Adam Sampieri

Do you remember the Durham of 20+ years ago? When rock shows and theater pieces sprung up in abandoned downtown buildings? When post-show meant drinks and fries at Joe and Jo's? Those were the days of drag shows at Ringside, Tuesday Night Trivia over a pint of black at the Joyce, Manbites Dog masterpieces, and the World Beer Festival in the DBAP. That was when all the downtown streets were one way, all the Jack Tar Hotel asked for was a visit from Oprah, George Rousse was Bending Space across downtown, the Green Wall bounded the grass where Woolworths once stood, and you could find free parking just about anywhere. There was always Another Thyme with Morty, Bob's Birdie and cold pints on game nights at Sati's courtesy of Gator, where you might catch up with David McKnight, that beautiful soul who filled up our hearts and street corners with the music and warmth of his violin. It was, as the kids say, a vibe.

Well The Backwater Music Series presented by Frog Hollow Outdoors and Blank Tapes is a throwback to those days. It's a laid back, y'all come, bring a chair and maybe some refreshments to share (and help yourself to what's there) concert and hang. No pretension, tension, apprehension, or AI intervention. Just local musicians and songwriters in a backyard in Old West Durham making some noise and sharing some stories with good folks in the great Bull City.

And I am thrilled to be playing for the next installment on Saturday 6/13. I'll be joined by Tall Glass, the melifluous and talented songwriting duo of Laura Jones and Cara Valenti, who'll open the show at 6pm sharp. If Bob Ross paintings could sing, they'd cover Tall Glass songs. (And if you know me, you know that's high praise as Bob is the closest I have to a messiah.) I'm up after Tall Glass and the whole shebang should finish up around 8pm, plenty of time to call it an early night or continue your revels.

Doors open at 5:30pm. The cover is just $6 to support the artists and event expenses. Link in my bio to pay in advance or at the show. Know my stuff and got requests? I'm all ears. Just throw 'em in the comments. As always, I'll see you out there!