Where is a Banjo when you need it?

Just spent three wonderful days in DC. I remember recording at XM radio years ago with "Two Loons for Tea". We played in Manhatten after midnight and then had a night drive to DC and a morning recording and then flying back to Seattle. This time around I got what I needed - some time to look around and explore! I so appreciate the architecture and spacial distributions of the Mall and all the Monuments. Three days of sunshine certainly did not hurt. I played a little show for the staff of the Library of Congress and it was wonderful. I got my own dedicated folder at the American Folklife Center!!! Not to forget a 2h personal tour where I saw the original Gutenberg Bible, The Jefferson Collection, the Gershwin brothers piano and typewriter, Rodin sculptures, and I got to sing at the Coolidge Auditorium, one of the best sounding concert venues in the country:) I was about a feet above ground for the rest of the day and in love with life. Yesterday I drove all the way out to Thomas, WV right into the boonies - Oh my what a change of scenery. I played a show for 4 folks at the Purple Fiddle and for the first time in years I had the feeling that I'm the wrong act - where is a Banjo when you need it...Anyways after three of the four left I had a nice conversation, sold a CD, and made a new fan. John, the owner took me out to a Tavern where they serve the beer in jars and jam mountain music until dawn - great place to do a social study:)
Today the sun is out and I'm sitting at a Cafe listening to J.S. Bach and doing some promotional work besides letting my mind wander around. Got to go back to the venue and pack my staff so I can get on the road towards Fredericksburg, VA where I play tonight.

Thomas, WV 4/30/2010

Bratwurst, Sauerbraten, Spätzle, Gulasch, Rotkraut, and Kartoffelsalat

What a weekend! Driving through wonderful West Virginia Mountains Thursday, Friday and visiting Morgantown and the beautiful Lake Floyd for shows. Saturday I was playing in Hampton, VA. Long, long drive for hours over the mountains, up and down and up and down. Kinda like a roller coaster but way slower:) After eight hours I arrived in time for a little food before the concert. An hour before the show the house was buzzing with folks and I was buzzing too. What a great concert and response - I was breaking several personal records and shot myself straight up to the royal blue and soared with the eagles. The after party lasted 'till 4:30 am and then it took me about an hour to get rid of all the adrenalin in my body:) In the morning I had to get up early and drove to Virginia Beach where I played at Christ Unity Oceanside. The fabulous Tom Baker was the speaker and I had a great time playing a few songs. After that I drove back to Hampton and we had a birthday party for Kelly's German friends with Bratwurst, Sauerbraten, Spätzle, Gulasch, Rotkraut, and Kartoffelsalat - can somebody kick me and see if I'm dreaming??? Yesterday I drove to DC and was excited driving into the city for the first time. Today I play at the Library of Congress at the American Folklife Center. After that I get a tour:) Live is gooooooooooood!

Washington, DC, 4/27/2010

West Virginia Mountain Mama

I Just arrived in Morgentown, WV after driving 7h through VA and WV hinterland:) It was great though I'm a little tired now. On the way I got myself a gadget that connects my iPhone to the car stereo and for the first time since 5 months on the road I can listen to my music, lectures and books. No idea why I haven't done that earlier?
Just before I got here I was in a big traffic jam when Joni Mitchell came on with her Blue album - my absolute favorite. It never ceases to amaze me what music can do with the mind. Somehow I'm feeling blue now! not exactly what I had in mind but I take it as well as the moments of joy being alive and traveling through such beautiful countryside. I hope I'm able to push the clouds aside a little before I play or even while. The venue (SO.ZO) is right next to the University and the folks are very nice and open so I should have a good concert:)

Morgantown, WV, April 22, 2010

Spring and Family

Last week in NC spring started to draw my attention to its vivid colors and satin like appearances all over the place. While sitting on the back porch of a big log home hidden away in the country I was writing and playing music all day while the sweet scents of white, pink, yellow, and red blossoms tickled one particular stubborn nose hair. It seemed more than the years before or maybe I'm just more open and exposed - I almost felt pregnant for that matter - not that I really would know exactly how that feels but...
Leaving this place was not easy but I knew that I'm driving to Virginia where I have my only family in the US, my niece Sybille - We grew up together and she's the first born of my late brother Wolfgang. We're only a year apart despite the fact that I'm called UNCLE!!! While driving into Virginia Spring seemed to intensify - more? can that be? Oh yes, it can! Especially when you see it day to day how the peach blossoms fill a whole tree and burst out their song. On Easter I was invited to play at a sunrise service at my nieces church. It was very early but I really enjoyed it despite the chill that was still in the morning air. After that I visited a UU Church in Blacksburg, VA and had a great reception and made new friends.
I'll stay until Friday with my niece and her family and enjoy being a real part of it:) Yesterday I baked a bread and made a special salmon dish - oh how yummy:)
What can I say - I think I love eating! Today now I'll be a tourist for the day and check out the Roanoke Star and the D-Day Museum...

Roanoke, VA 4/7/2010