Its almost the 4th of July... Which means, our three month tour is more than half way over... it also means that its almost time for us to open up for Bluegrass ETC!

We are currently in Loveland Colorado, resting up at Lucas & Steph's house. They have been doing renovations on their brand-new-to-them 1900 farm house in downtown Loveland. The place looks like an entirely different place since we left after Bluegrass on the River. Let's see... Where have we been since then?

Montrose, for Main in Motion. It was good to play in the old home town. We saw lots of old friends and had a blast hanging out with the folks. After that...

Salida, at the Salida Cafe, Where we had a blast, ate some awesome food and actually got to spend some time in a town that isn't too far from where I grew up. I can't believe I've never spent any time there. If you like rivers and art and music, you'd love Salida.The next day, we left our gracious host, Clark, and took off for just outside of Westcliff. Where we played at the Oak Creek Grade General Store.

Before our next show, we took some time to get rested, and caught up on some booking, promoting, picking, swimming, biking, and eating. We were lucky enough to spend some time with one of our favorite sound guys, Ron Dropcho. We spent a day and a half doing what we like to call, Camp Narrow Gauge (Sound Edition) with Professor Dropcho. We learned so much and will be forever thankful.

After Camp Narrow Gauge (Sound Edition with Professor Dropcho, we took one of the most beautiful hikes the area has to offer... Lower Blue Lakes. Straight up for a while, but well worth it.

Next, Ridgeway Colorado, at Smyths Chop House. A great place, with awesome people and delicious food. I highly recommend it!

We played once more in Montrose at the Montrose UMC for an evening concert. That room has the best acoustics in town! Needless to say, we had a blast, and it being hometown, saw even more old friends! Then we took off once more for...

Steamboat Springs, where we got to spend some time with our friend, Harry! Also, I got to sleep in a tee pee! The next day, our show at the Old Town Pub wasn't until 10pm which left us lots and lots of time to explore the town. We even rode the alpine slide and got a great view of the ski jump! On top of all that, the hotel they put us up in, it had the best water pressure that I have ever experienced! Seriously, I think the shower head was made for washing elephants! The crowd at the Old Town Pub was large, enthusiastic and oh so friendly, and the food was awesome!

The next day we had to get up way too early and drive all the way to Salida to play for the dedication of a greenhouse for Farm to Table, which is a great organization that does so much for their community and others! After that, we packed the car and took the long drive to Estes Park to stop off at my cousin, Brian's wedding reception.

Now here we are, back at the beginning of the post... here in Loveland, sitting at Lucas and Steph's kitchen table, looking forward to the 4th of July, where we get to open up for Bluegrass ETC!!!

See you soon!

Ashleigh

Bluegrass on the River... the Caudill sisters return!

Its been a while since both Jess and I have played at Bluegrass on the River in Pueblo. It was so exciting to come and share our new project with the people who watched us grow up... both physically and musically.

We arrived late Friday afternoon, after making a last minute stop at Kinkos. We were fortunate to have so many supporters at our first Bluegrass festival of the season. My parents, Marcus & Kara, My brother, Lucas, and his wife, Steph, two of their friends, Morgan and Stephanie, were all there helping us out lugging our merchandise back and forth from camp to festival, as well as helping us manage our table.

After getting tents staked down, air mattresses blown up, and the van parked, we planned to roam the camp to find old friends and meet some new ones. The plan was foiled... Seeing as parking a van at a festival seems to be a group event... a loud one at that... with no less than 10 people (friends and strangers) shouting orders and directions, pretty much everyone we've ever met, was aware of our presence, and stopped by our camp to say hey and pick.

Our first set was at 2:45 on Saturday afternoon. If you've ever been to Bluegrass on the River, you know that the main stage is right on the bank of the Arkansas river, and if the river is high (which it was), it roars right under the stage. Needless to say, the setting is absolutely perfect! The crowd was attentive and lively, as usual, and we couldn't have asked for better weather. The only thing that was missing, was Alabama. Alabama, is a staple of Bluegrass on the River, (as you may know). He's always on the front row, with many an enthusiastic "HO!" I sure hope he returns next year.

We enjoyed the rest of the afternoon listening to all the other talented bands, loafing around the festival grounds, riding bikes and enjoying the river.

On Sunday we played two more sets. Playing on the acoustic stage is always a treat, it presents acoustic music as it was originally presented: acoustically. The crowd on that stage is always great, and the setting is so personal. Its like playing in your own living room. Our acoustic set was by far my favorite.

After packing up and saying our goodbyes and see-you-laters, we took off back North to pick up our dogs from the various pet sitters. Thanks to PJ & Jay, and Zach & Abby for keeping our dogs for the weekend!

Yesterday morning (well, actually afternoon) after we got the van repacked - which is always a challenge, especially when our stuff keeps growing - we started the beautiful drive over the mountains to the Western Slope. We're really looking forward to our next couple of shows, and debuting a few new songs, so be sure to visit our website for show dates near you, and we'll try and post some videos soon! (www.narrowgaugemusic.com)

-Ashleigh