Sequim this Weekend

The weekend is almost here and it will be a busy one. Friday and Saturday we perform at the Baja Cantina in Sequim for the first time. We start at 8:30 PM and play until we get tired! We've heard there's often a large crowd on Fridays so you might want to get there early. Then, of course, we are at the Junction in Port Angeles on Sunday starting at 7:00 PM as usual.

Just received some new recording equipment and can't wait to record more with Stephanie. Any day now there should be some audio on this site. How exciting!

Weekend in Port Angeles

Not wandering far from Port Angeles this weekend we played an unusual event in Sequim. Suzanne Arnold's Celebration of Life was held at the John Wayne Marina on Sunday, and we were there to provide music. It was a sad but moving event, and it felt good to be there offering some kind of comfort to friends and relatives. Suzanne was killed tragically in an auto accident on Hurricane Ridge in January. She and her husband had seen some of our shows in Sequim and Port Angeles last summer and liked our music.

Sunday the jam/open mike at the Junction was slow at first but picked up by nine or so as more regulars stepped up to the mike and did their thing. Remarkably, it was nearly smoke free, which is unusual but a very welcome change. Maybe more musicians will attend from now on. We'll see.

Tree House

Thursday we'll be at the Treehouse Lounge in Poulsbo for the second time. Although it's bound to be different every week, the place looks so good (like you're really in a tree) that one can't help but have fun. Not sure what we'll play yet, but probably at least one with some finger pickin'.

Ran into a few problems with the audion posting process. I'll have to get out my trusty mac for the mp3 conversion, looks like. That's alright though, and by Friday the new audio interface for recording could arrive on my doorstep. Then we may just have to do some live recording at the Junction on Sunday nights! Glad to hear that John Nelson is feeling better, and we look forward to his article tomorrow in the Peninsula Daily News.

The pictures from our gig at the Seven Cedars should also arrive soon. Where could they be? I'll have to ask Stephanie about them this afternoon. Busy weekend coming up with a Celebration of Life performance at the John Wayne Marina on Sunday before our jam/open mike at the Junction.

Recording

While last weekend was a little less busy than usual in terms of gigs, it was nonetheless productive in other ways. Stephanie and I recorded "Wagon Wheel," one of our favorites that recently entered our set lists and receives a good reaction, especially at the Junction on Sunday nights. Now I can't wait to give a rough copy to Jim at Strait Music and record another guitar part. Stephanie's harmonica work on this song sounds most appealing. We plan to add it and "Fine and Mellow" to our cd asap. And yes, we're close to posting an audio clip right on this here blog!

We're looking forward to Thursday when we travel to Poulsbo for the second time to play at the "Treehouse Lounge" for their open mike/jam. Getting there early would be wise as they pack them in. Lots of good jammers are sure to be there--just wish it was a little closer to Port Angeles! More later....

Rollin' Waters

The Treehouse Lounge

Last week we were in Poulsbo at the "Treehouse Lounge," and it was a blast. Who knew Poulsbo was such a happening place? You walk up a set of steep outside stairs next to a big, leafless tree, and enter the coolest bar around with skylights, recessed booths, patio and small stage area. But the crowd....jeez...they hooted and hollered for us and the other players. Such enthusiasm and the place was packed to the gills. We're going back soon! We played the following: "Wagon Wheel," "Love Me Like a Man," "Wade in the Water," and "Stormy Monday." Randy Paddock, an ace sax player, helped us out on the last two, as did unamed piano and bongo players.

The Weekend

What a weekend! Saturday at Michael's started out slow, although the dinner was good, as usual. Around 10:30 people started coming in after the symphony auction and they stayed and cheered us on. We're at Michael's again Tuesday for the Children's Hospital Benefit. Good cause so come on downstairs.

On Sunday Jim Spencer, local guitar master, came over to record at my place. I can't wait to finish "Fine and Mellow" in the home studio and post a piece of it here. He really smokes and Stephanie's vocals are amazing. I think you'll like it.

Later that night at the Junction, the house was treated to Kim and Jason, aka Deadwood Revival. We didn't get a chance to join them on stage, but it was as inspiring short set with new songs that turned into a great informal welcome home scene. Ari was there, too, and played some great slide and mandolin. There really will be a pic posted here soon. I promise.

Thursday

We're headed down to Poulsbo this evening to the "Treehouse Lounge" for a jam in a place I know little about. Should be fun.

Fat Tuesday at Michael's was a lot of fun with gumbo, martinis and a real good turnout. We even sold a bunch of our demo cd--can't wait to get back to recording and mixing the final product! Not everything was perfect, however, as my monitor blew out, fed back and may have even smoked a bit. Ah well, good excuse to buy some more equipment if it can't be fixed. It's resting in my living room right now.

We're back at Michael's on Saturday so come on downstairs, have dinner and listen to our best efforts.

Would someone please write a comment so I know I'm not just writing to the air? Thanks!