Cactus Cafe | Jan. 22, 2011

The Cactus Cafe is an iconic austin music venue. There are many unique things about the venue. One is its location, just on the edge of the University of Texas in the student union and another is the cast of absolutely HUGE names that have played that stage. Just outside of the doors to the Cactus are framed posters of some of these artists: Townes Van Zandt, Ani DiFranco, Shawn Colvin, Willie Nelson... the list goes on and on.

With the recent recession UT was looking to cut its budget and it appeared that they had the Cactus in the cross hairs.... until Austin made its voice heard. Non-profit: Save the Cactus Cafe was quickly formed... and that is exactly what they did. And we are grateful.

To read more about 'Save the Cactus Cafe' click HERE.

I was fortunate enough to have my first show at the Cactus this past friday night. It was a full house and a truly great night. We did three new tunes, "Write A Book", "This is Real" & "It is for Love" as well as my favorite cover... Patty Griffin's "Up to the Mountain" in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

I will be posting some videos of a few of the tunes. Thanks to all who came out, to the Cactus for having us and for One Pulse AG for putting the show together!

7 in 7 | Lord.... help me!

A good friend and fellow songwriter Aaron Ivey started a songwriters group exercise that he calls 7 in 7. Last year was the first year and I was unable to participate because I was on vacation.... but I heard some of the songs that came out of it and I was determined not to miss it this year.

Basically "7 in 7" is a songwriting challenge to write 7 songs in 7 days.... which seems nearly impossible but I am going to give it a try. I know that I will write some very horrible songs.... I will get some good ideas for others and I may come out it of with one or two keepers. I promise that I will share the keepers with you!

It starts today and I am already procrastinating by writing this blog entry..... so I had better get to work :) Wish me luck!

Miranda Dodson | "They Will Write A Book" Live @Momo's ATX

This weekend we had the honor of opening up for Seth Walker at Momo's here in Austin, TX. We took the opportunity to debut a new song called "They Will Write A Book" I will be heading in to the studio in the next two months to record this new tune and we are aiming to have it out in to your hands by early next year.... for now.... I hope that you enjoy this preview...

Flipnotics 10/9

The Show last night @ Flipnotics was great.... just one of those moments when you are so grateful to get to make music alongside some of the most talented up-and-coming singer/songwriters in ATX....who also happen to be your friends. If you are unaware of these folks... you need to check them out!

Jordan Whitmore

Jason Poe

David Ramirez

Miranda Dodson | "The Story" Cover @The Ghost Room ATX 9/10/10

The Ghost Room 9/10 & KGSR

The Ghost Room Show on Friday night w/ Erin Ivey, Matt the Electrician & Collar Bones (Danny Malone) was memorable indeed.

It was a great night of awesome austin music, turning a friday night Austin bar in to a great listening room. One of my favorite shows that I have been able to play...the sound was great, the line-up was outstanding! Please check out these artists & support their music!

...As I loaded up to head home at about midnight.... I surprised myself by being on the radio! Something that I have always wanted to happen. Thanks to Roger Allen & his show Lone Star State of Mind over at KGSR, that dream was realized on friday when he played "King"... what a treat :) Thanks so much Roger!

ND Show 9/3 | Photos By Daniel Davis

A chance encounter with Austin Photographer Daniel Davis just before the ND show on Thursday night resulted in some magical photos. Special Thanks to Daniel for making these happen on very short notice. If you are in need of some high quality photos don't hesitate to use this guy... simply amazing!

Check out Daniel's blog