SPRING ACROSS AMERICA

WARNING: THIS ROAD LETTER MAY BE TOO LONG AND BORING FOR SOME READERS. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO READ ONLY ABOUT A SPECIFIC SHOW OR SHOWS, JUST SCROLL DOWN TO THE SUBTITLES

So it seems that quite a few of my blues traveling cohorts have decided to get off of the road, and just take selective gigs that pay well enough for them to fly in and out for the show. I certainly understand this decision, what with gas prices going through the roof, creating an increase in motel prices, juxtaposed by the closing of so many clubs, making driving distances and the routing of tours pretty rough. But here we are, still out here, still addicted to the life, and committed to bringing the music to the people. And though I'm not returning home with much money, I would still have to say that this was a most excellent tour, with all kinds of highlights on and off stage, fellowship with family and friends, and fantastic spring weather!

We began the tour as a trio on the east coast, playing a double bill with Albert Cummings at Bodle's Opera House. I love the double bills, always anxious to hear players and meet the new crop of touring artists. I'm really glad that I requested to play the earlier slot for two reasons: the first being that we needed to head out the next day and make our way out to California for the next show, and I was pretty sure that Albert was gonna be a heavy blues rock player which usually equals lots of volume. Turns out I sure hit that nail on the head! I wonder, did I ever play that loud? Maybe when I was younger, but I don't think so. I love my amp to have that "kick" and be able to cut through everything, but the kind of volume these boys put out is a bit brain rattling and heart stopping! Oh jeez, I must be getting old! But Albert's got tons of chops and sings really well, so if ya can handle the volume, it's a fun show. In fact I was looking forward to sitting in with him but as the long road ahead combined with the sound pressure in the room, I began to get a headache, so that didn't happen.

Earlier in the evening, while waiting for our downbeat, we were hanging out upstairs in the Bodle's dressing room. It seems that they must put on plays there sometimes as there were all kinds of wigs and costume-y things floating around. As I tried the wigs on, different "inner selves" began to emerge; particularly when I put on the Big Hair…my inner rocker popped out. It seems that AJ and Harley both had their cameras nearby…

So we ended up gettin' some good sleep and hit the trail early for the next stop, close to 3,000 miles away. I don't wanna bore everybody with my oohs and ahhs about how beautiful the countryside was, but hey, it was spring, everything was so in bloom and green, and all the cattle and horses had their newborns…it doesn't get sweeter than that! Meanwhile we landed in Reno for a day off before resuming the travel, and where we could rendezvous with guitar tech Harley Erickson, who was flying in. It's worth it these days to have some help on the tours and try and keep the stress level down, so Harley would be helping me road manage also. I mean we've gotta have some fun out here, or what's the point?

I can't help but love Reno, as it's kinda like Vegas used to be before it got its corporate make-over, with it's funky old casinos, tacky neon signs, and pawn shop on every street, as far as the eye can see. And now they have a shuttle bus that picks up all over town and takes ya downtown, for free! So as soon as Harley landed in town we said "girl, the band is ready to head downtown and do some "Troughin'."
Now once down in the heart of it all, we needed to select our particular Trough, and the best looking offering at the best price turned out to be in Circus Circus. This Casino "rules" as it is truly like a big circus tent inside with a performance ring in the center of the "Big Top", surrounded by a carnival midway with all kinds of games and prizes. So after we had all become completely satiated at the Trough, we hit the midway.

I've long been a fan of Skeeball or anything similar to it so I suggested we all take a seat at the Camel Races, similar to the horse races, except it's camels who lurch forward on their tracks as you shoot your balls into the holes. Other folks gathered round and when the seats were all occupied, the bell sounded and the camels were off! After two wins in a row, with two new stuffed tigers, I thanked my camel, and moved to the center of the Big Top for the next show. Ah, fantastic, it's gonna be a dog show!
There's the dog trainer, of course, all decked out in a shiny show-biz vest and sporting exaggerated mannerisms. Five dogs sat on their individual little round platforms, and one or two at a time, he had them all do their various tricks. There was a medium sized black dog, of mixed genetic origin, a white and brown terrier mix, two white boxers, and of course, a Jack Russell.

