Sandman's Journal

2012-02-18T00:59:00.000-07:00

Hi Montana!A reminder about today's (2/18/12) screening of Roll Out, Cowboy at Crystal Theater at 4:45pm. I'll play songs afterwards and have $5 shirts and CDs for sale.Come listen to a new rap about my month-old baby girl called "Giddyup." Here's a blog about my new life as a "Missoulian" that the Big Sky Film Fest just posted: http://bigskydocff.blogspot.com/2012/02/

2012-02-16T18:44:00.002-07:00

Dad arrived last night from ND via Greyhound. We awoke early this a.m., and drove to Jerry Johnson's Hot Springs in Idaho. It's a mile and 1/2 walk in on an icy trail along the Lochsa River. We had the hot pot in the meadow all to ourselves.

2012-02-14T03:30:00.000-07:00

Our Lady of Alcatraz with Baby St. Valentine

2012-02-12T23:52:00.000-07:00

Roll Out, Cowboy, the 2010 feature-length film about my life as a touring musician, will be returning to the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival this coming Saturday, February 18th at 4:45pm, at the Crystal Theater.My parents, who have STILL NOT seen it, promise to attend. Come watch them squirm. : ) I'll be performing songs afterwards. If you live in Olympia or Seattle, I've heard rumors of

2012-02-09T19:01:00.001-07:00

Our little Damascus Rose: الوردة الدمشقية‎

2012-02-07T22:49:00.004-07:00

"Bears don't really hibernate. They just sorta chill out." That was my response to Hana yesterday when she pointed out that we've been living very den-like this winter. For the last two weeks, since Hana and Stevie returned from the hospital, they, Grandma Mary, and I have all been chilling out in this apartment, our little bear cave. I've had to adjust from my old, get-stuff-done M.O. to

2012-01-30T23:07:00.002-07:00

Sometimes I think my act would do best on the Blue Collar Comedy circuit. Can't you see it--Jeff Foxworthy, Ron White, Bill Engvall, Larry the Cable Guy, and yours truly--all crammed into one bus driven by my dear old dad? But then again.

2012-01-27T15:35:00.004-07:00

5 days old. Forgive me if all I write about is baby stuff lately. I can't resist. There is music news to report, but another day for that. Back to baby. Li'l Stevie's personality continues to unfold. She loves taking baths and sleeping on our chests. Her eyes are gaining focus. She nurses often and for long periods and then, suddenly, falls off the bar stool of Hana's bosom and sleeps.

2012-01-25T18:50:00.003-07:00

State of the Baby's First Week Address Grandmas, Grandpas, Auntie Tala, distinguished guests, and fellow World Citizens: I'm happy to report that my daughter--former Ambassador to Terabithia--Madame Stevie, is thriving! I'd refrained from mentioning this, but Stevie's first five days outside the womb were spent at Community Medical Center due to Hana's unexpected high blood pressure. On

2012-01-21T22:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, as you may know, Hana and I finally chose an official name for our four-day old wunderkind, Stevie Kasm Sand. We'd fancied this name for months, but wanted to see if her personality matched. It does, we think! Maestra Stevie Kasm Sand. If I had to choose one adjective to describe Stevie, it would be "cool." Cool as in far out. Or maybe "wild," like wild at heart. She

2012-01-17T23:59:00.000-07:00

Guess what! Our baby is a 7.4 lb, 20", glorious girl!!!!!! Born tonight - 1/17/2012, 10:52 p.m. Mama Hana, Baby, and Nurse Sunny Capricorn (same as me). Year of the Rabbit (same as Hana). People I admire who were born on this date include Muhammad Ali, Betty White, Michelle Obama, Benjamin Franklin, Eartha Kitt, and Steve Earle. Our daughter's name is still undecided. In sum: Hana was

2012-01-14T20:57:00.001-07:00

Hana, week 38. Tiger belly. Our midwife, FYI, thinks we're having a boy. She predicts this because Hana has a mild rash on her skin, supposedly caused by the baby's testosterone.

2012-01-12T17:52:00.000-07:00

Funky.

