I think I've hit the big time

In the top events section of TwinCities.com two days ago was the following:

1. Lady Gaga
2. Wicked
3. Tim Brown

Obviously a computer error, or...? My goal is to be the Gentleman Gaga by year's end and supplant Lady Gaga at the top of the list.

Nova in Hudson

I'll be performing on the patio tonight from 7-10. Actually, I'll be above the patio o Spider Hill. Come out to learn more. Nova is an amazing restaurant with fabulous food, wine, and people. Right behind the Dairy Queen on 35 north of the 94 bridge.

Postal Party

I had a delightful evening performing on Saturday night at a U.S. Postal Managers' party in Lake Elmo. I'll admit that I didn't know what to expect from this group. Would they go postal on me? As it turned out, the party was fantastic and the people were really cool. LeAnn was a gracious host and Mary had us all laughing and dancing.

Traveling musicians stay at the finest accommodations

The Bates Motel

(In actuality, the bed was quite comfortable and the owners were really nice.) It did take me 15 minutes to get the key to work after my gig on Friday night.

Pictures of the new Olson under construction

This guitar will be an Olson SJ (small jumbo) with a cedar top and Brazilian Rosewood back and sides. Mmm, mmm, good.

New guitar

I am having a guitar custom built by luthier Jim Olson. I recently picked up a guitar to use at gigs and in the classroom. The winter in Minnesota is terrible and the low humidity causes all sorts of problems for guitars. That is why I chose to purchase an all composite guitar (i.e. no wood). I purchased a Rainsong WS1000N2. It has taken some getting used to, but I am liking it. You can literally leave it in your car in extreme temperatures and it will be fine.

I played two nights last weekend near Three Lakes, Wisconsin at the Pine Isle Resort. Great time! Last night I was at Ingredients for my standing Thursday night gig (6-8:30). Saturday, I'll be at Nova from 7-10 and on Sunday I'll be at Admiral D's in WBL from 4:30-8:00 p.m.

I finally learned a Van Morrison tune after years of requests. I have a nice version of "Into the Mystic" that I arranged in an altered tuning to give it a more open, airy feel. I am presently working on Neil's "Old Man." That has been difficult if only to find the right key to sing it in. There is NO way I can reach Neil's vocal range without destroying my voice. I messed around with drop tuning. I even lowered the overall tuning two whole steps. That fit my voice, but the guitar sounded like crap. I finally discovered that a capo on the sixth fret works vocally. The guitar part doesn't sound as great, but it is a necessary trade-off.