Corey:  am looking for your impressions on geographic areas where there is a good local audience for traditional blues and also some regaional playing opportunities.  I am in a transition and want to relocate but not sure where.  I would like to avoid a really big metropolitan area.  I suspect the Southeast - N. Carolina region is somewhat in that target.  I know there are a lot of festivals, etc. both blues and traditional music.  I am in the Austin area now and it's a great music town but sort of commercialized, and I am burned out on freeways.

Also have thought about New Orleans, Memphis.  However I have heard very good things about a small city called Ashville, N.C. -- Anyway, any wisdom you have in this regard would be appreciated.  You are well travelled in these areas and while I have loved living in California it is not very exciting in terms of audiences for traditional blues.