I had 4 good musical events out of 5 days this week. Tuesday, Mark Stuart and Stacey Earle returned to Parkersburg for the fourth time to do a coffee house for us. They were as good as always, and enjoyed the group we assembled; with many familiar faces and some new comers, too. They did a small set at a Promise Place dinner and recognition event down the street at a church for about 40-50 people, and then a Tuesday evening coffee house at our storefront community center for about 30 people of all ages. They had lots of good conversations with folks, and played two sets of their great harmonies and story-songs, with their captivating guitar styles. They were coming up from North Carolina, and heading to Wisconsin after the show.
Wednesday night I went to see Bill Kirchen at the Adelphia in Marietta. Opening for him was John Lilly and then the Carpenter Ants, and then Bill in a three member band, with drums and bass. Bill is a legendary guitar slinger going back into the 60's and most famous for his "Hot Rod Lincoln" which Commander Cody made famous, and Bill still plays with vigor and style. He is relaxed with an audience with his stories and diversity of music styles, but a solid guitar presence, with very able sidemen.
Friday it was back to the Adelphia for the Greens. A fun venue for them, and their dancing fans, with plenty of room up front for folks to get their dance moves on, to the infectious Greens sound.
Saturday it was up to John Radcliff's house on Quincy in Parkersburg for a house concert with Peter Katz, a singer songwriter from Canada, who is a hard touring fellow, with some very good songs, and once again, to complete the week, a very engaging stage presence and connection with an audience.