This past Saturday at my cousin Dave’s Rug Shop was one for the books. An intimate room, lined wall to wall with rugs that made for some sweet acoustics, packed with great people—old friends, new friends, and folks I hadn’t seen in way too long. That kind of surprise, seeing faces from every corner of life show up to share a night of music, is something I don’t take for granted. Humbled doesn’t cover it…THANKFUL!!! Thank you to everyone who was there.
One thing I love about playing in and around Cumberland is how deeply these songs belong to this place. A lot of my originals—like the yet-to-be-released Back Side of Knobley—come straight from growing up in Carpenter’s Addition, drawing from family stories, good times, and the rough patches that shaped us. Playing them here means something—where a line about Old German Beer, a shout out to close friends, or a Rust Belt story hits home in a way it wouldn’t anywhere else. That’s what makes these songs feel alive.
One of the best moments at the Rug Shop show came when my wife joined me onstage for two songs—an old-time classic, Greenback Dollar, and one of my own, the ornery and rowdy Naked on New Year’s Eve, which I’ll be releasing later this year. There’s something about sharing a song with someone who knows you better than anyone else that hits different. And as much as I'm trying to be the star, Julie ALWAYS steals the show. Click on the picture of us to see a YouTube short of that song.
That’s why I can’t wait for the next one. March 15th at Dig Deep Brewery, right in the middle of Cumberland’s Hooley Festival. The Rug Shop brought close-knit moments and familiar faces, but Dig Deep will fuel off a big, lively crowd. The energy of a festival night mixed with songs about our Appalachian area we all know? That’s something I’m looking forward to. We’ll be swapping stories about Cumberland, Carpendale, Appalachia, and all the people who make those places home.
If you were at the Rug Shop, you already know how much fun we can have. If you missed it, now’s your chance to jump in. Let’s pack the place, sing loud, and make some memories. I’ll be hitting the stage right after Shanty Irish, a crowd favorite every St. Patrick’s Day. And speaking of St. Patrick’s Day… it’s also my birthday. So, you know we’re gonna have a damn good time! 7:00 PM March 15th. Dig Deep Brewery. Be there!