Is this a typical week? Eh…kind of.
Welcome and hello to another installment of ‘A bunch of words thrown together that paint some sort of picture.’ The picture this week is one of those crazy things that, after being home for 16 months, has become a new normal. I am certainly not complaining for being busy again, and the sleep that escapes us will be made up at some point.
I typically try and offer some kind of insight or wisdom to my entries in hopes that you will take something away that can help in your lives. I am in this odd position sometimes where it seems like I have nothing more to do than humble brag a little and have these pinch myself kind of nights. And no matter what happens, remember this: I am so wonderfully grateful for any and all opportunities being placed in front of me.
Tuesday night at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville was a very special show. My close friend and musical legend Steve Cropper had an 80thbirthday bash with tons of special guests. Phil played the show, and I came along to play a couple of songs and help celebrate this event in fine fashion.
My history with Steve Cropper goes back about 16 years. I was in my old band King Konga and we were asked to play a Make–a–Wish golf tournament. I was the only one in the band who remotely golfed, so I was the only one who attended. They asked if I could perform, so I asked if I could jump up and back up Steve. We played ‘Dock of the Bay’ and ‘Midnight Hour’, and as a fan of soul music, the Blues Brothers, and well, all things musical, I was in heaven. I have a Hi8 video of the event somewhere.
I thought at the time I had arrived. In my eyes, I just played with the best, and that was going to be it. Fast-forward 16 years or so and here I am at the Ryman, giving my dear friend Steve Cropper a hug on stage at his 80thparty. This life amazes and baffles me.
That evening I did manage to sing next to Mike Mills of REM (another influence of mine), talked food and life with Eddie Floyd and William Bell, and managed to talk missiles with Jeff ‘Skunk’ Baxter of Steely Dan and Doobie Brothers fame.
My Mom used to say ‘You cannot run with the turkeys at night and expect to soar with the eagles at dawn’. She was right. 6AM came early to get those kids moving after a long night with the Nashville socialites. But we still managed to get it all done, including soccer practice that night.
Thursday morning I was working on a DVD production, then that evening we had a private event at Phil’s house with our friends Sister Hazel. Then, after 4 hours of sleep I was at the airport headed out to Tucson, the land of the eternal sunshine.
The day started at 3:45AM, and after a couple of semi-quick flights, we were in Tucson at a very nice golf resort. Golf is great and all, but just down the road is a little slice of heaven: Pima Air and Space Museum.
So after a much-needed lunch I convinced our FOH engineer to join me in a very hot afternoon of airplanes. What an afternoon it was.
Here’s the quick travel hit: The Pima Air Museum has 400 planes over 6 acres. They have one-of-a-kind cargo and refueling planes, as well as experimental planes, not one but two B-52’s, and a B-29 Superfortress. There is a dedicated hangar for the 390thB-17 group, which is worth the price of admission on its own. The sheer volume of airplanes is beyond silly.
We did a lot. We really did. Even doing all we could, we still missed two whole hangars, but dang it, it was 105 out, and we were on fumes. Needless to say, dinner and bed that evening were very welcome.
The next day we were on site at the University of Arizona, where we were there to help the Wildcats kick off their football season with several thousand of our closest friends. Show days with early load ins are kinda tough. It turns into a ‘hurry up and wait’ situation, and this was no exception. The University was wonderfully accommodating, and we made the most of the down time. With naps and football.
Even though we were out west, I still woke up early and really enjoyed the early morning walks. The morning is wonderfully quiet anyway, but seeing the sun peek over the saguaro and hearing a coyote howl at dawn is pretty amazing.
That night we played at the legendary club called Maverick’s, which has been a staple in Tucson for live music for 60 years. It was a packed house, and for a great cause. We were there to benefit a foundation that helps kids get into music by offering lessons and instruments. At the end of the evening, Phil donated his piano and drums to the organization.
So we headed to the hotel for a scant 3 hours of restless sleep, then drove an hour and a half to the airport to head home and be Dad for a couple of days before we do it all again.
There are days when I am tired, days when situations are less than desirable, but then I have to remind myself of something. It’s music. It’s cool. And we get to do it. I know the train will stop one day, and while I am here, I am soaking as much of these sights and experiences that time and my body will allow. As cavalier as I am about grabbing life, I doneed rest.
I hope this week finds you in reverent appreciation all that is offered you. I certainly do. I don’t take this crazy life for granted.
See you on the road!
Steve, you guys need to come to Lawton, Ohio………………miss you all. ChefT