Been traveling this country for a while now and have played many, many stages. Played the puppet stage at the Minnesota State Fair. Played the side stage in the food court at the Oregon State Fair. Played the stage outside of the parking lot in front of the arena where Garth Brooks played in Fresno, California. Played the same stage as the Rolling Stones at a club in Toronto, Canada. Played in the corner of the bar under the television set beside the jukebox at Adair's Saloon in Dallas, Texas. Played on a stage of dust (no actual stage) in the woods of Oklahoma for a frat party in the winter. Played a stage on the roof top of a camp in Texas (Camp Longhorn) for a bunch of kids at snack time. Played a stage on the roof of the BMI building in Nashville, Tennessee for the #1 party for "Wherever You Are". Played a makeshift stage in the ladies lingerie section of a Wal-Mart in Lubbock, Texas. Played on the stage of The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. Played the big stage of Austin City Limits both the television show and the festival. Played the Nick in Birmingham, Alabama and jumped off the stage to two step with a fan in a bar that hadn't seen country music and didn't really want to! Played the stage inside the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Played a flatbed trailer outside of a club 30 miles outside of Nacanowhere, Texas in the rain. Played a stage at 12 noon in Moorehead, North Carolina for the seafood festival called the Clam Jam Stage... that was today! From sea to shining sea... you might ask if I've played that stage before... odds are that... yeah, I've played that stage!
I'll see you out there on one of them soon.
Keep On Keepin' On...
Jack
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Keep Austin Wierd... ACL Festival Collateral Damage!
Awesome! I got to the airport this morning at 6am and was amazed... As you may or may not know, The Austin City Limits Festival was this past weekend and ended yesterday. I didn't play the festival this year but I got home yesterday from the road just in time to play private show at The Salt Lick BBQ and then turn around and head out this morning. The festival was a bit off of my radar until I got to the airport! I didn't think that I would see any festival leavers this early... I was wrong! I guess I did not take into account that a lot of the festival attendees would need to get home early on Monday to get back to work (while still a fair price, it is fairly expensive to travel and buy tickets and everything else that goes into it). I am on Southwest Airlines today and my first flight was to Phoenix. I think they might be the airline of choice for the festival!! For every everyday business, straight job traveler this morning there was a flip flop wearing, mail delivery bag toting, 3 days of no sleep hangover having, still high on the foo fighters festival leaver! It was a nice combination of folks to see hanging out in the gate area!!!!
I got on the very full flight with my carry on but had to check my guitar at the gate because there was no room in the overhead bins stuffed with back packs smelling of stale beer and what was left of whatever was there before it was smoked at the festival. I sat in the window seat of the exit row... that's why I love group A! I knew that someone would need to sit in the middle seat because the flight was completely full so I spent my time playing the game in my head called "please sit next to me/please don't sit next to me". It's a fun game. I practice it a lot but don't ever seem to get better. The reason for me to choose "please sit next to me" is really just practical... the smaller the person is- the more I want them to be in the middle seat... it just makes sense, right? Opposite sex and small body comp beats same sex and large body comp... you get it right?
Well I lost the game in that a dude sat down next to me. He had sunglasses on which is a sign for either being very tired and needing some sleep, blind or a jerk! This guy was definitely the first one. I noticed very early on that this guy was in serious need of a lot more than sleep... namely about 30 beers less than what he consumed in the past 12 hours!!!! His legs were twitching, his arms were around his head, his face was so white he looked like a ghost. He was desperately trying to pass out but he couldn't. He kept making sounds like a dying puppy would make. At one point he tried to take a sip of water... that was the end. He jumped out of his seat and scurried off to the lavatory like a ... well, like a hungover dude about to puke runs to a toilet! I felt bad for the guy but had to laugh. He repeated this process no less than 4 times during the flight. He even defied the flight attendant and got up to go puke as the plane was landing! Seriously, I felt bad for the guy but had to laugh! It reminded me of a time I was flying back to Dallas from Oklahoma City on a Sunday morning and... but that's another story.
It was quite a flight! Made me proud to be from Austin where Bob Weird is still the King!
