Quick Q and A with Eva (Hot Club of Cowtown canine star)
 by Kathy S-B  ·  18 March 2011

Eva James is not just any kind of dog. She is a perky corgi who often travels with the Hot Club of Cowtown. Her mom, Elana, is front and center in the band and plays a hot fiddle. Eva doesn’t play any instruments but she loves to watch the band rehearse and play on stage. Kathy S-B’s best friend, Sniff, asked a few questions to the lovely Miss Eva.

If you want to find out more about Hot Club, please check out their website. Here’s a video of the band playing the ever-popular “Orange Blossom Special.”

Eva, that’s a beautiful name, I must say. Were you named after anyone in particular?

Not that I know of. Early on that’s the name I was given. But it suits me because it is beautiful and because it’s based on Eve, of course, who brought life. I bring life and joy to a lot of people and situations, so it’s perfect for me.

Have you ever thought of asking the band to change their name to “Hot Club of Dogtown” Personally, I think you’d get a whole lot more dogs comin’ out to your shows if you did. Just sayin’

Thanks, Sniff. Of course that makes sense to you and me, but, you know, I try and keep a healthy perspective. Apparently the idea of “Cowtown” is more western than “Dogtown.” But I am extremely popular with the band’s fans, so if there were a way to get the idea of a dog being involved in the organization, well, you know, it would really grow the core demographic, but they don’t consult me about stuff like that yet.

So what’s it like being on tour with your human friends, Elana, Jake, and Whit? Are they easy to travel with?

I do love Jake, and I think he loves me. He’s great at belly rubs. But you know, Elana is my mom. She takes good care of me, and when I fly I have my own crate outfitted like a princess’s palanquin—you know, pink blankets, my own pillows, snacks, the works. I really love touring. The long hours in the van are much better when I am up on the bench seat, but it’s not always possible. One of my greatest joys on tour is when we get to the hotel, however late at night it may be, to run as fast as aI can down the carpeted hallways. It’s unlike anything. You need to try it.

Did you get to meet Bob Dylan when Hot Club toured with him? If so, what was he like? He doesn’t seem like a dog kinda guy to me but I’d love to hear otherwise.

When I first met Bob it was when we were hanging around backstage. He’s chill. We went up on his bus later on the tour so Elana could show him some fiddle ideas and I immediately jumped up on his leather bus couch. Very nice. I love the smell of leather. I felt very comfortable there—accepted on my own terms.

I dig the pic of you and Willie Nelson. Did he give you his bandanna or is that part of your own wardrobe? I gotta say — I think bandannas are totally rad. . . .

Thanks! I think we bought the bandana, but he did give me my own signed baseball at the end of the tour, signed to me personally. I treasure it and it’s displayed on the shelf at home.

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