Yesterday, the members of Papa Grows Funk – minus john Gros – flew back from Denver after playing a convention afterparty. Also, Irma Thomas played an Etown-sponsored show with David Crosby, Ani DiFranco, James Taylor and Graham Nash. She was joined by Henry Butler for “River is Waiting” from her new CD, Simply Grand.

It’s a shame the convention itself doesn’t share the party and event organizers’ affection for real music. Thankfully, Alejandro Escovedo made it in, but as I write and wait for the return of DNC coverage online, I get the faceless, faux version of “Get Ready” and “Dancing in the Streets.” While the Democrats are going for a new kind of politics, how about they also go for a new kind of respect for music?