Day 12 - Only One More Sleep To Go

Day 12 - Only One More Sleep To Go!
I realised this morning that I've been so caught up in meetings and music that I've got no idea what's happening in the 'real' world. P'raps it's what helps make Americans so insular.
Speaking of which I haven't bothered with TV here as there's constant coverage about Obama the 'communist' as the health plan debate (rant) carries on. Nearly all the Nashvilleans I've met just shake their heads and are at pains to apologise for the ignorance and stupidity of their fellows.
Anyway, am off to my Fido's 'office' for a final day of meetings - Gina (Tommy's manager), Mike Grimes - owner of Grimey's and The Basement, legendary PR/Promo consultant Jeff Walker, Mark Moffat for final de-brief, Jewel Coburn - thanks and hugs, and Dean Hartwell who's in a local Bluegrass band wanting to tour Australia.

Later -
I'd been nervous that Tommy's enthusiasm wouldn't be shared by Gina, but I needn't have worried. She's impressed by the leverage that the Americana Festival is gaining in the local and national media, and see's Tommy's involvement as a real plus. As she wisely points out - if Tommy's keen - it'll happen. She was based here (with Sony) for many years, so we have a good catch-up and gossip.

I wanted to talk to Mike Grimes about the possibility of using The Basement on the day following the Festival (when folks are still in town) for an Aussie/Nashville Kangaroos 'family day'. He's very responsive to the idea and we'll discuss further.

Jewel is sad to see me go - bless her! She says some very nice things about how the Bushies influenced her musically as a teenager - as if I needed reminding! She and Barry have been a great help as my 'entry point' to some serious industry folks here, and having them on board and their willingness to help with future plans will be invaluable. Lovely to spend a bit of time.

Jeff Walker is one of Nashville's most respected PR/Promo operators and his company Aristomedia is a prominent supporter of both the AMA and the CMA (on whose board he sits). Jeff has a passion for the international country market - and moderated the Global panel that I participated on during the Conference. He's worked closely with Mark Moffat to promote international involvement in both the Americana Festival and the CMA's major June festival. He produces a regular International Newsletter and is a regular visitor to Australia and a great supporter of our artists and music.
From my time here - and the promotional email bombardment that delegates are subjected to, it's become obvious to me that without a 'serious' publicist on board, Australia will fail to make the impact we hope for.
Jeff would be ideal, but he's a busy, busy man.
I'm holding my breath as we cut to the chase. He's in! Wouldn't miss it for the world - his words, and will do it at "mates rates". Great news. Just a matter of finding the money!

While waiting for Mark, I make the 'mistake' of wandering across the road to the used book shop. Another Alladin's cave! Lots of hard-back 1st editions of the US crime writers I can't get at home. Why do I collect heavy things? Trip to the post office now becomes a must as the airlines have become red-hot on excess.

Mark is delighted when I relate the gist of meetings - particularly with Jed, and the very real possibility that the original 'mission' now seems achievable. He's very modest in accepting my thanks, but the fact is that without his support I wouldn't have been encouraged to 'dream', and certainly wouldn't be here.
He's got a surprise for me - a gig!
A good friend - Wayne Roland Brown, owns significant opal deposits in Australia. He's also a songwriter (of course!), and has been putting together songs for a documentary about opal mining. He's heard from Mark that I'm a 'blokey' vocalist and would be perfect for one of the songs - 'Free Beer Tomorrow'. Right up my alley, so am delighted that I get to be part of the Nashville 'industry'.

Dean's a member of the Farewell Drifters who I've checked out on MySpace. A sort of an urban/modern take on trad Bluegrass. I pass on some contacts in that 'community' in Australia and tell him to make sure he catches up with the Kym Warner and Australian brother Lachlan & Hamish Davidson who'll be in town over the next week for the International Bluegrass Convention.

Then it's off to The Blue Room for an early showcase (6.30pm) by Mark and Jay O'Shea. Seems these are a feature of the local scene as it's a chance to get music execs - just up the road in Music Row, to check out potential clients on the way home to family.
I'm meeting Tracey and Anne and Brian (Wise) for a last drink and thankyou before I go. Anne's got some great ideas about how Sounds Australia (or whoever) could help 'local' ex-pats who are working away to make their mark here.
When I arrived, I was focused on bringing acts from Australia to Americana, but - talking to Anne, the O'Sheas, Audrey Auld and others, it's become clear that there's also the possibility of including them in future plans.
But back to the O'Sheas. Boy they're good! Their recent Top 5 finish in Country Music Television's 'Duets' contest - a big deal here, has given them such much needed profile, and they've managed to attract a couple of label execs to the showcase. I'm a bit gob-smacked to find out that they've been playing this gig for free for the last year - it's packed! But with so many hopefuls who'd be happy for the chance, it's the reality.
They're a lovely couple - good luck!

As it's early, a last chance to get down to Broadway to check out the Honky Tonks - Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, Rippies, Second Fiddle, Robert's Western World where some of the best Nashville players (including all the legends) regularly play for tips! Being the tourist strip that's not as bad a s it sounds .... but still.
Great players, great music. A fitting end to proceedings.