Atypical & Awesome “Making the Rounds”
Phillip and I have been out networking and promoting local music all weekend while taking in a couple of national acts as well. Friday night, we made it over to the Panhandle Watermelon Festival in Chipley, FL and fought the heat and crowds to see Shenandoah and Josh Turner. Much to our surprise, Reagan asked to go with us. We had a blast! Phillip is already asking about who will be the headliners next year- lol. I have to give it to Phillip, he has been great and been such a supporter going with me to all these local festivals and ensuring I’m safe and taken care of. Due to my heat intolerance, things can change quickly for me so he is there with chairs, water bottles, fans, and umbrellas. He’s the best wingman ever.
Last night, we went to Cafe Roma for a date-night dinner and to support our girl Alice Nelson. Was able to hear her do a couple of our cowrites, “Girlfriend”, of course and “Friend” which we wrote with Dustin Ford and is slated for release by Dustin soon. Alice always does a great job and I’m so proud of the work we do together as well as her growth as a performer and writer. Check her out on: alicenelsonmusic.com.
After dinner. we drove over to a little town close to where I grew up, Samson, AL to support Midlife Crisis who was playing the Samson Bama Bar. I’ve been wanting to see them again and tonight the planets finally aligned. Val Smith, Ken Kirkland and the rest of the gang do a phenomenal job taking you back to the 90’s grunge/alt rock era. Their commitment to nailing these songs is impressive- STP; Weezer; Nirvana- such a nice break from the standard “standards” often played. They are a great example of “do your thing and do it well”. Check them out- it’s like being in a time machine filled with the sights and sounds of 1994.
Have to also give it up for my girl Jessica Lavallee who is playing the 3-Day long “Tall Ships Festival” in Brockville, ON Canada. Jessica messaged me yesterday and said she had played a couple of our cowrites, “Small Town Girl” and “Crimson Red”. How cool is it that last night, I had songs I’ve cowritten played live in the US and Canada? I think it’s pretty cool :)
And finally… Frank Fletcher. Man, “Midnight Makes Me Crazy” is setting a blaze already. It’s zipping up all kinds of online charts- go check it out! So proud to represent AMPS writer Dennis Powell who cowrote this one along with Frank Fletcher, Ben Byrd, and Wesley Brown. How exciting for all these guys. Plus, follow Frank Fletcher online- the band has been playing some BIG shows lately- the Hang out in Gulf Shores, AJ’s in Destin- the crowds have been great and everyone seems to be digging what Frank and his guys are doing- they’ve put in the work and it shows.
Oh, and also have to send a shout-out to another one of my girls Kristan Mikala who’s also been playing a lot of writers’ rounds in Nashville lately. She’s been playing a song we wrote recently called, “Azalea”- if you are in the Nashville area- check her out. She has some serious pipes and writes really cool, artistically crafted songs that definitely showcase her uniqueness.
Whew! That’s a lot I know, but I’m blessed to have “a lot going on”. Support local and original music- the world needs it more than ever! Have a great Sunday, everyone!
