Sunday, July 19, 2009

Happy Belated Birthday, Dion!

July 18th was the 70th birthday for Dion (as in Dion and the Belmonts.) About 15 years ago, I had the priviledge to open for him. He is an amazing, and nice, man! I hope he had a great birthday!

-Bill

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Ohio State Fair

The Ohio State Fair brings back such great memories. Bill's mom would take him each summer. She always wanted to arrive as soon as it opened and didn't want to leave until it was dark. Sometimes, Bill had a difficult time keeping up with her! Bill misses her and those long days.

It may have been awhile since you last attended the state fair. However, this summer may just be the year to get reacquainted. Consider attending the fair, which runs July 29 to August 9.

The Best Kept Secret

Bill has been performing at the fair since 1982. While he has played at the Main Stage, he loves the stage in the Natural Resources area. Imagine a cool, quiet park in the middle of the fair grounds...you have the Natural Resources area. It is probably one of the best kept secrets at the fair. It's a great place to cool off and have a quiet moment! And, if you come on the right day, you can catch one of Bill's performances! Make sure you grab a sweet tea, roasted corn or anything on a stick and bring it over to the Natural Resources area on the fairgrounds. If you need suggestions on the best vendors, Bill can be your guide to on-a-stick eating! These are his favorites!

Bill's Schedule at the Ohio State Fair

July 29 at 1:30PM

July 30 at 1:00PM

August 3rd at 1:30PM

August 5th at 1:00PM

August 6th at 1:00PM

August 9 at 1:30PM

Directions: Has it been awhile since you went to the Ohio State Fair? Need directions? Check out the directions on the fair website and related parking map.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Fundraiser in Urbana

Last night, the band performed at an outdoor fundraiser at Heartland of Urbana.  It was a great show!  The guys were fantastic!  The crowd was so nice.  I think they were able to really raise some funds.

Yet again, everything came together for a wonderful event.  I have a few photos that I'll post to Flickr in the next few days.

Thanks to everyone that supported the fundraiser.  It was a worthy cause.

Thanks!  Have a great week.
Bill

Friday, July 10, 2009

History in Richmond!

Well, the history geeks are at it again! On the way to Colonial Williamsburg to perform with my band, we stopped off in Lexington and Richmond, Virginia. While in both cities, I had time to visit two important cemeteries.

The first, in Lexington, had the graves of Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson. (I do say graves becomes he was moved after his initial internment.)



The Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond is an amazing place. If you are in the area, you should make this a stop. It is the final resting place for Gen. George Pickett, Jefferson Davis and Fitzhugh Lee.

George Pickett's grave Jefferson Davis' grave Fitzhugh Lee's grave

You will also find the graves of President Tyler and President Monroe.
President Tyler's grave President Monroe's grave

An ironic twist - Across from Jefferson Davis' statute is the following grave...
Picture 118

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Fireworks and Miracles!

I have finally had a chance to upload the photo to go with this post!

Those in Columbus probably know that The Miracles, of Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, were in town for two shows on the 4th of July. They performed at the newly renovated Lincoln Theatre. Unfortunately, I was already booked and wasn't able to attend. However, I am positive they had great shows.

For me, it was cool to look out and find them in the audience during Red, White and Boom. What can I say? It was such a humbling experience to be performing with my band while they watched. Of course, their chair dancing was just pure pleasure!

Of course, it was even cooler to have a chance to meet them after the show. They were incredibly nice. They even obliged me with a photo.

With out further delay...



*They were impeccably dressed!

Friday, July 3, 2009

Red, White and Boom!

While everyone enjoys the 4th for time off work, I playing with my band.  We perform at the Confluence Park Restaurant as part of their Red, White and Boom celebration.  As I've said hundreds of times, I love my job because it doesn't feel like a job.  I am so blessed to spend the evening making music with such talented people!

Of course, I also am reminded of an important moment in history on the 3rd - Pickett's Charge in the Battle of Gettysburg.  As I was setting up at 3:00PM today, I couldn't help but remember. 

I hope everyone spends today enjoying what they are doing.  And, please, take a moment to remember a little bit of history. 

Happy 3rd!