One reason that tours are an amazing part of being a musician: they provide an escape. Bethel Steele (bethelsteele.com) is an amazingly talented songwriter who asked me to join him on a roadtrip Austin, TX for a folk music conference called Southwest Regional Folk Aliance (SWRFA for short!) earlier this year. Immediately, I agreed. Last week, we hit the road. The conference itself was an profound experience. So many songwriters with so much talent and vulnerability showed up and played their hearts out. I connected with old acquaintances who I didn't even realize would attend, and forged dozens of new friendships. Best of all, I got to experience a community of people who are all committed to the same thing that I am: sharing beautiful music with the world. Thanks for asking me to come along, Bethel. I have no doubt we'll be headed back next year.