Rosie’s Bottom’s Up

Last night Michael McKee and I played a gig at Rosie’s Bottom’s Up in Sebastian, Florida. Rosie’s is an old establishment that’s sat in the Florida sun on US 1 for countless years. The turquoise painted, cinder-block frame is a hangout for the locals, a great place for bikers to stop for a cold beer. The people are friendly. There are pinball machines and some kind of money wagering games that roar with bells and horns through the night. There’s a couple pool tables and a big square bar that takes up a big chunk of the room. That’s where all the socializing takes place. Then there’s enough room to do a little dancing, or as in the case of one woman last night, the splits. The band sets up near the doorway to US 1, backed up to the south wall of the building. We found ourselves blocking a dart board and I hoped that wouldn’t be a bad decision.

Rosie’s Bottom’s Up, 8400 US 1, Sebastian.

I had left my day job early to roar down US 1 to set up for the gig. In my haste, I left the subwoofer behind. Not a disaster but not brilliant. We were getting some feedback and Michael switched his guitar into an amp he had with him and we leveled things out. I was grateful that my voice seemed to be clear and free of some weird throat issues of late. So yes to that! Michael did his usual impeccable guitar work and we jammed through our three-hour gig. The bar patrons couldn’t have been nicer or more receptive. We were definitely heard and appreciated. At one point in the evening, we did Wild Horses (Rolling Stones) and it was like there was this stillness, and then a burst of applause and everyone facing us and staring at us. I was overwhelmed. It was so rewarding. When it was over the bartender came over to me, paid me, and said, “I need more of this in my life.” She promised to speak to the owners about booking us again. Today I followed up with that owner and she said she’d love to have us back. She’ll even push the start up an hour so it doesn’t cut into my day job. I’m thrilled. Michael is thrilled. It’s good to be playing again.

Will McLean 2024 Wrap Up

2024 was my second time performing at the Will McLean Festival in Brooksville, FL. The annual event features continuous music on three stages. I was accompanied by guitarist Michael McKee. We performed two full sets of my original music on two different stages, on Saturday and on Sunday. Having Michael perform with me is a real treat. He rounds out the rough edges and puts a pretty polish on my songs. He adds a harmony here and there. We’ve only recently started performing together and I’m enjoying it – he’s a nice person who loves playing guitar. He’s got a great ear. We look forward to performing at Barberville together in April. Many of the same performers from Will Fest take part in Barberville’s annual spring and fall festivals.

I volunteered as an emcee on one of the stages on Saturday evening. What a treat! I got to see up close and personal, some incredible acts. My favorites included Lon and Lis Williamson, also known as Gatorbone. They came as a quartet with a fiddle player and a guitar player. Lis and her husband wrote the songs and did lead vocals. Everyone sang, and played extremely well. The songs and musicianship was so good they got a standing ovation and did an encore. Lis Williamson has an unforgettable voice – clear and sweet with a lovely vibrato she controls just perfectly.

Another songwriter I found particularly enjoyable was Carly Bak. She’s from South Dakota but has a Florida home as well. Her lyrics were solid, sassy and well delivered. Her whole band was a great compliment to her songs. She’s been performing at Will Fest for nearly 20 years. The festival has such a great community of writers and performers.

I look forward to next year’s event and the opportunity to emcee again. It is something I enjoy and they need people who actually want to do that sort of thing. For me, I feel like I have a backstage pass and I feel like I’m doing something good. For more about the Will McLean Festival, visit their website.

Give Us Strength

I’m pleased to present this fully produced version of my new song GIVE US STRENGTH. I found producer Kevin Dolan, on Facebook. Kevin lives a bit north of Asheville and has a gorgeous studio at his mountain home. He is a phenomenal singer/songwriter with a passion for music production and arranging. I could tell by listening to his music that he’d be a great producer for my music – and I was right. We spent a day at his studio where I laid down guitar and vocal tracks and left the rest to Kevin. He took the song to a whole new level adding several instruments and vocals. I couldn’t be happier. I made a video to compliment the song.

Hello Greenville

Thriving Music Scene in Greenville, SC

Hello Greenville. I’m glad you are my new home. As much as I love the mountains of Western North Carolina, technology issues propelled me to move down the mountain, just outside the foothills of the Blue Ridge.

When I arrived mid December of 2019, I wasn’t sure what I’d find in terms of the local music scene. Now, just two months later I am thrilled to be here. Greenville has a robust music scene. Not only is there a strong presence of original music, the musicians I’ve met have been so welcoming. Maybe it’s just southern hospitality. Whatever it is, thank you – thank you – thank you.

I’ve performed at a couple of open mics and a songwriter showcase. I’m working on developing some duo partnerships. I’ve signed up for a songwriting contest. I’m looking forward to earning my place in this community.

Singing for a cause

One thing that has always been evident in this stunning part of the country, is the heart of the people. Last week, Mica’s held a fundraiser for one of their longtime hostesses, Sherrie. A nasty fall resulted in a broken knee cap and leg injuries. Mica’s dedicated an evening to Sherrie with the wait staff and musicians donating tips, along with proceeds from a silent auction. Speaking of musicians, it was a full slate of local talent and a joy to behold. Here’s just a snippet of my small part of a wonderful evening. Always fun to sing with my buddy Spalding McIntosh.

Open Arms

Mica’s Restaurant in Sapphire Valley has had a jam on Thursday nights for as long as I can remember. When I first moved to this area in 2012, hosts Wendy and Rusty welcomed myself and a host of other local musicians. Thanks to the jam, I procured many gigs and made so many friends.

Fast forward to 2019. These days Spalding McIntosh, an outstanding singer/songwriter and the wonderfully charming and talented Will Baldwin host the weekly jam. They’ve welcomed me with open arms – made me feel like I’m a friend, inviting me to share the stage with them. They are special people.

Take a moment and check out Spalding’s music. One day we will all say we knew him when…Spalding McIntosh

Back to the mountains

I’m happy to report that I’ve moved back to the mountains of Western North Carolina. The town of Cashiers captured my heart back in 2012 when I came here to take a job selling country club memberships. I had to return to Florida in 2015 where I spent most of my time trying to get back to the mountains. I don’t take my life in Florida for granted. My son is there, and dear friends I’ve known for decades. There is a wonderful musical community there and they couldn’t be more supportive.

Life takes all kinds of turns but since I’ve returned to the mountains, I’ve been welcomed with so much enthusiasm. The standard greeting here is “Welcome home, Tina.” I’ve had some wonderful musical moments since returning and I’m anxious to build my musical calendar here. There isn’t any other place like this and I’ve lived a lot of places in my life. Stay tuned for good things to come. Life is short – follow your dreams.