Well, ‘summer is over’ and my first official tour is in the books! To hear more about my travels, please visit the recap on my website at Lilchota Heads West. Basically, I had a blast and will definitely be making more of the road my ‘home.’ Also, I got some more recording done in CA for the country album. It takes a long time to make an album all the way across the country, but it is sounding great and I am getting more and more excited as time goes on. Once we get a little closer to the finish line I’ll let you all know how you can get involved and how you can stay ahead of the game. I am optimistic that I will be able to share some songs with you in 2020.

I wanted to let you know about some other things that will be coming up in the next couple months. This Thursday, as well as every Thursday in the month of August, I will be performing at Doc’s in Smyrna from 7-10 pm. Doc’s is located across Cobb Parkway from the Battery. Get there early for Happy Hour and take advantage of the snack buffet or get there late and enjoy their late night kitchen. Doc’s is my home base and I know I will see several faces I know and adore, but let’s add some new ones too! Doc’s Website

This Friday, 8/16, I will be returning to Ott Farms & Vineyard in Elijay. I don’t know why I really need to convince you to come up to the Georgia mountains and drink wine and listen to music. But just in case you need convincing, there will also be a food truck, and I am told Domin8 makes the best cuban sandwiches ever! Kid and dog friendly, delicious wine, local art, and just in case you STILL need more convincing, I have posted the view below. Music is from 5-8. Ott Farms Website

Next Friday, 8/23, I will be making my debut at Smokin’ Cues in Stockbridge, GA. I have had a ton of friends play here and have heard a few stories, and let’s just say, I can’t imagine not having a good time. Music starts at 9 pm. Smokin’ Cues Facebook Page

Next Sunday, 8/25, is the Atlanta round of the Blues Challenge. Several of us will be competing for the opportunity to compete in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. This would be a great opportunity for me should I be able to advance. Please come out and show your support. You may discover some new local artists to follow, plus there are raffles and giveaways and there is also a popular vote, so your presence matters! Here are the details from Atlanta Blues Society:

The contestants have all applied and we are busy getting ready for another fabulous Atlanta Blues Challenge.
What: 2019 Atlanta Blues Challenge
When: Sunday, August 25, 2019, 1 pm – 9:30pm (approx. end time)
Where: Route 66 Restaurant & Music Venue, 6000 Medlock Bridge Parkway, Johns Creek, GA 30022
The Atlanta Blues Challenge is the Atlanta Blues Society’s competition to select our representatives for the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. This year we have a new venue for our event, Route 66 Restaurant & Music Venue in Johns Creek (Duluth) Georgia. Route 66 is also the signature song of one of Atlanta’s blues legend who we recently lost, Eddie Tigner. and as such, this year’s Challenge will be in honor of Mr. Tigner. To help offset costs of the challenge we will be charging $10 for ABS members and $15 for non-members at the door, cash is preferred in order to speed up the entry process. Food & drink will be available from the venue, there will be plenty of room for everybody and lots of free parking. We have been accepting applications and will have 12 acts competing.
The winners will win the following prize money to help with their trip to Memphis (will be presented to them at our Holiday Party) :
· Band – $750
· Solo/Duo – $400
· Youth – $300
There will also be a prize of $250 rewarded for People’s Choice which will be determined by voting of the paying patrons at the event. Make sure to get a ballot after you pay at the door. Come on out and root for your favorites and see the best up and coming blues acts in the area.
Here’s the latest schedule for the Challenge (subject to change):
We will have some very special raffle items to give away at the Challenge which include:
  • 3-Night Stay at Luxury New Orleans Condo – $15 for 1 ticket or 4 for $50
  • A Big Egg package, worth @ $1,000 – $15 for 1 ticket or 4 for $50
The following will be raffled off with our regular raffle tickets: 3 For $5, an arm length for $10
  • Passes & Hats for the WRFG Labor Day Barbecue, September 2, 2019
  • VIP Passes to GABBAfest Weekend in Macon, GA, September 20-22, 2019
  • Cat Head Vodka
  • CD Packages
  • ABS Merch

It may not feel like fall, but football season is indeed upon us. To some of you that means absolutely nothing and to some of you it means everything. For those of you who are unaware I run a podcast with another girlfriend of mine that revolves around the NFL. I won’t bother all of you too much with this shameless plug, but just in case you are interested here’s where you can follow us: @seeyouunderthebleachers on Instagram UTB Facebook Page and search for us on iTunes. We should be uploading our first podcast of the season sometime next week to get you ready for your fantasy FB drafts.

In September I will be spending a bit of time at my favorite spot in the VA Highlands, Limerick Junction. I love this place because I get to play an eclectic mix of music. Sometimes I play covers that sound like originals or originals that sound like covers. Sometimes I play Linda Ronstadt and sometimes I play Childish Gambino. It really just depends on whatever mood I’m in or what the people ask for. I play a lot of my own songs here as well and very often play my songs here for the first time. So you really never know when you will be the first to hear something new. I will be at Limerick solo on Wednesday 9/4 and Tuesday 9/19. I will be joined by Jon Schwenke on the rhythm and the funk on Friday 9/6 and Friday 9/27.  I can only imagine the people watching will be even better on the weekend. I will also be joined by the amazing stylings of Anthony Mancini on guitar on 9/1. I know you will all still be out partying with your day of rest on Monday, so stop by, we’ll be playing late! DragonCon costumes welcome and I dare say encouraged. The show on 9/1 starts at 9 pm; all other shows start at 9:30. Limerick Junction Website

Sunday, September 8, I will be returning to Ott Farms. Same awesome view, same great wine. There will not be the same food truck but they do serve snacks at the winery at all times. Music on Sundays is from 1:30 – 5:30.

Sunday, September 22, I will be returning to the Monkey Barrel in Marietta. The Monkey Barrel is located on Whitlock west of the Marietta Square. This group of bars may have changed names but they still have the neighborhood feel that many have come to associate with the buildings. I’ll be playing all your favorites as well as a few of my own. Music is from 8-11:30. Monkey Barrel Website

Saturday, September 14, I will be playing with the Wasted Potential Brass Band in Tybee Island! We are very much looking forward to a band getaway and introducing our band to another part of GA. Look for me to also announce a couple shows in between including one in Charleston on 9/12. Details to follow. Wasted Potential Website

Lots of things to look forward to in October as well!!

10/4 – my BIRTHDAY show at Northside Tavern!! I have been spending a lot of birthdays at Northside since I’ve lived in Atlanta, but never one with my name as the headliner. I’ll be so sad if you’re not there. It’s my party, and I’ll cry if I want to.

10/12 – Porchfest! Oakhurst Porchfest is absolutely my favorite local festival to get to know new Atlanta artists or to listen to some of your favorites. Times have not been announced yet, but I will be playing a set of my own stuff and then will likely be closing out the festival with Wasted Potential. Times and porches TBA.

10/24 – Waller’s Coffee House – this place is becoming a hot spot for good music in this town. Don’t be the last to find out about it.

And more October dates to come! Looking forward to seeing all of you now that I’m back ‘home.’ I have stories. Don’t you want to hear them?