2012-01-08T23:09:00.000-07:00

I just added another unusual item to my "MERCH" page: Marijuana Bracelet (+ Unicorn Lighter & Utopia by Sir Thomas More). Hana made the above bracelet by stringing 19 sterling silver-&-turquoise cannabis charms along a chain. Each leaf is stamped "sterling" on the back and comes from the Neuens' Western Shop in Bismarck, ND. The owners--my relatives-- were unaware of the hippy symbolism

2012-01-06T14:34:00.001-07:00

As Hana and I await our new arrival, I've continued to organize boxes and let go of my odd collections of this 'n' that. Some I throw away, some I give away, and some I sell. I'm having fun with the latter project. Yesterday I sold a cat skull (with bird nest) for $30. Sold within five minutes of listing! In its place I listed a beaver skull (with bird nest) for the same amount.

2012-01-03T21:32:00.003-07:00

My website's "MERCH" link should actually say "YARD SALE." Click it to see why! I've begun to sell quirky "stuff" online in the same manner I do at shows: in bundles. Today it was all about cassettes tapes. (Update: all three cassette bundles I put up last night sold this morning, so you won't see them. More coming!) Last week it was trucker and cowboy collectibles. My prices are

2011-12-31T18:08:00.003-07:00

What an exhilarating year 2011 was! Hana with Uncle Mark and Grandma Joyce in the late '90s. I spent the first couple months on the road performing music and also vacationing in Texas and Arizona with Hana. By the end of March I'd begun a busy year of driving for Goodall Trucking. By April, Hana and I were living like rustic homesteaders in my grandparents' old cabin on Killdeer Mountain.

2011-12-29T21:35:00.001-07:00

New kitchen table and a very pregnant Hana! Farewell, old boy.

2011-12-28T22:49:00.003-07:00

For my 41st birthday breakfast Hana made banana pancakes (pictured above). And one egg. Our kitchen faces Mount Jumbo, and on the hillside we saw a herd of elk. Good omens.

2011-12-25T17:30:00.000-07:00

Fresh Christmas . . . Yes y'all!!

2011-12-23T18:43:00.001-07:00

A friendly game of Cut Throat Pinochle with my downstairs friend, Evie, and her son, Randy. Randy won.

2011-12-20T09:51:00.001-07:00

Hana's sister Tala arrived three days ago for a visit / med-school vacation. She brought along her Chorkie puppy, Bailey, so that Gilda could have a playmate this week.

2011-12-16T07:38:00.000-07:00

Hello from Olympia, WA, where Hana and I have been visiting a multitude of friends. I spent three days in the studio with Bob Schwenkler finishing up Horse Graveyard. It has been fun adding pedal steel, vocal harmonies, and a touch of cello to the songs. It's going to be a great record! In a couple hours we drive back to Missoula.

2011-12-11T13:34:00.001-07:00

"Don't You Cut Off Your Dreadlocks" I've loved this song since I first heard it in 1976.

2011-12-05T21:02:00.001-07:00

It's been a fun few days in Sand Land. Hana's father, Walid, and one of her favorite cousins, Hussam, visited us. Hussam is from Saudi Arabia, and between him, Walid, and Hana, there has been much Arabic spoken this week. I'm starting to pick up some words. The picture below captures the moment I learned how to say "cheese" in Arabic: جبنة (jibdnay). We drove to Hot Springs, MT, Friday

2011-12-02T17:03:00.001-07:00

Download individual Chris Sand / Sandman the Rappin' Cowboy songs here.

2011-11-26T20:27:00.001-07:00

Last thoughts on Grandma Vi. She worked hard at her job and on the farm--her pinkies were gnarled from the milking she did. She raised nine children with her loving husband Nick. She was named Lake County Woman of the Year in 1965. She met and was acquainted with Presidents and Popes. She was a caring grandmother of many. She annually rocked Vegas bingo parlors. She was the first woman

2011-11-22T10:30:00.001-07:00

Grandma Vi Herak's obituary. Her funeral was yesterday. Hana's grandmother Joyce's funeral was Friday, and here's her obituary. We miss them already. May they both rest in peace, and may Hana and my baby inherit all of their loveliest qualities.

2011-11-21T10:45:00.000-07:00

Here's an article about my good friend Jeff Morrow and his saddle-making business that just came out in The Missoulian: Niarada Man Creates Art that Cowboys, Horses Wear. Here's one about Dunn Center, ND, where I recently lived and still own a house in (as featured prominently in the doc Roll Out, Cowboy): Dunn Center Growing.

