Wine on the Waterfront

Yes, it's been awhile since the last posting, but the weather and music are both heating up and there's a show at the WOW (Wine on the Waterfront) this Saturday with Bill and Rudy and featured guests Kelly, Cindy, Lambert and Laura. But that isn't all. Cindy Louder, Mike Pace, and I have sold out the Sons of Norway Hall here in Port Angeles for the Mother's Day Benefit event on Saturday afternoon. That's right; sold out! Alright, it is the Sons of Norway Hall, but still....

And that still isn't all. Stephanie and I are scheduled for the Farmers' Market on Saturday, the 16th, in Port Angeles. That's right..Rollin' Waters returns. More on that later.

Fun Times at the Junction Jam

Sure, it's an acoustic open mic/jam every Sunday, but it was an "electric" evening last night at the Junction Roadhouse in Port Angeles. Kim and Jason from Deadwood Revival made a long overdue appearance along with "Strider" and Kelly Hoch. Several members of "Thin Ice" also played for the large crowd of dancers and "singers along." Now that's the way to spend a winter's Sunday evening!

Sad news about the untimely death of long time local musician Forrest Rossaire brought forth song dedications and many well wishes for his family.

Guitar Instruction Tip #??: Get your left arm elbow off your leg when practicing sitting down, and sit in the correct position. Force your knees together if you have to, but avoid that lazy posture as it will cripple your playing progress. So many things to remember, but with practice, they eventually become automatic.

British Invasion

Although Emma Peel didn't show up in her leather motorcycle outfit and there were only a few mini-dresses in attendance, the songs played at "British Invasion" night at the Junction Roadhouse in Port Angeles were great. The songs of the Yardbirds, Beatles, Kinks, Peter and Gordon, the Rolling Stones and Gerry and the Pacemakers along with the more familiar classic rock and country from some of the regular jammers made it a memorable night. Now one has to come up with another idea for a theme night. No, there will not be a disco night....that's for record players and Bee Gees fans. Stay tuned for more guitar instruction tips and keep warm in this November time of year. Cold and rainy here in the Northwest.

Halloween at the Junction

Music, costumes, good cheer, and dancing fill the air at the Junction Roadhouse this weekend. Port Angeles folks sure like to dress up! Check out Vee's party dress in the sidebar below...wow! Bill, Rudy and I took our "show" on the road to the Itty Bitty Buzz and Franklin Elementary School this week. Can you tell we like Halloween? Join us for another round of fun at the Junction on Sunday night starting at 7. Stay tuned for more "recommended dress codes" and guitar instruction tips.

Rollin' Waters Performs!

Lots of compliments for our show at the Ajax Cafe on Saturday found their way to the tiny stage at this outstanding Northwest restaurant. I had the top sirloin and Stephanie had something I can't remember, but it looked good! We even did a "new" song! "It Ain't Me, Babe" sounded good to my ear and some of the audience sang along which is always a good sign. We are quickly running out of cds and there are many other "new" songs to record. Sounds like a project to me!

Not Too Warm for Hats in Port Angeles

Sunglasses and summer go together pretty well, but when the sun finally fades around nine or so in the evening the word was passed at the Junction that it was ok to remove them for the rest of the evening. What great sports we have on Sunday nights these days! We'll see what creative kinds of hats show up next Sunday, it being "hat-night" and all. Some consideration will be given to making the Sunday after that "Sin Night" where the recommended "dress code" is the wearing of something "sinful." After all, one would have the remaining six days of the new week to repent.

Lots of fun at the Ajax Cafe in Port Hadlock last Saturday with Rudy and Bill although that stage is really too small for anything larger than a duet. The food is still awesome (try the halibut), and, for some reason, lots of people followed suggestions to try the excellent dessert. Maybe the powers of suggestion are returning! So, the Pink Door in Seattle, even with their good live music and similarly small stage, has got nothing on the Ajax, at least when it comes to good food.

On another note, it shouldn't take a hit record (are there such things any more?) to get a popular touring band a gig on the peninsula, especially when they aren't demanding top dollar, for crying out loud. The Lonely H, a local rock band now relocated to Seattle when they aren't playing festivals like SXSW in Austin or touring the country are here in Port Angeles this month and you'd think the local club owners would jump at the opportunity, but alas...still the effort will continue and at least, they and #2 son's band Doctor Doctor, also from Seattle, can host a Sunday night with me at the Junction.

Guitar Lesson Tip #26: If you're a finger-picker, drink lots of orange juice--steels strings will rip the bejesus out of weak nail tissue.

Summer in Port Angeles

Barely a cloud in the sky now that summer is finally here on the Olympic Peninsula. So what if the Fourth of July was damp and cool--the sun is shining now and the air has warmed to a delicious 78.

The Open Mic/Jam at the Junction was big fun on Sunday night with teachers from all levels-primary through college joining a diverse crowd-dancing and singing away the stress of another fading school year, and recharging for the one coming up. Maybe the best way to describe Sundays at the Junction Jam is to say it's like an extended adult recess. It seems that playtime is important at all ages and the chance to sing and dance or play the guitar is one good way to do just that. Sure works for me.

Guitar Instruction Tip #24: Supplement your lessons with a quick trip to YouTube if you're and intermediate to advanced player. Just type in your favorite song title and chances are you'll find a video and get some fingering and chord tips. To get started, try clicking on "Railroad Bill" in the sidebar.