Will Kimbrough at Tove's

Last Saturday, our friend Steve Tove hosted a house Concert featuring Will Kimbrough in Ellicott City, MD. Our friends Sue and Brian came along. Everyone had a great time. Will put on a great show.

Kimbrough started his musical career as a founding member of Will & the Bushmen,a popular college band in the eighties that produced a handful of albums and singles and made it to MTV. He then went on to form the Bis-quits with long-time friend Tommy Womack. The Bis-quits produced an eponymous album which was released on John Prine’s Oh-Boy label. Kimbrough is also a producer and has produced albums for Adrienne Young, Rodney Crowell, Todd Snider,Kate Campbell, Kim Richey, Garrison Starr, Matthew Ryan, and Josh Rouse. His songs have been recorded by Jimmy Buffett, Little Feat, Jack Ingram, Todd Snider and more. Kimbrough has also collaborated with many artists including Rosanne Cash, Guy Clark, Rodney Crowell, Steve Earle, Gomez, Emmylou Harris, The Jayhawks, Mark Knopfler, Buddy Miller, John Prine, Toumani Diabate, Kim Richey, Josh Rouse, Matthew Ryan, Billy Joe Shaver, Todd Snider, Mavis Staples, Garrison Starr, Adrienne Young, and others. Kimbrough was recognized in 2004 as the Instrumentalist of the Year by the Americana Music Association – an award that had previously been awarded three years in a row to Dobro ace Jerry Douglas. His songs demonstrate a literate facility that he pairs with guitar playing so fluid that his fans created a t-shirt suggesting he's an alien. Kimbrough teamed up with Tommy Womack, John Deaderick, Paul Griffith and Dave Jacques in 2005 to create the five piece band, Daddy. They recorded a live album in Frankfort, Kentucky Daddy at the Women’s Club and later an album called For a Second Time. In 2007, Kimbrough released EP – his solo studio recording that revealed a hint of what would develop on his next full-length release. Kimbrough has released several solo albums to date, and has collaborated on many more, as well as serving as a session musician and sideman. Kimbrough was one of the guest artists at Jimmy Buffett's Live from the Gulf Coast Concert on July 11, 2010. In March 2012, it was announced that Kimbrough had joined Trigger Hippy in place of guitarist Audley Freed.

Here is a video of one of the tunes he performed that night.

Marco Island Lakeside Inn

Maureen and I recently returned from a sunny week in Southwest Florida. This past Saturday we took a late day flight into Ft Myers Fl, picked up a 2012 Ford Mustang GT and were on our way to the Lakeside Inn on Marco Island. Here's an overview. The Marco Island Lakeside Inn sits one mile from Marco Island beaches and boasts a sparkling heated pool and affordable rates year round. A cozy island getaway, the 19 suite Marco Island inn offers 2 two-bedroom suites, 10 one-bedroom suites and seven studio suites. The spacious and comfortable suites have been recently remodeled and decorated with a cottage chic decor reminiscent of Old Florida and Key West. Wicker cottage style furniture tastefully completes the setting for an island atmosphere. Imagine French doors, private decks, lake views, tropical breezes and blue skies....you are at Marco Island Lakeside Inn. Lakeview Suites offer a screened in balcony overlooking the Marco Lake, which is designated a natural habitat for local birds, ducks, and turtles to name a few. It is the perfect place to sit and enjoy a cocktail before dinner while taking in the serene atmosphere. the beautifully landscaped inn is located off the beaten track but close to everything. It is a serene sanctuary and a great retreat from the atmosphere of the large resorts and high rises. You will feel right at home the moment you enter. The friendly staff is quite informative about the local area and offers a personalized experience of Marco Island. If you are looking to escape your fast paced life and slow down for a while, you will want to stay here. If you are looking for more adventure, there is plenty to do on Marco as well, from fishing, to parasailing, to wave runners or scuba diving, Marco Island has it all. If you are here on business, we also offer free wireless access in all rooms, flat screen TV's & DVD players in all living and bedrooms and I-Pod clock radios. This was our second stay at a Beachtree property. The small at home feel, along with the interaction with other guests makes your visit extra special too. Marco Island itself is quite the place.


Marco Island is celebrated for the Ten Thousand Islands off its coast and incredible sunset views. The town boasts an immense diversity of wildlife from dolphins to manatees to birds and offers jet ski, catamaran, and boat tours through the environment. Marco Island boasts six miles of beach and over 100 miles of waterways. The city of Marco Island is located in Collier County, a brief drive from the city of Naples. It is well known for its high quality of life, natural resources, casual atmosphere, and friendly people. Locals boast of luxurious resorts and favorite eateries like CJs on the Bay and Tiki Bar. Visitors enjoy crossing the Jolley Bridge and indulging in fishing, kayaking, or sailing. Must-sees at Marco Island include the Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve. There’s no shortage of outdoor options with Caxambas Park, Marco River, Tigertail Beach, and Resident’s Beach. This Gulf coast area features plenty of water recreation and great local seafood right on the beach. Marco Island is perfect for a fun and adventurous beach trip.

The weather for our week was spectacular. In fact on Wednesday it hit 87 for a new island record. We went to Tigertail beach on Tuesday and spent Thursday and Friday at South Beach. Both beaches have ample available parking but charge $8.00 per day.Wednesday we had a leisurely day around the pool at the Inn. I read an enjoyable James Patterson Novel "The Affair".Monday was a little overcast so after relaxing around the Inn for a bit we decided to venture north and visit Naples, Cape Coral and Port Charlotte. Along the way we stopped into a couple golf course communities and gathered information on the perspective retirement communities.
I really like Southwest Florida. It has quite a bit to offer. I wouldn't have any problem at all relocating there in the next 10 years or so. Naples has so many golf courses, beaches and things to do. The people are friendly and the taxes are low.
We had fun during the evenings as well. Sunday night we went to the Sandpiper, a local Sports Bar to watch the Redskins game. Drink prices were very reasonable at $8.00 a bucket of beer. The food wasn't bad either. The only disappointment was the Skins losing.

Tuesday, we started at the Rookie's for Happy hour and then made our way to the Snook Inn for some waterside dining and drinks. Boats can pull right up to the restaurant. The view was quite nice too. We met a fun couple from Atlanta, Mike and Jean and some young college kids from Chicago.Thursday evening we went to CJ's on the Bay. They have an outside gazebo and on Thursday nights have a DJ with outside dancing. We sat with a nice family from Chicago and had a good time drinking and dancing. Friday we ate dinner at Cocomo's Restaurant. It was an Italian place not far from our Inn. I had the chicken cacciatore and Maureen had the shrimp alfredo. It was quite good and came recommended from some locals.
Of course the week flew by. I look forward to returning to Marco Island again.

It's a new year

Every year I come up with something I am going to try and accomplish over the next year. Here is a a list of 50 things to give up in the next year. After reading the list I think everyone can come up with an idea of how to make 2013 a better year for themselves. Have a great 2013. 50 Things to Give Up