Nothing's Shocking

 

For 12 straight years, I've been blessed to take the stage for a highly entertaining fundraiser for the local arts. Performance 32 took place earlier this week at The Pines Theater, and Bigger Stars performed as Janes Addiction for a '90s themed musical tribute.

Amy took the part of Perry Farrell, and I morphed into guitarist Dave Navarro.

The crowd was a little lighter than previous shows, due to it raining heavily before the show, and threats of additional rains coming later on, which never happened.

We played three songs from the band's two biggest albums, closing with "Been Caught Stealing", which had the still sizable crowd up front dancing about and shouting aloud. I enjoyed myself just by watching the crowd's reaction to Amy fronting the band. I was able to step back and enjoy the moments as they flew by. I've been the frontperson all of these years, so it was a nice change of pace to let someone else take the center stage this time. It was the right call, as I got to focus on shredding on my Firebird, which had been waiting for 3 years to get the chance. 

The final act was a tribute to Nirvana, and they tore it up.

So many of my friends were there once again. 

Most of them all taking turns onstage. 

Steve Sanderson especially puts his heart and soul into making this thing great every year, and this one had a "Damn The Torpedoes" kind of attitude. Paid off sticking to the original plan, and not moving the date on account of rain.. Another memorable show is in the books to watch later at any time. Looking forward to next year already.

What made this show especially sweet was the fact that we saw Elvis Costello and Nick Lowe on the very same stage one week earlier. Both bands were amazing!

So cool!

Voices in Vermont

Sometimes, full time musicians still have spaces to fill on the schedule. Such was the case this weekend, as I found myself playing with two different groups. The first one was next to Bradley Airport with my friends from Brass Attack. We played outside of Bobby V's Sportsbar, and endured most of the show without any rain, until about the last 10 minutes.

 On Saturday, I was in Bennington, VT playing with Rock Voices at a church downtown. Bennington is a charming old town surrounded by mountains and rivers. I played a set of Beatles covers on guitar, and enjoyed the drive through the Green Mountains to get there.

Next week, I'm back to playing full time with the Savage Brothers, and have no time off on the weekends for a few months. It's good to keep working, especially when the pandemic shut things down for so long.

I Was a Kid Once Too

 

Summer is here, and I returned to Lake Winnipesaukee, where I spent many a summer in my childhood.

I rented the downstairs floor of an old house that was steps away from the boardwalk at Weirs Beach.

I really enjoyed sitting on the front porch and watching the time and people go by. The scenic train went right by the back of the cottage.

I played many shows aboard the Mount Washington until about five years ago. Mike Livingston used to play upstairs. But with COVID hitting, they have only recently started these events again, and he played the main function room. I think I might look into returning to play again, and having some fun on the job someday soon.

But this time around, I was here to show my girlfriend and her two kids how I used to spend my summer vacation as a kid. 

Spring into Summer

 

The clouds that gather around this time in the upper valley are quite majestic. 

I sat on the back deck, watching them come from the northwest.

Shore Leave

 

I found myself in Fort Meyers, Florida for the first time last month. Having never seen the Gulf of Mexico before. My girlfriend's father had recently passed, and we were there for both a small memorial service, and to bring his belongings back home to Massachusetts.

Her family was very gracious, and I enjoy their company. They made me feel very comfortable and welcome. The following day, we loaded some furniture and music gear into a moving van and drove back home. Stopping first in Saint Augustine.

After that, it was all business. A very long drive from Fayetteville, NC to home took over 15 hours. I knew it was going to be a rough go of it, but in the end it wasn't so bad. Plus it was in honor of someone I wish I had met, but COVID put a lot of restrictions on where we could go and see. His musical instruments are with us now, and part of him remains. I look forward to returning in the winter next year.

What's He Building Out There?

"We have a right to know" - Tom Waits

Putting together things for my girlfriend's kids over the weekend. I paid close attention the the details, which is why it took three days. Got a sunburn when it was in the 70s, then it started snowing. Easter in New England. 

One of the things that goes with being an adult I guess. It was a good investment of time and energy. Plus the kids dig it.

These two did nothing to help, however.

 

Spring in my Step

 Even though it snowed again yesterday, and it was cold and very windy. Daylight savings has arrived, and Spring is a little over a week away. 

Two shows this weekend, and a few events around Saint Patrick's Day I will try to attend, but with April around the corner, and a brief period of time for a short vacation after Easter, I am thinking of warmer temperatures, and outdoor adventures. 

The road ahead looks a little more certain than the past two Springs, and this Summer is already filling up with shows. Trying to stay in the moment, but I can't help looking forward.