Key Palace, Red Key, IN

The owner of this club, Charlie, told us he bough this falling down movie theater 16 years ago for $1,000. In 16 years he has built it in to a thriving blues bars. The movie theater feel is still there and adjacent is a very cool bar area and a large restaurant. This is pretty much in the farmlands but people come from far and wide to see the national acts he brings in. On the walls are posters and photos of all the acts that have played there. It read like a who's who of the blues world. Charlie is one of these important people that are keeping the blues alive. I had a great time and i felt like we kicked some ass. I really feel comfortable with the new material now and look forward to playing it. I met a young lady Ashley (photo) that was actually into the blues. This is rare and it is always heart warming to meet someone like her. She was taking photos of Joe's guitar after the show with her camera and phone. It would be my pleasure to play here again... Thanks Charlie. PS I will be home in a few days after being away for about a month. I am really looking forward to being at home and spending tme with my lovely wife Ruby. We are celebrating 24 years of being together. I just keeps getting better every day. I love you Ruby.

Stillwater OK Blues Festival

Yesterday we ran up the road a piece (4 hours) to Stilwater OK. We left around noon and got here with plenty of time to spare. Our slot was at 9:30 so we had plenty ot time to spare. This is a free concert put on by the City and other sponsors. When we got there the band Rollin Phatty's was up there doing there thing, The highlight was their drummer Dixie (photo). Bnois and i were immediately captivated my her playing... OK her beauty also. As we watched her play it was clear she had been formally trained and had great chops. I know women can do anything but i find it hard to watch a woman drumming. This is mostly due to their not being many around. As soon as they were done i engaged her and helped her load out her kit. (DW). Dixie was fun to talk to and she told me about her training and her collection of drum kits. She plays all kinds of music and it is unusual to see a young person playing blues. She also teaches drumming to young people and works in a music store. It was great to meet her. I talked to a lot of other cool folks and watched some great music while we waited to play. Our set started a little late after a killer set by Austin Based ,female guitarist, Tracy Conover. I was told ahead of time that the show would be streamed to the web. I called a few friends in San Diego and gave them the address. I had a great time playing especially since i had a few weeks off from live music. We ran through some old songs and a few of the new ones. All went well and the crowd stayed with us till the end.

Life is good

while i was hanging in Dallas i got to meet Anson Funderberg. I have been a fan since i saw them on the Blues Cruise with Sam Myers. I went to the House of Blues to see him also. They have a great Texas sound all their own. Doyle Bramhall has told me some really funny stories about when they were roommates back in the day. We are off tomorrow to play a festival in Oklahoma. It will be great to me making music again. Stay tuned.

Cine El Rey, McAllen TX

While we were at San Antonio we dashed down to the border and did a great gig at a converted movie theater. Great sound system with a killer light show and the crowd was totally into it. The management/ownership really treated us great including an incredible dinner after the show. Love to come back there anytime. PS We have been hired back there On February 15 right after we get back from Costa Rica.

NA Convention San Antonio, TX

I have been looking forward to this for a while on several levels. one is the fact that as a recovering addict, playing at the Narcotics Anonymous Convention is a huge honor. Additionally my wife and great friend Steve D came in for the convention and i have 2 days off to spend with them. Level three is my good buddy, Doyle Bramhall (Pictured playing drums)is set to open up for ZZ Top (Pictured) at the Alamo Dome. Doyle's show was awesome.Our show went well. We played outside at a place called Sunset Station on the opening night of the convention.. It is a converted train station. Ozomatly (Pictured with Ruby)and Billy Price played on a different stage before us. Joe coined the phrase "Dope Fiends A GoGo". Love it.