in Toronto. Monday, November 3rd. Doors at 8pm.

John and I will be playing some songs for the first time live.

Some call this a “warm up” show.

I just like fucking up in a place I’m comfortable in.

And John will too.

If you are one of those people who have been in one of those incredible theaters in Geneva, NY, Kalamazoo, Michigan, or Joliet, Illinois, you’ll appreciate this next sentiment: These old rooms are a priceless treasure to your community. They were the gems when they were built in the 1910’s and 20’s, and for those of you smart enough to have preserved or restored those buildings, arts and culture will continue to thrive. The investment of preserving these historical theaters will have long lasting effects on promoting not just your communities, but the thing that brings people together in a community: the arts.

I live in a town that doesn’t believe in preserving landmarks.

If I could say one thing to my city councillors it would be this:

Tearing down the history of a city is the act of erasing all future possibilities for it. I am continually mortified by Hamilton’s lack of foresight, likely due to a handful of people who need to get out and see how other towns turn neglected buildings into the cornerstone of a city’s resurgence. When the mafia stops running Hamilton’s urban renewal plans (or lack thereof), hopefully there will be a few buildings left for our city to restore so we can enjoy what so many others do: a sense of ownership and pride in our town.

Resting in ruin: The Tivoli

I had a great time touring with Amy and Emily, they’re as lovely as you could hope them to be in your imagination. It occured to me quite suddenly on the first night that they were huge influences of mine. Songs were played all night that I heard so many times in my teenage life, and their new material continues to be affecting. It was a scary thing getting up on stage alone (after Jim returned home for “baby watch”). Amazing to feel the full circle of life this month: Singing “Closer to Fine” with the girls, a song which I believe may be the first I learned to play on guitar. Sorry for the fuzzy pics, but here they are anyway…. also, a note on the amazing rooms I got to play in, below…. getting my boxing gloves out now… x K.

Here’s the deal: John and I met 4 years ago when we both got asked to sing at a Gram Parsons tribute concert hosted by Gram’s daughter, Polly. John offered to sing “We’ll Sweep Out the Ashes” and called me to see if I’d join him. It was plutonic love and admiration at first sight and getting to sing on “Golden State” was a track that furthered my belief that friendship and great songs is what making music is about. We will be heading out shortly for what I expect to be the highlight of my year. 2 weeks of sharing the stage with John, including a night at Carnegie Hall in NYC (well, Ok, Zankel Hall….), a stop in my adoptive American home of Austin, Portland, Oregon, and possibly a not-yet-announced show at the Dakota in the first week of November. It is getting my butterflies flying a flurry in my tummy already.

So the point of this is: We have formed a 2 week extravaganza tour called “Hurtin’ and Flurtin’ Tour”. We’re gonna sing some cover songs, I’ll play some of my songs, and John some of his. If you don’t come the night we roll into your town, you’re missing out on a great night. It’s going to be a whole fucking bag of fun. Plus John is hot, ladies, so make no mistake….. it’s a win/win situation.

See you there. Kathleen (and John and spirit).