The white boxers were the funniest with their very intense faces of pushed-in muzzles and droopy jowls. They also did the wackiest stuff, crawling on their bellies, holding themselves in all kinds of bizarre contortions, and holding these crazy props in their mouths that the ring master placed there: One looked like she was sucking on a big baby pacifier and the male had a giant mouth of smiling teeth! The trainer would hold up his blue satin cape and when he lowered it, the boxers were clad in yet another whacky outfit, holding another pose! And of course the little Jack Russell jumped on and off the guy as he did summer-saults, hopped on his shoulder, ran between his legs, and was as cute as a button! We all giggled and clapped with glee at the adorable and impressive show, and as the trainer led his pack away, I ran around to where he was about to herd them all on to the elevator and to wherever they retire between performances, in hopes of hugging and petting them all. Precious as they were, I came away from the hugs and kisses wanting to pull them all into a bathtub for a good cleansing!

Harley, who I prefer to call Harlequin, is addicted to the claw machines, so now she dug in at what she does best. In fact, as I think about it, we can't exit a Denny's or a Wal-Mart without pausing for her to pump dollars into theses machines, and nine times out of ten, coming away with some new stuffed creature. The boys gravitated toward the water pistol games where you try and blow up the clown's balloon head, and the first to hit the spike above it,…POP,… is the winner.

Soon it was time for the next circus act. A beautiful young gal in a pastel leotard, proceeded to climb a double ribbon hanging from the very rafters of the BIG TOP; winding and intertwining herself a good thirty feet up in the air. Then she began spinning while dangling from her hands, and then her feet, and then letting herself drop rapidly, the ribbons unwinding, and landing ten feet off of the ground in another spin. Very exciting, and as we exited the Casino with far too many toys and stuffed animals for an already over-crowded van, I asked my cohorts "Do you think she has to be in shape to do that?"
Well gotta love Reno. I say visit it now, before it becomes a boomtown like Vegas did, and the corporations come in and homogenize all of the retro-funk!

CASINOS ACROSS AMERICA

Yea, casinos. It's a love/hate relationship that I have with them. On the plus side, they seem to be the "future of blues touring." In fact, this tour could be called the Casino Tour. For those of us in my position, the fact that so many of them are supporting blues music is just a God-send. And of course there is a lot of fun to be had in them with their lights, games and wonderful Troughs! And since they are popping up everywhere, we traveling minstrels just might be able to stay out on the road. But they have a very dark side, also. Casinos are such a fine example of corporate power preying on the weak. There is so much sadness there that one has to put a good effort forth to turn a blind eye to it all in order to enjoy oneself.

Anyway, our first show in California was at a casino in Tuolumne. We headed up the Sierra Nevada Range, through the Donner Pass, and then south on Route 49. There is no quick way to reach Tuolumne as it is nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range of which we will wind our way through for the next three hours. But for the travel enthusiast, it is three hours of bliss as you pass through some of the nicest combination of rolling hills, small western towns, small ranches, cabins and lots of horses. Harley, the horsewoman, was extremely taken by this area, as was I. Not to mention that we were traveling through this area on a most exquisite spring day! As a native Californian, I know that by mid-summer much of the area will be still beautiful, but browned-out. But for now, it is all spring green.

LAKE TAHOE

Next destination, Lake Tahoe. So we are doing a little back-tracking here, but fortunately it is a repeat of yesterday's drive through paradise. When we climb into the mountains, closing in on Tahoe, the terrain changes gradually into big pine forests, and at the lake's elevation, we find a world still surrounded by snow. This was a heavy snow fall year for Tahoe and it's gonna be a while till it all melts. But what a striking beauty she is, Tahoe, this world of blues and greens, sun and ice! Tahoe's south shore is home to its major Casinos but we are slated to play on the North shore: less populated, more rustic, and for the most part, untouched by time. There are two Casinos up there: the Crystal Bay Club and the Cal-Neva, sitting side by side, quietly as they did circa 1960. The Crystal Bay Club where we perform, is just a Casino and not a Hotel so we will stay in their specially built guest rooms in the back. Each room is filled with ultra modern plumbing and fixtures, and filled with antique furnishings. The beds are plush a cushy! And true to the time period, they still feed you via restaurant as opposed to Trough. Brent Harding, who runs the place, has done a lot to support the blues so we always have a great turn-out and a whole lotta fun!

