reflections on sxsw 2013 through my bike's eye view.

Hey y'all! [singlepic id=349 w=340 h=240 float=right]SXSW Notes: I felt good about it. I met beautiful people, went to several events that seemed to resonate, not a gazillion things that i felt would be good for hob-knobbing. Our shows were beautiful. People listened, danced, engaged and totally made the circuit complete. This is not normal for SXSW. I felt so blessed to play such amazing rooms, in such great company and for such good causes (like SWEET RELIEF MUSICIANS FUND)... That's me zipping around on a posh Pedego Electric Bike. Yes, Folks, The absolute BEST way to get around central Austin is on an e-bike from Rocket Electrics. I was lucky enough to rent one of the few they had left in the shop for a couple of days during the madness. YES! I didn't feel dirty/used/depressed after the madness subsided. I felt whole. I felt gratitude. I kept thinking about all the bands who put their whole life-savings on the line getting to Austin to perform for free a dozen times, schlepping heavy gear at all hours of the day and night up and down stairs, through alleys and trying to find parking - just to be seen by a few music biz types. I passed through SXSW crowds downtown as the clang of drums rang off buildings in every direction and the low hum of bass ate up a lot of the breathable air sliced only by feedback and occasional screeching of electric guitars in the cacophony of a perpetual sound-check. Audiences were texting, tweeting, talking and drinking, making fashion statements while thousands of bands poured their hearts out as they do year-after-year.  My heart was heavy with compassion. I clapped hard for them when I could. I have been that band so many times. I was both prepared and fortunate this year. I kept my heart focused on our collective passion for and love of the medicine of the soul, music. The rooms I worked in were amazing. I knew that going in. Home team advantage, I guess.   I met every gig with no expectations, a group bringing their A-Game and met warm, receptive rooms filled with love and support. In all the madness of those few days,  I even got to sneak out to see one of my favorite singer/songwriters for the first time, Gregory Alan Isakov. Gush. Amazing. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vy1AngR5GBk?list=UUZ3uAB3ehrmHqXbuVXkZs0g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> It was so different than any other year I've known.  My heart was open. My eyes were open. Giddy but totally relaxed. Today I'm grateful for: 1. willie nelson. 2. watching moonlight turn to to sunrise 3. bluebonnets 4. birdsongs 5. people who do courageous things regardless of whether they will fail or succeed 6. 5:30am boot-camp with organic fitness & training 7. dog-sitting snuggles