That's me standing on the right.  I'm watching Stealin' Yer Booze play at the Longview show. It's my favorite picture of the night. I'd like to tell you, that at this moment, I'm gushing with pride, but that would not be true. It's only now that I see this picture that pride comes in (gushing is a strong word.) At point of this picture, I'm still worrying if more people will come, if everyone is having a good time, is the sound is ok, can I keep all the acts on a tight time frame, will I play well, will I cover my costs, will I sell any records, etc. etc. ect

Looking at the picture now (next day) I am impressed with it all, and I realize I don't get all the credit. It's a group effort, and if you erase everything in the picture but me it's a little sad. I say at shows all the time, and I mean it; The most valuable thing we have is our time, and the fact that everyone in the picture decided to spend that valuable time at the show (as an audience member, or performer) is something to feel gratitude for, and I do

I began the  day with a drive to Longview. I arrived in town a little early, and decided to pay the local record store a visit. I thought maybe I might consign a few of my solo albums. The Stash is a very cool record store on Commerce. I love the fact that it's just down the street from what used to Korean's music store. A place where I took my first guitar lessons, and bought my first guitar. It's also a place that head rows and rows of 45's and also sheet music. A good small town music store (they sold washers and dryers and the such as well) The Stash is owned by a guy named Tyler (he has one employee but damn me I can't remember his name.) A great couple of guys that welcomed me in an promptly bought two of each of my solo albums. Paying me cash (which is so appreciated), and spending some nice time chatting. I hope they can sell those damn records, I hope they can sustain a long business. Longview needs a cool record store and this is that. Grateful for them.

Then I went home to visit mom. The door was open when I walked in, and she was getting ready to meditate. I said "Don't stop, I'll meditate with you", and so we did that. Just a little 10 minute beginner session (which a beginner is what I am) This was a highlight of the day. My brother came over and we head some dinner, then we left for the show. 

My brother Chris helped set up, and work the door. Dead Hollows brought the P.A. Tyler and Todd both were a big help in setting up the show. I always get a little manic when trying to set up for a show. In the end all was ready to go in short time. All the bands turned in great sets and stuck to the time frame. I felt I played well, and was grateful for my band: Brandi Starbird and Adam Sullivan. I'll do it again, and again. The doubt will creep in about all I do, then I'll wrestle with it and keep moving forward. I will have to fight off negative thoughts and worries. And after it all I'll find myself at home with a bowl of ice cream. Feeling hopeful, and grateful. Flawed and human to the end.

September 3rd is a good 'ole. hometown show. Grass roots in nature, and cooly intimate. The show is in the small room at the Woman's Club. This has been a venue with many memories for me. When I was a teenager local rock bands would rent the place out and have shows. Then it was a different kind of thing. The bands did mostly covers, and those consisted of a wide variety of current and classic rock/metal. If you were lucky they would have a keg of beer. An underage boy I was, getting a taste of suds. I have fond memories of those nights, dreaming of some day playing my own show, and showing them how those metal riffs should sound. 

I was also married in the Woman's Club, the same room this show will be in. Old dark wood, fireplace, pine adorned walls. I remember my knees knocked when I was saying my vows. Until then I thought knocking knees was a myth. I also remember the reception after. I had my brothers punk band M.I.S play. I got too drunk, and made all the adults leave. Honestly I'm a little ashamed of that day.

The Longview show features an all Longview line up. Good friends who have made they're mistakes and lives in Longview. Show will start on time at 8pm. $5 measly bucks will get you in the door and promise me I lose money. It's ok, and I mean that. It's why I have a day job.

The September 10th show is in Milwaukie. We're in the Annex right next to the chapel theater. If you come early or hang out late I can show you the little studio I'm part of. Headlining the show is St. Even (Steve Adam or you might know him as Steve Hefter) Steve live's Baltimore and whenever he comes to town I feel compelled to have a show. It's a good way to make sure I hear him play. Steve lived here in Portland for a while. I met him at the White Eagle open mic. That's also where I met Jake Kelly. this show is oozing with talent. 

I'm sitting in my backyard, listening to Buck Owens, and reflecting on the weekend. Friday I played the Milwaukie Porchfest. It is a great idea, and credit does go to the city of Milwaukie, and the Milwaukie arts counsel (I think that's the folks responsible.) for the great effort. I could get off on a tangent about the city and it's code enforcement, but I wont divulge into a resentful complaining session. It was the firs time I was able to assemble the entire band. I guess we're a band, it's always hard when the thing is just under your name. Always feels odd compared to my history of playing in punk rock bands. Then it was always a band, and you had a name for that band, and even if only one or two guys wrote all the songs it still felt like a gang. I'm always seeking a sense of family, or camaraderie. The show was a joy, and the folks filling the yard were a pleasure to play for.