I hear that ACL fest was one of the best yet! It sure as hell looked that way traveling out of the city.
Jack
I got on the very full flight with my carry on but had to check my guitar at the gate because there was no room in the overhead bins stuffed with back packs smelling of stale beer and what was left of whatever was there before it was smoked at the festival. I sat in the window seat of the exit row... that's why I love group A! I knew that someone would need to sit in the middle seat because the flight was completely full so I spent my time playing the game in my head called "please sit next to me/please don't sit next to me". It's a fun game. I practice it a lot but don't ever seem to get better. The reason for me to choose "please sit next to me" is really just practical... the smaller the person is- the more I want them to be in the middle seat... it just makes sense, right? Opposite sex and small body comp beats same sex and large body comp... you get it right?
Well I lost the game in that a dude sat down next to me. He had sunglasses on which is a sign for either being very tired and needing some sleep, blind or a jerk! This guy was definitely the first one. I noticed very early on that this guy was in serious need of a lot more than sleep... namely about 30 beers less than what he consumed in the past 12 hours!!!! His legs were twitching, his arms were around his head, his face was so white he looked like a ghost. He was desperately trying to pass out but he couldn't. He kept making sounds like a dying puppy would make. At one point he tried to take a sip of water... that was the end. He jumped out of his seat and scurried off to the lavatory like a ... well, like a hungover dude about to puke runs to a toilet! I felt bad for the guy but had to laugh. He repeated this process no less than 4 times during the flight. He even defied the flight attendant and got up to go puke as the plane was landing! Seriously, I felt bad for the guy but had to laugh! It reminded me of a time I was flying back to Dallas from Oklahoma City on a Sunday morning and... but that's another story.
It was quite a flight! Made me proud to be from Austin where Bob Weird is still the King!
I hear that ACL fest was one of the best yet! It sure as hell looked that way traveling out of the city.
Jack
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Road, Road, Rough and Ready!
Sitting in the back parking lot of the Nissan Pavilion in Bristow, VA. listening to the new Rodney Crowell project called "Sex and Gasoline"! It's a winner. That dude is good. This particular song is called "I Want You #35". Funny that it is a title with a number on the end just like that old Bob Dylan song "Rainy Day Woman #12 & #35... but not really like it... but a lot like it... It's damn good. I'll leave it at that. Check it out. You'll like it I promise.
A band from San Marcos, Texas is up here this weekend too. They played a gig at a bar called The IOTA Club last night and have the night off tonight. They are great friends with Kyle, our stage manager, so they came over to spend the aftenoon with us. Do you know who The Dedringers are? They are fantastic! Find out about them. Really, really good. They open up for James McMurtry a lot. Hayes Carll too. They opened a show or two for us as well. We like them. You will as well.
Lance Armstrong's gonna ride again! I know the outdoor channel is stoked! I am too.
Drove past the Lincoln Memorial this morning on the way to go the Walter Reed Memorial Hospital in Washington D.C.. We (me and the band and crew) went to the hospital to visit with wounded Military men and women. We brought some guitars and had a wonderful visit with some extremely courageous people! You wouldn't believe the spirit in that place. I don't care what your political view points are... and I hope you have some... it is awe inspiring to see the people that have been wounded fighting for our country and are layed up in a hospital bed without the things they left with when they went to fight except their spirit... which is bigger than ever. God Bless those men and women and may they learn to live with their wounds and have positive lives. It was a good visit. You should try it. You don't have to have a guitar or a reason...
That's it for now. Gonna play a show in a few minutes.
K-O-K-O
Jack
A band from San Marcos, Texas is up here this weekend too. They played a gig at a bar called The IOTA Club last night and have the night off tonight. They are great friends with Kyle, our stage manager, so they came over to spend the aftenoon with us. Do you know who The Dedringers are? They are fantastic! Find out about them. Really, really good. They open up for James McMurtry a lot. Hayes Carll too. They opened a show or two for us as well. We like them. You will as well.
Lance Armstrong's gonna ride again! I know the outdoor channel is stoked! I am too.