2011-11-16T17:02:00.001-07:00

My sweet Grandma Vi passed away peacefully this morning in Ronan, MT. She was a mother-of-nine, farm gal who raised cattle and wheat with my Grandpa Herak (who died in 1987). She was a tough Irish-Catholic Democrat who got to meet John and Jackie Kennedy in '62. She was kind, generous, and fun to be around. Gratefully, I saw her four days ago when I was in Montana with Hana. I lifted her

2011-11-09T15:59:00.000-07:00

One last trip to North Dakota for a final fish haul and then I'll be a Missoula, MT, resident. This happens every twenty-or-so years, Missoula is my city of fresh transitions. I lived here from 1971-1973 as a toddler and again from 1989-1992 during my first years of college. Here's a list of things I love about Hana's and my apartment. Clawfoot bathtub. Perfect for warming up one's bones on

2011-11-04T16:25:00.004-06:00

Just got the week off with Goodall, so I boogied straight to Missoula to be with Hana for a few days. Her/our pregnancy is coming along swimmingly. She just entered her third trimester. Baby's kickin' a-way. She told me that her inny will soon be an outy. Tomorrow, by the way, is Hana's baby shower, which my cousin Rebekah will host at her house. Missoula has been opening its doors to me

2011-10-22T20:21:00.008-06:00

My already busy trucking schedule has become even more busy of late. I've been home only two full days this month, and I may get only three more full days here between now and Thanksgiving. That's when I'll be moving to Missoula to join my pumpkin pie bride and butterball bambino. Today is Hana and my first wedding anniversary! I so wish we were together on this beautiful autumn evening.

2011-10-02T11:22:00.009-06:00

Congrats to all the cherubs being born of late: Milo, Boppy, Josiah, Zaia Mae, Maggie Rose, Lyric, Wolfie, and my newest cousin--Carley!!!Left to right: Bailey, Dustin, Mandi with baby Carley, and Sydney ElkinsSpeakin' of babies, Hana reports that she's been feeling baby hiccups lately. She says our little one is quite a mover and shaker. I have the week off from trucking, so I'm heading to

2011-10-01T11:20:00.002-06:00

While digging a trench near the horse corral today, I found a perfectly knapped flint knife. I've found several scrapers this year, and a couple broken arrowheads, but this is my first knife in years.

2011-09-26T08:31:00.005-06:00

Hello from the Skyline Motel in Alexandria, MN. I'm returning from the utopic Boats & Bluegrass Festival in Winona. Friday's gig was fantastically fun. At one point there were seven or eight people on stage with me (mandolin, fiddle, beatbox, cowbells, stand-up bass, and Jes and Kendl from The Blackberry Bushes singing harmonies)! I rejoined The Blackberry Bushes on the main stage last night

2011-09-24T09:40:00.001-06:00

BBC interview for Scotland screenings of Roll Out, Cowboy: "A film that gets under the skin of life . . ."

2011-09-18T21:32:00.009-06:00

Just back from two long drives to Toronto. Tomorrow it's back in the fish tank again! I could use more than a full day off. The steady flow of income keeps me from complaining too loud, though. Whilst away my poor garden froze. Dozens of precious tomatoes, beans, and squash bit the dust. The root vegetables are fine. Not sure how the pumpkins will fare.Here are two pre-frost pics: The frost

2011-09-09T10:35:00.002-06:00

Here are the Scotland dates when Roll Out, Cowboy will be screening.Tonight and tomorrow it will show on Orkney Island!

2011-08-28T10:25:00.020-06:00

This might be the richest summer of my life. Hana is five months pregnant. Our garden is producing king-sized beets, carrots, tomatoes, onions, and pumpkins. My trucking schedule has been heavy (off again to Toronto tonight). Hana and I had the first of two wedding receptions (next summer we'll have the second one in western Montana). I flew to Chicago and St. Louis to perform after

2011-08-24T22:01:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday, Baby!