No trip to Tahoe's north shore would be complete without a field trip to Crystal Bay's direct neighbor, The Cal-Neva. Once owned and operated in part by Frank Sinatra, she's got all that history; the Rat Pack, the Kennedy's, Marilyn Monroe, and a totally bitchin' retro vibe! There's the Great Room, where you can just picture Frank and the boys holding court with cocktails in hand. With its rustic log cabin style, high ceiling, huge stone fire place and Indian artifacts, this room has quite a vibe. At the far end glass doors open on to the patio, and stepping out, you find paths leading down to all of the cabins, and to the left is the pool. How cool would this be: lying out on a lounge by the pool, staring out through giant pines at the lake below, which itself is surrounded by more pines, and above the timberline, snow capped mountains! Yea, I think I could get behind this kind of chillin'!

So we make our way down to the cabin which Don has inquired about and confirmed, is the one that Frank always stayed in. Don, of course, is the expert on all things Frank! That's Don Castagno, ya know! It seemed to me that whoever had been staying in the cabin had probably checked out as there was a large plastic bag of trash sitting out on the balcony, so I boldly moved forth to take in Frank's view! Yea, Frank definitely had it his way! We popped back inside the CN and peeked into the theater that was home to the Rat Pack for years, and numerous other famous performers of the era. Some local school kids were rehearsing for an end of the school year performance, so we remained at the doorway as not to disturb them. And on our way out we hit the gift shop for post cards and such, and I picked up a little cocktail glass necklace. I realize this is an ironic piece of jewelry for a recovering alcoholic, but me…I love irony!

DUNSMUIR/MT. SHASTA

After leaving the Tahoe area, we took what I call the "back way," Hwy. 395, through Susanville, up to Mt. Shasta. We had some time off, and then would play a show in Mt. Shasta. We found rooms in Dunsmuir, just south of Shasta, and bunked in, having experienced another gorgeous drive through pine forests. On our day off, it was a short hike down to the river where we explored all of the rocks and plants that grow along the rivers edge. The winter's heavy precipitation had the river running high and wild. Anyway, pretty soon we heard a train whistle in the distance and scrambled back up the bank to the train tracks. This was gonna be fun as the train would pass right by us, and we could stand as close as we dared to it, getting a thrill from its massive metal power! As the big fella rounded the bend and came into sight, I could tell they were slowing the train down which is usually the case when passing through an area of human populous. Oh well, I was hoping for a big rush as it zoomed past me, but it will be cool anyway! Now I could see the engineers…where are their little engineer hats? We all began to wave wildly, and the fellas in the train waved back! We were all grinning from ear to ear in agreement that no one should ever get too old for this kinda child-like glee! Car after car rolled by and we realized that the slowing down process was continuing, slower and slower, and finally it came to a dead stop. Now the problem with this was that we needed to be on the other side of the tracks to get back to the road that led back to our motel. I turned from left to right, and realized that this train was over a mile long, with neither end in sight. Since walking all the way around it would be totally out of the question, we had but one choice…climb through the space where the cars attach. I hadn't done this before, so this turned out to be our substitute rush! BIG FUN.

