A Day of Rest - Almost!

Day 9 - A Day of Rest - Almost!
Well everyone's off to church here. Sometimes it's good to come from a religious 'wasteland' like Australia.
Gives me time to reflect on what's been an absolutely amazing few days of music and information gathering. Have met some great people and today's task is to map out my last days here to make sure I catch up with as many of them as possible.
Before that though, I'm going to try to track down a 'proper' breakfast place!
Well there's a bit of luck - one on the corner just outside the hotel. Sitting here with my scrambled eggs on toast with bacon and fried tomato (no, I don't want grits or cheese thanks), I marvel again at how the small team at the Americana Music Association has managed to deliver a major event so smoothly and with such good grace - well done Jed, Danna and Joyce. Exceptional!
Off today to the Loveless Cafe to meet with Jeff Persson, President of the Nashville Kangaroos AFL team. We met last time I was here to play at the Australian Festival, and I want to get them onside to help promote next year's Aussie contingent to Americana, and see if there's anything we can do to help them, as they pay to travel interstate to all their games.
Also want to check out the new 'barn' at the Loveless as a possible venue.
Then it's out to the 'hills' for Barry and Jewel's 25th wedding anniversary party.

Later -
We drive out 20 minutes on Highway 100 to the Loveless. It's a tourist destination and there's an hour and a half wait for lunch! Still gives us time for a good chat!
The Kangaroos are gearing up for the new season having finished mid-table last year. Jeff''s a 'native' American who got 'converted' on a trip to Australia. Good chat and they're keen to utilise their membership to help us promote Aussie gigs next year. My suggestion that we somehow use gig/s to help them raise funds is gratefully received. We'll stay in touch.
The Loveless Barn is a great room which has already been used for a Vince Gill show and will soon host Emmylou Harris. It's going to be the venue for a new live 'music roots' show on legendary Nashvile radio station WSM every Wednesday night. It'd also be a great place for the Bushwackers to do a bush dance - we'll see. Frances the manager, is lovely and happy to discuss future plans.

Great to be here for Barry & Jewel's major anniversary. They live in a beautiful house out in the hills. Meet some really interesting industry folks and catch up with the Sherlocks and Barry's brother and wife who are also visiting from New Zealand. Great food from Bro's Cajun Kitchen and superb wines. They're gracious hosts and lovely to share their special moment.