Well, since I'm writing this on Wednesday - a full four days after the last day of the AMA Conference, so you can assume a couple of things: one, that I had had far too much to drink on Saturday night, and two, that that made for a very miserable flight home on Sunday.

Perhaps you'll recall that I also probably had too much to drink on Friday night, so when Saturday morning rolled around, I was tempted to sleep in, but also determined to learn something, damn it, so I dragged myself out of bed and promptly arrived for the 10am panel on "Legal Paperwork for Songwriters," admittedly something I don't know anything about. My take away from that panel was mostly that legal paperwork for songwriters is a nightmare. I then attended a portion of a panel (I got stopped by a long-talker between panels) that was called "Setting Scenes: Stories of American Music Communities" and then left early to walk over to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum for the screening of "Meet Glen Campbell: A Documentary," based on Glen's new CD, Meet Glen Campbell, a collection of rock covers, followed by a discussion with Glen, his producer, and the video director. The documentary was free to conference attendees and museum ticket-holders, and it was the elderly museum visitors who mostly populated this panel; as the delightful Cary Baker from Conqueroo noted, "I feel like we're in Branson." It should be noted that Glen appeared to be sober at this discussion, at his performance later that evening, and on the plane to L.A. the following day (we were on the same flight).

I had lunch at Jack's Barbeque (a can't-miss for me, except for my last trip to Nashville, in which I was accompanied by my vegetarian co-worker, who I could not convince to abandon her values even for Tennessee Original Barbeque sauce), and then attended a final panel on "The Future of Music Media." I was happy to learn at this panel that there are a few print magazines covering music that are thriving (among them Elmore Magazine), and that No Depression, while transitioning from print to online media, will also publish a "bookazine" twice a year.

Since I clearly had not overindulged at Jack's just an hour before (yeah, right), I met up with Pam for ice cream at Mike's Ice Cream Fountain before she left for her flight, and then it was time for a nap. Altville's Associate Producer Lauren woke me so that she could take me to Yazoo Brewery before we hit the town that night. She ordered us the sampler:

And the night began.

We spent the evening at 1 Cannery Row, where two venues, the Mercy Lounge and Cannery Ballroom are located, so we could easily travel back and forth between showcases. The Duhks (who were a great band to begin with, but have evolved into an even greater, more diverse band, under the leadership of their new lead singer Sarah Dugas), were up first, followed by Buddy Miller, who was obviously fantastic (did I mention how happy I am that he'll have new music in March?!), then headed downstairs to the Cannery Ballroom for the Glen Campbell tribute, which included Jesse Dayton and Chuck Mead. Glen also performed, accompanied by Jim Lauderdale and Jesse. My view was partially obscured by Raul Malo, who was too busy making out with a beautiful woman I assume was his wife to pay attention to much of the show, but he's Raul Malo, so I guess I can forgive him.

A real treat was next - upstairs at the Mercy Lounge, Mark Olson and Gary Louris performed both classic Jayhawks tunes and songs from their forthcoming CD. I stayed for a bit of Chuck Mead's set, before heading back downstairs for the Thirty Tigers Chicken and Waffles Closing Night Party (I firmly believe that chicken and waffles could possibly be the best meal ever), before taking the shuttle back to my hotel and passing out from too many Pabst Blue Ribbons.

Overall, I had a blast at this conference. I'd gone with no expectations other than having the chance to hang out with some friends and hear some good music. And indulge in wonderful Southern cooking. All goals accomplished.