Kate is Super Excited to See Steve Earle at Beartrap Summer Festival

So, Steve Earle, Mr. “Folk, Rock, Country, Blues” (depending on whose review I’m reading) man, you’ve delivered your Texas-Style tunes for over 25 years. That’s 13 studio albums, 6 live albums, 7 compilations, 23 (charted) singles and 13 music videos (and counting…). You’ve earned 14 Grammy nominations, 3 wins, Country Artist of the Year in 1986, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from BBC Radio 2. Pretty impressive. Especially since I understand you were dealing with some…shall we say, social and legal issues at different points in your career? Well, it seems you’ve pulled yourself together and used the jagged years toward making incredibly good music. And hey, as a single gal, far be it from me to judge how many wives you’ve had – but weighing in on the current Mrs. – Allison Moorer – I’ve gotta admit, I love her music! Whether she’s crooning solo or along with Steve Earle and the Dukes and Duchesses, I dig her smooth, mellow tones, so, nice addition to the family – personally and musically. Not that you asked. I’m just sayin’.

You’ve garnered an Emmy for the song This City, written for the HBO series Treme. Your character, a musician named Harley Watts, is one of the reasons I watched season one. Thanks, Steve, for getting me hooked on yet another show. It’s a great drama with lots of incredible music from artists like Kermit Ruffins, Irma Thomas and Alan Toussaint. I’ve also heard that some of Casper’s own have appeared or will appear – Andre Bohren in Season 2 (still waiting to devour that season) and his Poppa, Spencer Bohren, has filmed for season 3.

And if all that’s not impressive enough, you’re also an actor, producer, political activist and author. In fact, I brought your most recent book I’ll Never Get Out Of This World Alive to work the other day – just to reference it for this article – and it was a full 27 minutes before I realized I wasn’t skimming. I was reading. Fully absorbed in the morphine-tinged world of Doc Ebersole. (Um…let’s make that our little secret, ‘k? ‘Cause radio ads don’t write themselves.) My point is, you’ve got this book and another, Doghouse Roses, and anyone who loves really good writing should probably check them out. But maybe not at work….

Anyway, you’re bringing your fantastic music to Casper Mountain for the Beartrap Summer Festival in August. And we couldn’t be happier. I couldn’t be happier! I’ve been a fan of your music for years, as have many of my friends. The cool ones, anyway. So having you perform live in one of the most beautiful spots on earth is kind of a highlight of my summer…and maybe my life. And that’s saying something, because I have a pretty great life. Still. You’re gonna be a hard act to follow, and I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who’s gonna think so. So welcome – we’re looking forward to seeing you and the band. And spending the evening listening to some of the greatest folk/rock/country/blues music in existence.