Many hats.

I practiced with (Who Are The) Brain Police last night. It had been a few weeks. We've got an afternoon show this Saturday, playing a house/yard/keg party at Warner Old Home Day. This band is so much fun for me; I get to play my electric guitar and sing stuff by Primus, Toadies, Stone Temple Pilots, AC/DC, and like that.

Immediately after that show I'll be headed up to The William Tell to play my regularly scheduled piano bar gig. That one starts at 6pm.

Tonight though, I'm the featured performer at Lago's singer/songwriter night. I get to do a full set of original stuff. I'm wearing a few different hats these days, but that's what you've got to do if you're going to stay busy as a musician up here. Maybe that's how it is everywhere, I don't know. I haven't been everywhere yet.

Kathryn was at my William Tell show a month or so ago, and she drew this picture and gave it to me. Awesome.

Sunset Grill.

Last night's open mic was an interesting one. I was pretty concerned about how good-natured the crowd at the Sunset Grill would be, since they'd probably want to listen to the Red Sox game instead. It actually ended up being a really good night. There were not many other musicians, so I played a lot. It was very well-received. I did Sweet Caroline a couple times, of course, and I even threw Dirty Water in there as the game crept into extra innings. I don't have a show tonight, so I won't be competing with Jon Lester trying to close out the series.

Today I'm putting together a rough set list for tomorrow's show at Lago. It's the singer/songwriter open mic, and I'm the featured artist. Linden Mazurka (the host) will go on at 8:30 and play a few songs, and then I get a generous time slot. The venue features strictly original music, and isn't that a breath of fresh air. I don't get to do many shows like this. After my set, the stage opens to any other musicians who want to take a turn, so if you're inclined, bring your guitar and play!

Special guests.

I was able to invite a couple musician friends to the stage last night at Shooter's. I met Don Watson (pictured) earlier this week at Lago, and he came out to my show, so I handed him the guitar and took a break for a few songs. The guy's good. I won't be surprised to see him playing there again. I got a copy of his CD, but I haven't listened to it yet. What I've heard on his web site (and in person) has a real nice Jim Croce style to it.

My old friend Jon Gellert came by too, and I got him to sing a couple songs with me. I hope to get him into the studio sometime soon, 'cause he's got a great voice.

I think I'm going back to the open mic at Giuseppe's tonight. I really want to give that digital grand piano another shot. The breadsticks are pretty damn good too.

UPDATE: Guess I'm not going to Giuseppe's tonight after all. I just got a call to host the open mic at The Sunset Grill tonight (and next Sunday) right here in Campton. My breadstick fix will have to wait. Come out to the Grill, listen to some music, and watch the Sox win game 3!

Saturday.

This morning I reacquainted myself with an old favorite Saturday morning activity: watching cartoons. The boys and I hunkered on the couch and they had waffles (I had a bagel) and we watched some Spongebob. I'd have preferred Looney Tunes myself, but any port in a storm, y'know?

I hardly ever watch TV anymore. I'm online every day, and the computer screen is enough of a time sink, I guess. I get the impression I'm not missing much. We unplugged the cable back in 1998. Wow, ten years. The only thing I really miss is being able to watch the football game (geaux Saints!).

Tonight I'm playing at Shooter's Tavern. Thankfully, the Red Sox are on a travel day. If game 3 of the playoffs was tonight, they'd probably just cancel the show outright. That can be a tough room during a regular-season game. I wouldn't mees with that crowd during the playoffs. Anyway, if you're in the Belmont area, come on out. :)

Permanent Record is in stores.

Well, one store anyway. Yesterday I got the call: the good folks at Music For A Song in Tilton, NH got approval to carry my album Permanent Record. I drove down last night and dropped off a few copies, and now my CD can be purchased in a music store. How 'bout them apples?

I'm working on setting a date to do an in-store set. I'll keep you posted.

As for tonight, I don't have a show. Which is a bit odd for a Friday. I've got a couple projects going in the studio that I'd like to put some time into, but I'm likelier to just try to catch up on some sleep.

Still booking.

I played for that bus tour at The Margate last night. It was kind of a quiet night, but it went well enough. Tonight I'm probably going to stop in at the open mic at The Common Man. It's important to keep going to open mics, to stay connected with other musicians and to hear about opportunities and such.

I've just confirmed a show for No Limitz next month. We'll be at the Elks in Littleton, NH on the 22nd of November. Our last practice went real well; we worked out a lot of new material. I hope that band can start to put a semi-regular schedule together again.

Of course, I'm still looking to fill holes in the schedule, either solo or with one of the bands. If you have (or know of) the need for some live music, drop me a line. Saturdays are mostly taken up already though.

Lago.

I got to attend the open mic at Lago in Meredith last night. It's a nice place, all right; I'd never been there before. Linden (the guy who runs the show) opened with a few songs, and then the featured performer for the evening (Don Watson) took the stage. Nice material from that guy.

I played a short set, and Linden offered me the feature spot next week. Nice! So I'll be there next Tuesday. Come out if you can. And if you can't. keep an eye on the podcast page, 'cause I'll be on there eventually. :)