I am pleased to report the re-launch of my performing career with two successful gigs in central Pennsylvania last weekend.

On Friday, August 13, 2004, Curtis Rockwell and I played Joy Beans in Tyrone PA. I opened the show, playing and singing five songs, including two originals, "E-Blue" and "Songs of Death." Curtis then took the proverbial baton and played and sang for two full hours, impressing me mightily with his repertoire and delivery. Owner/operators The Andersons were visibly pleased with my efforts, with Carol Anderson inviting me back either on my own or with Curt again.

On Saturday, August 14, 2004, Jim Colbert, Curtis Rockwell, and I played Cool Beans in Bellefonte, PA. At Jim's suggestion the three of us played not in distinct solo sets but rather in a round robin configuration, meaning that all three of us were front and center for the entire two-hour show, each of us taking turns performing a song each. Skipping only one round of the round robin sequence, I played eight songs, including three originals, those three being "Her Song," "E-Blue," and "Limestone Blues." "Her Song" was received especially well, and may become a staple of my set list. Jim performed his original material, and Curtis performed not only traditional and cover songs by himself, but also played guitar and even mandolin in support of Jim and myself.

Positive audience feedback at both shows provided validation that I can actually play and sing for a room full of people, and furthermore that my songwriting can strike a sympathetic chord with an audience. After many years of preparation -- and doubt -- such validation was welcomed warmly, with a satisfied smile, and a sigh of relief.

Playing alongside Curtis and Jim was a great experience, both fun and challenging. Both of these guys are arguably farther along than I am when it comes to integrated guitar and vocal performance, and as such they set examples for me to follow as I seek to push onward with my playing and performing. While I am able to entertain a crowd now, I have identified a number of goals for myself if going forward I wish to someday entertain as well as do my esteemed peers. Those goals include expanding my repertoire and range, mastering vocal delivery over increasingly difficult guitar work, improvising on my guitar, and perhaps someday singing harmony vocals. I have my work cut out for me... but I've already come this far...

Paul