Congratulations to Emma June Kimbrough on her graduation with an International Baccalaureate diploma from Hillsboro High School. She is a Distinguished Scholar and recipient of the Hope Scholarship. We are headed to New York City in a few days to be there when she receives her Scholastic Awards for art and writing at Carnegie Hall. Yes, I’m bragging. I am proud and happy. She is a wonderful human being!

——

It has been a whirlwind year. Kicked off the New Year in Memphis, opening the show for Todd Snider and sitting in with his band—which included the original Nervous Wrecks plus Paul Griffith and Eric McConnell!

Then a week of Emmylou shows in the Midwest.

Then I did the whole week at 30A Songwriter’s Festival—which is one of the best festivals in the country.

And then…my many trips to the Gulf Coast to be with family turned into great shows in Mobile at Callaghan’s and great shows in Baldwin County at the Frog Pond and great shows in Baton Rouge at the Red Dragon…and out of that came not only more togetherness for the Mobile Kimbroughs and their wayward son, but the birth of Willie Sugarcapps.

But I also played shows on the East Coast. I wrote songs with friends. I recorded albums with Marshall Chapman, Kim Richey, Robby Hecht and Quique Gonzalez (#1 in Spain!). I finished my upcoming “Sideshow Love” album. Willie Sugarcapps recorded an upcoming debut album. I wrote with Jimmy Buffett and recorded them for his upcoming album.

I played shows on the West Coast. In the Midwest. Texas.

I’ve played 35 shows already this year. And done all that writing and recording. Howlin’ Books opened its doors. Emma graduated with big honors. Sadie absolutely KILLED Bach’s Prelude in C at her piano recital. I’m lucky.

One more busy week in Nashville studios before a Memorial Day weekend OFF. Whew… And then we travel to NYC for Emma’s awards show and some time with friends.

And then it’s June and I’m hitting it hard again. Really hoping to get “Sideshow Love” out SOON. Where’s the TIME for getting it all together???? Looks like Willie Sugarcapps with be out sooner—and it’s all good—because I think both records are as good as anything I’ve ever gotten to be part of—really good. I am a happy workaholic.

Shows to look for in June include Willie Sugarcapps at Lulupalooza at Lulu’s in Gulf Shores, a Bluebird Cafe show with Marshall Chapman, Free Range House Concert up Indianapolis way, the Barefoot Farmer’s fest in Red Boiling Springs (with the incomparable Darrell Scott!), the beautiful Alhambra Theater in Hopkinsville, KY with Willie Sugarcapps, Otherlands in Memphis, Workplay in Birmingham with Willie Sugarcapps, and Callaghan’s with Willie Sugarcapps. Wow. What a June.

—–

See you out there….will