2011-08-11T12:45:00.003-06:00

Screenings: Tonight ROC will be screening in New York City at the 92YTribeca Screening Room! And next weekend it will screen for three days in St. Louis at Webster University. I'll be there for the Friday and Saturday screenings. Shows: Tonight in Minot, ND, @ Blue Rider Bar as part of the Why Not Minot?! Festival. 7 p.m. Tomorrow in Watford City, ND, at the Ribfest-o-Rama. 2 p.m. Review: By

2011-08-05T20:21:00.004-06:00

Wedding Reception in North Dakota, June '11!Note: we plan to have another reception next summer for our Montana relatives and Olympia friends!The day before, walking with dog Gilda . . .Practicing dance moves, cousins Kelly and Jo clapping . . .The day of. Cake!Hana's kin, right to left: Aunt Joan, Uncle Will, cousins Abbey & Ashley.Singing "Love Me Tender" to Hana. That's Uncle Josh on guitar,

2011-08-04T19:45:00.000-06:00

Here's a snap-shot I've been meaning to share . . .Indio Saravanja took this two months ago during his brief visit from Canada. It captures the moment when Hana and I told my parents and grandma that we were pregnant.

2011-07-29T13:42:00.004-06:00

Just got back from an epic time in Chicago where Roll Out, Cowboy screened eight times over the weekend at Facets Multimedia. Now Hana and I are on our way to Wells, BC, for the 8th Annual ArtsWell Festival of All Things Art. Life could not be more FULL....!

2011-07-22T14:38:00.007-06:00

Greetings from Chicago. Roll Out, Cowboy begins its theatrical release tonight, and lot's of press is coming in.Chicago Tribune gave it 3/4 stars and this review. NPR (WBEZ locally) did this super-pro edit job: http://www.wbez.org/episode-segments/2011-07-21/roll-out-cowboy-roams-and-raps-across-midwest-89464

2011-07-19T16:49:00.007-06:00

NEWS FROM SANDLAND:1) encountered 3' rattle snake five minutes ago2) plucked first beets, chard, lettuce and carrots from garden3) married my one true love and soon-to-be mother of my children whom I adore with the hotness of twenty billion suns - Miss Hana Kasm!!I will post wedding pics when I get organized.

2011-07-11T13:16:00.003-06:00

Chicago premiere of Roll Out, Cowboy this month: July 22-31!You may buy tix here: http://rolloutcowboy.eventbrite.com/I'll be there for the first couple nights (singing songs!), along with the doc's dynamic director Elizabeth Lawrence and fab producer Warner Boutin.Please help spread the word! Thanks!

2011-06-20T09:52:00.010-06:00

Yesterday I performed at Washburn Days in Washburn, ND. It was the third show in a row where I arrived from a trucking run with only minutes to spare before going on stage.After the first set, Hana and I walked down Main Street to check out an antique car show. By chance we saw a flyer advertising a James Talley show--that very night, at a barn only five miles away!James Talley, in case you

2011-06-14T10:11:00.007-06:00

Rest in Peace, Emilie Hamilton. Emilie passed away two weeks ago in her Spokane home. She was one of my most supportive fans, and over the years she and her husband Arnold became dear friends. Last year she loaned me $1000 to help fund a CD project, and although I insisted on paying her back I could tell she wanted me to keep it. The year before that she set up a house concert for me on my

2011-06-04T22:16:00.010-06:00

Just fish-trucked to downtown Vancouver, BC, and back. It's a prettier drive than the eastward trek to Toronto: rhododendrons and other flowers of the NW are in bloom; Snoqualmie Pass waterfalls are gushing; Montana's big rivers are full to the banks. Saw eagles and elk and, in Post Falls, Idaho, ate real Mexican food. Which is a big deal when you reside anywhere in North Dakota.Auspiciously,

2011-05-30T19:49:00.007-06:00

Played two shows in the last few days. The first was in Dickinson, ND, at the Odd Fellows Hall. I barely made it, because Shawn and I were caught in a nasty traffic jam in Chicago. We pulled into Dickinson just in time for me to plug in my guitar in and play a two-hour set. Fun show, classy venue.Yesterday afternoon I sang some western-themed songs at the 25th Annual Dakota Cowboy Poetry

2011-05-23T17:12:00.004-06:00

Happy 42nd Anniversary to my parents!

2011-05-22T20:05:00.006-06:00

Alert: The Prairie Puffballs have arrived on Killdeer Mountain. Hana and I are frying them up with butter.Hana with two puffs. Shorty observes.A view inside the cabin.Down by the beaver dams.

2011-05-21T20:37:00.003-06:00

Back from Toronto. In the sleeper cab I read LL Cool J's 1997 autobiography: I Make My Own Rules. Last trip--Wilco: Learning How to Die.

