Friday, May 14
Lincoln Wine Bar, Mt. Vernon, IA

What a great little spot outside of Cedar Rapids.  One of those historic distric towns.  They have a very well known cafe a few doors down with limited seating so people put in a res. and come to the wine bar to conversate til their table is ready.

These are tough gigs cause when people aren't there to hear music you gotta really work hard to be a part of their evening rather than a seperate entity in the corner.  Couples have been at work all week and this is their moment to re-connect and the trick is not to interupt that connection but become a part of it.  To make their night even better.  If you get ticked that noone is paying attention you miss it.  If you try to get loud and obnoxious, you miss it.  If you understand that your their for them, not the other way around, you get it.

Everyone tips if you become a part of their night, you even get a few who become interested listeners.  I was amazed that a couple listened til their table was ready and than came back after their dinner to catch a few more songs.   A right attitude makes a difference.

I'll be back at the Lincoln Wine Bar on Aug. 6

Saturday, May 15
Rock Island Cafe, Neenah, WI

My first trip to Neenah.  I was exhausted, I wanted to be home.  I work full time and spent the evenings mixing so I hadn't seen my wife or daughter all week.  I delight in being home even though I love playing music.  I've been basically working 7 days a week with the gigs on the weekends and it wears on you. 

So being tired as I was, I was thrilled to see a bench out front of the little cafe.  I grabbed my National style N (the silver shiney one) and sat on the bench to rest and play. 

TIP:  If you want to stop traffic on a busy street, play a resophonic guitar.  I literally almost caused an accident.  A Suburban slammed on the brakes, rolled down the windows and listened for a good minute...now a minute doesn't seem long but tell that to the people waiting behind him.

I can safely say I attracted more attention than expected.  People were waving, honking horns, it was a site for sure.  Unfortunately it was a very quiet night indoors.  I should've stayed on the bench.