Where the Heroes Are

I played a show this week at the VA hospital in Cheyenne, Wyoming and hung out signing CDs. I had simple conversations and ones of substance throughout the day. I met victims of every kind. But they acted little like victims. They were all cheerful... were all gracious... all brave... and all kind. I was in a room full of respect, honor, courage, and commitment to the good of themselves and all those around them. They were all heroes.

It's funny, some folks have placed that word, "hero", next to my name before. And, when they did, I usually let them... quietly abstaining from comment. Never again. If you want to see a hero, go to your local VA hospital, or any hospital for that matter. The heroes will be all around you, in all shapes and sizes: men, women, children, survivors, supporters, doctors, nurses, administrators, drivers. All of them carry on, despite days of suffering and anguish. And, most amazingly, they do it with a smile. I promise, when you go, all of your problems will melt away, like ice cream in a warm bowl. Leaving you with a taste of admiration and respect that will stay with you until the next time you go. It was a day I will remember forever.

West Coast Road Trip - Part 2

The Charleston
Bremerton, WA
Home of the Punk Association

After my experience with Karaoke kings at The BLVD in Spokane, I traveled to Bremerton, Washington for a show the following night. The drive was fantastic and I rode a ferry for the first time! When I got to the old movie theater where the club is located, it looked great from the outside. I was excited for a great night. Set up was at 7:00, so I went to dinner and returned about 6:45 to load in. This is what I found: The doorman was dressed in black. His ears, nose, tongue and eyebrows were all pierced. The rings protruding from them ranged in size from small hoops to what I swear were garbage can lids in his ears. He was fairly startled when I, cowboy hat and all, introduced myself as the artist of the night. He showed me in, and I could hear that kids' jingle playing in my head, "One of these things is not like the other."

There was nothing to do about it, so I set up, did sound check and waited to see who would show up to hear me sing. To my surprise, the placed was packed. I met two couples who had driven for hours to see me perform. The rest of the crowd were part of the Punk Music Association. At one point in the show, I always ask how many people in the audience have kids. This was the first time ever that not a single person raised their hand. And yet, with every one of them wearing punk t-shirts, they listened, they applauded, they bought CD's. They said thank you. They even invited me back. I had a blast.

I guess the moral of the story is: Don't judge a book by the cover.

West Coast Road Trip Part 1

I just returned home from a three week road trip where I traveled the West playing music at every kind of venue imaginable. Lots of folks have been asking me to start a blog where I can pass on some of the stories from the road. I'm finally getting around to doing that. I'll start with some of the highlights from the first week:

Spokane, WA - The Boulevard

The third show on the tour was at The Boulevard in Spokane. Located downtown, about a mile from Gonzaga University, I knew from the word "go" that my music would be outside the norm for the demographic that frequented this alternative music bar. What I did not know, was that I was opening for Karaoke. I have opened for a lot of folks, but never for the Karaoke King, my sound man. Have you ever seen a Karaoke Queen or King angry because they had to wait to show the world how great they are? I have now.

The funny thing about Karaoke is that no matter were you live, or the demographic of the local superstars, they all sing the same music. The Eagles, Garth, Johnny Cash, John Denver, and Hank Jr. Nothing like hearing all my mentors' songs done in alt rock style. Things had to get better... right?