2011-05-17T16:28:00.007-06:00

Hana, Dad, Mom, and I made some raised garden beds out of old railroad ties yesterday. We'll be getting some sheep manure from a neighbors' ranch to mix into the soil, and then we'll plant tomatoes, beets, carrots, lettuce, squash, and whatnot.Although our cabin on Killdeer Mountain is remote, it's beginning to feel like we're part of a robust community. We buy raw honey from one neighbor, raw

2011-05-10T12:25:00.006-06:00

After nine nights on the road in a semi-truck, I find that the world has changed. Osama Bin Laden has been killed and buried at sea. Alabama got hammered by 173 tornadoes in a day. Prince William wed a lovely peasant lass. While not as historic, Hana was stranded in our cabin without electricity or running water for a couple days, after a blizzard dumped eighteen more inches of snow on

2011-04-28T18:40:00.003-06:00

I'll be driving fish around for possibly eight of the next nine days. See you later.Here is a website where you can make virtual sand art.

2011-04-27T18:44:00.004-06:00

Mostly I just want to write about nature. A friend thinks I should blog more about music, but right now I'm more jazzed about birds and frogs (which are chirping like crazy down in the draw right now).The music business is on hold, but I am writing songs. Weird ones--as if that's new for me. For a challenge, I'm going to try writing a Nashville-worthy hit this year. If anyone has a clever song

2011-04-22T17:59:00.008-06:00

The producer of an upcoming documentary about how technology is affecting rural Montanans has asked to use four of my songs in his film. He offered to pay, but I chose to donate them, since the film will be broadcast on Montana's public television station, which I grew up with and support.Another piece of good news: I've been invited to perform at the 25th Annual Dakota Cowboy Poetry Gathering

2011-04-17T19:15:00.007-06:00

The last five days of trucking were wild. From North Dakota snow to Iowa tornadoes to a Michigan heat-wave to a Calgary ice storm. We got held up at three border crossings for multiple hours and reasons. We were also fined several hundred dollars at a pernicious Ontario weigh station.Now I'm back in snowy NoDak. Horses are pawing for grass. Beaver have returned to their lodges.

2011-04-12T18:23:00.001-06:00

Another week of truckin' starts tonight.

2011-04-11T12:23:00.008-06:00

As of today, the birds are back on Killdeer Mountain. Ducks, turkeys, goldfinches, pheasants, woodpeckers, falcons, crows, bluebirds, meadowlarks, and nuthatches are suddenly everywhere. Pelicans, hawks, and geese fly overhead. Coming soon: leaves on trees!

2011-04-09T15:45:00.000-06:00

Snow is melting.

2011-04-08T14:35:00.012-06:00

To illustrate yesterday's blog:Bringing supplies down to the cabin.The cabin.Sledding from the cabin down to the barn.The parent's work-in-progress house on the ridge where Hana and I now get internet.

2011-04-07T12:24:00.019-06:00

Hana and I are permanently living on Killdeer Mountain now. We snowshoe a hundred yards to get to the cabin. The snow this week is half as deep as last week. We should be able to drive in next week, unless we get more snow.Ponds on the mountain are thawing. I saw two big beaver yesterday. I've seen lots of turkey tracks, but no turkeys yet. A couple of chickadees have discovered the

2011-04-02T14:28:00.003-06:00

Heading up to Killdeer Mountain for the weekend. Snowshoes, check. Extra blankets, check. Dog food, check.

2011-04-01T13:33:00.005-06:00

Prairie dogs, open your little sleepy eyes. Badgers, cowboy up! Skunks, join the whiffy chorus.Horse turds are melting and snow banks are wilting. Mother Wolf, put on your slicker. Let's go for a ride.Lambs and calves, lambs and calves. It's April 1st.

2011-03-28T17:28:00.003-06:00

Toronto. Tilapia. Truckin'. Back Thursday . . .

2011-03-27T20:07:00.009-06:00

I've been a King Sunny Ade fan since 1985, when I first heard Synchro System. African music and reggae rocked my soul during those lonely teen years.Other favorites included Half Pint, Gregory Isaacs, Marcia Griffiths, Steel Pulse, Third World, UB40, The Heptones, Toots and the Maytals, Freddie McGregor, Black Uhuru, King Tubby, Desmond Dekker, Harry Belafonte, Aswad, Eek-a-Mouse, Burning Spear,

2011-03-26T20:15:00.004-06:00

Just snowshoed down to Lariat Liquors with Hana to buy Grandma two bottles of Strawberry White Zinfandel. Turns out she would've preferred the regular White Zinfandel.

