Here’s chance for you to hang out with fun people, eat some good food and melt away the damage done from a long week of work.

I just booked a gig party out at Twin Bluffs on Friday November 13th (9:00 pm). Everyone had a great time out there the last time Doc and I played and this time shouldn’t be any different.

Also, the food is freakin awesome. It is all home style (read large and tasty) and the pizza -called “The Garbage Can” – that Doc and I shared at the last gig still makes my mouth water just thinking about it.

If it seems like its a little far out for some of you, perhaps it could be an excuse to go do some Christmas shopping in LaCrosse with a good timin’ pit stop on the way back home (just a thought).

If you missed it, here’s more about what went down at Twin Bluffs the last time we had a chance to hang there – Labor Day at Twin Bluffs.

Last Monday Doc  informed me that we had the opportunity to play the Hei N’ Low Tap in Winona and I jumped at it. It was a no-brainer since I have been wanting to play down there for quite awhile. I’ve always loved the atmosphere and the crowd. It’s pretty easy to have a good time down there. Be sure to stop down.

Also, I was able to Read the rest of this entry

Just wanted to send out a heads up. I know it is kind of a weird time BUT tomorrow – Friday afternoon – I will be playing at 4:00 pm on the second stage at the 5th Annual Boats and Bluegrass Festival over on Prairie Island.

If you can’t make it Friday afternoon stop out anytime Friday night and all afternoon into the evening on Saturday. They have a very solid line-up of acts throughout the weekend.

Go check out their website for more info – 5th Annual Boats and Bluegrass Festival.

I hope to see you there. Have a good one!

I just wanted to give you a heads up on how last Saturdays L-Cove show went and then share some reading material that should inspire you, maybe put a few dollars in your pocket and put a smile on your face. Here goes.

You Guys Rock!

Wow! What a great time last Saturday night. I am so glad many of you came out to check out the show. Thank you all!

I did record some of the evenings music and am hoping to get some good material to use on my CD. The night will be etched in stone.

Also, other than the music, there were some great crowd moments that should pop up on the CD in some way. Ray Roberts in particular stands out. He does the coolest “YEAH BABY” and I will be looking for a good place to put it.

I can’t wait to party with you guys again!

The Million Dollar Suitcase

The next thing I wanted to share with you is an ebook I read awhile ago. It was written by a man named Karl Warren. I don’t know how he is and I am not even sure how I ended up with the book but it is an inspiring read – especially if you are looking to accomplish something or make a change in your life.

It is not very long at all and it shouldn’t take more than a half hour or so to read. Check it out and share your thoughts below.

Click here to read the Million Dollar Suitcase (oh, and you can download it if you right click and save as)

I was wondering if you could help me out with something. I’ve been trying for sometime now to come up with one sentence – as short as possible – that describes my music to someone who’s never heard it but I’m not getting anywhere.

I was wondering if you had any ideas. In the comments below, tell me how would you describe my music style to someone else? Something unique that would peak their interest and make them very curious.

Was your Labor Day weekend as good as mine? Not only was the weather perfect, but I played a lot of music, met some good people and had a chance to spend some quality time with friends and family.

In the playing department, I played until my fingers bled last weekend – ok they didn’t bleed but it sounds better than “until they were sore” and it wasn’t a bad way to reference an old eighties tune (do you know the one I’m talking about?). Anyway, Friday night at Money Creek Haven I sat and played around the campfire for some close friends, Saturday night I debuted my new PA system for some company we had over and then Sunday with a 3 hour stint at Twin Bluffs Tavern.

While playing at Twin Bluffs, I had some great experiences. One experience in particular reinforced how lucky I am to finally realize what the hell it was I was put on this earth to do – write and play music to connect with good people. I met a middle aged couple – his name is Jim and and hers is Barbara. After I was done playing I went over to thank them for signing up for my newsletter and discovering that they really connected with my songs (which is an amazing feeling). I discovered that they were two very positive people with a very cool story. Read the rest of this entry

Just wanted you to know that Doc and I will be playing at Twin Bluff’s Tavern tomorrow from 4-7. If it is nice – which I hear it will be – we will be outside on the deck.

After we are done there will be a rock band by the name of Falling Upstairs playing in the bar (never heard of them but the owner says they are good).

Anyway, if you are looking for something to do, come on out and play some horseshoes, sand volleyball or just chill with us. Hope to see you there!

Just wanted to give you an update about what I’ve been doing, what I plan on doing and take a moment to thank you for all of the positive feedback.

To start with, I have been writing songs like a madman. The BIGGEST reason for this, Other than some of the reading I’ve done on the craft of songwriting, is all of the great feedback you’ve given me for “How To Change The World”. It is amazing how positive feedback and support from good people like you can really fuel the fire (which is a lesson I can use as a father when I’m encouraging my kids).

Speaking of positive feedback, I would like to thank Chris, Marcy and Steve for the great comments they made about me and my songs (I’ve added them to the homepage for everyone to see). Thanks guys!

Next, other than a small set out at Keith and Kyle Rhoden’s party a few weeks back (a big thanks to them), I haven’t played live. I am beginning to get the itch pretty bad and I am putting together some contacts so that I can start making calls to a few local establishments. I am on the hunt for a new PA system so that I have more option when I begin booking shows. I want to be able to play anywhere and investing on some equipment will give me a chance to do just that. Best of all, it will give me more opportunities to share a drink and a conversation with you.

If you have any ideas on where I could play, let me know – contact me here. I am open to all kinds of suggestions.

Finally, I apologize for the lack of new music. The studio I am working with is very busy and in the middle of a move. Hopefully I can get something scheduled for September to get back in the studio. In the meantime, I will be sending out a live recording of a cover song by Bob Seger called “You’ll Accompany Me”. So be on the look out for that later this week or early next.

That should do it. Thanks again for the positive feedback. See you soon.

Are you less than happy with what it is that you are doing in life or know someone else who is? Well maybe a post from a blog that I read regularly – called Leftsetz Letter – can give you a little perspective.

…Sorry if that sounded a bit like an infomercial but I think you get the idea…

Anyway, the post I am about to share with you is about doing what you want with your life.

This is actually something I’ve thought A LOT about the last few years and Bob Lefsetz has done a great job of summing it up. I wanted to share it with you because I thought it could either help you or help you help someone else (ie pay it forward).

Anyway, go and do yourself – and possibly someone else – a big favor. Read this post now and then refer back to it often like I am.

Feel free to comment below. I’d love to hear any of your related stories and/or get a big discussion started.

P.S. for more on this and to let it really sink in – cuz music is really good for that – check out the Shinedown tune “Second Chance”.

Come on down to the Acoustic Cafe in Winona on June 27th, grab a beer or glass of wine and spend a few hours unwinding with myself and my special guest, slide guitarist extraordinary, Doc Roc.

I will be playing all my originals along with acoustic versions of covers from artists like Fleetwood Mac, John Lennon, Chris Isaak, America, Bob Seger, the Rolling Stones, Bryan Adams, Bon Jovi and many more.

Can’t wait to see you there!