Calexico - 11/10/08 - Nashville, TN

Dear Diary

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Been listening to and loving Nigeria Special: Modern Highlife, Afro-sounds and Nigerian Blues 1970-6 on Soundway.

We're pulling into Nashville after a smooth ride. There's a strong connection to this town with our band; Paul Niehaus lives here and as do some of John Convertino's.

Mickey Raphael calls and we meet up at soundcheck to go over some songs together for tonight's show. His longtime friend, Jack Spencer comes by and takes us to see the exhibit of The Lost Boys of Sudan. In this old brick warehouse ceramic masks line the walls coupled with sculptures and photography. This is a beautiful exhibit and unfortunately Jack says the rent has been raised which will make it difficult for their non-profit to maintain the lease. Somewhere in the back of my mind I start thinking of a benefit concert in Nashville for The Lost Boys.

We drive past the massive CMA Awards site as we seek out sushi.