John West, a Beehive fave since we teamed up with him for that Palomino's show, is back in Fresno on Friday, playing at Black Light Poetry event at The Loft. If you like soulful, jazzy acoustic music then West is a dude to check out.

Me and him traded e-mails on Wednesday.

So, Mr. West, what have you been up to since we last saw you around Fresno?
I'm finishing a new EP with my friend Emile Kelman, who also works as a sound engineer for T-Bone Burnett. Also plotting out a tour schedule for 2009 and I finally have T-shirts!

I know you've been playing outside of a California a lot lately. Is the rest of the country taking notice of you now?
Ha, well I have a lot of MySpace friends in Australia, but on the touring front it's been good to get to the east coast a little more often. My plans in the next six months are to get to Florida, Chicago, and overseas in the summertime...

I heard you were in a car accident? Everything good?
No broken bones, but my poor Miata... alas, it was a little small for me anyway. Still got my VW toaster van, Lil Smurf, so the show goes on.

What keeps you coming back to The 'No?
I like all the people really. And there seems to be a cool arts scene, and I'm honored to be invited up to perform as part of the Black Light Poetry event going down on Friday at The Loft.

You've been out here four or five times now. Have you developed a Fresno routine -- places you go? People you see?
Ha, well I think I burned some bridges on my last visit (AKA places to crash) - so this visit might be a little different routine. If possible, I try to hit a hot tub whenever I come to town - it's the ultimate leisure sport.

You're playing at a poetry event this time. Do you think poetry + John West music = good times?
Hell + yes = Friday night.

Should we expect some new tunes from you this time around?
But of course, though if there's anything I forget to play that you want to hear just shout it out - if I remember the chords, then it's on :)

Anything else you'd like to add?
Y'all should all look me up on Facebook, just search for John West - I'm building a whole new community there and I need some Fresno love!

PREVIOUSLY ON THE BEEHIVE
- John West: Back in Fresno on Thursday
- Relive the John West show with The Beehive
- Secret Show: John West tonight at Palomino's