What a day it was yesterday in Austin. 75, blue skies, countdown to SXSW is ON! It actually feels like "South By" has already started as the musical pilgrims are straggling into town for their first taste of spring. And it was just a magical musical day for me, too. I had dinner with Chris Berardo, then we ran the clubs. The Continental for the AMAZING Stone River Boys! Then to Threadgill's North for the SWEET music of Stonehoney. And then the nightcap, the SMOKING David Beck and The Well Dressed Thieves at The Saxon Pub. And you know, I am so thankful to be here, to be amidst this many splendored music. All who get to do what they love need to take a knee, and think for a moment about the luck of the draw. Because it could be different for any one of us.
Chris Knight knows. His stark portraits of American life resonate deeply, authentically. And there is a sense of balance, to open oneself up to these tales of not doing well, or right, of having to make a deal with the devil to eke out a living which then becomes one's prison, no life at all. So while we prepare for the good---the return of balmy weather, of good times; do something to help someone who is not. Bring a little sunshine into someone else's world. A smile, a touch, a helping hand. I don't know if that will change someone's life. But if we deal in kindness, it has got to help. Here's some pain in, "Hell Ain't Half Full." There but for fortune.
-Jessie
