March 8th in San Diego!

Tour is going swimmingly--I just finished a stretch of 11 gigs in 12 days.  Now I'm in west Texas taking a couple days off before stringing together 6 consecutive events from Marfa, TX, to Los Angeles.

That's me, to the right, smoking a firecracker (circa 1996).

March 5th in Marfa, TX!

American Road Trip by Chris Sand: “One Heckuva Ride”

PRESS RELEASE: AMERICAN ROAD TRIP one-sheet

Chris Sand (formerly Sandman The Rappin’ Cowboy) has traversed the blue highways and gravel backroads of the USA for over two decades, performing his unique blend of folk, punk, hip hop, and cowboy music in basements, living rooms, barns, performance halls, and dive bars along the way. Dubbed by Punk Planet in 2003 as “our Troubadour for the 21st Century,” Sand continues his ride in American Road Trip, his 13th official release.

From songs about the road (“Road Trip,” “Trucker Song,” “Bull,” “Yodelin’ Night Before Christmas Hitchhike Blues”), to energetic punk ("Chair of the Month"), to feel-good hip hop (“Down at Habashi”), to pop ballad ("Prisoner Of Love"), to a capella verse (“Road Kill"), to political comedy (“Ronald McDonald”), to existential reflection (“Mr. Kent”), to family tribute (“Farmor”), American Road Trip is pure Sand—a true American original. 

CD design by Bess Bird.  Photo by Allison V. Smith.

On what is arguably the choicest radio cut,“Bull,” Sand channels Johnny Cash. The song roasts a former truck-driving employer with a galloping country rap: “He don’t like unions and he don’t like feds / If you slack on your job, Old Boy sees red / He’s bull, he’s a bull / He’s got horns in the sides of his skull…”  

The album's penultimate track is Sand's recitation of Bruce Kiskaddon's masterful 1924 poem, “When They’ve Finished Shipping Cattle In The Fall.” Over a moody electronic breakbeat that evokes cracked badlands and sunsets glinting off interstate asphalt, Sand is at his best--sincere and true in voice and tone, his loneliness upfront and undisguised. 

On American Road Trip, two decades of touring the country—as rapper, jester, social activist, truck driver, country singer, documentary subject*, and lonesome lover—crystallize into a lyrical scrapbook of life lived in the flow of creativity under the great shadow of American discontent.  Across frozen ground and disappearing daylight, Sand’s humor, hope, and grit abide. 

As No Depression’s Grant Alden wrote in 1998 “…[Sand’s] songs arise from the same dusty world Woody Guthrie wrote about without being mired in the dust of Guthrie's tradition."  Fresh, funny, and fierce, American Road Trip is one heckuva ride.  

*Roll Out Cowboy, award-winning documentary by filmmaker Elizabeth Lawrence, 2010: www.rolloutcowboy.com

AMERICAN ROAD TRIP TOUR, 2016!

Here's the itinerary . . . so far.  Stay tuned!

Feb. 12 - Leadville, CO @ The Hen House (101 Maple St., Apt. A), 7pm.
Feb. 13 - Albuquerque, NM @ Baker Architecture + Design, 8pm.
Feb. 14 - Oklahoma City, OK @ Sadler's Saddlery, 7pm.
Feb. 16 - Columbia, MO @ Cafe Berlin. 9:15pm. $5.
Feb. 17 - Pesotum, IL @ Route 45 Wayside Bar, 8pm.
Feb. 19 - Indianapolis, IN @ Rhonda's Garden.
Feb. 20 - Nashville, TN @ Lightell-Greene House.
Feb. 21 - Florence, AL @ Rivertown Coffee Co., 6pm.
Feb. 22 - Little Rock, AR @ Watson House (3 Berkshire Dr.). 7:30pm.
Feb. 23 - Little Rock, AR @ Dogtown Sound (4012 JFK Blvd. NLR), 6:30pm.
Feb. 24 - Shreveport, LA w/ Bill Daniel's Milkcrate Microcinema + Dacoda Montana.

