Gigging Riverside Taphouse on Saturday, January 25, 2020

My friends at Riverside Taphouse booked me for my second show in their great place in Elizabethton, Tennessee. This was my second appearance there. While I’ve enjoyed both, I think this one was in some ways better than the first, due to the fact that I was set up in their barroom rather than in a tent out back. (But don’t get me wrong — the tent had its charms.)

The Riverside Taphouse is owned by my former ETSU honors student Cheri Tinney and her husband Michael, who are terrific folks and terrific hosts. I wish them all the best in this brave endeavor.

I used my performer’s bar tab to relish three glasses of Highland’s Oatmeal Stout over the course of the two-set evening, and I enjoyed playing a new song — “So Much Depends” (not yet recorded).

Although I didn’t know any of the Taphouse’s regulars, they were mostly welcoming. (See picture at bottom for why I say “mostly”; the young man did, however, like my coat.) And I was pleased to have a number of friendly faces in the crowd: Leesa (of course), Sam & Sharon, Teresa & Randy, Phyllis & David, Susan & Michael, Theresa & Tim, Jen & Jeff (both former honors students as well), Loretta, Scott, Tom, and Joe — I hope I didn’t forget anybody.

Photo by Sam Barnett



Photo by Phyllis Thompson



Photo by Sam Barnett

First Set:

The Light in Your EyesGenesis RoadFiestaThere Was Always a TrainHeart of GoldThe Street I Live OnEmpty IslandsThe Bells of VimperkSo Much DependsJamboree

Second Set:

She’s a Wild OneBest I’ve Ever SeenBrandyYou’ve Got Something I NeedComplaintsDizzy from the DistanceFresh HorsesLean on MeRain on the RiverHomecoming

Unless you’re like the guy below, you can check out these songs — most of them — on my Soundcloud page.

Almost everybody seemed to have a good time!