Better Than Sitting In A Room By Myself

Since this was my first XPN Summer Festival, I didn't know what to expect other that hot weather. I was blown away!!! Having the opportunity to broadcast live from the site gave me the opportunity to interact with all kinds of great people and to see how passionate our listeners are. Musically, my two highlights were Danielia Cotton and Mike Doughty.

When I went onstage to outro Danielia and her band the energy onstage was palpable. It was all crackly. That's the only way I can describe it. The crowd wanted nothing to do with me and the only way for me to save myself from being torn apart was to get Danielia and her band back out for an encore. Who could blame them- after that version of Back in Black I was in need of some more headbangin' myself. I'm pretty sure we're gonna be seeing a lot more of Danielia.

As for Mike Doughty, his set was awesome. I love his songwriting. He was gracious enough after his set to sit down with me and do an interview. All I have to say is, what a cool cool guy. Totally genuine and easy going and funny to boot.

I must admit, when this festival was first being put together, I was underwhelmed. The more artists that were added however, the more I was like "Yeah, this is alright." After being there and experiencing it, I am firmly in the camp of the impressed. Can this station put on a show or what? This was an excellent example of the musical diversity that XPN strives for. A huge thanks to all the artists, members, fans, and station staff for a great time. I just might have to stick around for the next one.

All Expectations Surpassed!

I have to say my favorite memories of this past weekend have to do with the setting and the crowd. Just like most of you I honestly didn't know what to expect from Wiggins Park. The reality was even nicer than my wildest dreams. Also being able to talk to so many folks (you people are really kind, smart and none of you look a day over 30! (?)) was a treat for me. Many highpoints for me musically but at the top was Rodney Crowell -Every new song he did sounded different and really good, plus he is just a natural on stage. And my wife kept saying, "I wish we were closer so I could see his face" Well, hon here he is:

Here is an embarrassing fact -that hunk is actually 90 days OLDER than me !! So let's put up an old picture of me so I can compete for her affection.