Feb. 26 - Huntsville, TX, @ The Eclectic Cafe Studio w/ Bill Daniel's Milkcrate Microcinema.
Feb. 27 - Dallas, TX, @ Church in the Cliff (1719 West 10th) w/ Bill Daniel's Milkcrate Microcinema, 7pm.
Feb. 28 - Austin, TX, @ The Carousel w/ Bill Daniel's Milkcrate Microcinema + John Wesley Coleman + Ralph White, 7-9pm.
Feb. 29 - San Antonio, TX, @ Flight Gallery (134 Blue Star) w/ Bill Daniel's Milkcrate Microcinema + Buttercup.
Mar. 1 - Lubbock, TX, @ La Diosa w/ Andy Hedges, 7pm.
Mar. 5 - Marfa, TX, @ Wrong Store, 8-10pm.
Mar. 6 - Bisbee, AZ, @ Shawnee's Studio (across from Elmo's, 2nd floor of old Bizz Art bldg.) w/ Melissa Reaves, 7pm.
Mar. 7 - Tucson, AZ, @ The Flycatcher, 9pm.
Mar. 8 - San Diego, CA, @ Sleep Beddar Art Collective, 9pm.
Mar. 9 - Los Angeles, CA, @ The Prospector w/ Sas, 9pm.
Mar. 11 - Los Angeles, CA, w/ Willie Wisely. 9:30pm.
Mar. 12-16 - Missoula, MT. Spring Break Vacation!
Mar. 19 - San Francisco, CA, @ Nana's! 4pm.
Mar. 19 - Sacramento, CA, Reva's house w/ Reva!  8:30pm.
Mar. 20 - Black Butte, CA, Boxcar Music Show!  8pm.
Mar. 21 - Ashland, OR, Amber's house.
Mar. 22 - Corvallis, OR, Interzone Coffee House.
Mar. 23 - Portland, OR, @ The Old Church Concert Hall.  7:30pm. $10 adults / $5 children.
Mar. 25 - Olympia, WA, @ Abigail Stewart House w/ Pink Tree Cabaret! 8pm.
April 1 - Missoula, MT, @ The Roxy Theater. 8pm.
April 2 - Basin, MT, @ The Pirate Ship. 6pm.

This week's Missoula Independent features an article by Erika Fredrickson about my recent trip to Vegas, my upcoming CD, and the upcoming show:  http://missoulanews.bigskypress.com/missoula/reenter-sandman/Content?oid=2595028.

Photo by Claudia Ponce

A big HOWDY from Las Vegas.  The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is happening this week and white folks in black hats abound.  I'm one of 'em. I've been eating yogurt and fruit to keep things affordable.

I'm in town for three reasons.  1) To visit my lovely girlfriend, Claudia.  2) To deeply focus on work.  3) To audition for America's Got Talent: Season 11.

So far, so good!  Claudia is always fun to be with and she has been helping me focus on my work projects.

My radiant guide, Claudia, and her halo.

As for the AGT audition, it happened yesterday in the ritzy LINQ hotel.  I don't know when I'll learn if I was selected or rejected, but I'm fairly certain the latter.  Upon arrival, hundreds of us were herded through labyrinthine halls and, eventually, stockaded into holding rooms.  The room I was in reminded me of a flourescent Star Wars Cantina filled with sticky-sweet odors and strange visions: drunken ukelele men, small blonde girls in tights and makeup, a fish-swallowing juggler, unhappy beefcake twins, Panamanian break-dancers, a Rodney Dangerfield impersonator, multitudes of a cappella singers, and a rapping cowboy.

The "cowboy" was called up first.  Disoriented and nervous, I grabbed my guitar, stood in front of the solo judge and, without taking a breath, lurched into "Both of Us" by B.o.B. and Taylor Swift.  In hindsight, my first mistake was singing another person's song.  Anybody who's seen me perform knows I don't do cover-songs unless they're cowboy ballads.  My fatal blow was forgetting to capo my guitar.  Singing in G instead of D--the key I'd practiced it in and the only key I could pull off for that song--turned my croon into a croak.  Disoriented, I forgot the words.  I paused . . . resumed . . . stumbled . . . ad libbed and then ended with some sloppy finger-picking shenanigans.  The judge looked small and uncomfortable.  "A merciful death," I breathed to myself.

While exiting through the LINQ casino on the main-floor, President Obama addressed the nation in a rare prime-time speech from the Oval Office regarding the mass-shooting in San Bernadino.  Football-watchers groaned at the untimely interruption.  I re-joined Claudia on the street, and we left in search of Persian food.  It felt like another chapter in my eternal, glorious/ignominious American road trip.  

