Sunday, December 30, 2018

Moonshine Drinkery 12/29/18


Heather Ray released her inner dragon on stage tonight in Victoria, TX! She played drums most of the night while I was on piano, but we did swap off a couple times. She wore her dragon onesie and monster feet, and I feel like I shoulda, too, but I didn’t. We had a good crowd and lots of requests. It’s always fun to perform with Heather. My wife, Christine, took some great shots of us on stage. Thanks, sweets! 











Saturday, December 29, 2018

Moonshine Drinkery 12/28/18


The Dream Team was back in Victoria tonight! Heather Ray and I took bunches of requests from the crowd and impressed each other by playing them. I dunno if we impressed the crowd, but at least we tried. Ha! The room stayed busy all night, and we tried many songs for the first time together. Looking forward to another fun night tomorrow at Moonshine Drinkery with Heather! 

Friday, December 28, 2018

Darwin’s Pub 12/27/18


Austin was hopping tonight! Joe Resnick and I had bunches of requests, and we played them all. Never tried “Against All Odds” until tonight, but it went great! People chanted for Joe as we started “Fool In The Rain”, and rightly so. I had a Canadian and a New Yorker both tell me that I was their new favorite musician. Made me blush.

Thursday, December 27, 2018

Darwin’s Pub 12/26/18


I woke up in Indianapolis, IN, at about 8:30am this morning, said goodbye to my parents after a quick Christmas trip was ending, and my cousin then drove my wife and me to the airport. We just barely beat the storms in both Houston and Austin, Texas, for our flights home. My friends Ian and Kashi picked us up at the airport in Austin and drove us to our house in San Marcos, where we did a little Christmas of our own before I headed back north to Austin to perform with drummer Mikey Gammon on 6th Street. We had a good crowd and a bunch of requests, all before the rain really hit. When we finished, I was giving Mikey a ride home in the pouring rain when I heard *puh-thump, *puh-thump, *puh-thump, *puh-thump, so I pulled over fearing a flat tire. Turns out, it was just a used zip tie stuck in the tread of my tire smacking the wheel well. I pulled it out, and got back to San Marcos safely by 1am. What a long day! 





Sunday, December 23, 2018

Rockey’s Piano Bar Houston 12/22/18


‘Twas the gig before Christmas, and all through the club, 
Not a creature was quiet, not even the sub;
The stockings were worn by the women with care,
In hopes that dance shoes soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds;
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And women on the dance floor, and I with my mic,
Had just settled our brains for drum beat by Mike,

When out on the stage there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bench to see what was the matter,
Away to high keys with a hit and a bash,
Tore down my solo and I played like the Flash.

A tattoo on the arm of the dude at my show,
Gave a gesture of delight to his request I did know, 
When what to my wondering ears did appear,
But a singing crowd, after each passing beer, 

With a partying crowd so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment some might get sick.
More tunes by the Eagles and others they came,
And we whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:

"Now, Journey! now, Elton! now Elvis and Killers!
On, Hanson! on, Britney! on, Snoop Dog and Spice Girls!
To the top of the song! As chairs start to fall!
Now dance away! Dance away! Dance away all!"

And then, on the dance floor , I heard rhythmic proof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was singing a round,
Those people shook their money makers down!

I was dressed all in jeans, and a holiday shirt,
And my T was all black like ashes and soot;
A bunch of songs I had played like “Sexy Back”,
And folks looked like they finished a six pack.

My eyes—how they twinkled! My dimples, how merry!
The tunes just like “Roses”, only got a little hairy!
My droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the requests were on paper as white as the snow;

The stump of a pencil held tight in their teeth,
And the songs, circled the air just like a wreath;
I had a broad face and a little round belly
That shook when I sang, like a bowl full of jelly.

I spoke not a word, but went straight to my work,
And filled all the ears; then turned with a jerk,
And laying my finger on top my iPad,
And giving a nod, a great time I had;

I sprang to my car, to the bar staff gave a whistle,
And away I flew like the down of a thistle.
But I turned and exclaimed, as I drove out of sight—
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”



Saturday, December 22, 2018

Rockey’s Piano Bar Houston 12/21/18


I headed to Houston, Texas, (near NASA) to perform a request piano show on Friday before Christmas with drummer Mike Miller. When I arrived, Sean Cowin was just finishing up his happy hour set on piano. We had a big company party hanging out all night with us, plus a bunch of birthdays, which turned into a bunch of requests. My favorite portion of the evening is when a guy wanted to do an interpretive dance to “Time After Time”, so we let ‘em. 

