Full disclosure, this is a post about a learning experience and not an invitation to a pity party. However, it will not be an easy journey. 

  One year ago yesterday, my wife and I lost a very dear…

  Summer kicked off with a bang! Collective Kitchen in Hillsboro, OR hosts an event on the last friday of the month from May-August. If you haven't had the chance to check out Main Street lately, it is just a…

2017 came and went so fast that by the time this posts, this is arguably either the last post of the year or the first post of 2018. Along the way we met lots of nice people, didn't we! There will be plenty…

What could be more beautiful than Marylhurst University in the springtime? Answer : Marylhurst in the springtime during the Handmade Musical Instrument Exhibit. 
  Saturday afternoon I decided to hang out at Five Star Guitars while my wife got her…

On Feb 23rd I was honored to play at the stunning location @hotel_lucia for the @gray_magazine sponsored Spark Portland 2017 featuring high end vendors like @cambriaquartz @kohlerco @floform @mdcwall @gerflor_usa @meyer_wells and @refitportland1 Special mention and a round applause goes…

After writing one song per week over the past 52 weeks, I have decided to take a much deserved three month winter break! I survived 2016 which I think I speak for most when I say it was a tough…

The world gives an unending supply of inspiration. Each idea is a seed that will germinate, if we cultivate it. Some of us play with words only when we have time. Others may clock in and wait for inspiration at their notepad, iPad, or…

    The whole world has the blues! Sharing similar structure and minor tonalities with its American sibling, it has a decidedly more percussive nature and because of its preference to swing rather than shuffle, is marked by its sultrier, more elegant nature. It is…

  Playing smaller venues can bruise a musician's ego. That is IF the reason they are there is to seek validation. However, it can be very uplifting for those who play for artistic integrity and or enjoy the personal connection…

Good morning! How ARE you? No, really. How are YOU? And HOW?! Please, don’t get upset. Mental illness is a serious matter. It’s very real. As much as no one wants to talk about it, it affects families, and…

I survived another “new business” gig this weekend. Not going to lie, it is a LOT of work trying to gauge how to bring in bodies to a new business. Every area has it’s niche, demographic, and attitude. We all…

As a true product of the 60’s, everyone pretty much expected Carlos “Los” Castro to grow up be a musician but, life threw some unexpected twists. He was born into a huge family of angelic Oldies/Soul voices. (such as his…

I have a very small favor to ask of my music loving friends:
I am COMMITTED to help local businesses thrive! So, WILL YOU HELP ME drive new LOCAL BUSINESSES?! For example; two of the newest venues I play…

  I have an upcoming show in one week’s time. If you’ve been following along, you’d know by now that I went solo not long ago. And if that isn’t enough to get buttterflies in the stomache, coffee houses are…

So, here’s the rub. I have a co-worker who frequently comes to me for help with problem solving. He says it’s because he can tell I take pride in all I do. Glad to help! This last time I seized…

Ok, I survived my first gig! I arrived to a place so new, even Google couldn’t find it. Fortunately, I am notorious for over prepping and arrive on time…to an empty room. The staff is young, hopeful, and eager to…

There is definitely song material lurking…

Ok, this is my actual first post and where do I start? Feels like I just dropped my youngest daughter off a few minutes ago but, I just read in her blog, that she…