May 10th-16th: Yellow Is My Favorite Color (And so is Blue)

Hi folks! This week was full of excitement not only in my musical world, but also in the Covid world!

Yesterday, I released the Acapella video that was supposed to be LAST WEEK’s submission (sorry-collaborations take time) on Facebook and Instagram! My great buddy from the South Hills of Pittsburgh, Donnie Bell, asked if he could be apart of the weekly video series, and we decided to play “Little Rock Getaway,” a jazzy-bluegrass instrumental that is, more times than not, the envy of most players to learn. I wanted to learn it for that reason, and I’m glad I was with Donnie-WOW! What a fun tune to play! And it seemed like other people all over were enjoying it, based on the 3.5k viewers that checked it out! Thank you guys so much! Donnie is an accomplished electric guitar player, and does some acoustic guitar on the side, and he has a solo CD out, called “Strictly Sox Strings.” Go check that out-it’s a great listen! I’m hoping to get THIS WEEK’s video out soon, cause it has a very special guest, but he’s been busy, so we’ll see…

In other news, I am currently on the market looking for a ¾ or junior sized guitar-something that I can take practically anywhere, but still has really great sound and construction. I’ve been looking and watching YouTube videos for the past couple weeks, trying to find all the different models in this part of the musical instrument market, with little to almost no luck (as I see it.) That being said, I’d like to know what you’re opinions on these guitars are. Do you think they’re cool to have? Do you like the construction of them? What do you/would you use them for? Anything really-all information is good information!

Today, I dropped off some EPs to my good friend Utah Burgess, owner and operator of Shady Lady Productions. He has always worked hard to promote local musicians and shows going on (prior to the quarantine shenanigans.) He asked me weeks ago if I could get him some copies of my EP (right after I did my most recent interview with him and Bob Cupp of the Grass Roots Show in Butler.) Unfortunately, the request slipped my mind, and he reminded me the other day, and I said, “I’d be thrilled to help you out man!” He said that he’s got some people who might be very interested in hearing my music-I hope so too!! Thanks again to him, for all the work he does locally-you Rock Utah!

Finally, most of PA’s western counties transitioned from red phase to yellow phase in regards to lifting the quarantine bans from Corona Virus. Thank the lord! Finally, the music shops are open again (with restrictions) among other local businesses and vendors, and it awesome to see people getting back to work, and others coming out to support them all. The yellow phase began Friday, and this morning, I stopped into May’s Music Shop in downtown Butler, where Josh, the owner, was sweeping floors and opening up. We talked for a number of minutes, about the ban lift, gigs post-quarantine, different instruments, and some repairs he completed most recently. It’s always great to see him, especially at his happiest, since he’s been off work for a while! He’s been a supporter of me, and of the bluegrass community around him, so go see Josh if you’ve got time-maybe you’re looking to learn an instrument, or need a gift for the musician in your life. He’s got what you need!

We’ll see you all next week, and stay safe out there!