Another very positive aspect to this trip, was that we were traveling just before the official vacation season started, so we had lots of exclusivity for our drives and ventures. This works for me! But now that it was a Monday, an off night in an off season in a tiny tourist town, we had a hard time finding a place for dinner. We finally found one that decided to open, and congratulated ourselves at being the only ones in the place! And then, under these circumstances, I made a big mistake…I ordered fish! I awoke that night at four AM with a rumbling stomach. This seemed odd, so I chewed up some Tums. Somehow, I just wasn't falling back to sleep. Have you ever had that feeling where you know something is wrong, but you can't quite figure out what it is, and then suddenly, this rush of nausea makes you leap up in clarity, and you rush for the bathroom! Yes, this was a nasty bout of food poisoning that I will refrain from detailing, as I assume that you all can fill in the blanks!

By 11:00 AM the next morning I was still immerersed in the cycle between the bed and the bathroom, and most pressing was the stress as to what to do about tonight's gig. A few hours later the band carted me off to a local clinic where I could get one of those shots that stop the nausea , but I realized I was so weak and wiped out that the gig would definitely have to be cancelled. The shot helped me fall asleep, and that's all I wanted to do for about the next 36 hours. But as they say, the show must go on, and the next night we were scheduled to play Biscuits and Blues in S.F.

BISCUITS AND BLUES

You know how they say you should never assume, well, I assumed I was making a 24 hour recovery, even though I was sleeping constantly. So when we got to Biscuits, I proceeded to scarf down their delicious food without any regard for my stomach. The first set was a rough one for me as I felt weak and disoriented, and by the time I got up for the second set, my stomach was in a new state of disarray, and I was feeling faint. After two tunes, I announced that a couple of gals were gonna come up and do some tunes. Yea, fortunately Lara Price and Laura Chavez (of the Lara Price Band) had come down to support the band and hang out, and I was lucky that they were ready to jump up and play! I crawled into the office and lay down on the couch. Harley came in to check on my condition and I said "tell the gals that you should get up and play too." So the three women, Laura and Harley on guitars, and Lara belting out the blues up front, finished out the night for me. Funny thing was, the audience went crazy for this show, and began throwing money up on the stage, requesting all kinds of tunes. I can't thank the girls enough for bailing me out of this one! And the idea of a tip jar is floating around in my head.

SANTA CRUZ

Well, after that experience, I knew now that my stomach had to be treated with kid gloves. So I got a hold of a large tub of plain, organic yogurt and made that my "sole" food for the next couple of days. We headed south toward Santa Cruz where we were booked into a new club called the "Attic." The club is upstairs in a loft right on Main St. of Hippie-Central, U.S.A. The kitchen prepares all sorts of organic dishes that I heard were just fantastic, by the way, though I could not partake. And the chef had stoked every kind of herbal tea concoction you could possibly imagine, so I had him fix me up something special for my stomach. And then I did something I have never done before…I sat down to play my show. I was focusing on pacing myself as tomorrow was to be a daytime festival and I wanted to be well for it. Oddly enough, the folks really seemed to respond to me as I sat, and quite a few danced all night. I'll have to try this again sometime to determine whether or not this was just the spirit of a happy crowd responding to my music, or if there is a secret to the "seat!"

Formerly a photo gallery, both walls on either side of the stage were covered with the remains of an exhibit. The subject? Sex changes…before and after! In the final phase photos, each person wore expressions of true happiness and deep inner peace. One couldn't help but feel the joy they were feeling as they followed their hearts and achieved their true identities! But with the cost of health care and surgery today, I'm assuming that these achievements can only be attained by a select minority of those who are feeling so inclined.

METRO FOUNTAIN BLUES "FESTIVAL FOLLIES"

We had a relatively early time slot, 2:30PM, at the festival so we were up and heading out of Santa Cruz way before noon. I was excited, as the headliner was to be Magic Slim, who I am so crazy about, and hadn't seen since he was recovering from bad bout of pneumonia a couple of years ago. I was also looking forward to seeing Johnny A live, for the first time. I could feel my strength starting to come back and was pleased that I had decided to boogie in my chair the night before.

