All apologies to Robert and Allison

Hey kids,

It's about time you became a responsible parent and stopped all this gig-going malarkey! --courtesy of my friend Cal

Never!

I've spent a shitload of money this past week, securing this summer's musical entertainment. This, on top of the tickets I already bought weeks ago for Robert Plant, Allison Krauss and T-Bone Burnett that I'm going to have to return because I got a better offer.

So here's what we've got going so far this summer:

June 28: Robert Plant, Allison Krauss and T-Bone Burnett at Harrah's Tahoe
June 28: Camper van Beethoven at the Fillmore, San Francisco
July 12: Mike Ness at the Grand Sierra, Reno
July 16: Andrew Bird at the Grand Sierra, Reno
August 27: Neko Case at Hawkins Amphitheater, Reno

Plus, Willy Vlautin of Richmond Fontaine will be reading excerpts from his new novel, Northline, and possibly performing a few songs, at Sundance Books in Reno this next Tuesday. I'll definitely be there for that. Unless work runs off the rails again Tuesday night, but I will put in extra hours this weekend to make sure that doesn't happen.

There are a couple other shows that might or might not happen, but if these are the only ones I make it to this summer, then I'll still be a happy person.

Luckily, I bought the Robert/Allison tix a long time ago, but also had the foresight to spend an extra $6 per ticket to buy ticket insurance so I can get my money back. I might have to fib, though, and use work or illness as an excuse, as "I decided I'd rather go to my very favorite band's 25th anniversary show instead" probably won't fly. Wow, 25th anniversary. They're OLD. Like, BUTT-old. Whereas I am not. Old, that is.

I can't WAIT till you guys are old enough to go to shows with me. Someday soon, we'll cut your teeth on some mellow outdoor amphitheater shows, move our way up to casino showroom booth seating, then eventually work in some general admission nightclub scenarios. Above is a photo of you kids at a show at the Reno Rib Cookoff last year. I kinda felt the same way, but mostly because the music wasn't really to my liking. I think you were covering your ears cuz it was way loud. Anyway.

Party on, Garth. I have to get back to being a responsible gig-goer and stop all this parenting malarkey.

Love you!