Friday, December 21, 2018

The White Horse 12/20/18


The Governors rocked the second (of three) time slots tonight in Austin, TX! I was glad to lend my piano playing to the band once again. The club’s dance floor was packed all evening, which is fun for me to see from the stage. These fellas make some good music, and I was happy they asked me to sing a few of my originals throughout the night. I’ll be back performing with them in January and February. See you next time! 

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Darwin’s Pub 12/18/18


After an anniversary dinner with my wife (celebrating 15 years married, 24 years together), I headed downtown where I performed with drummer Roger Glenn in Austin, TX, tonight. We ran through a whole bunch of requests before the crowd settled on Beatles. Then, it was a Beatles show until the end of the night. Hey, I’m not complaining! It’s my favorite band. 

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Darwin’s Pub 12/17/18


Joe Resnick and I performed on 6th Street in Austin, Texas, tonight to a small Monday crowd. We had some people in from Oklahoma, England, and El Paso to name a few places. I’ll be back at Darwins tomorrow night, performing with Roger Glenn!

Sunday, December 16, 2018

Moonshine & Ale 12/15/18


Jay Wimberley (Russell, Bleu) joined Michael Sueiro and me in New Braunfels, TX, tonight. The house was packed! We had an energetic crowd, with a bunch of new graduates from Texas State, so they were celebrating. Jay and Mike did a good job, and all ended well! 

Saturday, December 15, 2018

Moonshine & Ale 12/14/18


I performed in New Braunfels, TX, with Michael Sueiro to a full room of people asking for songs! On Friday nights, I play half the night on piano, and the other half on drums, and so does my partner. It’s fun to swap instruments and get the crowd involved in different ways. I’ll be back tomorrow night to take more requests!

Friday, December 14, 2018

Moonshine & Ale 12/13/18


I played a whole bunch of notes on the piano and the bass piano in New Braunfels, TX, tonight for Live Band Karaoke. Pancho and Andrae did the same thing, except they did it on guitar and drums. The people in the crowd hit every note possible singing. It was busy and fun! 





Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Wingate Conference Center 12/12/18


The Round Rock New Neighborhoods Women’s Club invited me to perform for their luncheon today at noon. I had a great time playing Christmas tunes and a bunch of rock n roll classics. There was dancing and singing along after we all had a good lunch. Thank you to the women for including me in the festivities! Merry Christmas!


Tuesday, December 11, 2018

The Lodge At Cypress Falls 12/10/18


Ian Lee and I were joined with guest drummer Luis Balderas tonight in Wimberley, Texas, for the Lodge’s Christmas party. We had a great time performing a bunch of swing tunes together. Luis seamlessly melded with our sound, mostly playing with brushes all evening. Ian and I swapped vocals a bunch, and threw in a whole lotta Christmas tunes. I haven’t had this much fun at a show in a long while. I’m glad I had the chance to perform with these two in front of a great crowd of happy holiday party-goers! 








Sunday, December 9, 2018

Dallas Petroleum Club 12/8/18


I performed with Heather Ray and Chris Wallis in Dallas, TX, tonight, where we represented New York, NY, Dueling Pianos for NGP Engery Capital Management. So many of the people in the crowd wanted to sing with us that they began to pass a wireless mic around for some guest vocals! It was a great event, and at the conclusion of the night, we received a standing ovation. I love when shows have such great energy, and I get to perform with great friends!





Saturday, December 8, 2018

Hotel ZaZa 12/7/18


Tonight, I represented “Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos” with my partner, David Lee, in Dallas, TX. We performed for a fun group from the company LSI at their holiday party. We had singers and dancers, and tons of new fans by the end of the evening. I really enjoyed performing with David at this event. We kept the party alive!

Friday, December 7, 2018

Mt. Pleasant Civic Center 12/6/18


Heather Ray and I performed in Mt. Pleasant, TX, representing New York, NY Dueling Pianos for the good people who work for Guarantee Bank and Trust. They brought us up a wide variety of tunes, and they even sent one of their own to sing with us towards the end of the night! Before Heather and I took the stage, I went outside in the rain to my car, and realized my stage shoes somehow got soaked. We found a store close by, and I found the most blinged-out shoes I’ve ever owned. Heather told me I was one of the only people she knows who could pull off the look. Stylin’. 









Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Darwin’s Pub 12/3/18


Joe Resnick played drums with me tonight in Austin, TX. We did well for a Monday night! Dancers and singers hung out with us from 8:30p-11:30p. It’s been a long day! Two shows after watching my dad recover in hospital wore me out!