As we arrived, Daniel Castro's band was in full-tilt blues mode and they sounded GOOD. How cool to see him playing a festival. Harley had just re-strung Baby Blue for me so I sat down in our dressing room to warm up, but, alas, the guitar wasn't holding tune at all. I had caught a glimpse of a grand piano out of the corner of my eye while making my way down the hall to our room, so I went in search of the "E" note. Upon entering the other dressing room, I excused myself and asked the boys if I could impose on their piano. Turned out to be Johnny A and his rhythm section and they greeted me with characteristic east coast humor and sarcasm. Ah, what a breath of fresh air this was to my psyche which had been filled with just a tad too much crunchy granola! I find that I am an East Coast/West Coast hybrid and need a balance between the two antithetical modes of culture and life style. We introduced ourselves, joked around, I hit my E note, and then returned to warm up.

It felt great to play as this was the first time I could actually say I was feeling better, and the rest of the afternoon would be spent relaxing on the porch outside our dressing rooms, watching the other artists perform, doing a live radio interview, and hanging out with lots of players I hadn't seen in a while.

One such fella was Roy Rogers, master slide guitarist and producer. I mentioned how much I loved the tune he co-wrote with Bonnie Raitt, "Gnawin' On It," on one of her latest releases, and we joked about getting older, the state of the blues and live music today, and his wry wit really had me crackin' up!

Suddenly, down the stairs came a huge lumbering man…it was Magic Slim! I scurried up to him as he reached the floor and gave him a big hug! We ended up out on the porch together, enjoying Roy play his special brand of blues, and a couple next to us asked if they could take a picture of Slim and I together. Slim agreed, only if I would sit on his lap. The woman shooting the photo promised to send me one, but ya know how that goes! Then Harley jumped on his lap and someone shot a picture of them with her camera.

Finally, Magic Slim and the Teardrops took the stage and there's no better feeling than that real Chicago shuffle can conjure up. It's the "real-deal," stompin' Chicago blues at its best. Obviously Slim's health problems haven't slowed him down a bit as his rippin' guitar playing and powerful blues voice have yet to be compromised. And now, as our festival host, Ted Gehrke had planned, a big jam on stage will ensue with Slim and band as the hosts.

First to jam on stage was Johnny A, and they just ripped it up. Then Johnny had to rush off as he had yet another commitment. He would be sitting in that night with Joe Satriani and Eric Johnson at the Warfield theater in San Francisco. I doubt you will be able to see Johnny at too many more blues fests as he is definitely goin' for that "Rock Guitar God" niche. See him now, before he is out of reach! Ha ha.

Then I got the signal to jump on stage, and I plugged into one of the many Fender Twins that were part of the back line. At first I couldn't hear myself, so I looked over at Slim's amp settings and saw he was on 10, so I cranked up! Slim is so funny, we were throwing licks back and forth, and then he starts talking to the people, telling them how long we've known each other, and that we are just so sweet on each other. I give him all kinds of coy and flirty looks, and then he focuses on a "hottie" that has bellied up to the stage. "Debbie, you're not my baby any more…I found somebody new!" I give him a look like I'm gonna cry, and we both crack up!

Next on stage with us is Roy Rogers, and Slim starts on the mic all about Roy, introducing him, and announcing that Trigger will be joining us on stage shortly, also! I'm starting to lose it now; I'm really cracking up. Johnny A's rhythm section has now replaced Slim's guys on bass and drums and as Slim turns to introduce his rhythm section he's totally caught off guard, doesn't know these guys, so he leans off the mic and shouts to each one "what's your name, man, what's your name?" Yes, we had reached the point of total chaos and hilarity up there.

After the show we all said our goodbyes and Slim called out to me: "Debbie, don't forget to tell the boys that I'm a jealous man!" And we drove off all agreeing that the Metro Fountain Blues Festival was one of the smoothest run, by the nicest folks, that we had ever experienced.