I'll let you know if I somehow passed the audition but, if I were a gambling man, I'd say my odds are one-in-a-million.

Addendum: Turns out I am a gambling man.  The Downtown Grand Hotel where I stayed last night gives its guests a one-time $10 voucher to use at the tables. Lady Luck was with me and an hour later I possessed $300 and quit.  

On Sunday, Nov. 22, at 11am, I'm leading a rap songwriting workshop at The Roxy Theater's annual children's festival HOOTENANNY.  I heard that 20 very enthusiastic children have already signed up.  Should be groovy, baby.

Tickets for all the other Hoots HERE (movies, bands, improv and animation workshops, ninja training, etc.).

I love my theater.

Sandman's Somber, Sweet & Surreal Annual Report:

I've been a single dad for over a year now.  Hana and I separated sixteen months ago and divorced on February 4th of this year.  Lack of romance won't keep us from being friends, though, and our beautiful tow-headed daughter will always be a reminder of our connection.

See any similarities 'tween this pic and the banner above?

On the job front, I went from Coordinator of Missoula's historic Roxy Theater in 2013 to Roxy Night Manager in 2014, and finally, so I could parent more easily, to theater janitor this year.  I find it comforting and meditative to sweep, vacuum, mop, scrub and restock this little art-house triplex that I helped to reboot three years ago.  Less hours now, but more time for Stevie and personal rejuvenation.

Musically speaking, my wellspring of creativity is flowing:  I'm writing songs steadily . . . working on three full-length CDs . . . in the early stages of penning a travelogue . . . and, surreally, America's Got Talent wants me on their 11th season (I have to pass the auditions first).

AGT's kind and helpful associate producer, Alden Harbi, wrote this in a longer email last month:

"I am so happy I came across your YouTube page!  After watching you in the zone, I am HOOKED!  I very rarely see such a beautiful fusion of originality, talent, and passion!"  

American dream or night terror?

I'll let you know what happens with that.

Financially, I'm barely getting by.  Each month I earn just enough to cover rent and pay for Stevie's Waldorf schooling and other general bills, and to buy food.  In October I spent all my meager savings so I could begin creating a children's album--GIDDYUP!  I then sold my Bose p.a. system so I could complete production on my new 22-song joint AMERICAN ROAD TRIP.  I'd like to start recording my third new record--HARD LESSONS--this winter.  Without a healthy infusion of money, these three apples will positively wither on the branch.

The time is ripe to launch a crowdfund campaign.  I've never done one--just supported friends' projects.  My goal is to kick it off December 1st and end on New Year's Eve.  Now the fun part to figure out: REWARDS.

I used to blog daily.  Now I don't, 'cause that's what happens when you have a child.  Stevie has become my daily song.

I promised a picture of her over a year ago, so here she is, this summer, on a slide, staticized.

Many thanks to Aaron Jennings and Justin Phillips for getting my website--which mysteriously disappeared from the face of Earth last May--back up and running!  I'm relieved.  Some of the song links are missing, but hopefully all glitches will get fixed and improved upon soon.

Back from the mini-tour.  Back in Missoula.  Per usual, I had a rockin' good time!

Thanks Jennie and Robert at Finney Farm!  Hermina Jean and I LOVED the opening acts, the big breakfast, the long overdue conversation and the travel package (home-made jams, dried fruits, canned vegetables, seeds, etc.).  See ya very soon, I hope.

Thanks Karl Blau for hosting us at your new venue, The Anacortes Music Channel.  A pleasure, as always, to be in your company, and 'twas heartwarming to see your whole family at the show!  I wish you ferry-loads of backers on your current Kickstarter project: The Soul of Country.

Thanks to Bret Lunsford and Denise Crowe for the Anacortes room and board.

And to Jacob and Christine who hosted the Port Townsend house concert!  You created the prototype of a perfect musical evening:  a potluck, campfire, jumbo audience of friendly people, and cozy camper to camp in.  You've become instant friends and I hope we stay in touch.

Last, but not least, thank you Hermina Jean for being such a fun and funny tour companion.  Let's do it again!

Washington Mini-Tour!

