My Hooked Story (from 2009)

I was about 8 years (1973) when I first heard this heartfelt music. I would go to my grandfather’s house on some Sunday mornings. He was a preacher and an exceptionally great man. He would play the old time bluegrass gospel on his turntable as I sat on his lap...

My Iphone

Some of us live our entire lives looking for that one elusive something that will finally make us whole. We spend our existence trudging up hill after lonely hill to see if the grass is greener on the other side. No matter what personal accomplishments, what...

My Jam is Growing Up!

In January of this year, I launched a monthly bluegrass jam, on the first Sunday of each month at Bonehead’s BBQ in Lafayette, CA. Contra Costa County had not had a regular bluegrass jam in a while, which stuck in my craw a little, being the Area VP for that region. I...

My last Grass Valley for years

Well, yesterday was the last day, folks. I took the last of my finals and now I am officially done with high school. It is peculiar to say, and I am still not completely sure I’m telling the truth, but I think so. This moment, of course, is both the most relieving and...

My life as a drug-addled rock ‘n’ roller

“Ooo-eee, ooo-eee baby, Won’t you let me take you on a sea cruise.”– By Huey “Piano” Smith, 1950s hit recording by Frankie FordThe smooth, contoured body of my 1963 Fender Jazzmaster was tucked in close to my side. I was holding a barre chord with my left hand...