I've got a pig...

...home in a pen, corn to feed him on. All I need is a pretty little girl, to feed him when I'm gone.

These sublime, porcine lyrics are of course the chorus to the classic "Pig In A Pen," which was one of the nine songs performed by Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby during their CBS Early Show booking on Friday morning outside the statehouse in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. The show was the second in the show's "Summer In The City" series currently crisscrossing the country.

The duo were on hand to showcase their new album, which just this week celebrates its 17th week at #1 on the Bluegrass albums chart. Ricky and Bruce performed three full songs on air, including two from the album - Hornsby's new original "The Dreaded Spoon" and a bluegrass inflected reworking of his classic "Mandolin Rain" -- as well as "That's Just The Way It Is." In addition the crowd on hand was serenaded by classics including "Sheep Shell Corn," "Going To The Ceili," "I Want To Be At The Meeting," and of course the aforementioned ode to livestock.

Needless to say, the best part about morning TV is getting up before the sun. Here's a shot taken just before the morning soundcheck, circa 4:40 am:


Here's a shot of host Hannah Storm interviewing Ricky:


And here's Hannah, Ricky, Bruce, and Early Show producer/booker Cathy Black:


A great time was had by all, and here's to another 17 weeks at #1 for Ricky and Bruce. Oh wait, I almost forgot the other pig-related incident.

Behold:


To my distinct joy, just about 100 yards from the concert site was Clyde Cooper's, renowned as possibly the best place there is to get real "East Carolina" BBQ. That's the kind with pulled pork piled high and a spicy vinegar-based sauce, for those who believe (rightly, of course) that if it doesn't involve a pig, it's just not BBQ.

I couldn't resist. I got a pig. Mmmm.