Some Blues and a Living Legend

February has been a good month for live music. I went and saw two very enjoyable shows - neither one was technically rock & roll but I like diversity and these were great.

On February 21, I went to see Tinsley Ellis (Blues) with my friends "the Michaels" at the Variety Playhouse. I'm not a big blues person historically and I was not familiar with Tinsley at all but when I read about him it sounded like a great opportunity to see a well respected blues player in a great small venue. He is actually from GA, went to Emory, and I think currently lives in Tucker (just a few miles a way).
In the last few years he has released an all instrumental (cool) and his newest album Tough Love. I must say I really didn't get too excited when I listened to Tough Love, so I really wasn't to sure how much I would enjoy the show. Once again I was shocked by the difference between recordings and live performance. He put on a great show live. It was just a trio (him, bass and drums) and they played a variety of tunes; including a few covers. he was very impressive on guitar and seemed very personable. When discussing his new album he said he had "high hopes and low expectations." I liked that a lot. I would definitely see them again live and want to go back and check out some more of his work.

On February 27, Diane and I went to see Willie Nelson at the Tabernacle. Back when I lived in Houston in the 90's I saw a variety of country acts but I never saw Willie. He was born in 1933 which means he is about 82. Not sure how many more opportunities I would have and seeing him in a mid-size place like the Tabernacle is just too cool. Diane and I didn't have great seats (2nd row of upper balcony) but nothing is too bad at the Tabernacle.
We stopped in and had dinner at the Wrecking Bar Brewpub in Little Fivepoints on the way in. Diane had never been to Little Fivepoints and she is always complaining that I get to go to all the cool places and restaurants (while at work). The restaurant was very good and I had a delicious Carrot Cake Oatmeal Porter. I definitely need to go back and try more of their beers.
Willie was pretty amazing. I thought he might look or sound frail but he did not. He played for about an hour, he never sat down or looked tired, and his voice sounded strong. I can't believe he still plays the old beat up guitar full of holes but it is classic just like him. He would throw his bandanas in the crowd everyone in a while and people would go nuts. I couldn't tell for sure from where I was sitting put I think people were either throwing cigarettes or joints up to him on stage :).
He played plenty of classics like Georgia, Mama Don't let your Baby's Grow Up to be Cowboys, and Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain. His son was playing electric guitar in the band and he may have had some other family members there but I'm not sure. Diane and I had a great time and now we can say we have seen on of the biggest legends in American music. Wow.

Run the Reagan 10K

Yesterday, I ran the Run the Reagan 10K with Michel Barringer. I've run the race every year since 2007 and Michael has run it with me all of them except one I think. One year I also ran the half-marathon instead of the 10K but the 10K is definitely my preferred distance for this race. It has turned into an annual tradition every February and we always finish the race with some celebratory beverages (i.e., really good beers).

As you would expect for February, it was cold but it was beautiful and sunny. The race starts at 9:15 a.m. so by that time the sun was feeling pretty good and I think the temperature was above freezing. I ran in shorts, long sleeve technical shirt (Disney), short sleeve shirt over that with my bib attached, and gloves. There was a bit of a breeze but not too bad. I was plenty warm after a few miles and took the gloves of by mile 3.

This was the first time in the last few years that I wasn't running the Reagan following a marathon. So I wasn't in the same kind of shape as those years. So my goal wasn't to set a personal record (PR) - I just wanted to race at the edge of my comfort zone based on my current conditioning. I started out a little fast, as I always do, with 7'30 splits for the first 2 miles. I eventually found a group of 3 woman who were setting a good pace I thought I could handle so I tried keep up with them. I had enough energy for a little kick at the last 1/2 mile and managed to pass my 3 pacers. I ended up coming in 17th (out of 335 I think) with a time of 47'41. I was really happy with my effort. Not near my PR of 46'15 but I think it was about a perfect race for me in my current shape. Maybe my PR days are behind me as I'm getting older. Although I only came in 3rd in my age group (40-44) and some of the older guys are the fastest. Just depends on what your goals are and how hard to want to train. I think I'm right where I want to be condition wise and just really enjoying the run. Till next year!