March 14-21: Quarantine’s Got Me Goin’ Guitar Crazy!!

Hmm…interesting title. Especially since everything in a musician’s working life is shut down-bar gigs, recording sessions, other shows to go see, and scoping out new gear in store, just to name a few. But, us musicians prevail, even in the hardest times, and that’s exactly what I did this week.

Although my gig on Tuesday at the Thunderbird was canceled, I started a whole new regiment of practice. Which means you’ll be seeing (or have already seen) new content on my social media. For those of you who are unaware, I RARELY ever get time to practice with my electric guitar, which is more of what I did while I was at school years ago. And, unfortunately, my teachers weren’t exactly versed and rooted in what is traditional country, so I never really got exposed to the hybrid picking style (I did do a lot of classical work while I was there; it is similar, but not the same.) Now that we’re all cooped up in our houses with not much to do but go back and forth to work (if you still have to,) I’ve decided that it’s in my best interest to get on the telecaster wagon and start learning this style! And this week, I’ve had a blast learning this stuff! Artists from Alan Jackson, Tracy Byrd, and Joe Diffie have made it into the woodshed. I’ll be posting content soon of what that stuff is, so keep your eyes on Facebook and Instagram for some sweet videos!!

I did get to do one musical thing outside the house this week- my wonderful friend, and Butler’s fiddle extraordinaire Stephanie Green invites me to sit with her and do a live stream show in her basement. Since it happened to be on St. Paddy’s Day, we decided that we should throw in some Irish fiddle tunes in with our normal country and bluegrass covers and originals. It turned out to be a smashing hit! I want to thank everyone who tuned into listen-I’m positive there will be more of those sorts of events to come!!

This week, I also write 2 songs-one was a Corona virus themed song (obviously;) the other is a sad song that came from thinking about the corona quarantine, and then morphed itself into a relationship song. I think it’s title will be “She Hasn’t Contacted Me In Days.”

Finally, with the quarantine in full effect, I had to skip both my lessons due to student sickness (none -corona) and for safety precautions. Unfortunately, I couldn’t teach them over Skype because I didn’t have enough time to set it up properly, BUT I’m hoping that this week, I can start back with them and get instruments back into hands to continue learning.

As always, stay away from folks as if they we’re trying to play the banjo, use the vampire cough technique if you feel the urge, and don’t touch your face. Cheers!