2011-03-24T22:45:00.024-06:00

Three years ago I was invited to open up a show for Corb Lund and the Hurtin' Albertans at the 25th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, NV. I didn't think I'd ever be invited to perform there, so it was a huge honor. I played my standard fare that night--raps, cowboy poems, and folk songs. I think my cowboy/folk songs were appreciated, but my hip-thrusting raps and avant garde poetry

2011-03-21T12:13:00.004-06:00

Hana has spent the last three weeks in Mesa, AZ, with sister Tala. Her stay has been awesome.Syrian dames are cute, no?Today my habibti drives north!

2011-03-21T01:57:00.006-06:00

This is a Sandman and Camo krush groove from 1999. Calvin Johnson and Diana Arens recorded it at the Dub Narcotic Studio Big Room, Olympia, WA. Two mics, one take.Check out Camo's human beatbox skills. So fresh, so clean.

2011-03-20T09:44:00.019-06:00

While making oatmeal pancakes this morning, two songs drifted up through my subconscious: "Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again" and "Dire Wolf." The songs of Dylan and the Grateful Dead tap so sweetly into the roots of American musics: Blues, Jazz, Carnival, Gospel, Hillbilly, etc. Weird songs that reflect strange times.Strange times again: Arab nations in revolt, Japan's

2011-03-19T17:31:00.021-06:00

Happy St. Paddy's Day! Two days late, 'tis true. I've been on the road for the last five days with that lorry-drivin' fishmonger, Shawn Goodall--an Irishman himself.My lovely 90-year-old Irish Grandmother, Julia Viola Sullivan Herak, at her Montana nursing home with niece Carol.Dunn Center had its St. Patrick's Day celebration today, so Dad and I drove over for sandwiches and pie at City Hall.

2011-03-13T16:27:00.004-06:00

Random Thoughts of the DayFavorite co-worker/employee: Damian Loverro (diligent bike mechanic, he managed Deschutes River Cyclery)Favorite employer: Gary Schneider (philanthropic contractor, Sunrise Construction)Favorite job: Montana Outdoor Program (kayak instructor & mountain guide)

2011-03-12T09:43:00.010-07:00

My Grandpa Nick Herak (pictured) passed away when I was a teenager. I never cried so hard. He was a cattle rancher and wheat farmer, and he and Grandma also had chickens, pigs, dairy cows, horses, and nine children. Grandpa loved sports, pinochle, and ice cream. He was a staunch Democrat and devout Catholic. Two weeks ago would have been his 99th birthday.He was the sweetest guy there ever

2011-03-10T20:23:00.019-07:00

I'm back hauling live fish with Goodall Trucking. We taxied 10,000 pounds of slimy buffalo carp to Calgary yesterday.Monday we're eastbound to Toronto with tilapia. Thursday we return to Calgary.<---Goodall****I tried to buy this t-shirt for Hana at various truck stops last year, but the smallest they ever sell are size XL, which would fit her like a nightgown.P.S. In related news, here's a

2011-03-08T20:02:00.000-07:00

2011-03-04T17:12:00.015-07:00

Yesterday wrapped up another epic tour of the American West. The Bisbee, AZ, show at the Bisbee Grand was a fitting finale. In spite of my near exhaustion due to lack of sleep in Los Angeles, I managed to have a blast. The best part about it was that Hana was there. We've been apart too much this winter.Alas, yesterday morning we parted ways again--I flew home to North Dakota to resume

2011-03-03T20:35:00.002-07:00

Film Courage lengthy radio interview in LA, Feb. 27th: http://filmcourage.com/content/elizabeth-lawrence-chris-sandman-sand-film-courage-ep-100

2011-02-28T13:46:00.014-07:00

TONIGHT, downtown LA--ROLL OUT, COWBOY: http://www.downtownindependent.com/events/film-courage-presents-roll-out. If you have any LA friends, please let 'em know about this. We have a chance of selling out all 220 seats.**************************************************************************************Auspiciously, an acquaintance of mine, Audrey Marrs, was in town last night for the

2011-02-27T23:35:00.002-07:00

Weird that I arrived in Hollywood on Oscar night. Helicopters and limos are abundant. I was feeling out of place packin' my guitar around Sunset Boulevard, so I was grateful when my good old pal Bill Daniel picked me up in his orange industrial-primitive '65 Chevy sailvan. It's got a four-on-the-tree transmission that was customized by underground Louisiana cult-legend rebel songwriter Jimmy

2011-02-25T14:59:00.005-07:00

We're back from Big Bend National Park! The first day we soaked in the hot springs, and swam in the Rio Grande. The second day we hiked Santa Elena Canyon (pictured above). FYI, that's Mexico on the opposite shore of where we're standing.Tomorrow, Arizona.

