This past Saturday, (This is the) Squirrel Hunters played our second show at the 4th Annual Brooklyn Bluegrass Festival. The 3rd incarnation of the fest had seen heavy rain on Friday night… and so, not to be outdone, the weather this year decided to take it up a notch and include Tornado conditions. The tornado alarm went off during our opening tune! I myself, having been feeling rather funky all week, and apparently not wanting to be outdone by a little silly weather, decided to have a panic attack during the second song of the set, and nearly provide the audience with a face plant from stage.

But the show must go on… or as Sean would say… “What would Duffy do?”. I managed to remain vertical, hit the tenor parts and with hands shaking, bang out a few solos. Actually, it sounds far better than it had seemed from stage… yeesh.

You can find more TITSH clips on YouTube.

Okay, I have been slacking… but only in regards to updating my blog (and buying a dresser for the lump of cloths on by bedroom floor). I’ve actually been quite busy with my new band (This is the) Squirrel Hunters.

For some time I have known that in order to get my playing to the next level, I need more reps and to be forced into sweating every detail. In other words, I need a band. As luck would have it, I have some good friends who’s playing I enjoy and who all have similar interest in improvement. Thus was born (This is the) Squirrel Hunters.

We recently had our debut… our maiden voyage… our, if you will, debutant ball (oh, and I will)…. The event took place at one of my favorite bars, the Roxbury Tavern. Tom, the owner/proprietor of the Roxbury, showed his TITSH colors by cooking up a fantastic squirrel stew in honor of the occasion!

It was a fine time to be sure. There’s work ‘o plenty still to do but it was a fine beginning. You’re welcome to see for yourself. There are a few videos up on YouTube, as well as a photo sideshow on the band site. Our next show is this weekend at the Brooklyn Bluegrass Festival in Brooklyn, WI.

It’s absolutely tragic that this isn’t #1 on the Best of Craigslist…

The pictures of this former kitty are funny enough but the post itself makes this one truly special… Enjoy.

Today, as I was hauling yet another “Shopper Stopper” (a junk-snail-mail newspaper in Madison, WI) to the recycle bin, I decided to take a look at and see if there was a way to stop their delivery. None was listed, so I turned to Google…

To stop delivery, just call Madison Newspapers’ customer service number at 608-252-6363, select option 5, and ask them to stop it. Should stop in 1-2 weeks. Thanks Google…

I am totally voting for Hillary! Not only is she the best Republican candidate since Regan, but she’s also proven to be willing to fight the meaningful fights. I’ve enjoyed our current administrations grasp on reality and feel that Hillary shows the most promise for hitting that ground running. I enjoy the fact that she doesn’t spend most of her time discussing governmental issues, but rather discussing her issues with her opponents. I think this gives us a glimpse at the decision-making, character and class she has shown in the past, and what we could expect more of in the future.

Hillary ‘08!

Even if you’re not that into Bluegrass, I would think you’d find the Flatt & Scruggs TV Show DVD pretty cool. If you are even remotely into Bluegrass, then this DVD series is absolutely essential! I don’t think I can hype these DVDs too much… just go buy one and see for yourself. In addition to the many, many great tunes, they also included some of the original Martha White commercials… which are priceless!

Dear Ohio,

Are you f’ing stupid? Sorry… I mean hi… Ohio. In your quest to be the California of the Midwest, you’ve donned your wool pantsuits proudly and voted for two republicans. Congratulations!

[FLASHBACK FADE OUT]
In a previous life, I was just finishing up a record and was told I needed to affiliate with either BMI or ASCAP. I decided to meet with both factions and decide which was best. BMI talked about how they promote their artists and how they might help my career. ASCAP talked about what a bunch of dicks BMI were. MORAL: Apparently 54% of Ohio musicians are affiliated with ASCAP.

Eight years ago I was fine with people voting for whomever they like… but eight years ago, I still though most of the country were sane and semi-intelligent folks that would never vote for Bush… especially TWICE! And in a pre-post-Bush America, I can no longer blindly turn the other cheek… and so, to my Midwest brethren, I say UP YOURS OHIO! Please take Cleveland and shove it up your buckeye! You are now dead to us and officially part of the Mideast.

Seriously though… who votes for someone who would use a picture of a dude in a turban and/or the red phone as props to further their cause? Who wants that kind of experience?

Today was the first time this year that I wasn’t excited to get out the Toro and do some light Torroing. I’ve had enough of snow this year thanks! Could we make with the sun and warm already!?!

After 31+ hours of air travel (and just barely making it out of St. Louis), I was able to sleep in my own bed last night. I’d like to thank Mike, the Duffs, and the rest of the boys for putting up with me for the last two weeks and for showing me a fine time!

I may post a bit more media in the near future… or not… either way, here’s some audio of Mike and I playing Squirrel Hunters in lovely Fremantle, Australia.

My favorite mandolin player on this planet is Mr. Mike Compton. In an odd turn of events, I also consider him a friend. That he can suffer through with my playing and not throw up (not noticeably at least) is the finest musical honor I’ve achieved. This is a clip of he and I playing in Margaret River, Australia. You can find more videos and sundries over on that there YouTube…