The Train trip (Roots On the Narrow Gauge Rail) was a resounding success. Everyone had a great time, and the artists on the trip (Gretchen Peters and myself, Tom Russell and Thad Beckman, Wylie Gustafson, Paul Zarzyski and Sourdough Slim) all had a great time. We performed in Albuquerque, Durango, Silverton, Pagosa Springs and Chama, New Mexico. We rode the train from Silverton to Durango, and also from Chama to Cumbres Pass. What a trip...Made a lot of great new friends. We Came back to Nashville and played the Bluebird last night. Here's a review Janis Ian just emailed me: "Well, the fantastic foursome (Janis Ian, Gretchen Peters, Tony Arata and Craig Carothers) blew the room away...again...and those who were there can see why these musicians sell out the venue in less than 30 minutes when they appear there. The intimate setting of the Bluebird Cafe (21 tables and some seats at the bar) is the perfect place to see singer/songwriters tell their anedotes regarding their songs, listen intently to their interpretations and meet the players afterwards. Janis looked and sounded great, as usual. Gretchen's voice was in top form, as was her guitar playing. Tony's bluesy romps kept the place jazzed and Craig's tongue-in-cheek lyrics added the humor. As a side note, accordianist Barry Walsh accompanied on some songs, even on "At Seventeen", which gave the song an international feel -- and it worked. Each singer gave the crowd seven songs, more than worth the $15 cover charge...and watching them play since you are so close to the "round arena" allows you to see just how magnificently these musicians crank out their songs. And they provide accompaniment and background vocals on each other's songs too. In essence, you saw a solo concert and a group performance at the same time. What more could you ask for?" Here's a pic: See you in DC this weekend, Illinois next weekend, Boston the weekend after that, or somewhere in Europe after that, where we'll be for a month starting on October 28 in Cookstown, Northern Ireland. We travel throughout Northern Ireland, play for a week in England, another 10 days in The Netherlands, and then one last gig in London at Bush Hall on November 22. See you there!