TAKIN' IT ALL TO VEGAS

As we drove down through Bakersfield and then through the desert toward Las Vegas, I let the calm of the desert merge with the warm glow of post-festival satisfaction, and thought this was as good as it gets. But Vegas would be a whole new musical adventure as we would be joined by Janiva Magness and Benny Yee for our two Station Casino performances. Janiva and I have been friends since the late 80's when I was living in L.A. I had just gotten off the road with Albert Collins and was working hard at getting my own thing going on, and Janiva was doing the same. We both ended up spending three months on the road together in Fingers Taylor's band, touring with Jimmy Buffett. It wasn't what I wanted to do at the time but the money was good, and I was so in need of that, and it turned out to be a great experience that only served to further solidify my bond with Janiva.

With the release of her latest CD, DO I MOVE YOU, Janiva offers up her best work yet, and as we've been dying to work together again, I invited her and Benny to join me for two shows in Vegas, and our show in San Diego at Humphrey's. It's been quite a long time since I have functioned as a side player and needed to learn material to back someone up, but I embraced the challenge and so enjoyed working up some of the great material on her Cd, especially the soulful balled, I NEVER LOST YOU.

The first night we played at a new club at the Santa Fe Station Casino. We didn't have as big of a crowd as we would the second night at Boulder Station, as this club is still being discovered by the locals, and there was a lot of construction in the area making the trek a bit tricky. Perhaps this was a good thing as this was the first show, and we all agreed that it was a good "rehearsal!" But the energy and some of the places we got to musically, was incredible. Janiva and I worked off each other and our kindred "wild women" spirits pushed each other to new heights.

Meanwhile, arriving in Vegas a couple of days early, I had time for a little RnR. My cousin Dave and his wife Irene have been in Vegas about 20 years, Dave being a long time gaming expert for Harrah's Casino. So my sister Wendy flew up and stayed at their house, and I took a day off and hung with my family! My cousins have a pool in their back yard so it was a swimming and sunning chill day including Bar-B-Que chicken! But the majority of my laughter occurred over the other big hole they have in their back yard…an in-ground trampoline! I can't remember the last time I got on a recreational trampoline, and at 53, my youth is far past, but man was it fun! Wendy and I got on together and I tried to keep my balance while she bounced. This was hilarious…couldn't stop giggling! I highly recommend this for anyone trying to relax and recapture their youth!

Road manager and guitar tech Harley Erickson, prides herself on being a world-class guitar nerd, so she informed me that the biggest guitar store in the country, Ed Roman Guitars, was right here in Vegas. So a field trip to the store was a must. Harley, A.J., and I spent a couple of hours in there, barely scratching the surface of exploring all that was there. From custom guitars to signature models, and all name brands, this store, the size of a giant warehouse, is as pleasing to the guitar nerd as flowers to a bee, or honey to a bear! I checked out the latest models of Fender Strats while Harley fell in love with an Italia, but fortunately didn't make a purchase…the van is full!! This guitar was cool looking being semi-hollow, with two P-90's, and the entire body was a dark pink mother of toilet! Meanwhile A.J. spent time comparing a beautiful Hofner bass to some copy models. He definitely favored the real deal, but it was quite pricey, and again, I was relieved that he didn't make a purchase on such a long tour! He he. So we exited the store empty handed, save for a few souvenirs purchased by Harley, and some drool running down our chins!

SAN DIEGO

A drive that should've taken about 5 hours ended up being 7 and a half due to the fact that it was a Friday! It was brutal, and one of the things I don't miss about California, but we finally made it to San Diego for our performance at Humphrey's. Humphrey's is a high-end beach resort type of hotel that has two performing stages, one indoors, and one outdoors. The out door stage would host such artists as Little Feat, or Bonnie Raitt. So naturally the blues acts perform indoors. When I first started performing here, they would put us up at the hotel itself, which was so convenient, and a lovely treat for the band! But they no longer offer us this luxury, boo hoo! They do, however, still feed us, and I have to say that my meal at Humphrey's was by far the best food consumed on the tour!

This show also offered me the opportunity to see some old friends, Perri and Michael West. Perri is a fellow female guitar player and we spent time together in an all female band in the '80s. Happily, she is still playing and her husband Michael is now on drums! My dear cousins John and wife Anita, always come out to support us when we hit San Diego, and my only regret is being so busy that I can't hang with anyone for very long. During the break, Janiva and I needed to head straight to the CD sales table that Harley was manning for us out in the lobby. Then during the entire break, as usual, the time was spent signing CD's and chatting with the fans. We had a great response, so I know the show was a success.

