~ A big, big thank you to everyone that came down for the 15th Annual Drums Around the World event on Sunday, August 24th, 2008.  The weather was perfect! 

It would not have been possible without the passion and commitment of Chief "Drum Guru," Drum & Dance Program & Sound Directions Founder, plus all around great guy, Randy Brody.  Thanks to Randy for asking me to be a part of this wonderful gathering.

Please click here for more information on what Randy's projects are about...


~ On Friday night, August, 8th, at 7:30pm- the City Center Danbury "Summertime Festival on the Green"
concert series featured a special opening performance by yours truly, then the righteous Doug Wahlberg Band
took the stage and knocked everyones socks off with their unique brand of infectious grooves>>> Please visit their website when you have a moment--you won't regret it!!!

Thank you to all our friends, family, fans and folks who decided to come on down.  The weather couldn't have been nicer--as those nasty afternoon storms finally cleared out only a short time before the gig.

A big ol' thanks goes out to Doug Wahlberg and Andrea Gartner, CityCenter's Executive Director for having me be a part of this fine evening.

~ With that being said, the success of the evening was due in part to the wonderful support from Jon Chattman of The News Times and Ethan Carey and Lou Milano from the I95, 95.1 FM, WRKI Morning Show. 

First, Jon Chattman published a wonderful article in his "Backstage Pass" section of The News Times.  It was more than just a promo for the gig on the green that night.  It was a very thorough interview, that basically covered how my musical endeavor has developed over the years.  Thanks so much Jon!

Please click here to view the article- it should still be posted online.

That same morning, Ethan and Lou helped to promote the night, by talking and interviewing Doug Wahlberg.  I can't thank you guys enough for suporting Doug's band and myself.  As Lou has dubbed me "Crazy Fingers!"  I kind of like that title:)  I do have quite a wacky approach to slappin' that geetar ay:) 

Please make sure to tune into their awesome show weekday mornings for the laugh of a life time!  And, of course, thanks again to Mr. Doug Wahlberg and the Doug Wahlberg Band,
for helping to keep my name out there and the opportunity to open up their show.


~ Southwest Cafe in Ridgefield, CT offers unique culinary creations based on local cuisine from Northern New Mexico. 

The owner, Barbara Nevins visits there every year during the hatch chile season; which runs August through September.  She brings back 500 lbs of hand chosen New Mexican greens to be raised, peeled and then made into daily specials.  How's that for unique?  

In addition to the great food, the satisfying drink
selections, warm ambiance and eclectic live music on Thursday and Saturday nights; their awesome staff helps it all come together seamlessly.

I am personally psyched to be a part of their musical lineup.  This is one cool place!

Every so often, I am joined by the amazing percussionist, Edward James Murphy. If you haven't had a chance to hear some of my compositions with percussion, I suggest you come on down---a whole new vibe has been created while performing with Ed.

Please call the restaurant at 203.431.3398 or click on the calendar for future dates...either solo or with accompaniment from Edward.

Thank you to everyone that came down to our gig on August 23rd.  For those that don't know- a new patio was constructed quite recently, which should make your dining and hopefully, auditory experience better than ever!  Ed and I really enjoyed playing for you.  I will keep you posted on gigs scheduled for the fall.


~ On Friday night, September 14th.  I will was part of an awesome triple bill at the famed Cutting Room in New York City. 

The night showcased yours truly, the monster blues band Roxy Perry and the always amazing Doug Wahlberg Band.  

Special thanks to Doug, Roxy, Joe Spielberg (for recording the whole night on audio and video) and of course--all of our wonderful friends that came down to support us... 

Don't forget to visit Roxy Perry's and Doug Wahlberg Band's websites.  These folks are tearing up the music circuit----definitely something worth checking out!!!

I was grateful and honored to have had the opportunity for  repeat appearances on January 11th, March 28th and June 20th.  These shows were double-bills featuring yours truly and Doug's band.  We had a blast!  Thank you to everyone who came down to support us!  Special thanks to Doug for hooking me up with these great gigs!!!  We are planning a return gig some time in September---details are tba...

By the way, every so often, a bunch of us head down to their famous Monday night open mic/jam, lead by Richie Canata, the saxophone player for Billy Joel's band.  They have an all-star line up of musicians...I highly suggest checking this place out.  I will keep you posted on our next trip down to this rockin' spot!

You never know who you are going to run into at this wild spot---see picture at right of Felicia Collins and yours truly.  I'm sure most people know this already, but in case you don't>>> she is the lead guitarist and vocalist for Paul Shaffer and the CBS Orchestra- the house band for the Late Show with David Letterman.  She was very nice.  We ran into her one Monday night and she was kind enough to allow a picture opp.  Please check out her website, to see what other musical projects she's involved with.


~ We had a really great time at SoNo Caffeine in Norwalk, CT.  I'm psyched that they are now offering live music once again.  This spot has been an important part of my musical journey.  I am equally as pleased to mention that the one and only John Stuart is back at the booking helm. 

He diligently works to support the local music scene.  He is also a great musician.  So, please join me in thanking him for getting this whole ball rollin' once again... 