Drove past the Lincoln Memorial this morning on the way to go the Walter Reed Memorial Hospital in Washington D.C.. We (me and the band and crew) went to the hospital to visit with wounded Military men and women. We brought some guitars and had a wonderful visit with some extremely courageous people! You wouldn't believe the spirit in that place. I don't care what your political view points are... and I hope you have some... it is awe inspiring to see the people that have been wounded fighting for our country and are layed up in a hospital bed without the things they left with when they went to fight except their spirit... which is bigger than ever. God Bless those men and women and may they learn to live with their wounds and have positive lives. It was a good visit. You should try it. You don't have to have a guitar or a reason...
That's it for now. Gonna play a show in a few minutes.
K-O-K-O
Jack
Monday, September 22, 2008
Who You Votin' 4?
Well,
Do you know? Do you know?
Yeah, me neither...
I was thinking about voting 4 Sanjaya but that was soooooo 2 seasons ago.
Then I was thinking that John Rich would be a good choice but I realized that he was just a judge.
Carrie Underwood already won something.
Taylor Swift wasn't in a competition.
You can't vote on Football! Can you believe that? That sucks!
I was on a television show the other night where I got to pass judgment but I didn't get to vote... anti-climactic to say the least!
I buy music on itunes but that's not really a vote... that's just a purchase.
Can I vote 4 (texting has definitely become an issue) The Jonas Brothers? Don't know what 4 but somehow they have become not only a fan favorite but I really do like those boys! I don't think I can vote for them but I definitely want that out there. If there is going to be a boy band that is adored by millions including my daughter I really do appreciate that the boys are writing the songs, singing and playing instruments all at the same time while doing a damn good job of it!
So I guess I'm not really ready to vote yet but I am warming up to the idea. I am mulling the issues over and am getting ready to make a decision here... just looking for the right place and time! I am registered. Are you? Go do that.
KOKO,
Jack
Do you know? Do you know?
Yeah, me neither...
I was thinking about voting 4 Sanjaya but that was soooooo 2 seasons ago.
Then I was thinking that John Rich would be a good choice but I realized that he was just a judge.
Carrie Underwood already won something.
Taylor Swift wasn't in a competition.
You can't vote on Football! Can you believe that? That sucks!
I was on a television show the other night where I got to pass judgment but I didn't get to vote... anti-climactic to say the least!
I buy music on itunes but that's not really a vote... that's just a purchase.
Can I vote 4 (texting has definitely become an issue) The Jonas Brothers? Don't know what 4 but somehow they have become not only a fan favorite but I really do like those boys! I don't think I can vote for them but I definitely want that out there. If there is going to be a boy band that is adored by millions including my daughter I really do appreciate that the boys are writing the songs, singing and playing instruments all at the same time while doing a damn good job of it!
So I guess I'm not really ready to vote yet but I am warming up to the idea. I am mulling the issues over and am getting ready to make a decision here... just looking for the right place and time! I am registered. Are you? Go do that.
KOKO,
Jack
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Decision Time
Flying to a show this morning and wanting to start using language that the airlines use when people ask me a question. My flight is delayed and the lady came over the pa and said that the flight is delayed until 11am (about an hour) but that 11am is not the new departure time... it is the new "Decision Time". I love that... I'll get back to you in an hour and at that time I will decide if we will have any further communication. I'm going to start answering questions that way. Here's how it will work:
Knock, Knock.
Who's there?
Hold on a minute.
Hold on a minute who?
I'll get back to you in a few minutes.
I'll get back to you in a few minutes who?
Wait, there's been a change in plans. I'll get back with you about when I'll get back to you in 30 minutes.
Wait, there's been a change in plans. I'll get back with you about when I'll get back to you in 30 minutes WHO?
I'm sorry there's been another delay. There will be a decision time about when I'll get back with you in 1 hour.
I'm sorry there's been another delay. There will be a decision time about when I'll get back with you in 1 hour WHO?
Time elapse of 1 hour...
I'm sorry this joke has been canceled due to a unspecified maintenance issue that I am not authorized to discuss. Please accept my apology for your inconvenience. We will be happy to book you on another joke that will get you a punch line about 18 hours after you needed to laugh.
You get my point?
I play music for free. I get paid to travel.