I leave tomorrow morning for a three-day tour in Washington, and Hermina Jean will be joining me!  I'm psyched for my friends in Concrete, Anacortes and Port Townsend to hear her hauntingly beautiful songs.

May 12, 7pm - Concrete, WA, @ Finney Farm
May 13, 7pm - Anacortes, WA, @ Anacortes Music Channel
May 14 - Port Townsend, WA, @ Jacob Freese's (393 North Jacob Miller Rd Port Townsend WA)

If you're in the area, please come see a show!  I'll have a new stack of "Sandman" pillow cases for sale.

Also, here's a new video--made last night--for my song (Gillian Welch's tune) about Ohio's prodigal son--Mr. LeBron James!  I couldn't have done it without Marshall Granger's video skills and cousin Ben Herak's great ideas.

Height Zone World Ep. 37 - Sandman the Rappin' Cowboy

Hey y'all.  I made some new friends from the hip-hop world last week when this group of inspirational fellas passed through Missoula on their Rap Round Robin Tour.

1. Dan Keech AKA  Height - Baltimore

2. Eze Jackson - Baltimore

3. Blaksmith (Brent Smith) & Mister (Bryan Lackner) who compose the group Passalacqua - Detroit

After the show we went to The Ox for burgers and then to The Roxy for a midnight viewing of 12 O' Clock Boys.  After the movie Height interviewed me which resulted in the podcast you'll find below.  His website features fantastic videos, songs and past podcasts.  Dude is a gifted musician, great interviewer and all-around mensch.

Splice Presents: Height Zone World Ep. 37 - Sandman the Rappin' Cowboy (Once and Future King of the House Concert Circuit) | SPLICETODAY.com

February 2015 Tour is complete!  

Wrap-up below.

  Terri Sadler's porch in OKC, 2/14  

Highlights:

• Incredibly low fuel-prices throughout the country
• Engine kept running strong in spite of a blown head gasket
• Watching Super Bowl in Longmont, CO, with cousins
• Radio conversation with Jimmy "America's Songwriter" Webb on The Radio8Ball Show minutes before my first show in Denver
• Re-visiting awesome friends in Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, etc.
• New friends! (Alabama, Tennessee, New Mexico, etc.)
• Amanda Williams' 4-day Hillbilly Culture Songwriter Retreat in Monteagle, TN
• Rapping with Rev. Camo Davi in Nashville
• A Valentine's Day show gift from Terri Sadler, in OKC, of a carved heart with my daughter Stevie's named burned into it crafted by Camp Bosworth
• Two "new" used pair of acquired quality footwear: Adidas sneakers and Redwing boots (thanks Rebeca!)
• Swimming across the Rio Grande to kiss a rock on Mexico's shore while a pair of Mexican vaqueros swam their horses across to our side--a sublime moment without borders
• Las Vegas, NV, mystery vacation: Oscars, Persian food, Latin radio, chihuahuas!
• Soaking in desert hot springs in Texas, Nevada and Oregon
• Mystical sauna experience in Vanessa Renwick's Dirt Bird 
• No wrecks, illnesses, injuries, cancelled shows, lost or stolen items



Photo Credit: Jamie Harmon / Amurica

• Reunion with Stevie in Missoula

Factoids:

• Top-earning show and bottom-earning show were both in Oklahoma: OKC ($820) & Tulsa ($47)
• I picked up only one hitch-hiker--this fellow: http://chrisroad.com
• "Rumi" (my 2003 Subaru) surpassed 222,222 miles during drive home
• Divorce official, Feb. 4th.
• The only inclement weather I encountered during the whole tour occurred while leaving Montana on January 31st and returning to Montana on March 2nd (both traffic-stopping blizzards)
• My pillow case sales equaled my fuel costs . . . wow
• Rumi quit running three days after tour ended

Statistics

• 6,650 miles driven
• 15 shows in 15 towns
• Average fuel price: $2.15 per gallon
• $2,800 earned from door
• $1,700 earned from merch (CDs, DVDs, pillow cases, zines)
• Average income per show: $300
• One-hundred-fifteen pillow cases sold at $5 each

Appreciations:

EVERYONE who came out to see a show; everyone who took photos and videos to share on Facebook and Instagram; everyone who spread the word about the shows and brought friends, everyone who fed me, housed me, encouraged me; everyone who bought merchandise.  The Roxy Theater for hiring me back upon return.  Jack Metcalf for facilitating a last-minute pillow case silk-screen work party on the day before I departed.  Hana and my parents, Mary and Rob, for taking loving care of Stevie while I was gone.

