Notes From the Cabin: September 15, 2023
leaving the cabin / golfing with a canadian folk star / november shows
SHOCKING BUT TRUE
This is our last Note From the Cabin for 2023. Whaaa? Yes: we’re returning to Nashville, so our next updates will be from there!
LATELY
The most recent thrills here were all about having very special visitors. Kieran’s old friend and musical collaborator, David Francey, and our mutually beloved Australian jillaroo-of-all-trades, Annabel Hawkins, drove down together from Canada (where AH was visiting) to goof off with us. They’d planned to stay at the cabin for two days and we coerced them into staying for four. It was a total joy-bomb!
When David came to hang out in Nashville with KK some years ago, they’d go wander the nearby golf course in the evenings with one golf club each (an activity they referred to as “walk & whack”). So it was no surprise that golf quickly became a topic of conversation here… and also very quickly evolved into what we’re now referring to as the Inaugural Adirondack International Folk Golf Invitational. The first day’s round was held at the gorgeous Top of the World Golf Resort (overlooking Lake George). Day two was at the delightful Cronin’s Golf Resort in Warrensburgh. Day three would’ve been at Airway Meadows Golf Club in Gansevoort, but it was drizzling, so we were forced to stay in and write a song instead. (Which was our second of the weekend—KK & DF managed to sneak in a cowrite in the wee hours of Saturday morning.)
During AIFGI 2023 there were good shots and bad shots, a sudden downpour followed by a legit Adirondack rainbow, far too much laughter and silliness—and we even found a moment to sit on a bench to take in the view and eat some of RG’s homemade cookies. No scores were kept other than the number of golf balls we picked up as we walked (David came out ahead with 6). Annabel (who doesn’t golf—yet) did a fabulous job documenting the entire experience, and once we’re back in the land of internet you’ll see more coverage on our Instagram and YouTube feeds. But here are a few photos to tide you over:
CABIN LIFE
There’s nothing quite like having visitors to make us see this place with fresh eyes. Thanks to our pals being here, we enjoyed some invigorating late-season swimming, took a bunch of photos while visiting Dorothy Edwards (our previously mentioned source of fresh eggs and the very best maple syrup), got to show off our beloved JF Farm Store in Northville, and enjoyed a fish supper at The Placid Pines. And, yes indeed, we also hit the Town of Day dump.
ALSO LATELY
Rayna got back to the cabin not long before our visitors arrived, having just wrapped up a very successful European tour accompanying our good buddy Joachim Cooder. You can see lots of fun photos from that trip at her Instagram, and no doubt there’ll be a rundown on the whole adventure in her next newsletter.
UPCOMING
November 9: Natalie’s Grandview / Columbus, OH (the new Natalie’s location!)
November 10: The G.A.R. Hall / Peninsula, OH (ticket link coming soon)
November 11: WV Culture Center / Charleston, WV (FOOTMAD concert series)
READING
KK: Chuck Berry: An American Life by RJ Smith / Saratoga by Richard M. Ketchum
RG: The Children by David Halberstam / everything by PG Wodehouse
VIEWING
Lately we’ve been revisiting some old favorites, including Sunset Boulevard, The Oxbow Incident, and various Twilight Zone episodes.
ONWARD & UPWARD
We’re feeling energized about musical work, and have started booking shows for 2024. Got a venue nearby that you think might suit us? Please let us know!
Till soon —
rg & kk
website • instagram • youtube • facebook • bandsintown