Wow, (yes, I think I always start blogs with Wow) I am really on a summer vibe. Sometimes summer for me means heading out on the road with my musical pals and playing festivals but this summer has none of that and I am heading out with my wife and kids to goof-around. It was almost as much fun. I still have trouble driving for six hours without knowing there is a gig a the "end of the rainbow".

We just got back from three weeks in Quebec. I had some great experiences including taking some lessons with a local fiddle player on Quebec fiddle styles. I have a couple new tunes that I learned and a few on tape that I will learn eventually.

These days I can't really say what I like to play most. I have so much fun playing guitar, banjo and fiddle. The mandolin does it for me too however I can't seem to find enough time to practise that instrument right now. (although it seems so much easier than the fiddle sometimes...no explanation necesessary?)

Vacationing and relaxing is not as easy as it sounds. I have really become someone who is obsessed with learning, studying, reading etc. and the artists life doesn't always fit in with what is going on around you (understatement of the year?) I do see the ability to "socialize" as a very important skill too and I think the balance could be one I work on until the end of my time here.

I must say, I am so happy to be back in the city. I have a bunch of gigs and rehearsals this week that I look forward to. Wednesday night I am playing with the Cluttertones in Kensington Market:

Wednesday August 18th @ 9PM (doors 8:30pm)
Teranga (159 Augusta-just South of Dundas )
$5 cover
Vanessa’s Entire Heart (www.myspace.com/vanessahanson), The
Cluttertones (Rob Clutton, Lina Allemano, Ryan Driver, & Tim Posgate
www.myspace.com/cluttertones ), and Wolfcow (www.myspace.com/wolfcow )

Also, Tuesday night I am playing with country singer Shannon Hoff at the Painted lady at 930pm and then tomorrow night, I think I am filling in on the banjo at the Gladstone and more but details to follow. (often Facebook is where I post this info now)

I think I need to hit the hay as my late night ways have been sidelined by early evening reading seguing to early evening sleeping.

zzzzzzzzz thanks for tuning in here. Drop me a note ok?

tim