Q: If you take the gun away from a cowboy, what do you have left?
A: A hippie with a horse

And what could possibly be more fun than a hippie with a horse? Maybe its my NoCal 1970’s upbringing but I have always admired that lifestyle. What’s not to like? At least outwardly they appear to be reverent in regard to nature and the environment, embracing of the old ways, willing to do without the latest fad, generally kind of groovy in appearance, and typically well educated.
One of the more visible hippie/cowboy types around today is Michael Martin Murphy. I have had the good fortune to see him perform several times and I am charmed by his genuineness every time.
There is something magical and fleeting about seeing a live performance. I honestly believe there is a palpable exchange of energies between artist and audience. We went to several big concerts last year (ZZ Top/Brooks and Dunn and John Mellancamp) but have none on our agenda this year so far. Ticket prices are crazy high. Venues are typically further than I want to drive home after the show. No one artist is currently touring that I am intrigued enough with to go see right now. U2 is out and about and I did consider them, Bono being as close to God as I may encounter in my world until the real thing comes along. What stopped me was an outdoor stadium style venue in October on a Sunday night. Is this a sign of old age when I let practicality play a role in my rock and roll lifestyle?
The casinos are slowly becoming viable venues attracting a fairly diverse bunch of performers. Granted the mega stars may not be playing there yet but there are some very reputable musicians opting for this type of showcase: Bonnie Raitt, Robert Earl Keen and even The Pips have shown up on this circuit lately.
Even better is the opportunity to take a time out from the big gigs and discover someone local, someone no one else has caught onto yet, someone playing at a local bar or community center right in your own town. Support your local musicians…even if its your own kid practicing to be a Guitar Hero!