2011-02-22T07:36:00.001-07:00

Off to Big Bend National Park for some hiking with Hana and Gilda!

2011-02-21T08:56:00.001-07:00

President's Day!

2011-02-20T08:00:00.009-07:00

After four weeks on the road, I'm back in Marfa, TX. Two weeks ago pipes were bursting here from record low temperatures, and many beautiful cacti froze to death. Yesterday it was 80 degrees.I performed last night at the Lost Horse Saloon, owned by a weatherbeaten cowboy/truckdriver/oiler/mechanic/actor named Ty Mitchell. Cool guy. For some reason, it was one of the most difficult shows I've

2011-02-16T07:58:00.003-07:00

From Montana to Texas, the highway is beautiful . . . but my ass is sore from all this sitting.

2011-02-14T01:48:00.005-07:00

A Red, Red Rose (for my blue Valentine)O, my Luve's like a red, red rose,That's newly sprung in June.O, my Luve's like a melodieThat's sweetly play'd in tune.As fair as thou, my bonnie lass,So deep in luve am I;And I will love thee still, my dear,Till a' the seas gang dry.Till a' the seas gang dry, my dear,And the rocks melt wi' the sun:I will love thee still, my dear,While the sands o' life

2011-02-13T13:04:00.011-07:00

Roll Out, Cowboy screens tonight at 9:45 in the Wilma Theater here in balmy Missoula, MT. This is probably the most special of all the screenings for me. For one thing, it will be ROC's Montana premiere. Missoula is the town where my parents met. I was conceived here, and we lived here during most of my infant years. While in high school sixty miles north of here, I sometimes escaped to Missoula

2011-02-11T12:33:00.005-07:00

I'm having a relaxing time in Hot Springs, MT, today. Just swam and soaked at the historic Symes Hot Springs Hotel where I stayed last night.My show at Fergie's Pub was a big success! Lots of locals showed up, and I didn't feel bad taking the $200 guarantee. The weird thing about this show was that my ears were clogged up the whole night. I kept asking people if they could hear me. Not being

2011-02-10T13:40:00.004-07:00

Tonight: Fergie's Pub in Hot Springs, MT! 9 p.m.

2011-02-09T16:14:00.004-07:00

Tonight at The Filling Station!!(Photo credit: Allison V. Smith)

2011-02-08T19:11:00.002-07:00

I'm ready for spring. I'm ready for my fifteen minutes of fame to be over. I'm ready to finish what I started. I'm ready to draw seven lines in the dirt. I'm ready to climb the red butte. I'm ready to remember that some things aren't for sale. I'm ready to die in a snowstorm, along the interstate, in the morning.

2011-02-05T12:39:00.001-07:00

Laryngitis has overcome me. Tonight's BIG show in Dickinson is cancelled.

2011-02-04T23:01:00.004-07:00

Back in Dunn County for a couple days. It is lovely to see my parents after eleven weeks away.I've had to cancel my last three shows, including Bismarck tonight, due to laryingitis. I'm praying for a miracle so I can do tomorrow's show in Dickinson.I did manage to get through a sprinkling of songs at a Red Raven open mic in Fargo last night. Afterwards I walked down to the Hotel Donaldson where

2011-02-02T19:41:00.003-07:00

The ROAD has been ROBUST.Just played eleven shows in ten towns: Dallas, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Columbia, Champaign, Rockport, Maquoketa, Winona, Decorah, Prairie du Chien. By the last gig my voice was officially worn out. I cancelled Duluth for tonight and am burrowed in Winona, MN, with friends, drinking hot honey-water. Tomorrow I drive to my home state--North Dakota. From there I go to Montana,

2011-02-02T10:43:00.002-07:00

This Saturday in Dickinson, ND!

2011-01-29T22:03:00.002-07:00

This has been one crazy week. Next week is more of the same. It's been good, though. Report coming, if I can carve out the time.