8X10 Club Photos

Here are some photos from The FLB's show with Hoots and Hellmouth at the 8X10 Club in Baltimore:

GonzoFest

GonzoFest was a blast this year and a sold out show for the second year in a row. I thought I might post a few photos of the debauchery that ensued and some new friends I met along the way...

Let's start with a shot of me and Scott with the headliner of the shindig, Duff Goldman from the Ace of Cakes tv show on the Food Network and the band ...soihadto...:


Here's one of me and Mark Bryan from Hootie and the Blowfish and my new friend, Barenjager (thanks for the introduction, Mark):


I don't know why, but I like this one (thanks, Molly):


Here's me and Ricky Slezak, who plays drums with Mark Bryan and the Screaming Trojans as well as Unprovoked Moose Attack, which I've had the pleasure of sitting in with a few times. Rick is a really talented guy and, as you can see, much taller than I:


Action shot:



...And here's what happens when you let your friends play dress-up in the green room. Kids: Don't drink and dress!

My anthemic debut

Alas, my blogging diligence has collapsed. I suppose it was only a matter of time. But better late than never, as they say...

This past Sunday I had the great honor of singing the National Anthem at a Frederick Keys minor league baseball game. It was my first anthem-singing experience and a very memorable opportunity to be able to do it right in my home town. And probably one of the only ways they'll ever let me onto a professional baseball field!

For the performance, the folks put me right behind home plate. Blue skies, great attendance, flag waving in the background--good American vibes all around. I even had a few beers and a hot pretzel. What made the performance that much more poetic was the fact that Francis Scott Key is literally buried across the street from the stadium. I tried to channel his presence a little bit as I played and sung.

I was very grateful for the experience and thought it went well. Big thanks to Branden and everyone at the Keys for the invitation and their generous hospitality. Here is a photo of me on the field:

Nashville/Eastern Shore

I had a great trip to Nashville and the MD Eastern Shore last week. Met lots of cool folks, got a chance to play some music at some great places, and had a lot (what's too much?) of fun.

Coincidentally, my friend Joe Cerisano was in Nashville the same time as Bruce and I, so we got a chance to catch up and even do some playing together. Joe is heralded as the most famous anonymous singer in the country. Chances are if you watched any commercials in the 80s and 90s you've heard him. Anything from Miller Beer to Sprite to the 'Be All You Can Be' Army commercials. That was Joe.

Here's a cool shot of Joe and I playing together at the Commodore in Nashville--what an honor!:


Also, here's a photo of me in front of the Bluebird Cafe that Bruce and I didn't get when I played there the last time I was in Nashville:


Big thanks to Debi Champion for having Joe and I at the Commodore. Also, shout outs to both Delores Hershey and Melissa DuVall at the Ivories lounge. Delores and Melissa are two very beautiful and talented musicians (collectively called the 'Nashville Barbie Dolls') that I had the pleasure of meeting while in Nashville. Check them out if you get the chance:

http://www.myspace.com/deloreshershey
http://www.myspace.com/melissaduvall

After flying back from Nashville, Bruce and I drove from BWI out to beautiful Ocean City, MD to play on Ocean 98.1's Live Lixx at Sixx program with Lesley and BK. I hadn't been to OC in a while (probably sometime in '07), so it was great to be back. That place is like a second home and I have lots of great memories in that town.

I had the great fortune to be paired up with CC Coletti and her band to play on the radio show. CC has toured internationally with Meatloaf and his band Neverland Express and has recently released her debut solo album 'Neverland Express,' which was produced by Anthony Krizan, who also tours with her band. CC has some seriously amazing pipes, not to mention that she is incredibly sweet and beautiful.

Upon talking with Anthony, I found out that he actually used to play with one of my favorites, the Spin Doctors, and wrote and played on their album 'You've Got To Believe In Something'! I couldn't believe it! I've played the hell out of that album and couldn't believe I was sharing the airwaves with someone who had a big hand in creating it. Crazy!

Needless to say, I felt extremely privileged to be hanging out and playing with such world-class talents, not to mention it was great seeing BK and Lesley again. They are such great, fun people and have been incredibly generous with their support over the years. Here's a shot of me, CC, Anthony and the rest of the band (TJ and John) in the Ocean 98 studio:


I thought the show went really well I will try to post some audio soon. CC and her band sounded great and they even let me play a few tunes at their gig later that evening. Very kind and welcoming folks. Shout outs also to TJ, John, Bob, and Angelique--it was great meeting and hanging with you all!

Overall, a really awesome trip. Great times with great people!

Buddy Project Fundraiser

Just wanted to let you know that our friends over at The Buddy Project are having a Pancake Breakfast fundraiser on June 6th at Applebees in Catonsville:

Pancakes for Independence

WHEN: Saturday, June 6, 2009
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: Applebee's
Neighborhood Grill & Bar
6505 Baltimore National Pike
Catonsville, MD 21228

This event is an all you can eat pancake breakfast. All proceeds from this event will go to support The Buddy Project in continuing its mission of providing technology and support to those with special needs. Tickets are now on sale for this event and they are $7.00 a person. To order tickets please contact Eric D. Zimmerman by email (EricZimmerman@Thebuddyproject.net) or by phone 301-694-7250.

If you can't attend the Pancake Breakfast but still wish you contribute, you can mail donations to:

The Buddy Project, Inc.
2107 Chestnut Lane
Frederick, MD 21702

In addition, you can donate used computers for the organization to refurbish. To set up a computer donation, contact Eric Zimmerman at the above email address. The organization is also looking for others to serve on the board. If interested, send an email to pizzamom464@msn.com.

For more information, visit http://www.thebuddyproject.net . Eric is a great and ambitious guy who has already help many folks through his program, so I hope you'll support him and the organization's efforts!

Recommended Albums

Thought I would share a few albums I have been listening to quite a bit lately. Check them out if you get the chance:

1. Ryan Adams, 'Gold' -- Ryan Adams writes some great stuff and Ethan Johns is a genius producer/musician. Put them together? 'Gold,' indeed.














2. Zac Brown Band, 'The Foundation' -- Some great songwriting. Shawn Mullins actually co-wrote the first track.














3. Darius Rucker, 'Learn To Live' -- Hootie goes country and it's awesome.














4. Amos Lee, 'Supply and Demand' -- Great acoustic folk/soul.















5. Paolo Nutini, 'These Streets' -- Hard to believe he's so young. A lot of soul in his voice.















Some great stuff in there! I'm off to Florida again on Monday and will be headed to Nashville and the MD eastern shore the week after. I'll try to post again ASAP!

Herald Mail interview

http://www.herald-mail.com/?cmd=displaystory&story_id=219616&format=html

Many thanks to Tiffany Arnold and everyone at the Herald Mail for supporting the music!

Florida/Mack's photos

Just a few photos, one from Florida and and one from a recent show at Mack's. Here's Bruce and I at a Mardi Gras party in our hotel in downtown Orlando (thanks Eve, the Crowne Plaza !). The shrimp and gator were delicious:


And here I am enjoying the pleasurable company of two lovely constituents from 106.9 The Eagle during The FLB's recent show at Mack's. Apologies for the pretentious sleeveless Nike shirt I wore that night, as well as the goofy whiskey-smile I have on my face. Don't ask about the muffins: