A Star Spangled Memorial

I had an incredible experience. One that will stay with me long into the future.

I went to Ft. McHenry, the inspiration for the national anthem. Francis Scott Key, a Georgetown attorney, was seeking release of his friend, Dr. William Beanes from the British. Though Scott and John Stuart Skinner were able to secure the release of Beanes, the British thought they knew too much about plans to attack Baltimore. The British kept them on the on board one of their ships until the bombardment was complete.

From the ship deck, Key saw the storm flag flying above Ft. McHenry and could see the bombs bursting in the night sky above the fort. In the morning as the smoke cleared and the bombing ended, Key saw the larger flag flyer above the fort. All of this served as his inspiration. The date was September 3, 1814.


When visiting Ft. McHenry today, they have a wonderful video that provides the backdrop on the fort and its history. As the story reaches the writing of Key's poem, the curtains covering the window open to reveal the fort and the flag flying above.

It was amazing!

I knew the story of Key and the words. In fact, I tell people about the connection with his son and General Sickles from the Civil War (I'll leave this for another blog post.) I have sang the national anthem hundreds of times, for small groups and large. Now, I will always have the picture of the flag at the fort in my head when I sing the national anthem.

Happy Memorial Day!

Farm Goodness in Central Ohio

Recently, the band and I performed at a wedding reception hosted at the Flying J Farm in Johnstown. While they host many events, we were happy to participate in the inaugural wedding reception.

Although it was a great couple (Mickey and Andy) and the guests were so nice – some I haven’t seen in years, the location added beauty and humor. The farm hosts several horses and a donkey. Apparently, it was a special day for the donkey, because he wanted to be the center of attention. I also can’t imagine his timing could ever be more impactful. As I mentioned, the couple was great, so I know the donkey didn’t dampen their spirits on their wedding day!

So, are you wondering what happened? First, during the wedding ceremony as the bride was walking down the aisle, the donkey went to the part of his field that was closest to the alter to echo his enthusiasm for the nuptials. By his exuberance, I think he was especially pleased by the wedding.

Later, as the bride’s dad welcomed everyone and prepared to bestow words of wisdom on the bride and groom…the donkey attempted to steal the moment. Let’s just say he made inappropriate advances on a horse!

Of course, the Flying J Farm is a working farm. So, if you are looking for organic food items, check out their website, which includes a seasonal calendar for produce.

A Mountain of Love in WV

The band and I had the privilege of performing at Cheryl and Ted’s wedding reception in Hinton, WV. I won’t lie…the drive was stunning, but that last hill was a challenge. The event was on top of a mountain. When we left the highway and then the paved road AND then hit the gravel road on a steep incline, I wasn’t sure Large Marge was going to make it. I thought we might have to give her a push.

For those that don’t know, Hinton is along the New River. During the drive, I couldn’t help but be distracted by the natural beauty. It is just another example of how I am blessed in life to be able to play music and travel.

The night was just perfect. Everyone was super nice and we had a great time. Of course, nature provided the absolute perfect backdrop for the evening. It was capped by a stunning sunset.

Congratulations Cheryl and Ted! Thanks for allowing us to join you.

To see more photos, visit the Flickr set.

The Old Mansfield Reformatory

I know this may sound strange, but last weekend I took my two nieces and my nephew to jail. Actually, it was to the Old Mansfield Reformatory.

We thought it would be cool. Not only does the prison have its own, original history, but its post life is fascinating! After the prison closed in the early 1990s, several movies were filmed on location, including Shawshank Redemption. It is also reported to be haunted.

So, last Sunday, we loaded up the kids and we had a blast!

The outside of the prison is beautiful. We all agreed that it looks like a resort. There is even a lake out front.



There are three separate tours available. And, all of the tour guides are volunteers. This allows the ticket price to go towards renovation. Unfortunately, our tour guide wasn't that talkative. We learned more from the Internet. However, the kids loved it!



We recommend this quick trip. So, grab the family and go to jail! Just kidding! But, it was a lot of fun and it was a unique experience with so much history and pop culture. (Want to see more photos? Check out the flickr photo set!)

