I'm so glad I got myself to the International Folk Alliance in Memphis this year. It was the smartest gift I've given myself in a long time. I spent 5 days soaking in the talented songwriters, performers, and chatting with so many lovers/supporters and friends. I was so thrilled to have my friends Stonehoney backing me up for all of my showcases. I had six spread out over 3 days..great balance. I wanted to be sure I could make it to all my favorite artists' and new artists' showcases as well. Dan Navarro was amazingly strong that week. It was his first FA without Eric by his side but you could feel Eric there anyway. I loved singing along to his songs. That was something that I truly loved about FA was that if there was a chorus that started to ring in the listeners' ears...they would just harmonize right along with you during your showcase. It was quite an experience to sing for rooms full of people who have such a deep sense about music. They were really listening. http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.editAlbumPhoto&albumID=1743425&imageID=27981450 I grew up listening to Linda Rondstadt and some of the albums she did with the Stoneponies so you can imagine how excited I was to meet Kenny Edwards and to get to harmonize with him on When Will I Be Loved at a late night jam. His songwriting was such a joy to listen to throughout the week. My favorite song of his is "No Tears". wow. Also, one of the highlights of the week was getting to see Phil Hurley of Stonehoney play on the handpicked guitar panel. The panel was made up of Albert Lee, Colin Finde, Luke Doucet, James Burton, and PHIL %^$^*&in HURLEY. He tore it up. They ALL did. It was truly rediculous. I sat next to Julie Christensen and we were on the edge of our seats the whole time. I even caught myself tearing up a couple times thinking of how he must have felt to be trading solos with one of his all time favorite players. I had a ball singing this music for people who were there to listen and then share songs of their own. I am such a fledgeling songwriter and getting to watch Rodney Crowell perform song after song....well "fledgeling" is not a small enough word. I think the word fledgeling actually means "an inexperienced person":) I have always had such a deep respect for good songwriters (like Shawn Davis) and I listened to one of the best there is. Front row (Thanks for saving that seat Leslie!) Stonehoney had a good turnout for their featured showcase. They had been playing acoustic sets all week of their own or backing me up so I know they were glad to turn it up on Friday night. Thank you boys for supporting me all week. As always, I have an absolute ball making music with you. The last day we all pulled ourselves out of bed after staying up until 5:30am playing music in Renee Bodie's Room. We checked out and went to eat the best lunch ever at Blues City Cafe on Beale St. If I think about eating the seafood gumbo, my mouth starts to water. Good music, good times...can't wait to do it all over again.