On tour in Oregon

This is exactly the view I saw about 45 minutes ago as I drove along the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon. It's 60 degrees and sunny here, and Mt. Hood is looming beautifully. I lived here in this state from 1992-1996, and I always love to come back.

Last night I played in my former town-of-residence, Eugene, Oregon. I was hosted by Emmaus and Central Lutheran Churches, both who are taking their youth to the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans this Summer. I played music during a fundraiser, helping to finance their trip.

There was about 200 folks at the concert, and it was really fun to see so many familiar faces. Highlights from the show included "Carol of the Bells," "Dialysis Carpool," and "Each Winter As The Year Grows Older."

I spent my free time yesterday and today hitting all my favorite used CD stores in Eugene and Portland. I found some treasures in the bargain bins including:
Bob Dylan "Blonde on Blonde"
The Everly Brothers "Best Of"
Butch Walker "the Rise and Fall of"
plus a bunch more that I can't recall...

Tonight I'm playing across the river in Camas, WA, and later on I'll drive three hours to Seattle with new music rocking my rental car stereo.

I love the Pacific Northwest!