Hello from the South Fork of the American River where I’m spending the week with a group of musicians, watching the river, writing and swapping songs. As I’m writing this, I can hear wrens buzzing and Canada Geese honking as well as the faint sound of mandolin and harp. A balm.

Spending time close to nature with others who are interested in tapping their own creative and soul intelligence is where it’s at for me. Given their threats to these very things, the latest news of rampant A.I. and increasing climate disasters have been weighing heavy on my heart and mind. While I clearly haven’t unplugged completely, I’m aiming increasingly in that direction. So I wanted to email you today to invite you to a show later this week and give you a heads up about some other special, in-person, nature and art-celebrating events. When I say I hope I’ll see you in person, know I mean it!

This coming FRIDAY! September 18th at The Monkey House Berkeley! Bay Station in quartet-formation will be playing trading sets with our dear friend, the wry and rocking Mick Shaffer (if you’ve seen Flight Lesson, you know him as ‘Lenny’). Doors at 7pm, show at 7:30pm. We’ll be again joined by Liz Stuart on backing vocals and cajon and Michael Capella on pedal steel. Liz will also be backing Mick along with the great Danny Allen (who produced my Department of the West album back in 2019). Good company. Tickets at the door (cash or Venmo) sliding scale: $20-$40.Reserve a seat emailing [email protected]

On the horizon:

Peak Season: Celebrating Raptor Migration A group art exhibit curated by me in collaboration with the wonderful Buteo Books in San Rafael runs September 24 — November 14 and. Opening reception Friday, October 9, 6-8pm. Full details very soon.

Berkeley Bird Festival, Sunday, October 18 at The David Brower Center. I’ll be doing a short presentation about the backstory of Flight Lessons and playing a few songs from the show. Time tba

Flight Lessons: A folk opera takes flight again at The Lost Church-Santa Rosa, Sunday, November 22 4pm doors/4:45pm show. tickets on sale soon