The first night as a trio was a bit of a blur. the second night at the palms opera house was a completely different show and we were a completely different band. it was amazing, sparse, lots of space. very satisfying musical evening. from there it only got better. In Santa Babara there was a 9 foot Steinway concert grand, which sounded grand. here are some misc pics from our travels…
The architecture of the original mission city in Santa Barbara, as well as its early 20th century buildings are splendid. Actually the place I liked best was our venue, the Lobero Theater designed by George Washington Smith. Strolling downtown before the gig we happened upon a traditional jazz band made up of older gentlemen. Dennis would have been going crazy had he been there, since there are 2 things that make that man happy: brunch, and old-timey jazz.
In Santa Monica the first order of business was In-N-Out burger. Then we hit the famous pier where there was a man painting a canvas that looked like an adirondack mountain stream with autumnal brown and orange colors, while looking out at the blue and sunny pacific ocean. amusing. california. (pictured).
Another day of King Wilkie at Riverhawk. We dined on alligator! Afterwards we headed north for an engagement on the Woodsongs Radio Hour in Lexington, KY. Sam Bush was the co-host and we were proud to share the stage with some amazing musicians. Lexington is a charming town, but has a couple of real oddity landmarks…including a monument to the place where they used to chain blacks who broke curfew. Aside from that, it made a pleasant impression.
Currently down beneath the spanish moss at the Riverhawk Festival in central Florida. We played a couple sets today and Phill got going on a bit of banjo improvisation during our first set. Not a lot of festivals for King Wilkie this year, so while in Rome, we’re soaking it in…the peoples, the atmosphere, the smells. All so great and so recognizable. This wristband and these smokey-smelling clothes will stay on for the next few days.
On an off day, we decided to pull over and go explore a really beautiful part of America — the fruit stands and cotton fields of south Georgia. Sucking on sugar cane is great. The pecan and peach ice cream also received high marks…
Ate at “The Varsity” after being inspired by a segment on Sunday Night Football where the commentators were discussing the chili cheese dogs. These dogs are definitely good. The fact that you can’t find a Pepsi to save your life in this town is a beautiful thing.
There is a bizarre sculpture in the Decatur downown square with device built into the base that sprays out a mist of cool water. This fountain is the greatest thing anyone between the ages of 4 and 8 has ever seen. Pretty cool in our book too.
