We all need folks we can look up to.

January 31, 2009

We all need folks we can look up to. They give us so much. They are examples of how to live, how to act, how to just BE and even better how NOT to live. My favorites in the entertainment industry tend to be people who aren't afraid to be themselves. The ones who can let their guard down and let us see who they really are. I like folks who don't get caught up in the hype of showbiz and don't believe all the amazing thing that are written about them. Even when they are true. Each of us has something amazing to offer. Whether on a stage or in a ditch or in a classroom or wherever, we've all got gifts to share. So, a few days after the gig with LeAnn Rimes, I was up in Carbondale, CO playing a gig at Steve's Guitars. It was Sunday night and we had a nice crowd that braved the cold and the treacherous snow and ice to come out and hear a fingerpicker! John Oates (of Hall & Oates fame) a genuine, bona fide, pop singing, hit songwriting, superstar, pop music icon and super nice guy ---- came and sat in for a set. We had a blast doing a few of his solo tunes, some Doc Watson, old blues and other stuff together. It was so nice to see and hear some of his influences. It included a fairly wide range of music and that is always nice to see in such a big star. Often their worlds are so insulated because of their fame that we don't get to see this side of them. But here was a guy who doesn't let that world hinder him and stop him from playing and enjoying music he loves. He came out on a cold Sunday night just to pick a few tunes and have a little fun with someone new. I admire that quality more than I can say. Reminds me of Herb Pedersen... Thanks John! Pete

Beaver Creek, CO

January 22, 2009

I did a really fun gig with LeAnn Rimes last night in Beaver Creek, CO. We played at the Vilar Performing Arts Center to a full house. The fun thing for me was that the hour and a half show was just the two of us. The audience was extremely receptive to this intimate performance and their enthusiasm just fueled our fire. During the day I went to LeAnn's room to talk about the show and instead of rehearsing any of the songs we were to perform, we wound up learning two new songs and perform them in the show. It was funny the way it happened. LeAnn said "Do you know, To Make You Feel My Love?" I said no, so she played it for me from her computer and I wrote a quick chart. We played it a couple of times and I had goose bumps all over. It was in the show! Then I told her that I had learned a Stevie Wonder song that she had said she liked a couple of years ago. She didn't know all the words so she quickly got them off the computer and we found her key and played it a couple of times. I got goose bumps again and it too was in the show! LeAnn told the audience how we had just learned the songs and after we finished each one the audience went nuts. I have to say LeAnn is an amazing singer and by far the best I have had the chance to work with. I'm hoping for more opportunities to do this show in the future. And if you get to see it, I think you'll dig it too. ;-)