Alderbrook Resort & Spa, Tuesday June 21, 6-9pm

After work, I changed, packed up and headed right up from Shelton to Union on McReavy road, just over a 10 minute drive. The stage area is at floor level, with full windows viewing Alderbrook Resort & Spa's dock and Hood Canal. Alderbrook's staff impressed me early with service that was always a step ahead. I would like to thank Sam Askew, who saw to it that everyone could hear me through the P.A. system, and that the right stage lights were on, Jesse for keeping me supplied in sodas, salad and salmon, and Elvis for being there. Also, I would like to thank Diane DeValck for her program suggestions, many of which were already in my music and were received well. Though the audience was not large, several people came up to me to let me know they enjoyed my playing very much. For my next dates at Alderbrook, I am adding a lot of new material, and I also plan to scramble my song order a bit on each of the days: July 12, 13, 15 and 16--Monday Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 6-9pm. I'm looking forward to sampling Alderbrook's coffees that week. My new tuxedo shirt arrived yesterday (Wednesday 6/20) and I have to say it's a lot nicer than the old one; it's somehow inspiring to me, and I feel like I'm at the beginning of something great. On second thought, maybe it's not the shirt. Maybe it's the great honor of playing at a venue of the caliper of the Alderbrook Resort & Spa.

Taylor Station, Father's Day (6/19/05) 10am-1pm

I got up early Sunday and put on my tuxedo, with my new yellow bow tie, packed my cello, music and stand into the old Volvo and headed to Taylor Towne. For the first hour, I played solos in the dining area, where most of the people were enjoying breakfast. I was happy to add a few familiar songs to their experience. From 11am-1pm I performed in Taylor Station's outdoor garden/patio area, which rivals any setting anywhere for beauty with natural rock, plenty of well-chosen plants, a small bridge and a nice koi pond. It being Father's Day, I was happy that a couple of kids showed interest, and I played You'll Be In My Heart, the ever-popular Phil Collins tune from Tarzan. I had added a half a dozen or more songs to my program since my previous public appearance, including Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree and a few others. The intimate audience was very appreciative, and I look forward to my next solo dates there: July 10 & 24 and August 7 & 21, each from 10am-1pm in the garden/patio area.

At the Robin Hood in Union WA on Mother's day