The ghost of Townes Van Zandt appeared to me, playing pool on a pinball machine at the back of the Liberty in Austin last week. He stared intently without moving throughout all of my sets and those of the acts that followed. A busty blonde honky-tonk gal peeked over his shoulder.

I don’t know why Townes would do this, if not to bestow his blessing upon my upcoming performances in Colorado Springs. Going back to Colorado is, after all, a recurrent theme within his ouvre.

So if you want to honor the good intentions of Pinball Townes, come to Tap Traders this Saturday March 24 between 6 and 9 pm. I’m really playing there this time. I promise.