Flatlanders

I’ve always wanted to see Joe Ely in concert. (He’s a Grammy winner!)
I’ve always wanted to see Jimmie Dale Gilmore in concert. (He’s a Grammy nominee!)
I’ve always wanted to see Butch Hancock in concert. (He’s good!)
Well, howdy-do, I got to see all three last night! These guys had put a little band together in the mid-70s called the Flatlanders. They put out one very popular album, then split up for very successful solo careers, especially locally. About two years ago, they got back together and put out another album. It was hugely popular, so they quickly release another, which came out within the last year. Daniel called me up about 5:30pm last night and left a message telling me about their concert at 9:00pm last night at La Zona Rosa. I called up Jodi to see if we wanted to go, and it was on! We had a blast. These guys are such fun musicians.
We (me, Jodi, Daniel, Punar) were taking bets as to who of the three would be on the center mic and who would be left and right. I predicted Joe center, Jimmie right (as you face the stage), and Butch left. I was wrong. It was Jimmie center, Butch right, and Joe left. I really like all of these guys, but Joe tends to be everyone’s favorite. He just looks like he’s having a blast up there…and not because of the spotlight, but because he genuinely loves what he’s doing.
Jodi was enjoying the concert so much that she thought it was only intermission when they departed the stage before their encores. It was very fun! We’re spoiled in Austin with all this great music.
I’m off for a mini-retreat this weekend with my old (first) 2×2 fellas. We’re gonna do manly man stuff – play with campfires, drink, smoke. Oh yeah…and pray and build community too.