Howdy folks!

It's been a hot minute since I have sent you any blog updates. I would guess that is just because I am so darn busy!

I have been really working hard on my chops lately. Musical Skills that is. I have had to learn a TON of material for my two latest projects!

Part one. Safe Harbour aka the Swallow Hill Traveling Troupe. We have been gearing up for a week long tour of NoCO elementary schools coming up here late April! I have been learning two new instruments and honing up my skills on Sitar and Bass. The Balalaika has been quite intriguing to me lately! I have that feeling that I used to play this sort of thing quite a bit...My grandmother brought me one from her trip to Russia way back..but I never learned anything about them till now. I sure wish I could find the one that she brought me!

Anyway...it has been great fun learning songs from around the world and performing them for kids and adults alike! I am very excited for this upcoming run of shows!

Part two.. Hillbilly Inferno! I have had to learn a lot of new techniques and concepts for this band. Things I had never really even bothered to look at... like Crosspicking...well...buddy. I am looking at it now! Our upcoming show at the DNote on April 23rd is Sure to be a scorcher! We'll be playing Live @ Lunch on KRFC FM in the Ft. Collins hood the day before, April 22 at noon Mountain time. You can stream online at www.krfcfm.org.

Other than that...well

I have been a busy boy teaching up to 50 students a week in both private and group settings at Swallow Hill Music Association. The new class offerings are up online on my website! Check them out!

I have been VERY concerned for the health of my mentor and good friend Garry Shider. He was recently diagnosed with Cancer and I ask that you just send good thoughts his way. I am shipping out Friday Morning to go play B.B. King's Club in NYC with PFunk so that I can support Garry and his family! I am excited to go see him face to face!

May this find you well and happy, and I hope to see you soon!

Citrus