Hello everyone - happy summer!  The day here in Carlsbad, California is overcast, but bright, my hands smell like fabric softener and cinnamon.  I am happy at home.
It’s been a wonderful year, I’ve been working a lot, mostly as a sideman in The Decemberists.  Everyone in the band and crew have been very welcoming to me and I’ve really enjoyed it.

Earlier this year I went with them to the UK and Ireland with a stop in Amsterdam and Antwerp.
I LOVED Antwerp. On the morning we arrived at the venue in Antwerp, I hitched a ride with a friend of a friend, and just wondered around.  No GPS, no phone, in a town I’d never been . . . I hadn’t done that in a while.  It was early enough in the day I knew I had time to get myself lost and then find my way back before soundcheck so I took a picture of a town map (just in case) and off I went.  Wondering in a strange European town, tiny street to crooked tiny street. The smells, the people, the clothes . . .   There’s something about getting lost in a city when you have no particular place to be. I was in heaven.

I did make it back in time for soundcheck as well, which is good, because The Decemberists are a punctual band.  I’ve never seen anything like it.  It’s like they are considerate, grown-ups . . . all be them silly grown-ups.

Telluride Bluegrass Festival is one of the festivals where a lot of folks feel Iike they grew up.  I certainly relate to that.  It’s a special place and a very well run festival with a great staff and thrilled festivarians.  In addition to the main stage, there is also a smaller stage at the town park.  I was asked to put together a “Sara and Friends” set and had invited a bunch of friends to come down to play with me, and low and behold, they all showed up, instruments in hand! I was delighted to say the least and had great time. Thanks to all of them.

Later that afternoon, at the Decemberists show on the main stage, it felt really good to be showing so many of my bluegrass friends what I’d been up to this year.

Right after finishing with the Decemberists, I will be joining Garrison Keillor on the Summer Love Tour again!   I did this last year with the folks from Prairie Home Companion and am very happy to do it again. Later this summer and into the fall, Sean and I will be touring across the country with the Blind Boys from Alabama.

All this touring with the D’s has been really great for my creative health. I have fewer off-stage responsibilities, so I’ve been able to read, listen to music, and ultimately, write my next record which I plan to record when I’m home this fall.

A couple months ago we learned that beloved Jenny Conley (Decemberist keyboardist and accordion player) was diagnosed with breast cancer.  She is currently undergoing treatment so please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.  We all hope to have her back out on tour as soon as she’s able, and I hope to see you out there as well.
Be well everyone.
xo
Sara