Friday odds and ends...

Bucky belting it out on stage in Ohio, 12/13; photo by the very kind dbrosch. Click the image to enjoy more of her great photos from the Canton show. Thank you so much, dbrosch!

Just a quick sweep around the scene for a busy Friday:

Shawn Lewis, who chronicled Bucky Covington's musical journey so beautifully during and after American Idol, has written a must-read feature for this morning's Greenwood Index-Journal. It's an affectionate overview of where Bucky's been--and where he's headed--written by the journalist who knows him best. Head over there now and enjoy...

If you haven't picked up your tickets for tonight's Florence GAC Christmas concert, here's the link--looks like there are still a few seats available. I can tell you from firsthand experience, now...you'll love this beautiful, intimate show. Go! (And if you needed an added incentive, many of Bucky's online supporters, and much of his gracious family, will be there tonight cheering him on, too.) And while we're here, let's post the link to Sunday night's North Charleston tickets...

Buckyflowers found a fun link to start off the day--this Blogcritics article about his current spot on the tour is a pleasant surprise. The author gives Bucky props for his "Best I Ever Had" performance, and cautiously (but confidently) expresses a bit of faith in his eventual emergence as a solid country attraction. (My favorite bit from the piece: "There have been a lot of Scrooge-like behavior and bah-humbug retorts directed at country music artists coming off of American Idol with ready-made careers, but it seems that Bucky Covington may avoid the controversy all together with a slow, steady climb to the top.") Check it out--Bucky hasn't been exactly the Blogcritics' darling over there this year, but the times, they are a changin'...for the better. (Thanks again, Buckyflowers!)

Somehow, in the mad rush to get my concert plans sorted out, I missed this great blog entry by Lisa/letusjudge of Buck Wild fame. She had the pleasure of hearing from an associate of the caterers from the Toledo show--if there was ever any doubt that Bucky and his touring companions are having a good time on the road, this should dispel it quite quickly. A fun and funny glimpse at a side of the tour the public rarely sees--thanks, Lisa! (And if you haven't been to Buck Wild lately, go now and enjoy her mesmerizing banner link to BuckyCovingtonMusic.com...)

And finally, a little holiday cheer from Bucky's talented buddies--Ace Young's Highrollers With Heart charity has a fundraising auction starting today at 3 p.m. Eastern; prizes include a signed Ace Young calendar, a very cool T-shirt, and a specialty bear. Help the Denver Children's Hospital, and have fun in the process. (Via MJ's, with thanks.) Ayla Brown's holiday EP is out and about; what you might not have known is that there's an exclusive bonus track available only through her official forums. Join, register, and get ready to rock around that Christmas tree! And Elliott Yamin can be seen on the cover of People this week, wearing a beautiful new smile (and a stylish early-Springsteen hairstyle) and heard at AOL.com, where "This Christmas" is ready to spice up your speakers.

Looks like it's going to be a busy news day--maybe even a busy news week--so stay tuned! Back in a bit...