Spring 2011 Update

Lot’s of travel this spring!  Most of it has been with a guitar in my hands, but on one of the trips I left my guitar at home.  Tanya and I got to spend just under two weeks in Italy and it was awesome!  We ate like royalty and topped most meals off with gelato, (Italian ice cream) then walked our legs off trying to soak up Italian culture and see all the sights we could see in the short amount of time we were there.

Another highlight of my spring travels – The Black Hills.  I’ve been fortunate to play music in the Black Hills several times a year for the last 4 or 5 years.  Each trip up there is beautiful and when I leave, I can’t wait till I can see the area again.

Forrest (my guitar player) went with me on the most recent trip, where we played several different gigs in South Dakota and Wyoming.  One of the gigs was the Old West Turkey Shoot in Hulett, Wy.  How can you beat that?  We were hired to play music, then we hunted turkeys in some of the most beautiful country in the U.S.  And with the effort and hotshot turkey calling from my guide, Charlie, I was able to harvest a big mature tom.

After playing 7 concerts in that area, Forrest flew home and I picked up my dad and brother at the airport that same day. They flew in for the three of us to be filmed on a “father – son” turkey hunt with Cally Morris from the new hunting show “Bringin’ It Home”.  It was an extremely tough hunt because Wyoming got half of their annual rainfall in the 3 days we hunted. On our second morning, soaked to the bone, and sick of the rain, we were able to sneak up on some turkeys that were also soaked and sick of the rain.  They were hiding under a cedar tree trying to keep somewhat dry when Phillip (my brother) raised his 12 gauge Benelli and smoked one!  It was perfect!  I’m not sure if he’s hooked yet but I’m hoping I can talk him in to chasing turkeys again next year.

So there you have it.  It’s been a busy spring and this summer will be just as full with concerts, fairs and music festivals.  If we’re in your area, come out to the show and we’ll sing you a tune.  See you down the road.