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.



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


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

Yum - My Eating Feast Comes to an End

I couldn't do a new post late yesterday.  It hasn't a connection problem.  I simply ate too much.

I finished up the day with the best turkey sandwich, homemade ice cream and a full dinner.  I had 2 pieces of shoo-fly pie that left me speachless - mainly from eating too much.

The good news is that it won't end!  We bought cheeses, whoopie pies, carmel kettle corn, kettle chips and more to take home with us!

I can't wait!

Next time, you should be here!

Hot, hot mustard

Just went to the Intercourse Pretzel Company.  They have the BEST pretzels.  Of course, we ate again.  Is that 10lbs for the trip?

This time, I tried the Hot, Hot Mustard.  Let me tell you, it was HOT!  (I can breathe so much better now!)

Well, we are off to Blue Ball. 

Post more later!

Pecan roll

Is there any better way to start the day with a fresh made Pecan Roll in Bird in the Hand, PA?  Hmm...

Actually, I really do miss my mom and would love to have her Pecan Roll.  But, other that, this will certain do!

I'm a little worried because I"m already getting a tummyache!  There is so much eating yet to do.

This should hold me until...an hour from now.

Heading to Amish Country

That would be Pennsylvania Amish Country, for those from Ohio! 

I love this trip.  However, it always makes me think of my mom.  She was from York, PA and made the best shoofly pie.  Tomorrow, I'll be eating it and thinking of her.  If you are there and see a guy eating pie with a tear in his eye...it's me!

Seriously, the food is going to be great and I can't wait!

Spring is Almost Here

Spring is almost here! In honor of the new season, I have an added twist to this week's blog...video!






And, just so you don't miss out on all of the exciting things I get to see...





Have a great week!

Rise of Rock and Roll – Rock History in Memphis

As I’ve mentioned, I have the privilege of a job that allows me to travel. This weekend, I was in Memphis, Tennessee for two shows at the Avenue A. I love opportunities to travel for shows like this…it is the best way to see America. This trip was no different.

Saturday, I found myself at Sun Studios. While I’ve been to the store in Nashville, visiting the Memphis site was a dream come true. I stood in the room where Elvis first recorded. Where Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and countless others came to record and be discovered.

There is so much more to the story. Marion Keisker was the first woman in Memphis to have a radio show. Her story is incredible, but she is often referred to as Sam Phillips secretary. She is just as important to the story, even if she is often overlooked.

Speaking of Sam Phillips…He is a complicated man. However, he knew what he wanted…a sound that was different than what everyone else was recording. While the music was already there, he enabled it to be shared with many more. It spread from a regional sound to the national and international marketplace.

Even more incredible was this site could have been lost to history. Sam outgrew the facility and moved to another location in 1959. The building stood empty, except as a storage site, for 25 years. It was used, at one time, as radiator storage. Thankfully, Memphis came to its senses and saved this building. Now, you too can visit the room where so much history was made. The same sound tiles are still there. If you listen closely, you might hear their story, as well. If only they could really talk!

Memphis has a lot to offer. You can have a really good time and probably drink as much as you can hold. However, there is more to the story. If you have the chance to travel to this city, don’t miss out on learning about this part of early rock and roll history!




























Bill at Sun Studios in front of the Million Dollar
Quartet photo. This photo was probably not
an accident, but encouraged by Sam Phillips.

I Love to Travel

I love to travel! I love getting in the car and just driving!

My mom used to tell me that I needed to find something I love and make money doing it. Well, I love music and I love to travel. I am very blessed to be able to do what I do. While I am very serious about each performance and I'm a perfectionist, I still can't call this a job because I love it so much.

In the next few weeks, I will have been in West Virginia, French Lick, IN and Memphis. While this may not be your dream of a grand vacation, it is so fun to meet people and see...things.
When I tell people where I'm performing, they sometimes say, "that's really far away." However, I want to live each day to it's fullest and enjoy the opportunities I get. Although I've never been to French Lick, IN, I can't wait to see it and to spend time with my wife.

Watch for another post. I'll let you know what it's like!