So, it has been a very long while since I've written a blog post. I am so sorry, but life and other priorities have gotten in the way. Health is pretty much perfect (for a Sr Citizen). I can't seem to lose the travel weight added from trips to Egypt, Florida, Japan and Korea. But at least it isn't going up anymore.
The year finished off well with a few December shows and one very big lesson learned. That lesson, if it isn't in writing you don't have an agreement. To make a long story short I was asked to perform a 2 hr Christmas show at a new (for me) venue. Played a great show with about 12 friends coming in for a full dinner, cocktails and show. 2 hrs on the button, zero breaks. Start packing up and the bar tender says the owner wanted you for 3 hour show. Forget the fact that I even sent, and they used, promo material showing a 2 hour show. So yeah, now I send out a Performance Agreement for every show (unless the venue asks for an invoice) as soon as the show is booked.
Booking for 2026 has been ok. A few less shows than other years, but I have a lot of travel planned throughout the year so not really a big concern. I did add 2 new venues (Sit & Stay Winery and The Grill House). Hopefully they turn into long term repeat venues for me. I did not get any work at Fenn Valley this year, but it was a super long drive for me. Biggest news is I am singing in a benefit show on May 9 to support Elizabeth's Library International. I'm a little nervous about this one because the other acts are professionally trained top-notch performers. Throw in the fact that I'm playing the song (Caladonia by Dougie MacLean) in Open C tuning. What that means….It's like learning a whole new stringed instrument. New fingerings for each of the (fortunately only) 4 chords.
On the website front, some changes have occurred and other changes planned. Recently I added set list buttons on the home page so people can see the songs planned for the next/current show. Also, a button on the about me page showing the 180 or so songs that I consider “show ready” meaning they are a couple of practice runs away from being ready to go onto a set list. Those two changes were requested by one of my followers. A planned upcoming change will be to add a site-wide music player which will feature my music. I've recorded a set of music clips which will give a good feel for people coming to the site looking for what I do and how I sound. That was a suggestion from a website review by my website host Bandzoogle. They are so good to work with!
Merch sales have been suspended due to cost. Tariff and transportation costs have raised the breakeven price for mugs and coasters more than I would want friends and followers to pay. So, I have shelved my graphic artist ideas. I still have a few mugs and coasters that I will sell at original cost. Hit me up if you want them.
So that's a big update. Show season kicks off for me in about 11 days. Time to go down into the studio and get some quality practice time in.
Stay true to yourself!
Tom