I'd especially like to thank everyone who created shows for me at their houses, friends' houses, personal venues, or friends' venues.  Your generosity and enthusiasm made setting up this tour incredibly easy and it kept my time and finances solvent.  Not much could be more valuable to a nomadic troubadour like me than that.  You totally rock!  I love you!

Xo, Chris

My next four shows:

Feb. 19 - Lubbock, TX.  Click HERE for show details!

Feb. 20 - Albuquerque, NM.  Click HERE for show details!

Feb. 21 - Las Vegas, NV.  Click HERE for show details!

Feb. 26 - Portland, OR.  Click HERE for show details!

I am a highwayman . . .

Tour is under way and goin' swell.  Denver and Grassy, Alabama, packed 'em in.  Tulsa only had about 8 or 9 in attendance, but I had fun.  I'm in Nashville now staying with my long-time brother Mr. Camo "The Human Beatbox" Davi.  I'm hoping he'll add vocal percussion to some of my raps at tomorrow's private show in East Nashville tomorrow night.  (Email me at rappincowboy@gmail.com if you want to attend.)

This last weekend was spent in Monteagle, TN, at Amanda Williams' brilliant songwriter retreat.  I've known Amanda since she was a spunky teenager.  It's very inspiring to me that she's now a burgeoning Nashville hit-maker and songwriting teacher.  Garth Brooks just co-wrote a sly, sexy song with her for his latest album (which has already gone platinum), MAN AGAINST MACHINE called "She's Tired of Boys."

Speaking of hit songwriters, I had the good fortune to speak with "America's Songwriter," Jimmy Webb, on the radio last week.  I'd called during Andras Jones' Radio8Ball show to ask Mr. Webb a question which was--in typical Radio8Ball fashion--answered by a random selection of one of Webb's compositions.  As fate would have it, the chosen track was Giles O'Dell's rendering of "Highway Man" which I feature on  my 2006 indie rap record  RETURN TO THE BLACK HOLE OF OUTERSPACE.  I sing Waylon Jennings' part, Giles sings Kris Kristofferson's part, Andras sings Willie Nelson's part, and Calvin Johnson sings Johnny Cash's part.  Webb spoke of the genesis of "Highway Man" and, after that, Andras, Jimmy and I tried to tease out the answer to my question, which was: "If 2014 was the year of the break-up, what will 2015 be?"

You may hear the complete podcast here--it's a very good listen: http://www.radio8ball.com/2017/09/20/jimmy-webb-with-chris-sandman-sand/  (What you won't hear in this clip, however, is some edited-out yip yap at the end where he says:  "Hey man, I'm gonna catch up with you . . . I'm gonna follow you." I hope he does.)

I had lunch with another noteworthy songwriter today--Jonny Fritz.  Tomorrow he joins Nikki Lane for a northern midwest tour.

As for me, it's "westward ho" on Friday the 13th when I drive to Memphis for a performance at Amurica, then Valentine's Day in Oklahoma City, Dallas the day after that, and on and on until I reach the coast . . .

Thanks to Jack Metcalf & serendipity I silk-screened 100 fresh pillowcases yesterday!

Now I am officially ready for my tour which starts tomorrow morning . . .
First stop:  Denver, CO.

Here's how my February tour is lining up:

Feb. 2 - Denver, CO - Groundhog Party! 7pm
Feb. 3 - Tulsa, OK - Shadrienne's, 7pm
Feb. 4 - Grassy, AL - Driskell House, 7pm
Feb. 5-8 - Monteagle, TN (songwriter's retreat)
Feb. 9-12 - Nashville, TN (potential recording)
Feb. 13 - Memphis, TN - Amurica, 8pm, $10
Feb. 14 - Oklahoma City, OK - Sadler's Saddles, $10, 7pm
Feb. 15 - Dallas, TX - Semrad Central, $10-$20, 7pm
Feb. 17 - Marfa, TX - Buck'n'Camp's Camp, $10, 8pm
Feb. 19 - Lubbock, TX - The Hedgehouse, $10, 8pm
Feb. 20 - Albuquerque, NM - Baker-Dowd Crowd, $10, 7:30pm
Feb. 21 - Las Vegas, NV - Harley's House, $10, 8pm
Feb. 26 - Portland, OR - Doverlaff Tiki Lounge, $15, 6:30pm

Mar. 1 - Olympia, WA - TBA

FYI, I tend to post more music-related stuff on my Rappin' Cowboy Music Facebook page than I do here.  Please check it out!

