Sleeping In a Van Down By The River

Well here I am in New York State on my way to Chicago for the kanikapila at Tiki Terrace. The weather is awesome for driving and I can lay flat out in my van.

The first gig of the tour was fantastic. The crowd at the Seahorse really enjoys live music and the sent me away in fine style. Dillon is an awesome sound dude and all the bands were sooooo good.

Not much else to report other than I'm very happy. See ya out there!

Dr Pinkham's Medicine Show

Ladies and gentlemen.... the elusive Dr. Pinkham is very proud to announce that after decades of research and numerous experiments conducted in his maritime laboratory, he has at long last perfected and patented a tuneful tincture, one hundred percent guaranteed effective to lift spirits and alleviate ailments of the weary mind and heavy heart. A consummate yet humble medical man, Dr. Pinkham has entrusted three of Canada's finest musicianers with the task of bringing his discovery to folks across the country with an oldtyme traveling variety show featuring the finest distillation of authentic roots music. Ukulele bluesman Manitoba Hal, trad-warbler Allison Brown and saucy chanteuse Leah Morise will present evenings of folk, blues, and country music showcasing both traditional material and original songs as they traverse Canada's highways from Moonstone, Ontario to Hope, British Columbia through June and July of 2010.  

The trio of songsters bring Dr. Pinkham's until now "secret serum" to audiences astonished by its powerful healing effects; a tonic exceptionally effectual on the ears, mind, heart and soul...!  Dr. Pinkham does not subscribe to quackery; trust Manitoba Hal, Allison Brown and Leah Morise as they bring his musical medicinals to your town! Hope to see you out there!

The Road Beckons

It is 17 days till my first tour in 4 years begins. It will be a 3 month odyssey going from Halifax to Vancouver and back again. I am playing 4 festivals this summer, 4 house concerts, several coffee shops and a couple bars. Not bad for a ukulele bluesman I think.

The road that brought be back here has been filled with pitfalls, twists and turns. For a while in the past 4 years I thought I was done. That perhaps people no longer cared for what I had to say or that I no longer cared to play the music that I hear in my head. There were moments of great self doubt and of joy and peace. Within the first hour of leaving Winnipeg for my new home on the east coast I remembered what it is to move and seek. I felt the surge of adventure in my blood and heard my muse calling again. I can't wait to visit all my friends across Canada and to make new ones this summer.

New CD information. I am working on a new CD. I have been since I arrived here. The process is taking longer than I'd hoped but I will be recording this fall, I swear it! I already have a few new songs, some re-arranged older tunes and some cool covers. By fall I will have this puzzle all assembled and know the details of the recording. I will keep you informed dear friends.

See you on the highway!

Bridgewater Bulletin May 3, 2010

Apparently I am now a native of Nova Scotia. It says so in the papers, it must be true!! Just don't tell my mom.