Yesterday the college campus where I teach was all abuzz with the busy moving-in activities of almost 390 new first-year students.  Three hundred and ninety students is a big class for us; this morning, we could only fit them into one of our … [Read more...]

Last night my husband and I proved that with great love, a die-hard 11 year old manager/fan/daughter to tell you that you sound great, a supportive group of friends and a couple of beers, anything is possible.  What was more specifically possible for … [Read more...]

I confess that I haven’t actually been to every Ribberfest since this blues and barbecue festival began in Madison 10 years ago, but this year was certainly the best weather I’ve ever experienced.  The fact that it was a mere high of 80, with … [Read more...]

The heat in Madison has finally and blessedly broken for now.  Over the weekend, we had highs that didn’t climb out of the 70s, and nighttime lows that made it almost chilly at night if you opened your windows.  My husband says the weather has … [Read more...]

It’s another Monday in Madison and for the first time in a while, pleasant enough to sit outside the Madison Coffee and Tea Shop without feeling as if you must immediately go home and shower all the sweat off.  Perhaps the month of August will be … [Read more...]

Those of you who are dedicated regulars at Madison Coffee and Tea Company, or followers of InMadisonIN.com or The Madison Observer might already have seen Marla Sink Druzgal wandering around our fair town.  Marla writes a lovely blog called Traveling … [Read more...]

I find myself singing that old Blind Melon tune a lot these days, and thinking of that video of the plump little girl in the bumble bee costume.  But mostly, I just find myself wishing it would rain.It’s nothing unusual for it to get a little dry … [Read more...]

It’s officially over and now the long wait for next year’s River Roots festival can begin.  Let me just say from the beginning that this year was the best River Roots festival EVER!  The O.C. Bear guitar I won probably has something to do with that. … [Read more...]

Day two of River Roots is the long haul day.  The day where you truly earn your festival-going chops and you have to be in top festival shape to survive.  If you’ve been offered moonshine in the women’s restroom on day one, you’re probably not going … [Read more...]

Obviously whoever’s in control of the weather really loves good music (and, I think, also beer).  The first night of River Roots was a gorgeous one.  We saw one very small cloud go by in an otherwise blue sky, and really I think it was just passing … [Read more...]