Had a great time in Texas the last few days. Even started saying things like “howdy” and “y’all.” What can I say: I’m highly suggestable. I’d probably make a fantastic hypnosis candidate. The shows in Denton and Austin were both fun. Thanks to everyone who came and brought friends and also to those from far away who sent their peeps my way — y’all are the BEST! (See what I mean?)

One of the most awesome parts of Austin was the puppies at the home of Jeff & Jen with whom we stayed. I filmed them for your enjoyment. So, um, enjoy!

Have to get to Tucson by tomorrow night’s show, so we’re hurtling through west Texas to get a jump on that 970-mile drive. But not too fast — you know my history with Texas State Troopers. Sigh. Saw this cool holiday light display in Johnson City a little while ago. Making me really look forward to getting to California for Christmas. :)

Lots of love — shannon

Safety Harbor, Florida – Sunday, December 6th, 2009 – Artists Todd Ramquist and Kiaralinda have spent the last 25 years making their home feel like home. For them, that has meant collecting colorful pieces of art, found objects, and cast-off items from all over the world and gradually collaging them together into the ever-evolving Whimzey — and it’s a place unlike any I’ve ever seen.

Whimzey is the place into which they invited me to come and perform for 60 or so of their friends and friends-of-friends this past weekend.

I had SUCH an amazing time, and I can’t wait to get back there as soon as possible. Not just for the eye-candy atmosphere, but for the spirit of community and possibility that exists there. Check out more about what Todd and Kiaralinda are about here. And check out the collage of photos I collected from the day as well.

Lots of love — shannon

ps — How could I forget to tell you about my new kitty friend Butter who followed me around wherever I went and who came up on stage with me during the show twice. Aw!

My first-ever night in Charlottesville was SO fun. I played with local duo Carl & Carleigh at the adorable Milano Cafe, which is housed in the building where Dave Matthews used to live and on which rooftop he played his first show. Crazy, right?

C-ville is the cutest town EVER, and given the great response we had at last night’s show, I’ll definitely be coming back soon. Or at least for the Blues Brothers pancakes at Blue Moon Diner from this morning. Oh, yeah.

Right now, I’m in the passenger seat, riding through gorgeous southwestern Virginia countryside, listening to my buddy Bryn Loosley on the stereo. So nice.

Happy weekend, everybody!

xo-shannon

Thank you, friends in New York City, for turning out to make tonight’s show SO much fun! There was standing room only at Rockwood Music Hall and I made so many new friends tonight. Can’t ask for much more than that. Oh, and did I mention the baby grand?

After the show, I had some yuuuummy Italian food with friends. As we were walking back to the subway, I saw this awesome Disco building and caught it dancing on camera. Check it out!

Talk to ya soon! xo-shannon

Hi from the Holiday Inn Express in Fulton, MO! I just wrapped up the final college show of the fall tour, and, William Woods University, you TOTALLY helped me end the college portion of my tour with a bang. Had SUCH a fun time with you guys!

For the rest of you, I’m off to St. Louis, Chicago, and Cleveland this weekend — get your rear ends to the shows and send your people my way!

And in the meantime, this is a sampling of the exciting stuff I do after the show is over. Enjoy.

Love ya. -shannon

Tonight, it was a Yamaha. Oh, man.

What a treat to play this beautiful instrument earlier tonight at Blackburn College:

Tried to fit it in the Jetta and take it with me, but … ;)

xo-shannon

The other day in Des Moines I did a video interview and performance of my new, as-yet-unrecorded song “Thanks But No Thanks” for Iowa Insider. Check it out here!

Today’s noon show at K-State was so much fun, I’d like to be an honorary Wildcat. Thanks for a great time, Manhattan! Let’s do it again sometime. :) Check out these photos and blog posted during the show: K-State Nooner . On my way to Springfield, MO for show #2 on the day …