Email me at rappincowboy@gmail.com with questions.

Tonight I'll be opening for The Best Westerns at The Top Hat Lounge in Missoula, MT!












Info here:  http://tophatlounge.com/event/the-best-westerns-2547/

NEWS FLASH!

The award-winning, comedy documentary about me--ROLL OUT, COWBOY--was released on Video On Demand (VOD) this morning at 6am PST:  http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20141231005032/en/Creative-Schemes-Entertainment’s-Award-Winning-Documentary-Roll-Cowboy#.VKQ0tEujNuY

Jonathan Miller of WBEZ Chicago calls ROLL OUT, COWBOY "a portrait of the artist as a pure product of America" and describes Yours Truly as "a fresh sonic breeze blowing in off the Great Plains."   Nice!

Creative Schemes partnered with Film Break to facilitate the release on six VOD platforms: Amazon Instant Video, Google Play, PlayStation, VUDU and YouTube Movies.

Tonight--New Year's Eve--I'll be joining one of my favorite singer-songwriters, Hermina Jean, at Blue Canyon Kitchen & Tavern in Kalispell, MT.  Show begins at 8pm.

Hey, everybody! If anybody would like to host a house concert for me, I'd appreciate it.  It's fun and easy. Here's a two-minute tutorial:

Cold chillin' with RUN-DMC in Jackson Hole, WY, last year.

Here's a great little article about tonight's show at The Roxy Theater in today's Missoula Independent by Kate Whittle!  Local stars such as Caroline Keys, Jeff Turman, Matt Tipton and rapper Tahj Kjelland will join me on stage.  It promises to be a rockin' affair. 

Hey kids!  Guess who'll soon be coming to town?  (Hint:  he sees you when you're sleeping and knows when you're awake.)  Yes, it's that creepy, old white dude they call San . . . dman the Rappin' Cowboy!

Indeed, I've got a big February-March tour in the works.  Stay tuned for details!

Also, this Thursday (12/18) at 9pm I'm having a farewell concert at The Roxy Theater:  Missoula's Community Cinema!  I've been employed at The Roxy for almost two years, so this is a big deal for me.  ROLL OUT, COWBOY, the award-winning, crowd-pleasing and, at times, cringe-inducing documentary about my "weird existence," will screen first at 7pm.

Details here:  http://www.theroxytheater.org/films/roll-out-cowboy-live-music-show/

Everything is changing in Sandland.  Everything.

I won't go into the gritty details, but many of my old songs are proving grimly prophetic.

For instance:

"Storage unit 209, that's where I store everything that's mine . . ."

There's a fine line between prophetic and pathetic, though, so I reckon I'll leave my paramnesiatic litany at that.

Here's a newer song with more immediate insights--"Hard Lessons."

Jeepers creepers, buddy, it's been nearly a year since my last blog post!

Here's the latest:

Country-music cousin Jonny Fritz, from Nashville, is in town for a week of gigs with myself, The Best Westerns, Caroline Keys and Jeff Turman.  We just returned from playing the Yaak Wilderness Festival--a five-hour drive north of Missoula.  2014 is the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act.  I dig the wretched wild-country and wish to preserve it infinitely. My song "Horse Graveyard" was a hit given it's commentary on the state of things.


After the Fest Jonny and I were invited to stay at the remote cabin of wilderness author Rick Bass.  Instead we opted to return south so we could float the Flathead River early the next day with Hana and our Olympia friends, Zena and Amy, who are passing through on the tail end of their honeymoon.

Jonny and I arrived at Grammy Deb's chicken farm at 2am and covertly crashed in her bunkhouse.  Eight hours later, after a hearty brunch, we all floated.  Jonny swims like a fish and runs like a wolf if you didn't know.  There's more to this story, but I'll leave it at that.

