B.B. Rovers was packed with musicians and listeners tonight! With 15 different acts performing, there was something for everyone. Great night of great music. Lots of BBR first-timers, plus several open mic regulars.

I always enjoy hearing Tommy and Kathy perform, and tonight was no exception. They played two full sets completely unplugged in a wonderful room with great acoustics.

Played for the second time at Emin's open mic in the American Legion Hall at Round Rock. Smaller crowd last night, but still a lot of fun. I invited the musicians to come play Sunday for my open mic at B.B. Rovers.

On my way to Denton yesterday (driving my mom to see her friend Fran), we stopped in Hillsboro where I met Ira McComic, a gyroplane enthusiast. Very interesting.

After Denton, I joined David Harbaugh at an open mic in Addison. I played first (accompanied by Richard the new U-bass player), then David, then the Happy Hour Ukes (Richard, David and Roy). Spent the night with the Wyatts, where I finally met one of their sugar gliders.

Got up early Friday to beat the traffic back to Austin. Tried to pull over just south of Waco for some breakfast, but got caught in a major traffic jam after what appeared to be a head-on collision resulting in a fatality.

Received this wonderful CD review from Byrd & Street's Kathy Street today:

Hi, John! Been listening to your CD! Tommy told me how he really liked how you do [the minor key arrangement of] "Folsom Prison Blues," and I absolutely agree!

"Grandma's Star" really shines, and "That Kind of Song." Both really sweet.

Glad you told me about the "Eulogy"-- guess I identify with that, too from the singer's standpoint, of course. We are honored that you include us in your line-up of inspirations.

"New Year" is very touching, too. You'll need to give me more info on the "The Blue Boat." Wonderful imagery.

Great producing and musical performances on all! You really did yourself proud on this one!

Played with David Harbaugh at this open mic in Addison, Texas tonight. Drove up in the rain; drove back in really bad rain.

A last minute cancellation from scheduled OMN host Average Joe led to me pinch-hitting as host at B.B. Rover's Cafe & Pub last night. I texted, emailed and FB'd everyone in the area, and we ended up with a good sized crowd of performers, which included Overdue Bill, Kaye, Emin, Scott, Travis, Jason, and more. I think we had 14 performers in total.

This was an especially fun night of Byrd & Street music (with their good friend Don Raby on his amazing 5-string fiddle). Tommy Byrd's grandson Jack was there, and Tommy just beamed all night long.

Played The Legacy at Crystal Falls with Paul Teneyuque this afternoon. It's always fun playing there, plus I got to see Marla Jean.

A few hours later, Paul, Kaye Reznick, and I played (individually) at the American Legion Hall's open mic in Round Rock. It was a very smokey place, cigarette smoke inside and BBQ smoke outside (notice the pit smoker behind Emin's left shoulder above). The vets and their kin were a wonderful crowd. They actually asked me back for two encores (a first for me, to be sure). I look forward to going back soon.

I always look forward to the first Thursday of the month because I get to see and play with all my four-string friends at the Austin Ukulele Society meeting. The October meeting always has a Halloween feel to it, despite coming three weeks ahead of All Saints' Eve.  We played "Time Warp" from the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Follow the link above to see the YouTube video.

During the open mic part of the meeting, Betsy led the Tuesday Uke Group performance of "California Stars," and I stayed up front afterwards to do an old Halloween party favorite: "Elvira Sue."