K-O-K-O...
Jack
Monday, August 25, 2008
Let's catch up here...
Almost a month since I've checked in here... sorry about that but I've been a little busy and in places without the greatest bandwidth.
Anyway, quit bitching at me and let's get down to business.
Just got back from Jamaica where I went with The Lia Show and it was phenomenal. I took the whole damn family and we had a great time. We did a acoustic show down there with James Otto and Bucky Covington... that James Otto could sing the phonebook and sound great. What a voice. It was a good time. The 5 days down there was very nice. The Lia Show crew and Lia herself were fantastic. Thanks to them for the hospitality!
We went to Phoenix a few weeks back... Wow! I'm calling this the "Prove Your Love" Tour... we went to Green Bay in January and Phoenix in August!!!!! I think somebody decided that we should go to cities with extreme weather during the most extreme weather months! Martina calls it The Waking Up Laughing Tour... somebody's laughing that's for sure... the booking agents!!!
BUT... Jessi Colter came out to the show in Phoenix and we sang "Storms Never Last" together... do I need to explain how cool that was? I spent the whole afternoon watching a YouTube video of her and Waylon doing it and trying to learn Waylon's part. It was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! Love me some Jessi Colter. I had a dog in college that I named Jessi after her... I didn't tell her that because there's really no way to explain to a woman that you named a dog after her and have that woman understand how that is really a huge compliment... the dog was really beautiful and I loved her very much!!!
Been recording a bunch.
Playing some shows this weekend in the Southeast and then in Chicago (yes!) and then in Austin on Sunday night!!!!! Come see me!
Keep On Keepin' On...
Jack
Anyway, quit bitching at me and let's get down to business.
Just got back from Jamaica where I went with The Lia Show and it was phenomenal. I took the whole damn family and we had a great time. We did a acoustic show down there with James Otto and Bucky Covington... that James Otto could sing the phonebook and sound great. What a voice. It was a good time. The 5 days down there was very nice. The Lia Show crew and Lia herself were fantastic. Thanks to them for the hospitality!
We went to Phoenix a few weeks back... Wow! I'm calling this the "Prove Your Love" Tour... we went to Green Bay in January and Phoenix in August!!!!! I think somebody decided that we should go to cities with extreme weather during the most extreme weather months! Martina calls it The Waking Up Laughing Tour... somebody's laughing that's for sure... the booking agents!!!
BUT... Jessi Colter came out to the show in Phoenix and we sang "Storms Never Last" together... do I need to explain how cool that was? I spent the whole afternoon watching a YouTube video of her and Waylon doing it and trying to learn Waylon's part. It was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! Love me some Jessi Colter. I had a dog in college that I named Jessi after her... I didn't tell her that because there's really no way to explain to a woman that you named a dog after her and have that woman understand how that is really a huge compliment... the dog was really beautiful and I loved her very much!!!
Been recording a bunch.
Playing some shows this weekend in the Southeast and then in Chicago (yes!) and then in Austin on Sunday night!!!!! Come see me!
Keep On Keepin' On...
Jack
Monday, August 4, 2008
Did I ever tell about the time...
The Rolling Stones opened for me in Toronto, Canada?
If you've heard this one then sorry but if you haven't then check this out because it was one helluva night!
I had a gig at a place in Toronto, I think it was called The Horseshoe or something like that, and we pulled up to the club at our usual load in time. It was early in the afternoon. The owner of the club comes running out to our van and is very excited! He explained to us that something had come up that at the club and that no matter what happens he still wants us to play that night. Well that had me guessing... what the hell could be up that would possibly prevent us from playing that night but that the club owner would be very excited about and still want us to play?
Turns out that The Rolling Stones were in Toronto rehearsing for their upcoming tour and had been asked to drop by the club to present an award, via satellite, for the MTV Video Awards which were happening that night. They decided that they would not only show up to present the award but would also do an unannounced set at the club!!!!
I told the club owner that we did not have to play but could he just let us in to see the show! He insisted that we set up our gear on stage and be ready to play. I said we'll see and thought no way in hell are we going on tonight!
