6.23.09: New York City

House concert season seems to be heating up. I had only done a handful of these private shows before this year but I've already done 2 this month and have another few on the schedule for July. The shows are always fun, always interesting, always a new experience and the bag of tricks (both musical and of the human variety) that I bring out to the shows are always different.A few weeks ago it was New Hampshire. I had never played New Hampshire and had only crossed the state lines once or twice. "Live Free Or Die," the sign advised as I entered and I wasn't about to argue. Driving a car with some friends (Jason and Linda), some guitars, amps and a few drums felt pretty free. Maybe not 'Easy Rider' free but maybe something between Woody Guthrie and the Grateful Dead free.That particular show straddled the folk and rock sound in able fashion (folk! Rock! Imagine the potential!) Burgers and hot dogs grilled on the patio while we were grilled by requests on the makeshift stage inside. Flamin' Groovies? Roxy Music? No problem. Songs off one of my earlier solo records. Hmmm.... A little tougher but we'll give it a try. Standing outside after the show, holding a beer, smelling the trees and watching the stars (most of these house concerts are far...>>>>