SUMMER 2009:

Summer Tour '09 is well on the way. Flew into Frankfurt Airport 9 June and within one week did 5 local gigs just to start off. Made a lot of new friends. And that's what it still is all about. Every step, every musical note, song, performance, leads to new acquaintances and contacts. During a visit to the Frankfurt International Music Fair in 2001, I networked with Thomas Kosche of the Technical Museum of Mannheim which led to 2 of my vintage Guitars to be included in the exhibit "Stromguitarren" in three major European cities, which led to meeting Thomas Jordan of Hofner Musical Instruments and a Guitar endorsement for the String Surfer.

New 12 String Guitars and a Shadow Pickup Systems endorsement led to invitations to L.A.'s NAMM shows in 2008 and 2009. Music Industry showcases at Open Strings and MyMusic in Osnabruck and Friedrichshafen led to an invitation to play the greatest show of them all, Beijing, China in November 2009. Doors are opening in London, Paris, Sweden and Poland that were not even on the Horizon a year ago.

So why the delay in new musical projects? A new instrumental CD was started in Spring '09. A new children's Book and CD is in progress for publication in the Fall. Songs are being written for the Apex of projects, the marriage of String Surfing and Singer/Songwriter combo for early 2010 release?

What's taking so long? LIFE! As focused as I remain on these goals, it was also important to renovate my new House in Mt. Vernon, WA. To make it the perfect home for those very close to me in my life. Building a future means planning and executing those plans with a goal to own a Farm and acreage in about 5 years time. By diligently touring and performing all over the world I am enhancing the chances of surrounding myself with the beauty of and extended Family, horses and other animals, orchards, gardens and a place to meditate on what all this is about.

I never planned to become a Super Star but I do work at hand crafting music that a large audience wants to be a part of and support. My Websites depict this work and their results and my dedication to myself and others. The incredible support from patrons and grassroot fans alike, the daily internet sales and downloads, the new surge of local Seattle gigs and exposure, the interest of the music industry and manufacturers, keep me forging ahead on both a professional and private path.

It never feels like sacrifice though I miss loved ones on two continents. It is just something I do and I need to do it on a global scale. I see my music as an expression of a more deeply personal sentiment in the future and I see my life always making room to follow the path my music sends me.

Thanks each and every one of you for your caring and in many cases... LOVE