Monday, December 3, 2018

The Lodge At Cypress Falls 12/3/18


Tonight‘s gig in Wimberley, Texas, was therapeutic. I came straight from the hospital where they pulled a ventilator off of my dad, and he began his recovery. Ian Lee and I played a couple hours of fun tunes, which was easier to do because I knew my dad was getting better. Ian also had had a stressful day, so we lifted each other’s spirits! 

Sunday, December 2, 2018

Moonshine & Ale 12/1/18


Michael Sueiro, Jay Wimberley and I entertained the people in New Braunfels, TX, tonight. The show went fine, but I personally had a hard time. My dad is in the hospital, and I was thinking of him during the whole show. The show must go on, as they say. I stopped by the hospital on my way home, and he is stable. Keep him in your mind for me. 




Friday, November 30, 2018

The White Horse 11/29/18


I played with The Governors tonight in Austin, Texas. It’s a fun band to perform with, in great room for live music. Three bands play, and we had the middle time slot. I sang a few tunes when Doug and Jeremy weren’t singing. Sean and Chris rounded out the band. Hope everyone brings three friends when we return to the White Horse next month!

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Darwin’s Pub 11/27/18


I performed with Roger Glenn in Austin, TX, on a brisk Tuesday night! We played a bunch of tunes for new fans from everywhere, from Washington state to Switzerland. It was an 80s-heavy show which was fun to play. I look forward to the times I get to gig with Roger! 

Monday, November 26, 2018

The Lodge At Cypress Falls 11/26/18


I spent my birthday with friends and family! Ian Lee and I entertained the crowd in Wimberley, TX, from 5p-7p tonight. We played lots of tunes from the 1920s through to songs I wrote this year. We also broke out some holiday tunes. It was one of our best shows so far! My parents and my wife came to the gig, and took me out for pizza and a  birthday cookie after the show. I’m glad I got to spend it with everyone! 






Sunday, November 25, 2018

Moonshine & Ale 11/24/18


Dan and Danny. And Jay on drums. I sometimes wish Jay would just change his first name to Dan. He’s changed his last name THREE TIMES since I met him, but he can’t change his first name to Dan? Come on. He was “Jay Wimberley”, then “Jay Russell”, then “Jay Bleu”. I think it’s time he should change his first name. Then we could just say Dan was playing in New Braunfels, TX. It’d be so much easier. Sorry. Guess I should let you know that the gig went great, even if one guy wasn’t named Dan. 




Saturday, November 24, 2018

Moonshine & Ale 11/23/18


The Black Friday crowd gathered in New Braunfels, TX, tonight for our all-request show. Michael Carrandi and I played from 8:30p-midnight for lots of shoppers. I was happy to have a bunch of great people come out to see me and bring thier out-of-town family and friends in for the night! I’ll be back doing another show tomorrow night in New Braunfels! 

Friday, November 23, 2018

Moonshine & Ale 11/22/18


Happy thanksgiving! Wait, what?! Kevin Humphrey joined Pancho and me in New Braunfels, TX?! Yes, he did. I miss playing with that dude. I played drums while Kevin was in bass, and Pancho of course did his thing on guitar. I’m thankful to know so many great musicians! 

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

The Lodge At Cypress Falls 11/19/18


Ian had a buddy come sit in with us tonight for a few tunes in Wimberley, Texas. We ran through a bunch of old time swing and some Christmas music. We were on top of our tunes and played well. It’s not everyday you get to hear this type of music in today’s world. No Eltons were harmed in the making of this music. 

Monday, November 19, 2018

Howl At The Moon 11/18/18


I drove down to San Antonio, TX, to perform on the river walk on this Sunday night. Tommy, Ryan, and Denise were the other performers I played with. There was a good crowd which makes my job easier. Between travel and performance time, I clocked about eight-and-a-half hours. That’s why I laugh when people think being a musician is easy. It is rewarding, but it’s also hard work and long hours!


Sunday, November 18, 2018

Moonshine & Ale 11/17/18


I always have fun gigging with Heather Ray and Joe Resnick. This was the first time Heather and Joe had played together, and it was great! The crowd was in a sing-along kinda mood, which brought a good energy to the show. I even broke out the keytar for a few songs to the amazement of at least one guy who told me it amazed him. I’m just glad I amazed someone tonight!





Saturday, November 17, 2018

Moonshine Drinkery 11/16/18


Bam! Another gig completed for the books. Chris Wallis and I played a bunch of tunes, including “Good Golly, Miss Molly”, as heard in the movie “King Ralph”. As I told the crowd, the best way to view “King Ralph” was like I did. Went into the movie after it had already started, and the theater was completely empty. I walked all the way to the front of the theater, directly under the screen, and stared straight up. John Goodman‘s chin was as large as a school bus. My story ends here. I don’t have to explain myself to you.