LONG BEACH

Long before we had left for this road trip, we had been informed that the weekend we were playing at the Blue Café, was the weekend of the Gay Pride Festival and Parade! Folks come from far and wide for these events so as such, the promoter was only able to find us two motel rooms, and of course we require four! So I decided we would relax in these rooms in the afternoon, and then head out of town after the show, thus avoiding all the traffic jams the next day during the parade. Not to mention that we needed to do almost 1500 miles to our next show in St. Louis.

Local female guitar hero Laurie Morvan and her band were slated to open the show, so we wouldn't be going on until 10:30. We did have a good core group of blues fans at the show, but overall I felt the turn-out was a little disappointing. I guess I figured that with all the people in town, we would be having a huge crowd but apparently the partying on the beach all day had had rendered the masses down for the count by sundown. This was probably best for them all, however, as the parade was to be an early starter. Meanwhile we ended the show with a big guitar duel between Laurie and myself. Always happy to meet a fellow female picker, I wish Laurie and her fine band all the best!

THE FUTURE OF THE BLUES?

After the show, we landed about 100 miles from Long Beach in Barstow, Ca. This would be a perfect launching pad for high-tailin' it to St. Louis. Only problem, there was only a few hours left to catch a nap. The sun was coming up as we landed at our Super 8. I had taken a nice nap before the show, as I like to do these days, so I figured I would just take another nap, and then hit the Starbucks next door and jam! While the band slept I drove through the desert and didn't give up the wheel until we hit Flagstaff, AZ. I hadn't done this drive in quite some time, and its beauty plus the caffeine and the sugar gave me energy and inspiration. Our destination…Harrah's Casino just outside of St. Louis. Yes, another Casino, and the skinny on this one is that it has the best "trough" of the tour!

So I digress, into the Trough! The special of the day was eight different kinds of shrimp! I never knew there were that many ways to serve shrimp, but there was cocktail shrimp, bar-b-qued shrimp, Chinese, Cajun, and on and on. They had the most beautiful display of fruit, particularly the fresh pineapple, a huge salad bar, all kinds of chicken, roast beef, and the most incredible array of desserts I've ever seen at a Trough! And rather than the usual self-serve soft sundae bar, they offered bins of real ice cream, including peach, with which to make sundaes.

Happily for Don, both of his brothers who reside in St. Louis, John and Joe, were able to make it out to our show. I was also happy to see Judith, whose brother used to promote our shows at the Holiday Inn. It's so cool that she is still coming out to support the blues. And ya gotta love the support of the Casino!

TAYLORVILLE AND FAMOUS DAVES

Unfortunately our show in Rochester, MN. Was cancelled due to the new club not opening in time. So with days off in Illinois, we headed to Taylorville and bunked in with Don's mom. Thank you so much, Doris, for helping out the "traveling minstrels" one more time. Famous Dave's in Minneapolis is, of course, a bar-b-que joint! And as it was the last show of the tour, I went all out and ordered the chicken and rib combo plate with ear of corn, salad, beans and corn bread, and topped it all off with a big slice of key lime pie! The bar-b-que rules…maybe not quite as good as the Dino barbies, but the key lime pie cannot be beat! And then I had to perform on such a full stomach. The audience gave me the energy needed, thank goodness.

Old pal Mark Fredell came out as he always does to support the blues, and we always appreciate it big-time…Kudos to you, Mark. And I met another female guitar picker, Ronnie Lake. Ronnie is doing all instrumental surf rock in the spirit of Dick Dale and Los Straightjackets. She graced me with her CD, and I'd keep an eye on this one…she can play! Check out her web site.

Well, there is a lot of time on the road in the van during these cross country tours, plenty of time to write a road letter, so that's my excuse for rambling on, y'all. Happy Bluesin' everybody, and here's to a great summer.