Post-Memphis

I've just returned from the International Folk Alliance in Memphis, where I showcased with Sam Mitchell. We played, attended workshops, met incredible people from around the world, got totally inspired and left exhausted. The conference was invaluable for helping Sam and I expand our touring into the States this year! I want to say a huge thank you to FACTOR, SaskMusic, and SOCAN for supporting our work down in Memphis and to the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals for promoting and supporting us in Memphis--the Canadians were the buzz of the festival in large part thanks to these folks!

The real education began after the conference, when we visited Rev. Al Green's church in Memphis and caught my first real glimpse into the soul of soul music. Beautiful gospel, organ, and shouts to the almighty. Women crying and lifting up their hands, and us--three little white kids from Saskatchewan--in the back row. I could barely contain my emotion as one of the oldest members of the congregation gave a speech to commemorate Black History Month. Her story was about the first hand abuse she suffered as a slave, a child.
At Church witnessing the Rev. Al Green

The Lorraine Hotel, where Martin Luther King was shot, has been transformed into the Civil Rights Museum.

Stax Records!! The Holy Grail!!

Every place we visited was so stirring and inspiring and eye-opening. More stories to come when my blog is up and running, but for now, I remain in awe of the things I saw and learned in Memphis. And of course, the music we shared....

In less than two weeks, I'll be heading to Nashville to do some
songwriting and get ready for the next album. Looking forward to music
city. Where do you get a good coffee in Nashville?