Mount Airy, North Carolina

North Carolina

Perhaps it was in my best interest to be reminded of seasons yesterday, as it would appear I have long forgotten their existence, having nearly spent an equal number of years away from the mighty oak and maple trees that garnered awe and splendor during the fall and autumn of my youth in the San Joaquin Valley. 

But, at present, my eyes are greeted by gold and red foliage mingling playfully along the sides of Interstate 77 in North Carolina, in direct contrast to a place where no such color can be read on the palms of Mother Earth, as if there were ever futures to be told on such appendages: tall tale or none at all, atop one hundred vertical feet of Mexican Palm Trees lining a never-ending residential thoroughfare, in the circuit board cities and towns of Southern California.

My host and audience guest both corrected me on the use of my “the” in front of their 77, when referring to Interstate roads—it was, after all, the horse I rod in on yesterday from the bearded Spanish Moss Oaks of Savannah, Georgia—to play Mount Airy, along the boarder of North Carolina and Virginia. 

It was also just an innocent little determiner, minding its own business, but seemed to be a fleeting point of interest amongst the locals, as it pointed inexorably towards my “California” point-of-origin—and I could have sworn that this notion was imperceptibly tucked away under my t-shirt collar; in truth, I momentarily found myself this week’s masked villain on an episode of “Scooby-Doo Where Are You?”, before resuming my honorary position in the Mystery Machine, searching for clues, and fans of my music.

I assure you, my intentions are quite playful and benign in mentioning this short anecdote under such light, much as their teasing was, in equal measure. I’ll happily pet a baby goat in jest and metaphor, amongst new friends and libations: and we bestirred such in copious quantity. The kid and kidding just found its way inside our conversation as we drank and talked.

Mt. Airy, North Carolina

I played for three very intent listeners last night in the birthplace of Andy Griffith, and the basis of Mayberry in the Andy Griffith Show. Jerry was kind enough to invite me into his home on a Monday to play a house concert for any folks who would be willing to listen on a school night. I am deeply appreciative of his hospitality and for opening his home and heart to me for an evening. We shared many a good story afterwards. He spent years as a youth minister and is a professional musician himself, and I feel both of these notions become immediately apparent and indelible in his company.

He has all the performers he has welcomed into his home, sign the inside portion of a door that leads upstairs from his kitchen. The door is sweetly adorned by the drawings and well wishes of a many a performer who have graced the presence of his living room, either acoustically or with a modest amplification setup. I appraised the given situation and decided that it would be best to play acoustically for such an intimate audience of folks. It was one of my favorite shows of this tour considering the conversational nature of its presentation, and I enthusiastically added my small contribution to his door.

I am a bit apologetic to anyone who finds pleasure in reading these small anecdotes from my life, as I would like to add to these stories more often within the scope of this blog that I affectionally refer to as INSIDE my HEAD. It has proven to be a bit challenging to keep up with social media posts for this tour, let alone to write consistently here on this website, in between the driving, sightseeing, playing music, and the conversations had along the way with hosts and guests within their homes. I am doing my best though to share what’s bouncing around in between my ears, like a kid who’s had a bit too much sugar.

I arrived at my Aunt’s house this morning who lives right below Charlotte in a small town called Fort Mill, South Carolina. It might give me a bit of an opportunity to catch up with you all, before the tour really kicks in to high gear on Thursday, with nearly back to back shows through to next Wednesday. I just picked up a last minute concert in El Dorado, Arkansas, thanks to my friend Chris Loggins. Good times are ahead and I hope that this finds you all enjoying yourselves as much as myself.

My new album is called ϕ and is currently available for your listening pleasure on all streaming services. You can find it here if you fancy: NEW ALBUM LINK I’m having a great time sharing it with new people all over the United States.

Greetings from Austin!

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It has been a bit of a whirlwind week for me—following a hurricane week, and a monsoon week the previous before that.

I am in Austin, Texas now, playing my second show of the tour this Saturday October 9th.

Texas is quite beautiful.

The album is now available on all streaming services and I am in full swing trying to meet with management and booking agents here is Austin during the Austin City Limits Festival. This has been a more recent development in semi-bold efforts.

Regardless, I will be playing my music in the southern United States this month, either way. If my name were Justin Bieber, I'd be a Belieber—and it's not, but I still am.

Lots of love y'all.

- Mike

PS

The dates listed above are open to the public with an RSVP. If you anyone that would want to attend, just reach out. The Timmermans are inviting out a bunch of family that they have in Houston, Texas. You are more than welcome to do the same. Just send me a message.