Since we started this leg of traveling, I’ve played on the streets, in the homes of couch surfing hosts, and in the common areas of a few guesthouses. But tonight we actually found the open mic we’ve been looking for. We’re in McCleod Ganj, and the place was a vegetarian café called Khananirvana, about 200 meters from the residence of the Dalai Lama.
One thing I’ve been really impressed about lately: in NYC, there were a lot of musicians and there was a lot of ego, but in smaller scenes like the open mic at The Treehouse in Columbus, Ohio or this little traveler scene in India there has been a lot more raw, humble talent.
Also on the impromptu bill tonight were Ian from York (the old one in England), who sang humorous, self-effacing songs about trying to meditate and looking at water bugs, and Crystal, whose smoky vocals reminded me of Natalie Merchant and whose simple lyrics were appealingly accessible but still poetic. They were both much better finger pickers than me.
I tried out a couple of new songs tonight: Chasing Butterflies, my newest love song for Christin, Why’d I Have to Tell Her No, about dealing with beggars and possible scammers, and a really new one I just started writing yesterday that I might call I Don’t Wanna Buy It. All these songs will probably be on my next album, and I will try to put up some YouTube videos once I get home around Christmas time.
