Arkansas

Walked into Mike Shirkey's Good Folk last night in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and immediately knew we were in for a treat. He offered Dylan and I venison stew, which he promised was "pretty damn good." From a deer that he himself had shot while hunting. Delicious. Mike and his friend Scott played old folk tunes in the kitchen while we were eating.

Mike is an amazing guy - a Vietnam vet who fell in love with music after he learned to play guitar during the war to pass the time. He now hosts all kinds of folk/Americana shows at his big old house in downtown Fayetteville. He's been doing it for about 17 years, and all kinds of well-known names have passed through to play on the stage in his huge living room. He's also somewhat of a local legend, and even victoriously sued the city of Fayetteville when they tried to build a massive condominium high-rise around his house. The city originally told him he didn't have the "proper standing to sue the city," but later caved in after he politely responded that "I do if I'm gonna be standing next to the damn condos all day."

Once again we played for 2+ hours in front of an enthusiastic crowd. We were able to play old stuff, new stuff and one song that onstage Kristy told me "is a waltz - you'll figure it out."

The show ended early, so Kevin Kinder (a local music writer who was at the show), took us out on the town. Kevin is a really nice guy, and a terrific music writer to boot. We hit the Fayetteville highlights, including a karaoke bar where an enthusiastic overweight local belted out Neil Young's "Cinnamon Girl."

After a breakfast of venison steak and eggs, we're off to Little Rock.