Due to Brando-Skyline disorder, I cancelled my show in Johnson City and headed to Nashville a day early.

Stayed the night at Dylan and Ruthie’s again. The following day, Dylan and I explored the Country Music Hall of Fame. We saw some cool things in glass cases…

Gram Parsons’ Nudie suit…

Tuesday I met up with my friends Dustin and Lauren Overbeek. They are really sweet folks and Dustin is a great songwriter… www.myspace.com/dustinoverbeek. They let me crash in their spare bedroom with an adjoining bathroom… luxury! Tuesday evening I performed at The Basement. Mike Grimes owns the venue and the amazing record store located directly above… Grimeys. When I arrived, Mike was loading in the bands and then proceeded to run the soundboard… Jack of all trades! He is an awesome dude. It was a real pleasure to perform there. I spent the next couple days bumming around Nashville. The weather was beautiful and I must say I understand why so many are drawn to this music mecca. Scored another set Thursday night at Imogne and Willie’s- a cool boutique specializing in vintage americana garb. Friday I headed down to Memphis to visit Graceland… a pilgrimage of sorts. I have read both of Peter Guralnick’s excellent Elvis bios and have always been fascinated by The King. It was a surreal experience. The man had interesting taste in home decor. One room, “The Jungle Room,” boasted a green shag carpet with matching shag ceiling. I made the mistake of asking the gift shop attendant, “Do you ever get sick of the music?” Staring back at me with icy blue eyes, she replied, “Never.”

“Too much fucking perspective…”

Headed South and slept in the van 100 miles outside of Baton Rouge. Currently, I am sitting in the River Center Theatre while the Avetts soundcheck. Scott is working out a new tune, the lyrics being… “Aint it funny how people date those that look similar to them? This is true in the case of Matt Butcher. Though his girlfriend is much prettier…” I couldn’t agree more. Adios!