Last night, I got to open up a show for one of my county heros. Last week, the Bottom Dwellers got a MySpace message from some sweet girl in Portland wanting to set up a small show for Dale Watson and his boys in between a few bigger dates. Naturally we jumped at the chance, despite being booked to play Richard March's Americana Ramble (something we wouldn't normally do, Richard. Honest.).

The show was a bit last minute, and unsurprisingly, presented a few last minute sound reenforcement perils; partly spurred by a communication breakdown and the fact that neither the booking agent, Bottom Dwellers or Dale's band had played the venue before. Also, Dale's tour bus broke down earlier in the tour, and they were forced to ditch their sound system and much of their road crew. We were ultimately able to piece together an nice setup and were ready to play right at 8.

Our set was blistering and loud. Pretty standard for the venue, although Chris and I think we could have done a better job reading the crowd. A few people wanted to dance, and we could have arranged things in a more dance friendly way.

But Dale, man ... He and his guys are a serious class act. Beyond kicking total ass, they were very friendly, fun to talk to, and appreciative of our efforts to get the sound going, which actually turned out pretty damn good. True gentlemen.

I can't tell you how great it feels to have been able to open a show for one of your heroes, and have them turn out to be just as friendly as they are talented.

Go buy Dale Watson's new record, From The Cradle To The Grave. Support real country music and enjoy a true country legend in your own time.