*Special thanks to Ethan James for starting the night off with an outstanding set of music.  Please click on the link above, to learn and hear some of the amazing music that Ethan creates and performs...  Also, a big hats off to Verryn Jennings, for accompanying both Ethan and I on saxophone and djembe!


~ On Saturday, April 19th I will was part of a wonderful event called the Go Green Earth Gallery.  Coordinated by Cathy Moore and her company Promotions In Motion, this exciting function was an afternoon showcasing "Earth Friendly" businesses, products and services.  It was held at the Stony Hill Inn, located in Bethel, CT.

From organic wines and beers to hybrid cars, to education on alternate energy sources and new ideas and concepts with a green-mindset---the event certainly opened your eyes to the realities of what you can do to be green.  

I95's morning show crew/celebrities--Ethan Carey, Lou Milano and Lisa Harris were there to help support the cause>

Special thanks to Ethan Carey and Cathy Moore, for asking me to be a part of this event! 


~ Ethan James and yours truly performed on I95 WRKI, 95.1 FM, for the morning show with Ethan & Lou.  We were there to promote a new Monthly Musicians Showcase held at the Georgetown Saloon. 

It went really well---as did the showcase later that evening.  A big thank you to Ethan and Lou, as well as to everyone who came down to support us that night.


~ On Sunday night, March 9th, I had the honor of performing at the The Ridgefield Playhouse.  I was the opening act for John Waite- British rocker and former lead singer of both “The Babys” and “Bad English." 

He brought his unique and powerful sound to The Playhouse stage for the first time.  He's known for hits songs like "Missing You," "Change," "When I See You Smile" and many more! 

Then, on Saturday night, March 22nd, I returned to
The Ridgefield Playhouse as the opening act for 
The Temptations.  This legendary band is known for so many outstanding songs---where should I begin?  What an amazing night.  I had a great dinner with them.  We talked about the business and just enjoyed the vibe.  Then I took the stage.  The sound crew did a fantastic job on the mix. 
The crowd was very attentive and supportive.  It will be a night to remember.

Special thanks to Allison Stockel, the Executive Director; for offering up these exciting opportunities.


~ I was pleased to have been part of an event on Thursday, January 24th.  Here were the details...

Fairfield Museum proudly introduced: Third Thursdays- Held the third Thursday of every month: January 24, February 21 and March 20, from 6p-8p. 

Enjoy a relaxing evening with local music while meeting with friends and neighbors in a casual atmosphere!  Don’t worry about a babysitter, drop off the kids for up to 2 hours at the Kidzone where they’ll enjoy fun activities with our education staff. Members: $5, Non-Members: $10  Kidzone: $10 per child ages 6+.  Pre-registration for Kidzone suggested.

Thanks to everyone who came down for the debut of this event.  Click on the Fairfield Museum website for more info...  Special thanks to Christine Jewell, for asking me to provide the entertainment last week.


~ On Tuesday, December 11th. from 12:00pm-1:00pm, I was part of a wonderful event.  Neil Hedley asked me to perform live for The Largest Local Fundraising Event In The History of Internet Radio- It runs November 26 thru December 14, 2007. 

The benefit helped to raise money for the United Way of Western Connecticut.  Neil asked a number of local artists to play live on the air and I am grateful to have been one of them.  To learn more about this event called, Guy In The Sky, as well as other charitable projects Neil has created, please click here.

Special thanks to Neil, Peter Delloro of PD Productions and David Deschnes of the United Way, for having me be a part of this wonderful event!  Please click on this link for a pic and brief follow-up to my appearance at this fine event.


~ Acoustic open mic at the Georgetown Saloon continues to grow.  We've been averaging 10+ acts per week---

Thank you for coming down and for helping to support this fun evening.  It would not be possible without you spreading the word. 

It has been nice for me to see and hear people I haven't crossed paths with in quite a while.  Also, we're getting a number of new artists, through word of mouth and the media.

In addition to hosting and performing for Acoustic Open Mic, I also host the fantastic Open Mic/Jam on Thursday nights at the Georgetown Saloon.  Please click here for details... 

The amazing Jose Feliciano comes down to the Saloon every so often to jam at the Thursday night open mic.  I had the pleasure of hanging out with him and his family a number of times. 

I even had the honor of having him sing happy birthday to me last June>>>That was pretty awesome!--please check out his website when you have a moment, to learn about what he's been up to...

Now, here's the real exciting news!!!  Georgetown Saloon has won two prestigious awards.  First, this great venue earned "Best Live Music Venue in CT" two years in a row.  Second, the acoustic open mic has won "Best Tuesday Night Live Music Venue in CT." 

These are huge awards given by Moffley Publications.  Each year, they come out with Editor and Readers pick's--choosing the "Best of the Gold Coast" winners in categories ranging from restaurants, fitness centers, music venues, retail shops, spas, etc...

With this news comes some great publicity---so, hats off to you- for helping us to be recognized among the best Connecticut has to offer.

