Lifting Up Andy.......

Human compassion, open hearts and general goodness does still exist in the world today amid all the bad we always hear about. On Friday and Saturday, several hundred people, many friends, many strangers, joined together for a young, 16 year old named Andy Brettner who suffers from Cerebral Palsy and is confined to a wheelchair. Andy's biggest wish was to be able to attend high school and stand up, a simple task for most of us to have accomplished in our lives. A daunting one, to say the least, for Andy who is a bright, young, vibrant person in spite of his challenges. Issue - stand-up wheelchair cost = $ 40,000. You have heard it before, insurance won't cover it, family can't afford it. Step in several, unselfish business people in Treasure Island, namely Bill Edwards, Jo Massaro of Benjamin Studios, Don Mega, Duke from Duke's Island Bar & Grill, Treasure Island Chamber of Commerce, Windjammer Motel (to name a few) and countless others who donated time, monies, cars, silent auction items and too much more to list here. It was an outpouring of love and hope starting at Saturday night's silent auction at Benjamin's Studios and culminating at Duke's on Sunday with 5 bands donating their talents. Drink and food specials were abound the entire day, not to be missed. The outcome at the end of the event... Andy is being fitted for his stand-up chair this week. 

Sanding Ovation.......

This past weekend was an awesome time in Treasure Island on the beach with the 3rd annual Sanding Ovations Master Sand Sculpture Competition with 10 sculptors from around the globe vying for the 1st prize and Master's Cup. Sunny skies, 80 degree temperatures, balmy breezes and music, food and merchandise all contributed to the fun-filled, exciting weekend that brought a huge crowd throughout the 4-day event. The winner of the competition was Jan Selen from Amsterdam, Holland with his winning sculpture "We are all Individuals" (see photo below). Super congrats to the City of Treasure Island, Treasure Island Chamber of Commerce, Meredith Corson from Sanding Ovations and all the sponsors who helped make this a great event. Music throughout the weekend was orchestrated by our own local Jeff Jensen who definately rounded out the talent and gave us all a taste of everything starting with two locals bands on Friday night - SunzaBeaches and Kent Pearson and the Roadhouse Rockers followed by American Idol Finalist Danny Gokey who had a Meet & Greet before his performance. On Saturday a full lineup was brought out starting with the Mojo Gurus, Have Gun Will Travel, and Experimental Pilot. The awards presentation was at 6 PM followed by Russ Anderson and his famous Elton John Show. The night was capped off by the ever popular and best fireworks shows on the beach. Sunday's entertainment started out with a young, rootsy-folky-bluegrass band called Jubil's Kin followed by the native cracker Sarasota Slim with his band and ending with a beautiful sunset and the well-known Charlie Morris and his band. Special local guests T.C. Carr on harmonica and vocalist Lori Cherry helped Charlie round out the finale....can't wait until next year ! For more coverage of the weekend and photos, please see my Facebook page. Congrats and thanks to all.......

I heard he was in town.......

Well, back from the magic of Key West and MOTM 2011......had a great time, saw alot of my friends from NJ and other states, missed some that I wanted to see, saw great artists, missed a few of them too (just so much to do and see, it's impossible ! ). Thanks to Mr. Buffet who showed up on Duval Street and gave us a great show ! (thanks for the pics too, Jimmy ! ) Drank too much, ate too much but overall, glad I didn't miss it.....thanks to all my friends, artists, fellow parrotheads, Key West businesses and Rob O'Neal........see 'ya next year (maybe sooner).

Bridge over Troubled Water.....

Went to a totally awesome performance at the Palladium in St. Pete on Friday to the Simon & Garfunkel Retrospective Show by AJ Swearingen and Jonathan Beedle. Both artists are originally from Bethlehem (pronounced BETH-LEM), with AJ living in St. Pete now and Jon still in Pennsylvania.

Words here cannot describe the sound, feelings, warmth and magic that they conveyed to the audience. This was their first performance in Florida and I can safely say will definately not be their last. During the show, I closed my eyes several times and literally heard Simon & Garfunkel and brought back memories of Bleeker Street and the sounds attributed during those very profound times in NYC.

I highly recommend to catch this show next time in Florida and if you are anywhere near their national tour schedule, without question, do attend their show, you will not be disappointed. Check out their website at http://www.simonandgarfunkeltribute.com/

Before their show, the awesome talented, local singer/songwriter Jayne Kelli performed a nice handful of songs from her album "Wake" including the title track....catch her on http://www.jaynekellimusic.com/

It was a Happy Birthday......

Last weekend, Charlotte Harbor Parrothead Club (CHPHC) celebrated their 4th birthday with a fun-filled weekend of music, phfood, phriends and party ending with a great afternoon at the Nav-a-Gator grill
(thank you Dennis and Nancy) hosted by Sunny Jim White for a Songwriter's Spectacular....

The only requirement of the songwriters was to play a new original song...which all did and then played our favorites as well....John Frinzi, John Friday, Capt. Josh, Jimi Pappas, Jack Mosley, Steve Tolliver, John Reno, Eric Ellis (I'm sure I missed someone) were awesome as usual. Although hot and humid, we all persevered (lol - of course we would !). Made some new phfriends, saw alot of old ones and thoroughly enjoyed the day.....next stop, MOTM....see 'ya there.....

Another awesome weekend......

Started off Saturday afternoon going to the new bar/restaurant on THE PIER in St. Petersburg to Jonny Reno's.....great place right at the end of the pier overlooking Tampa Bay. Michael J. Weiss was playing at the outside patio bar which was great ! Take a look at the photos from the afternoon....HERE


Then it was off to my first art gallery photoshoot for an awesome person/owner of Gallery Woo who was holding a first annual summer gallery presentation. Bill Correira had live painters, a jazz horn player, some light refreshments and other artists.....had a great time and lots of great displays....check it out HERE

Finally ended up at the Old Northeast Tavern for another great performance by my friend AJ Swearingen. I was with some very good friends and we had a great time.....check out the pics....HERE

Sunday afternoon took me to the recording studio with Global Affect....things are progressing very well for the debut CD and live performance in October.....you surely don't want to miss it.....

Thanks for stopping by.....

See 'ya soon.......

Weekend Warrior........

Hi All.....been busy playing auto mechanic, friend, Parrothead and of course, photographer ! Was at The Yard last Saturday for Michael J. Weiss and Michael Petrantoni.....awesome show ! Gotta catch them (btw, the "Michael" duo will be at the Hideaway Cafe soon...working on details.....

TBPHC meeting this past Wednesday.....3 new members....good times were had by all......tonight is Ringside Cafe with John Q band at 9 PM then on to the Hideaway Cafe for some Jayne Kelli.......it really doesn't get any better folks !

Tomorrow is a art show in downtown St. Pete by the Gallery Woo with live artist paintings, smooth jazz players and a very eclectic atmosphere I am sure....can't wait.....

See you all there and around...............

Thanks for stopping by........

Birthday Wishes......

Celebrated my birthday on July 5 at the Hideaway Cafe with a party given by John & Nicole Kelly. We had beer, pizza and birthday cake and had an awesome time with all my Florida friends....love you all very much...thank you for all you've done....I am truly blessed.....

Thanks to all my family, extended family and FB friends......for the many, many birthday wishes.....love and miss you all too !

Another year in the books.....Cheers !