Thursday

Smoldering! As you can see, the good weather has returned to the Olympic Peninsula, and last Saturday, at Arts in Action in Port Angeles, the heat was downright oppressive. But the music played on, and Stephanie agrees it was one of our better shows. The crowd was very generous with applause, the sound was good, and Miles took some pictures, although he wasn't satisfied with the the intense sunlight. Many thanks to Mike and Dwayne for the good work on sound and staqe and for organizing such a fun event. We're looking forward to playing outside again at the Clallam County Fair in August.
This last Saturday we played at Kat's wedding out at the Lake Crescent Lodge in the equally warm weather. Photographer Dave, my neighbor, couldn't resist taking extra pictures of Stephanie, so some of them may show up on this blog later this summer. We have another wedding coming up on the 5th for yet another teacher tying the knot this summer. Melissa's event will happen on August 5th, and we are scheduled for the reception at the Red Lion here in town. And, it looks like yet another wedding will employ Rollin' Waters later that same month. So nice to be musically busy!

Our deepest sympathy goes out to fellow musician Rick Thanem for the tragic loss of his son earlier this week.
[Port Angeles][Olympic Peninsula][Junction][Port Townsend][Ajax Cafe]
[live music]
[folk/blues]

Arts in Action

Eighty three year old Doc Watson played at the Zoo Tunes show in Seattle last night, and Mick and I were there. What a treat to hear "Shady Grove" and some of "our" other songs played so well by the legend. Most of the licks are still there and his voice is the same--sure gives one hope for a long life of playing music.
On Saturday at noon we play at the Port Angeles Arts in Action event down on Hollywood Beach in what is normally the parking lot. It's probably the sand sculptures that bring most of the people to the Olympic Peninsula this weekend, but the music promises a lot starting tomorrow with our colleagues, Deadwood Revival and Stephanie's dad's new group, Second Nature. Now if that doesn't sound "all in the family" enough, consider that their guitar player, Mike, and singer, Kelly, have performed with us in previous bands over recent years. Sometimes the isolation of the peninsula makes one wonder if we don't have a lot in common with Appalachia, the Australian outback, and the Gallapagos.
So, a busy musical weekend looms-after the Arts in Action gig, we play a wedding at Lake Crescent Lodge on Sunday before the Junction open mike and jam. The weather is perfect, and that doesn't happen too often around here so, as they say on television, "let's get out there!"
[Port Angeles][Olympic Peninsula][Junction][Port Townsend][Ajax Cafe]
[live music]
[folk/blues]
[Doc Watson]
[Arts in Action]

Dog and Jury Days

It's never been clear just what "dog days" really means, although I know it has something to do with midsummer. The weather has improved on the Olympic Peninsula, just in time for jury duty! Luckily my number was high and there was no seat for me. It's quite possible the defense would have rejected me anyway. Living in Port Angeles for 26 years causes me to know lots of people in and out of law enforcement, not to mention those involved in music.
The Junction crowd was minimal to start with but grew along with the evening, and it turned into a good summer evening. Joe and Johnny played some unheard songs and we jammed along while Bill debuted a new Moody Blues medley. The pictures tell the story.  
[Port Angeles][Olympic Peninsula][Junction][Port Townsend][Ajax Cafe]
[live music]
[folk/blues]

Farmers' Market

Friday night and the weather on the Olympic Peninsula still seems like Fall. Clouds cover the sky and drizzle periodically scars the decks of homes throughout Port Angeles. But the music plays on! Forget about the Lavendar Festival, (it’s for grandmothers!), and get yourself down to the Junction Sunday night for the Jam/Open mic or on Saturday to the Farmer’s Market in the County Courthouse parking lot. As usual, Rollin’ Waters will host and play blues, folk and even some rock and roll. People will dance and do whatever they do, and Stephanie and I will tempt you with our new cd just off the presses and ready for your reviews and listening pleasure. You’ll notice guest appearances by some the finest musicians in the northwest, certainly on the north Olympic Peninsula. What a thrill that they are eager to play with us and record when the opportunity beckons. And, we are in daily rotation on Cygnus Radio out of Ontario, Canada! We hope to have some reviews of our new cd from other sites and venues soon. Be sure to check our Myspace site for more information. And keep stiff upper lip, it can’t be cloudy forever!
[Port Angeles][Olympic Peninsula][Junction][Port Townsend][Ajax Cafe]
[live music]
[folk/blues]

