Without the assistance from the following individuals, this trip could not have been possible. I have listed their names, (in no particular order) and the states they reside in, but YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE! Thank you for your hospitality, your inspiration and your prayers on my journey.

Deb and Larry;	Winside, Nebraska
RJ;	Dayton, Ohio
Fred and Marilyn;	Broomfield, Colorado
Steve and Patty;	Covington, Ohio
Danny and Layna;	Gallatin, Tennessee

Pierce, Nebraska
April, 1999

On April 2nd, I began this journey to cities and towns I had never been before, in search of yet "undiscovered' blues fans and blues venues. My first stop was in Pierce, Nebraska to the Cuthills Vineyard. The Cuthills Vineyard is located on 15 beautiful acres in the North-East corner of the state, just 20 minutes from Norfolk. The owners, Holly and Ed provided me with a tour of their wine-making facilities. I also had an opportunity of tasting some of their products. My personal favorite was "Blush My Honey" (sweet and smooth - like me!). To schedule your very own tour, or for more information regarding Cuthills, look up their web site at www.cuthills.com.

Next stop was Norfolk, Nebraska, to JOE'S World Famous Barbeque. The FINEST little barbeque shop you've never visited! I sang for my supper, and Joe stuffed me full of his favorite dishes. From appetizers to dessert, my taste buds never stopped tingling. Joe's barbeque (chicken, pork and beef) is authentically prepared over an outdoor, open-flamed, mobile BBQ pit. If you attend the Cuthills "Wine and Wings Festival" be sure to look for JOE! As always, he will be one of many local vendors providing tasty treats for this event. Meanwhile, JOE's Barbeque is located at 216 Winter Avenue; facing Braasch Avenue, closest to 2nd and Winter Street, in Downtown Norfolk, Nebraska. Phone Number 402-379-9495.

Wednesday, April 7th, next stop- Omaha, Nebraska, to the Saddle Creek Inn. Wednesday evenings, this acoustic, open-stage is hosted by local musician (and heartbreaker!), Earl Bates. This charming gentleman runs an original music and overall "you name it" open mic night. Thank you to Earl Bates for allowing me to perform on this open-stage. And special thanks to the 'tasty' guitar player who performed with me, Bunny Geist. Bunny's acoustic, blues stylings blended naturally with my vocals/guitar solo presence. I look forward to checking out his full band, the Darktown House Band, next time I'm in Omaha. Meanwhile, if you're ever in Omaha on a Wednesday night, give Earl Bates a call at the Saddle Creek Inn. Located at 1410 North Saddle Creek Road, phone 402-553-0449.

St. Louis, Missouri

Thursday, April 8th. En route to Tennessee, I spent a few hours in one of East St. Louis', popular blues venues, "Mike and Min's". "Mike and Min's" is located at 925 Geyer Street, in Soulard, just a few blocks from the Anheuser-Busch brewery. On this particular evening, I had the pleasure of listening to the three-piece, rockin' blues sounds of the Pennsylvania Slim Blues Band. Anyone who has followed the Colorado sounds of Stanley Milton and his Mean Streak will LOVE Pennsylvania Slim. For schedule information, you can contact the Pennsylvania Slim blues band at 314-576-7714. To reach Mike and Min's for additional band schedules, please call 314-421-1655.

Just one block from Mike and Min's, I visited another of East St. Louis' favorite blues venues, "1860". I arrived at "1860' during the band's break, and so returned to Mike and Mins, to the mesmorizing sounds of Pennsylvania Slim. But the locals tell me, that "1860" is a HOT place for the blues. 1860 is located at 1860 South 9th Street. Their phone number is 314-231-1860.

Radio Stations: While traveling in the St. Louis, and central Missouri areas, be sure to tune into KBXR, FM 102.3. This station's normal format is rock-n-roll. Although, Monday through Friday, at 7:00pm, you can catch the House of Blues', Elwood Blues Break.

Friday, April 9th. Arrived in Gallatin, Tennessee, just North of Nashville. Spent the weekend catching up with friends and relatives. On Monday, April 12th, the REAL adventure begins . . . . .

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