Now that the Poetry Alive! rehearsals are over, I've finally updated the upcoming performances so they are current. I'm hoping that as I drive to Florida tomorrow I don't find myself saying hello to Hurricane Ivan.

The Firecracker boys started recording their first album this evening with guest clarinet player John Doyle who is visiting us on his move from Austin, TX back to Chicago, IL. Last night's show at Vincent's Ear was the hottest they've ever sounded. I'm wondering what it would take to convince John to stay here with us...

Meanwhile things continue to be mostly busy and always crazy here on the side of the hill. Thank goodness we were too high up to be flooded by Hurricane Francis last week and have our own water system that was unaffected (except for some brown looking water for a day or so). My friends in Asheville are happy to be able to take showers and relieve themselves using indoor plumbing again after 4 days of no water in the city.~w