It's been a lovely stretch of traveling since back in late April really, but a great deal of my late spring travels were right here in the Old Dominion, thanks to our Virginia Commission for the Arts and my touring program funding. My blessed life in music is funny, rewarding and full of the unpredictable - even in the most challenging touring environment I've experienced since post 9/11, and maybe in all my 30 years on the road. That said, sometimes things line up to "pick my pathway", and whenever I do, there will be outdoor adventures mixed in with the basics of doing my best show possible.
So for those who'd like to experience a little of my peculiar life on the road, this little photo vignette at least captured some windows of this springs's tour stops throughout my beautiful home state. There was plenty of Blue Ridge Parkway to be had, and those who've known me a longtime would expect nothing less!
I am so grateful for all of the people who make my life in music possible - booking the shows for sure, but also every single one of you who takes the time to COME to a show. I greatly enjoyed singing for so many new people this spring, and I deeply appreciate your kind words and enthusiastic energy.
All photos ©Andrew McKnight unless otherwise noted.
I am grateful for the VCA's support for many reasons, not the least of which is getting to visit lots of really cool small towns in the Commonwealth. My first visit to Pulaski in the southwest was delightful - a lovely old hotel and got to catch a show too. I hope this guy is good!
Such a cool concert space here for the Fine Arts Center of the New River Valley First Friday concert.
Couldn't resist the mural, but only noticed the reflection when I was editing and downsizing this image.
Only one pic from a family getaway to North Carolina's Outer Banks. Here on the Hatteras Island seashore, not a soul in sight.
And my first visit to South Boston - Virginia that is! - was delightful too. The concert followed a local art opening in the adjacent gallery space. (Photo courtesy of The Prizery, South Boston VA)
I'm lucky to get stay in lots of fascinating places, most commonly people's homes. I believe this might have been the first time I've been put up in a plantation-turned-hotel (Berryhill, South Boston VA).
A day off between shows in the mountains of Virginia usually means some time spent way the heck off the grid, and if I'm close enough to the Blue Ridge Parkway, that's probably choice #1. The mountain laurel were in full bloom in lots of places.
The tour bus is always ready for a camping trip, and this National Forest campsite that I rolled into after dark unveiled its coolness by daylight - a bridge between parking and the campsite amenities.
For thirty years of touring, the rule is: there is NO sufficient excuse for drinking bad coffee. Thus a small camp stove, cone filter, and a supply of the good stuff means no matter how remote, this lad is gonna be properly caffeinated. Y'all are welcome.
In hindsight, clearly hiking to a waterfall followed by a couple hours climbing to a mountaintop is a recipe for a great show that evening.
The Visitor Center on the Parkway near Roanoke captured the flame of my professional existence so succinctly; “Music and storytelling are two of the most widely recognized cultural traditions of the Blue Ridge”.
The bridge visible on the left is I-81 crossing the James; my personal demarcation of crossing to and from the southern and northern halves of Virginia. It looks a LOT better from this tranquil overlook on the Parkway than it does thundering along next to a line of 18-wheelers on the interstate.
Wrapping up the spring tour with a concert at Brandon Oaks in Roanoke on a perfectly lovely summer evening for a perfectly lovely and large crowd. (Photo courtesy of Brandon Oaks).