Hey guys! Well I’m sure you all know by now what a crazy week it’s been for us. Tuesday our heat, microwave, and cell service all experienced issues, Wednesday I came down with the flu, and Thursday we were carjacked at gunpoint in Houston. Yep. Needless to say it’s been a little overwhelming. But as I sit here at our friend Derrick’s house doing French homework and recovering from the flu, I’m just glad to be alive and feel so grateful for the love that’s been shown to us. After a scary night Thursday night we were picked up by our sweet friend Derrick from Austin, taken back to his house, and since then we have been trying to recover lost items and replace some in case they are not found. I knew I had friends, but I had no idea just how amazing my friends were until this week. People have been organizing benefits, lending and giving me gear, and helping contribute to our Kickstarter page to help make the album and get new gear. I can’t say enough how loved I feel. My mom and my guitar player Trevor have been in Houston today and yesterday looking for any gear in pawn shops, etc. The news station down there has been following them around and now people in Houston area know to keep an eye out for the stolen items. They are headed back now with my Gibson guitar, microphone, and merch case. Thank God! No signs yet of the fiddle, mandolin, or any of the pedals and cords. But I am so happy so have those few items back! I just wanted to say thank ya’ll so much for the kindness and PLEASE continue to spread the word about Kickstarter and the stolen gear. We still have a long way to go. Much love always!!!! 

RJ

_The fall is coming on! There's SO MUCH fun stuff going on :)

So Austin is FINALLY cooling down, which I am so a happy about. It's been a long time coming it seems like. I just got back from New Mexico (with Asleep at the wheel) and Arizona (show with Arizona musicians Peter Mclaughlin and Evan Dain) a few days ago and was expecting 110 again but surprise surprise it's actually been very beautiful here! I just hope it stays this way for ACL! Speaking of ACL, the band and I are hard at work getting ready to jam out Sunday at the Austin Ventures stage at ACL festival! Last year was so incredible with an amazing crowd and a phenomenal weekend. I'm looking forward to the same excitement this year! If you haven't gotten your tickets yet, please do! The lineup this year is incredible.

       Like I said I just got back from Arizona and New Mexico and had an amazing trip! I played in the mountains in New Mexico at a BEAUTIFUL theater with Asleep at the wheel and Ray Benson's musical A Ride With Bob. It was a great 5 day run with 75 degree weather and sweet sweet people. I got to hang out with Elizabeth McQueen and Dave Sanger's two beautiful girls Lisel (2) and Willow (only months old). I taught Lisel how to play cards. It was adorable. Then we moved on to Arizona where we got to spend a great week with my mom's longtime friend and my godparents Susan and Jonathan. I also played a show in Tucson with two amazing musicians Peter Mclaughlin and Evan Dain. They're from the Tucson area and learned the material to play this one show. I had the best time jamming and they are absolutely AMAZING musicians. I hope to get to play with them again soon.

      I also just started my senior (I can't believe it) year of high school just yesterday. It seems like the years have flown by. But needless to say I'm very happy to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm taking 7 classes this year including French and two literature classes. Language and literature being my two favorite subjects, I'm very excited about those classes. I can't wait to learn French so that when I go back I can speak at least some with the locals.

     After ACL is over, I'm going to Los Angeles for a week to play some solo shows in that area. I LOVE L.A. and I'm VERY excited to be going and hanging out and enjoying the beautiful weather.  I would love to have a house there some day :) It's an incredible city. If you're in the L.A. area check out the website or facebook to see where I'll be. I'd love to see you out.

Alrighty well that's what going on with me. I hope to see your beautiful faces out at a show or at ACL very soon!! Ya'll have a great week.

Love, RJ

 

P.S. Whether you're in Texas or not, PLEASE keep in mind and pray for the victims of the wildfire that's spread all over Bastrop, Steiner Ranch, and all over Texas. Very sad situation and makes us realize how blessed we all are.

Here's a link to A Ride With Bob. Tickets available now!

http://www.aridewithbob.com/