So long, Nashville!

Well, we played Nashville.  IT WAS AWESOME.  Three shows in four days, at three separate venues.  The week started off with "Whiskey Jam" at Winners in Midtown.  We played a quick three-song set at this collection of songwriters and bands, and then slipped over to "Losers" next door.  The duo there was fantastic, and there were tons of folks in there just having a good time.  Chart-Topper Chris Young was even spotted milling about.  Then we had a day off to rest from the road before back-back show nights at Red Rooster off Music Row and The Silver Dollar Saloon at Broadway and 2nd!  Both of those shows were full-showcase slots where we were able to play nearly the whole album.

I recorded a new song on Wednesday morning.  I'm not exactly sure about the release plans for it, but I'm extremely happy with the music we laid down, and I'm looking forward to putting the vocals on it!

At Red Rooster, we met Paris Delane, a Nashville Songwriter who wrote the #1, "Lover, Lover".  A big, soulful man, Paris sounded like he was straight out of Blues Heaven.   His amazing combination of vocal range and heartfelt lyrics made for a memorable experience.  Then, he hung around for our show...and after we were done, Paris asked to come up and jam with us for a bit as well.

All in all, Wednesday was a pretty fantastic Birthday.  Then, on Thursday night, we got onstage at Silver Dollar and brought the house down!  People were cheering after every song, and many came up to ask us about the band afterwards.  It's such a blessing to be able to play my own music on Broadway.  When you walk up and down the strip, you hear amazingly talented singers singing the hits from the radio.  You hear Garth's music, and Tim McGraw, and Alan Jackson and Johnny Cash.  But, at The Silver Dollar, we were able to sing Ben Dukes Music....and that was something I will never forget.

We spent four days in Nashville, played three shows, and left with countless great memories (and at least 6 pairs of new boots).  Can't wait to see what the final week of tour holds in store!

YEAHCOMEON!

On The Road Again...

Well, it has begun.  The band and I packed up the trailer this morning, jumped in our Rock-It-Ship (yeah, our "tourbus" is called a Rock-It-Ship.  Look 'em up - they're awesome) and started out on the road to SXSW.  For me, it's a dream come true.   Years of writing, singing, playing, and straight-up WORKING to make this thing a reality have culminated a tour that came about directly because of the fans.

We've been cruising down 210, I-15, and I-40, and it's been great thus far.  I've seen desert, mountains, snow, rivers, dried rivers, Native American ghost towns, etc.  This is what the road is.  As I'm writing this, we've just pass3d what appears to be a completely dead shopping center.....next to a thriving Prison.  Yep.  America.

I love this country, and the music it has inspired.  I am blessed to be a country musician, and I am blessed to be touring America to play my music for the people.  I hope I'll see some of y'all out on the road.

Yeahcomeon!

- Dukes