Let's see. I guess I didn't report on the kickoff party. By the time I got to the Sports Bar, it was standing room only and you couldn't here anything. I did manage to catch up with a few friends though. That is THE cool thing about doing these events. You make friends one year, and the next year, it's just AMAZING how many people remember you! I'm ashamed to say, I didn't really remember everyone I re-met. At least not names. Remembered most faces. AND, I met about 3 or 4 NEW people. I'll be working and playing the Flora-Bama the whole festival, so I expect to catch up with even more people and meet a LOT of new folks. I wish everyone could be down here. It is REALLY a great time!!
So, today is Thursday (or at least it was when I started this post). Today was check-in for the performing writers. Got to meet a lot of folks from the last 2 years, plus a few new ones. I didn't have to work today, but I went in for Don and Karen McNatt's "songwriter showcase" (NOT "open mic" this year. GREAT new name since all the performers play their original tunes). The Rhodes brothers are here (Eddie R. from SR). My friend Jules is here. Gary Cavanaugh showed up. And a long list of folks from the last 2 years. After the showcase, I went over to Gilbey's to catch Gary's show. He had asked another friend of ours, Riley, to sit in with him, and it was a really good show. After them was Ted Jones, who I know from the last 2 years, and another guy Don, who I had seen for 2 years, but not really meet. After their sets, I stuck around with Riley and Don and we talked music and guitars. One more new friend (Don) for the rest of this festival and the next one.
MAB and Tina showed up at the Flora-Bama AFTER the showcase so I got to catch up with them. MAB introduced me to yet another friend of his, Don (I think?) and his wife (woops! Can't remember her name) from Knoxville. MAB "re-introduced" me to Tom Bresh, a great songwriter and guitar player. Maybe after this festival Tom will actually remember me! LOL!!
Tomorrow, (at least it will be by central time) I will be getting the coffee, tea, and soda for all these guys and expect o catch up with still more folks and meet some new folks. Will try to post again tomorrow night.
phil g.