Stevie, by the way, is now two-and-a-half-years-old. I'll post a picture soon.

The rest of my week is filled with shows and adventure.  I've attached a winning poster made by my pal Matthew LaRubbio.  It lists upcoming tour stops.

Also:

Jonny Fritz interview in this week's Missoula Independent: http://missoulanews.bigskypress.com/missoula/real-mccoy/Content?oid=2063115

The Best Westerns gorgeous new LP: http://missoulanews.bigskypress.com/missoula/country-fix/Content?oid=2063110

I'm now out the door to take Jonny to a barbecue at Shooting Star Saddlery.

I've been pouring all of my creativity into The Roxy Theater during weekdays and into family life the rest of the time.  Music has been on the back burner, for sure.  Might stay this way a while and become a bona fide hiatus.

No problem, I tell myself.  I'd be in good company.

Wallace Stevens, at my age, took ten years off after publishing Harmonium.

Muhammad Ali, in his prime, took a three-year (forced) hiatus.  I just watched a doc about him last night called The Trials of Muhammad Ali--one of the best docs I've seen in a while.  We'll be showing it at The Roxy in September.

Courage.  Power.  Humor.  Patience.  Love.

What I'm trying to say is, tomorrow's show at Jefferson County Fair may be my last for a long time.

Main worries:

1.  What about all the new songs I've written that aren't recorded?  I'd record two new albums if I had the money and time.

2.  What about all the songs I've recorded that aren't released?  Many.

3.  What to do with all my merchandise?  People only buy my CDs, shirts, and pillow cases when I play live shows.

Goal:  Write a book of travel adventures.

Here's where I'll be all weekend:  http://redantspantsmusicfestival.com/chris-sand/.  My set is tomorrow at 6:15 sandwiched between Todd Snider and Robert Earl Keene.  On Sunday it's Merle Haggard.  Can't wait!

Nashville

Greetings from Music City, USA!  I'm on the ninth floor of the Hotel Preston, contemplating joining an open mic that's taking place downstairs.  I've grown to loathe open mics, but . . . I'm goin' down.  Maybe I can make a friend or two.

Two hours later:  I sang three songs to a rowdy crowd, then strolled outside to smell the sweet scents of southern summer.  With magnolias and fireflies and the near-full moon, Nashville is magic this time of year.

I'm here this weekend for the Nashville Songwriting & Music Business Conference.  My songs are getting heard and appreciated.  Amanda Williams, who runs the show with her partner Todd, is teaching us the business of song peddling.

I first met Amanda when I lived in Nashville in 1998-99. She's an excellent songwriter who has written hits for Garth Brooks and George Jones. Here's an R-rated song of hers that you might enjoy -- "Asstastic"!



****

I flew to Nashville a few days early, hoping to visit several friends who live here--Jack & Kitty Norton, Jonny Fritz, and, in particular, Camo Davi.  The former three are touring, so I've had lots of quality time with Camo. He lives next to the cooling waters of Percy Priest Lake--a real bonus on these 90+ degree F. days.

Camo was my first band member.  We started collaborating in 1995.  Three or four of my first CDs feature his harmonica, human beatbox, vocals, and more.  Here's an example: Until the End of Time.

Monday I fly to Seattle for the mother-and-child reunion.  We'll stay in Olympia for a week, then it's Missoula-bound and back to work. 

Stevie at St. Mary's Lake

My four-year transformation--from rappin' rural hermit to domesticated urbanite--is almost complete.  First came courtship, marriage, and daughter, along with a move from ND back to MT.  Then, six months ago, we moved into a four-bedroom house in the U District in Missoula.  All I needed was a job to pay the rent.

I can now report that I've been hired to work full-time at The Roxy Theater!  My coworkers and I are refashioning the space into an art house cinema.  More on that soon.

My life as a rambler is over for now. Such is fatherhood.  I still sing and play when I can, though.  A week ago I entertained a classroom of third graders at Hellgate Elementary.  Last night I played a campfire show at the beautiful Lazy Sousa Ranch.  Next week I fly to Nashville to attend The Nashville Songwriting & Music Business Conference.

I was once a sheep in wolf's clothing. Now I'm just a sheep.  The adventure continues . . .