Clouds on the Peninsula

Clouds cover the Olympic Peninsula and rain threatens, but none of that dampens the fun at the Junction in Port Angeles. Sunday was great with Bill, Bob, Johnny Mustang, George, Ida and Gabriel all on hand to play and sing through the night. The crowd not only listened to our songs but danced to the more upbeat numbers. What fun! John Nelson, from the Peninsula Daily News, was there and we played "Shenandoah," his favorite of our songs. Sometimes the Junction reminds me of the old TV show, "Cheers." It's a place with personality, regulars, and the best gin and tonics north of Los Angeles.

Our new cd is delivered and ready to be heard. In fact, one cut, "Deep River Blues," was played on internet radio this evening. Check out Cygnus radio from Ontario, Canada. That makes two radion stations that have played our songs this year. Although I rarely listen to our local KONP AM station here in Port Angeles for fear of Rush Limbaugh, the station, thanks to Karen Hannan, played and promoted our local gig at the Seven Cedars Casino earlier this year. What a thrill to hear yourself on the radio!

Saturday we're at the Farmer's Market in Port Angeles, starting at ten in the morning. Cds will be available!
[Port Angeles][Olympic Peninsula][Junction][Port Townsend][Ajax Cafe]
[live music]
[folk/blues]

Summer

What is it about summer schedules and teenagers? Sleep until noon or later and stay out until 3:00 AM when 90% percent of the job prospects are only attainable during the daylight hours. I don't want to think about the kind of economic possibilities associated with the teenage hours. Next thing you know, your kids become musicians working at the Ritz on first avenue in Seattle for an audience of bikers. Well, that's another blog entry for a later date.

The sun has returned to the Olympic Peninsula, and summer is officially in session. Rollin' Waters might perform "Summer Wine" Sunday at the Junction in Port Angeles in honor of this natural event. Tomorrow we rehearse with Rick Thanem who plays at least three instruments and will help us out with an upcoming wedding show. I've worked with him before and he is a quick study...can't wait to play "Billy in the Lowground" with him again. Maybe, if my recording equipment is working well, we'll get to record a few songs, too. Talked with a reporter from the Peninsula Daily News this morning about a feature on the Arts in Action event in Port Angeles coming up on the 22nd of this month. I hope Stephanie likes the picture they choose! It's a fun event with lots of food and people in a near carnival atmosphere right there on Hollywood Beach.
[Port Angeles][Olympic Peninsula][Junction][Port Townsend][Ajax Cafe]
[live music]

[Port Angeles][Olympic Peninsula][Junction][Port Townsend][Ajax Cafe]
[live music]
[folk/blues]

Fourth of July

 A lively crowd joined us at the Junction in Port Angeles on Sunday. Stephanie's extended family stayed for most of the night, and Art, the harmonica player with the Jersey accent, performed after a six month absence. He also sang a cool version of "Stormy Monday" with very nice harmonica solo. Johnny Mustang was under the weather and could not be convinced to sing or play. Same for harmonica Bob, but Bill Tiderman brought newcomers to the dance floor, as usual, and he did a great solo version of "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'." Going to a barbecue at his house later today--haven't had a hot dog in ages.

The weather continues its splendor on the Olympic Peninsula, and we're waiting to hear where we are on the schedule for Arts in Action and for the next gig at the Ajax in Port Hadlock. So glad it's summer...busy, but in the best way.

I can't wait to do some more recording in my soon to be "cleaner" home studio where some new equipment is finally taking shape and making sense to a slow learning curve. Over 500 listens to "Wonderful World" on the my/space site!