Late in the afternoon the club began filling up with people who had heard about the Stones being there for the awards ceremony. They had no idea about the plans for an impromptu set. The band and I stood separate from the crowd over by the stage knowing what was going to go down a little bit later. As soon as the band was done with the television thing they walked right over to the stage. They took their places and proceeded to rock the world for about 65 minutes! Me and the guys in the band (Pete had stood in front of the stage so long that because he wasn't willing to miss a note or lose his spot by the stage he actually "went" in an empty beer cup... he wouldn't want me telling that part so please keep that to yourself) were so close to the stage that I distinctly remember seeing Mick's sweat fly off of his face and land on mine! Keith was playing sloppy brilliance within hand reach of us... It was AWESOME!!!!!!
As soon as the Stones were done the club owner yells for us to get on stage! I actually climbed up on the stage from the audience position I was in. It took us about 5 minutes to plug in our guitars and get ready to go. The crowd wasn't sure what was going on and to be honest neither did I. I yelled "One, Two, Three, Four" and we plowed into "Dim Lights, Thick Smoke (and loud, loud music)" and were off to the races. We played as loud as we could for as long as we could and had a ball doing it. Pete drank Mike's Hard Lemonade and kept steady as long as he could!
At the end of the night we all agreed that the opening band was a pretty good outfit from over the pond and that if they kept it up they probably could make a go of it!!!!
By the way... we just watched that new documentary "Shine A Light" this weekend and it rocks! Check it out. The Rolling Stones are BAD ASS!
Me and the band are out on the West Coast with Martina and having a grand time.
See you out here...
Keep On Keepin' on...
Jack
If you've heard this one then sorry but if you haven't then check this out because it was one helluva night!
I had a gig at a place in Toronto, I think it was called The Horseshoe or something like that, and we pulled up to the club at our usual load in time. It was early in the afternoon. The owner of the club comes running out to our van and is very excited! He explained to us that something had come up that at the club and that no matter what happens he still wants us to play that night. Well that had me guessing... what the hell could be up that would possibly prevent us from playing that night but that the club owner would be very excited about and still want us to play?
Turns out that The Rolling Stones were in Toronto rehearsing for their upcoming tour and had been asked to drop by the club to present an award, via satellite, for the MTV Video Awards which were happening that night. They decided that they would not only show up to present the award but would also do an unannounced set at the club!!!!
I told the club owner that we did not have to play but could he just let us in to see the show! He insisted that we set up our gear on stage and be ready to play. I said we'll see and thought no way in hell are we going on tonight!
Late in the afternoon the club began filling up with people who had heard about the Stones being there for the awards ceremony. They had no idea about the plans for an impromptu set. The band and I stood separate from the crowd over by the stage knowing what was going to go down a little bit later. As soon as the band was done with the television thing they walked right over to the stage. They took their places and proceeded to rock the world for about 65 minutes! Me and the guys in the band (Pete had stood in front of the stage so long that because he wasn't willing to miss a note or lose his spot by the stage he actually "went" in an empty beer cup... he wouldn't want me telling that part so please keep that to yourself) were so close to the stage that I distinctly remember seeing Mick's sweat fly off of his face and land on mine! Keith was playing sloppy brilliance within hand reach of us... It was AWESOME!!!!!!
As soon as the Stones were done the club owner yells for us to get on stage! I actually climbed up on the stage from the audience position I was in. It took us about 5 minutes to plug in our guitars and get ready to go. The crowd wasn't sure what was going on and to be honest neither did I. I yelled "One, Two, Three, Four" and we plowed into "Dim Lights, Thick Smoke (and loud, loud music)" and were off to the races. We played as loud as we could for as long as we could and had a ball doing it. Pete drank Mike's Hard Lemonade and kept steady as long as he could!
At the end of the night we all agreed that the opening band was a pretty good outfit from over the pond and that if they kept it up they probably could make a go of it!!!!
By the way... we just watched that new documentary "Shine A Light" this weekend and it rocks! Check it out. The Rolling Stones are BAD ASS!
Me and the band are out on the West Coast with Martina and having a grand time.
See you out here...
Keep On Keepin' on...
Jack
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