Archive for May, 2018

Abbey Road on The River Sets

It’s that time again! This year marks my 6th year performing at Abbey Road on the River and I’m looking forward to it with equal excitement as every other year.

I’ve performed as a solo ukulele player, with a huge band, with a 4 piece band, and a solo guitar player. And I always try to come up with a unique set every year.

This year was no different, of course. I’ve spent months thinking about sets, themes, mashups, angles, and more. I’ve thought about audience appeal, I’ve thought outside of the box, I’ve thought inside of the box, and from every corner.

Finally, inspiration struck while I was listening to The Rolling Stones. Yes, I know, that seems wrong. But like I said, I considered a huge range of possibilities when preparing for this year’s Abbey Road on the River festival.

Anyway, it’s not exactly clear where this inspiration came from, or why it hit while I was listening to The Rolling Stones, instead of say, The Beatles (like I should have been listening to). But there it was. And after a little digging and research, the idea grew and inspiration became motivation.

I started learning songs, practicing, experimenting, testing, and building a set.

I’ve played a few songs from my set at some lives shows recently and they’ve gone really well. So I’m even more excited to share this new set with everyone at Abbey Road on the River!

So, what is this new set I’m performing? Well, you’ll just have to come out this weekend and hear it for yourself! I think you’ll like it.

You’ll have 3 chances to catch my set this year.

Friday, May 25th at 7:30pm at The Rachel Blanton Strawberry Field Stage.

Saturday May 26th at 8pm at The Rachel Blanton Strawberry Field Stage.

Sunday May 27th at 1:30pm at The Rachel Blanton Strawberry Field Stage.

Check out arotr.com for more info on the schedule and locations.

I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there!

May the Fourth: Star Wars Day

When I was a kid, I wanted to be a Jedi from Star Wars when I grew up.

I practiced my lightsaber moves with empty wrapping paper rolls.

I imagined using the Force to move my Legos.

For Christmas one year, we got the Star Wars trilogy on VHS, and it was one of the greatest gifts ever.

I studied it, memorizing lines and facial expressions, mimicking fight scenes and flight patterns of the Millennium Falcon.

After all these years of watching, re-watching, and watching again, I’m no closer to my Jedi dreams. Sure, I still imagine using the Force to change a stoplight to green.

Star Wars will always be a huge part of my life, as it is for so many other people.

It inspires me, and gives me hope.

To celebrate the day, I’ve released a brand new Star Wars themed song.

It’s called “Lightsaber.” It’s a 1950’s style ballad sung by Darth Vader to his lightsaber lamenting his decision to join the dark side.

Enjoy! And May the Fourth be with you.

Download “Lightsaber” here.