Buisson Arts Center
Dahlonega, GA
Saturday 30th July 2005.
By Elsie

Hal was scheduled for two shows that evening. However, due to his travel time he had one performance at 9 PM.

The venue contacted me before leaving NY however I had already had my flight scheduled. Knowing how the Atlanta airport can be – I was anxious that he would make the 9 PM show as well. I have experienced and heard of many a delay going into Atlanta!!!!

For those who had tickets for the 7 PM show a reception was given in the Art Center with finger foods – which was pretty good. I arrived a bit early and as soon as I got in, I checked to see the status of Hal and was happy to hear that they had just heard from Eric and they had landed.

Hal arrived around 7:30/8:00 and chatted with people briefly. It was a long flight from Alberta, Canada and the band felt it. But when they got on stage the energy from the crowd woke them right up!!! They were on fire. A new drummer was with them who I had never seen before. His name is Kevin Hall from Cooperstown, NY. He did a fantastic job. I got to chat with him a bit and he was very sweet.

Hal was very talkative during his show – telling the dog joke, pilot joke and sharing some travelling stories. He sang a new song and forgive me for not remembering the name or the artist who wrote it but the words were “stranger in the eyes of the maker”. He did fifteen songs in all. He did Trail of Tears with his birdcalls and as he did it he very slowly left the stage in total darkness. What a great effect that was. The crowd went wild and then he came back with Long Way Down.

After the show, Hal did a meet and greet outside the venue. Towards the end of the evening before he was about to leave someone had indicated that he did not sing “Stay Forever” – so Hal began to sing and we all joined in. – we did not sound too bad. Then we all sang “I Miss My Mary” as well.

Thanks again guys !!!