Somehow, I've missed using this joke during the several months I've been playing at Mesa Ranch. I'll be there again this Tuesday and the 24th, offering shelter, good songs and cheap eats to weary commuters.

On the recording front, I just got rough mixes of all 12 songs from Chris. I'll be listening with an eagle ear all week, and then we'll add and subtract a few tracks and polish the rest. Our goal is to have final mixes ready for mastering by the end of the month. As always, you can help the process along and get the record several months ahead of the general public by clicking here to pre-order.

I also want to put in a plug for the Tuesdays when I don't play at Mesa Ranch, because I switch off the happy hours with Dave Hooper, a longtime co-writer of mine and a wonderfully unsung Austin songwriter. Think the songs of Gordon Lightfoot and the voice of Johnny Cash, and check him out.

Steve

TUESDAY, FEB. 10, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. (Happy Hour show)

TUESDAY, FEB. 24, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. (Happy Hour show)

STEVE BROOKS

MESA RANCH SOUTH @ THE CLARION INN

2200 S I H 35, 916-8787

www.mesaranchaustin .com

Directions: From I-35, exit at Oltorf and head West on Oltorf. Once you cross I-35, take a immediate right onto Live Oak. Mesa Ranch is on your right, next to the hotel. If youʼre coming East on Oltorf, take the last left turn before you hit I-35, which puts you on Live Oak.