Busy And Having Fun

It's been hectic for me lately, but fun nevertheless. Last Wednesday, Thursday and Friday I worked at Giuseppe's. Saturday morning I gave sax and clarinet lessons, and that night worked at Caproni's Restaurant. Sunday afternoon Kim Harrod and I went fishing at Cave Run Lake. On Monday I set up my new Yamaha WX5 midi wind controller.

This is my fourth WX5. I've also worn out three WX7's. I've kept all of the old ones and plan to send them to Yamaha's repair facility and later sell them on eBay when they are restored to good playing condition.

Tonight I worked at The Signature Club of Lansdowne. I was able to leave a little early due to threatening rain clouds and make it back to Richmond to see the end of Matthew's baseball game. Tomorrow I'll give the new WX5 an extended testing session during my gig at Giuseppe's. Being busy is a good thing.

Fishing Success Despite Windy Day

Matthew and I went to Cave Run Lake today. We had a rough time launching the boat from Clay Lick Boat Dock due to high winds. Big waves tossed the boat erratically. It was even tougher getting the boat back on the trailer at the end of the day. Despite this hassle, we had success catching fish.


The wind made it impossible to fish on the main lake, so we ventured about a mile up the Licking River near Fuget Branch in search of calmer water. It took us a while to get there, as much of this water is flooded timber. When navigating these waters it is necessary to exercise extreme caution to avoid running the boat into the tops of the submerged trees. This area is known for holding largemouth bass, crappie, and muskie. It is the furthest point up the Licking River that we have accessed from Clay Lick to date. We caught largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie. We fished all afternoon and into the early evening. Matt got hungry and ate the Vienna sausages and nabs I packed between reeling in fish. We also enjoyed listening to the Reds game on the portable XM radio as we fished. It was a very fun day.

Playing The Signature Club Of Lansdowne Patio

I have been fortunate the past couple of weeks to have had nice weather when playing on The Signature Club of Lansdowne's patio. The beauty of the grounds and facility is spectacular.


The members vary greatly in age and musical tastes, so I play a wide variety of styles hoping to satisfy all. Tuesday night I played everything from a New Orleans Mardi Gras shuffle to the Hank Williams classic "Hey Good Lookin'". I had requests and played Glenn Miller's "In The Mood" as well as "a gritty sax blues" and "As Time Goes By".

Matthew Hall Plays Long Ball

It had happened previously in practice, but not in a game. Last night that changed at McDonald's field when Matthew Hall, slugger for Richmond's Home Lumber Cubs, hammered a big fly over the left center field fence that traveled an estimated 220 feet in the air. Matthew's home run trot around the bases was pretty smooth, except that he was clinching his fist, grinning ear to ear, and outwardly showing the excitement of a hitter that had hit his first dinger in game situation. He was greeted at home plate by all of his teamates as they high-fived and cheered for him. Unfortunately, I missed the game because I was gigging at The Signature Club of Lansdowne, so the description of the event comes from Matthew and his mother Sharon.

Matthew had almost hit one out earlier in the game. That hit was a double that was scorched to the base of the fence in left field. Matthew was walked on four pitches on his final trip to the plate.

The home run ball was retrieved and given to Matthew by the assistant coach after the game. Matthew has directed me to have a trophy made using the home run ball. After the game and my gig ended, I treated him to his favorite Dairy Queen treat, a Peanut Buster Parfait. His sisters also joined in the celebration, Melody having a hot fudge sundae and Michelle a strawberry milkshake. The home run was sweet, but pretty expensive for ol' Dad. Luckily I made a few dollars on my gig.

Fishing At Wood Creek Lake

Last night Matthew and I took the boat to Wood Creek Lake in London, Kentucky. We arrived about 7:00 and fished for about an hour and a half. I didn't have much luck, but Matthew caught a nice bass that he released. Matthew said he wanted to catch that fish again a couple of years from now.

While fishing, I received a phone call from The Signature Club music director requesting me to play again tonight. As we talked, I missed a strong hit from what I think was a nice size bass. The good news for me is that I took the phone call and booked the gig. The bad news is that I missed setting the hook on that bass while I talked on the phone, and that allowed Matthew to beat me in the fishing contest.

Mother's Day At Caproni's Restaurant A Big Success

Maysville's French Quarter Hotel
It was a busy musical weekend for me. Friday night I played at Giuseppe's in Lexington. On Saturday I played at Caproni's in Maysville. Since I was also booked to play at Caproni's on Sunday, they put me up at the Maysville French Quarter Hotel on Saturday night. The stay brought back fond memories of eleven years ago when I played Fridays and Saturdays at the French Quarter and stayed there many weekends.


Despite the lousy weather, the annual Mother's Day Grand Buffet at Caproni's was a tremendous success. Over 400 people braved the stormy weather and enjoyed themselves at Maysville's finest restaurant.


I played to a packed house









Everyone Had A Great Time

Scheduled To Play The Signature Club Patio

I play tomorrow night on the patio at The Signature Club of Lansdowne in Lexington. I look forward to this opportunity and plan to work more Tuesday evening gigs on their patio as the weather and my schedule permit. The Signature Club is a beautiful facility and will provide a nice and relaxing setting to play my music.

2008 Caproni's Mother's Day Buffet

Mark your calendar to be at Caproni's in Maysville for their fabulous Mother's Day Buffet. I really enjoy working this annual event because the crowd is always great. Folks of all ages come out and enjoy themselves.


I Play In The Main Dining Room Not Far From The Shrimp


Enjoying Caproni's Patio