville, Cincinnati (a group of 11!!), Prestonsburg KY, Lexington KY (2 nights in a row), Charleston WV. These all have been shows where Jason Wilber (and Dave Jacques) have been accompanying John, for the memorable sound that creates such a great version of the songs. The audiences are always amazing- the range of ages, the sing alongs, the t-shirts, the enthusiasm and anticipating at the door going in.
I have held a John Prine Birthday tribute as a benefit for the agency I work for, for the past 5 years (this fall will be the 6th annual). I bring together local musicians who play a set of songs, we have some fun little trivia contests, we give away door prizes, and homemade trophies for prizes, and enjoy the comraderie of John Prine's music and impact on many lives. I regularly visit the "john Prine Shrine" website, which is an excellent connector for Prine fans.

I am excited to have Jason Wilber come perform here in Parkersburg next Sunday!