I normally relish the first real snowfall of the year, especially this year, considering how temperate the weather has been. But when I awoke Saturday, February 18th with ambitions for a drive to Boone, snowfall was not on my list of desired variables for the day. I meander through the afternoon listlessly and dejected, but the snowfall never amounts to much. Trevor calls me and tells me that the roads have been fine in Boone, and that we should make the drive.

After all, this is Leo's first show, and I try not to miss momentous Barefoot occasions these days. I've already missed too many…

Trevor picks me up after 4 pm and we begin the trek up to the hills of North Carolina. The drive into Boone was spell-binding. The previous days' snowfall had actually stuck to the mountains, and reflected beams of sunlight peeked through layers of clouds, creating brilliant scenery for our drive. I was mesmerized that night, with the Grateful Dead sounding just about perfect.

We arrive in Boone and park at the Boone Saloon right around 7 pm. The roads were in excellent shape, but snow and ice had accumulated in other places. Trevor and I see Jeff Garland in the parking lot, exchange windy pleasantries, and wander inside for beer and bar food.

We pull up a chair and have dinner with the guys. Jeff shows us recent band pictures from his laptop. I ask the guys about the previous night's rehearsal, and how they are feeling. Everyone seems excited, anxious, and ready to play. It was a nice to visit with the guys before they had to go into "entertainer" mode.

After dinner, Trevor and I gather up the forces from Greene's Motel, have a few drinks and get ready for the show… We pull back into the Saloon before 9:30, and are anticipating a great evening. After a 2 song sound check and 20 minute break, the 2006 version of Barefoot Manner takes the stage.

The crowd moved towards the front, and warmed to the boys quickly. Barefoot Manner began the 2006 Spring tour with a wonderful "Little Man" that got the locals' toes tapping. After nice renditions of "Caribea," "Reflection," and "Al-Qamar" the crowd got more enthusiastic and boisterous, and the dancers began to outnumber the wallflowers for "Things" and "Barefoot Blues." The Barefoot boys continued on in that fashion through a spirited, high-energy first set that culminated with nice versions of "Mudafunk," "Airplane," and "Worth," which has taken on added shape since Mannerland V.

The second set began with 2 newer Barefoot songs ("Glance" and "Someday") before Dave asks if people are ready to "dance." Barefoot Manner slides into overdrive with a frantic "Nervous Breakdown." By the end of "Nervous Breakdown," the whole dance floor was moving. From "Nervous Breakdown" they dove into "Roots," and have started 2006 with an incredibly likable set of favorite originals. They closed the second set with several nice numbers, including "De La Luz," "Cool Breeze," (featuring excellent banjo / bass interplay) "Pencil Song," and a rollicking "NC Sunrise" to send everyone home.

The 2006 version of Barefoot Manner has taken the stage without missing a step, or stubbing a toe…