The ballots have just closed for The Fairfield Weekly and The Best of the Gold Coast (Moffly Publications) voting for 2008.

Thank you for taking the time to vote---we will keep you posted on whether or not we have won?  

As a reminder from last year's win>>>  On Wednesday night, August 8th, 2007, a special event was held at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich.  The "Best Of" winners all took part in showcasing their products, goods, services, etc.  Best bands, including yours truly, had an opportunity to perform. 

There were over 2000 people in attendance!  Thank you to everyone who came for the event and special thanks to everyone who helped make this function such a success!

Here's the best news coming from this night---

A portion of ticket sales went towards Kids in Crisis--a wonderful support organization...

Here's some info about what they do...

Founded in July 1978, Kids in Crisis offers Free 24-hour HELP for Connecticut's infants, children, adolescents and families.

Their Programs include Crisis Counseling, Intervention and an Emergency Shelter.

Please visit their website, to learn even more about how you can help:)

This year's event is sure to be even bigger and better.  I was very happy to hear that a portion of this year's ticket sales will be going to Kids in Crisis again.

We are very optimistic about this year and hope to return to this event...let's see what happens, once all the ballots are tallied?


~A big hats off to the folks at The Fairfield Weekly.  They wrote a great article on what we're building here at the Saloon on Tuesday nights. 

Please click on the link to check it out...

Here's some more details on the acoustic open mic---
We've had an eclectic group of artists ranging from bluegrass to good ol' musical satire--and pretty much all things acoustic in between---it has been awesome!!!

Special thanks goes out to the owner, Nancy Silverman, Fran Sikorski of the Redding Pilot, Ryan Foust of The News Times and Evin Liljengren; for helping to get this off the ground.

A Georgetown Saloon My Space page was created by Evin---so, please click here to see our quickly growing network of musicians and friends>>>plus, lots of fun pics...

It contains general info on the Saloon, but focuses mostly on the music side of the establishment.  I suggest clicking on the main website to view their menu, extensive beer, wine, specialty and coffee drink selections & of course the music and special event calendar---it's a pretty cool website, if I don't say so, myself:)

There's always something awesome happenin' at the Saloon...

Here's some basic info for now>>> 

This fine establishment has long been known for it's great food and music--offering live music five nights a week.

In 2006 & 2007, this locale won "Best Live Music Spot in Connecticut" + we just won for "Best Tuesday Night Live Music Venue"--due to the success of our open mic:) 

It is with these awards that I hope to showcase outstanding, upcoming, creative acoustic artists on Tuesday nights.

So, please don't forget to check out The Georgetown Saloon website for their menu, music and event happenings...

Here's the acoustic open mic details; in case you don't feel like clicking that mouse an extra couple of times---

Sign-up can be done in three ways--on Tuesdays , starting at 5:00pm- you can either email georgetownsaloon@aol.com, call the establishment at 203.544.8003 or physically show up- beginning at 5:00pm. 

Specific time slots are not possible- simply request an early, middle or late spot.  We start at 7:30pm and run until everyone plays.

Each musician or act can perform three songs (no epics please). If we have an unusually large number of musicians, you will be asked to perform only two.

If we have a small number of performers, you may be able to play 4-5 songs:)

We request an acoustic format be adhered to, but we have been known to bend the rules a little--this is not limited to the guitar thing---I encourage vocals- especially acapella, horns, strings, percussion and other obscure instruments. 

Over the past few months, we've had folks come down and play dobro, mandolin, fiddle, flute, djembe, resonator and kazoo- to name a few...

A house PA and mics will be provided.  There is no drum kit or piano available, but you can bring hand drums or a simple plug-in keyboard setup ; if you so choose.

Please don't hesitate to call me to if you have any questions?

Two for one dinner specials are available as well.  So, bring your appetite.  Please check with your server or contact the Saloon for details...

I personally encourage original music, but covers are Kosher too. 

Whether a seasoned veteran or new to performing live, I encourage you to come check out this great spot.

We'll be here every Tuesday night...

Thanks again to David and to everyone who was able to listen to the program.  It was great fun!


~ La Zingara Ristorante continues to be one of my favorite spots.  I truly do love this place, from both sides of the coin.  For those of you who enjoy going out for brunch, this place is one to check out.  It's a nice way to relax and start your Sunday.  

I have to tell you- every time I eat here, I am in awe.  I must also mention that the dinner menu is outrageous too---so, set aside some time; to try the evening fare. 

Future dates are tba...


~ A great big thank you goes out to everyone who came down to the Levitt Pavilion gig.  Special thanks to the Doug Wahlberg Band, Executive Director- Freda Welsh, Peter and Andrea for recording the whole show and to friends who took pics---

I truly appreciated the opportunity to start off the evening.  It was a very well attended event.  The weather was perfect as was the vibe. 

What an awesome night!


~ Another big thanks to Brian Smith of WICC 600 AM Radio.  He was kind enough to help Doug and I promote the night on his show--not only in the studio, but on his remote simulcast at Captain's Cove.  We had a huge turnout---I'm sure some of it had to do with your help!

Click here to continue reading more news.