The wettest summer ever in Austin, or so it seems.  Rainiest summer since I moved here, back in 1982.  Global warming seems to agree with Texas, except for the floods, ruined crops, and who knows what unforeseen liabilities to come… Maybe the weather will slow down the money-grubbing suits (as they pre-occupy themselves with water damage to their mcmansions), but i doubt it.

However, why dwell on the negative?  The grass is green instead of the usual mid-summer brown.  It’s harder, though still possible, to get toxic levels of UV radiation, and the beat goes on.  True, a lot of outdoor gigs have been cancelled, festivals, rooftop bars, lawn parties.  But that’s part of the deal for jobbing musicians. 

It has been a busy year so far:  The Manteca Beat CD, "Manteca-licious!", is doing well.  A Manteca Beat East Coast tour for the fall is coming together.  We’re looking into making a video around one of the CD tracks, not to mention a complete line of Phez Kimono fashion wear.

I had a blast touring the San Francisco area with the Broken Clock Cabaret (June 26-July1), and it looks like we will have ongoing Tom Waits-related performances through the year.  Check out www.brokenclockcabaret.com for the latest byzantine machinations of the troupe.

August 1-5 the Golden Arm Trio goes west, with shows in Tucson and Los Angeles.  I’m happy to be part of that configuration.  Also, thanks to Graham Reynolds for having me on the "Scanner Darkly" movie soundtrack and the new "Tick-Tock Club" CD.

August 8-10 I will be playing in Houston as part of a burlesque show.  More on that to come!