Coming Up in March

March came in with one of those icy winds that can split you in half. Hopefully, that's lion-like enough to get us a lamb-like exit as the days get longer and spring gets closer.

March will involve a little bit of travel to hit the three shows that are booked this month. This Friday, March 6, I'll be heading back up to Alexandria to The Lighthouse Cafe for a 6:30 set. As I write that, I realize that means I've got two tickets to the second round of the Horizon League Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse that I'm not going to be able to use. If you're interested, shoot me an email.

"By cracky, it takes sum travelin ter get ter Brown County," according to Kin Hubbard's Abe Martin. I'll be doing me sum travelin to play at Cafe Interlude, a "Chef's Choice" restaurant in Nashville, Ind., on Saturday, March 14. They serve good food, well prepared, and I'll accompany that with some acoustic seasoning from 7:00 until 9:00. This is a small venue, so reservations are recommended (812-988-2441).

Cafe Interlude is located at 67 W. Franklin in Nashville. Visit their web site to read about the wonderful culinary adventure of Chef's Choice.

Then on Friday, March 27, Patchwork and I will head back to the Battleground General Store and Diner (109 North Street in Battleground). We had such a good time when we played there in January. Despite the cold, icy weather, we had a great turnout and a fun time. We're looking forward to being back.

Then again, if you told me I was going to play in a cave with Rick and Holly, I'd look forward to it. We always have such a good time together. Hopefully, Rick's new dulcimer CD will be available by then!

The March 2009 issue of Maverick Country magazine is now available, and this issue contains a review of Give Us a Song. The five-star review (out of five stars) calls the CD "an amazing sounding album which combines great harmonies with fantastic songs that at times are played with just an acoustic guitar; all of which is to Phelps advantage and certainly a joy to hear." Joy to hear. I like that.

Thanks once again for your continuing support. Spring will get here, and it will be beautiful!