For the past few weeks me and the rest of the Little Rock musical community have been dealing with the final-stage illness and ultimate loss of a great friend and musician, Steve Bates. He was, fortunately, able to perform a couple of Saturday nights in a row in the last weeks of his life and it was so heartwarming to see how many of his friends turned out to support him. We knew in our hearts that we were saying goodbye although no one wanted to use that word. Steve passed away last Tuesday and a celebration of his life and music took place last night at Cregeens Irish Pub after his funeral. I played with my good friends Stephen Winter, Brian Nahlen, and Steve’s son, Jessie. I’ll always cherish the memory of that night and I know Steve was watching from the great beyond, probably playing some mean guitar right along with us.

On a brighter note, I’ve got a busy weekend ahead of me and I’m thrilled!  On Friday May 22nd I’ll be performing at Dugan’s Pub with my good friend, Mike Nelson.  It will be my first time fronting an entire show there and the butterflies have already started.  It will be fantastic.  Saturday, the 23rd, I’ll be filling in for Joe Castrodale with The Deltatones at Ya Ya’s European Bistro.  I know these guys well and I’m looking forward to it.  Then, Sunday the 24th Brian Nahlen and I will perform as a duo at The Flying Saucer in the River Market.  Did I mention that it is Riverfest weekend?  I expect Dugan’s and the Flying Saucer will be packed.  Let’s do this!