This week, a lot happened in my music world. Although I had four days without gigging, I was busy practicing for St. Patrick’s Day and taking care of some caravan licensing rigmarole. I had to apply for another permit to take the caravan down to a weighbridge near Byford, which was no hassle. I returned it to the repairer, and they are gradually able to chip away at the small list of things that need to be done. Logistically, it’s a challenge, but with a bit of organization and dipping into the savings account, I’m able to get a step closer to taking a well-deserved getaway.
Friday March 14, 2025
Old Courthouse Fremantle. The day was a little windy with a chance of showers in Fremantle. No bother, because at the venue there is a place to plug in and play under the cover of the main bar inside. The artist playing the late afternoon slot was Gray Sanders. I enjoyed watching his last set from the wings and sipped on water while I waited for him to finish before he could pack up and vacate. I set up casually whilst chatting and talking about typical nerdy music things with Gray. With my set list ready and my mandolin, I commenced my set at 8 PM. Gray sat and listened, taking a couple of action snaps on his camera and sending them to me via WhatsApp. Midway through the show, I decided to play some Irish songs on my mandolin, only to find it difficult with my arthritic fingers and hands. After a few songs, I decided to revert back to the 808. It’s a little less fatiguing on the digits. The three hours flew by, and I found myself strumming the last chord right on 11 PM. I casually packed up, and by the time I jumped into the Ford van, the last few stragglers had left the bar too.
Saturday March 15, 2025
Up at 6:00 am to head off to the Yangebup morning markets. A quick breakfast without a coffee before heading off I arrived with a little over half an hour to set up and get ready. Jodie had set up the usual Gazebo for me to play under which is so awesome to keep the mid morning sun from burning me to a frizzle. Tony and Rose fixed me up with a delicious barista mad coffee with the magic that only a good barista knows how. I welcomed the hot beverage as I slowly sipped away treasuring ever mouthfull. I played a mix of originals and covers to the bustling market goers and four hours later I had a fair few dollars in the tip jar. I packed up the minute 12pm ticked over and headed to number two gig for the day.
Saturday March 15, 2025
Crab Fest Mandurah was the oceanside town’s port of call. My biggest fear was not finding a car park close enough to trolley my equipment in. Mandurah was busy, to say the least. Ari Davis, who was performing before me, had given me the heads-up to park at the nearby Coles car park. I arrived and circled the vicinity with prowess, only to find time ticking by and no available spots. I decided to head to my usual car park between two businesses, and sure enough, there was a spot. I thanked the parking saint and, from where I parked, could see Ari strumming his music from the stage set up in the Smart Street Mall. I had plenty of time to set up—in fact, enough to go for a walk and check out the market stalls and the main stage, where a rocking blues band was playing a solid groove. I filmed a quick live video, only for the signal to drop out the moment I returned to film Ari. I ordered a serve of fish and mango salad, which was so small I devoured it in about eight mouthfuls. No matter—I had a mission to entertain the bustling crowd at Crab Fest. I had my water and equipment waiting side-stage while watching Ari play his last few songs. As he packed up, I chatted with him, talking about the typical nerdy music stuff. He was gone soon after, and then it was my turn to keep the crowd entertained. My usual originals and covers were still the popular favorites for me to play, with the odd Irish tune thrown in—a good chance to brush up on “Fairytale of New York” by The Pogues. The contract was for a four-hour show, which seemed to drag on. The cash tips were adequate from those who realized there was a tip jar to put money in. I need to make a bigger sign to let people know I also have a Square reader for virtual tips. With the availability of cash slowly diminishing, I still believe the advantages of cash are king. I finished up at 6 PM, weary and sore from standing and playing for eight hours in total, not to mention the setup and extra steps I’d taken that day. I arrived home and slid beneath the covers of my bed, too tired to eat, and remained there in a deep sleep.
Sunday March 16, 2025.
I woke with a deep pain in my stomach. I’d noticed a bit of discomfort in previous days that I thought nothing of and had been ignored it. a couple of anti inflammatory tablets and off I went to set up at the nearby venues Bistro By the Dam. The weather was immaculate and I arrived to snag a great parking spot out front. I trolled my things to the outside performance deck built by Kylie one of the owners of the business. Linda the other part owner was there to greet me and I ordered another delicious barista made coffee free on the house. I love a flat white and this was on par with what I’d had then day before. I set up my Bose L1 and Roland cube and set up enough space on the 3×3 stage for Rob Watson the greatest harmonica player Jarrahdale has ever produced. Rob arrived in typical style ten minutes before show time with his bag of tin sandwiches and green bulllet and amp. A quick sound check and a bottle of H2O we set off playing our saint Patricks day set in all its glory, We hadn’t gotten together since this time last year but with the fist song “A Pair Of Brown Eyes” it felt like only yesterday we had played that gig at the Bridgetown Cidery last St Pats day. We churned out the classic Irish folk for over two hours with a quick 15 minute break in between. The last set was regular originals and classic covers that I usually play from yesteryear with rob blowing along to every song he knew. With the constant stomach cramps coming and going I managed we managed to pull off a show that kept the bistro goers entertained. Some generous tips in the tip jar I thought it only fair to pass that one to Rob for coming down in his time to make the show that bit more special. I enjoy playing music with Rob Watson and have formed a great bond over the years Ive known him. I look forward to playing many more shows together including one tomorrow. After the show I went back to Robs and there we sat and talked with his wife Wendy and her brother and friend until just on dark. I went home and slid into bed feeling the cramps coming and going until I fell asleep.
Monday March 17.2025 St Patricks day
Rob sent me a text as I lay in bed checking emails. “How’s your stomach this morning?” he asked. “A bit better,” I replied. “Let me know when you want to head off, and I’ll catch a lift to the Exchange for our 1 pm show,” he said. No worries. I watered the garden, cleaned up the house a little, and then it was time to hit the road. I made the journey to the end of my street, where Rob lives. He was busy with Wendy, trimming the last of the grass tree at the base of the stairs to his house. I witnessed the well-oiled machine of Wendy and Rob working in unison Rob attacked the grass with the hedge trimmer while Wendy pulled the trimmed grass away from the cutter blade. Poetry in motion, I thought, as I watched this simple but arduous task. With that, they were done, and Rob loaded his gear into my Ford van. Off we went on the 35-minute journey to the Exchange Hotel in Pinjarra. My stomach was feeling okay but not 100%, so I downed a couple of anti-inflammatories. We arrived and set up the Bose L1 with my Roland Cube and battery-powered 5-channel mixer. We were able to plug into the house PA, which was great for the customers to hear our music from each room in every bar. Playing the same set as yesterday, we performed for the St. Patrick’s Day crowd. It’s not a public holiday, but those lucky enough to have the day off were there and enjoyed the Irish tunes Rob and I played. With applause after each song, we felt in top spirits by the end of the show, which lasted four hours. During our first break, I enjoyed a Beef and Guinness Pie with what might be the best pastry I’ve ever tasted—it flaked to perfection. Rob had the pork ribs and left not a skerrick of meat on the bones. Loui and Rob’s son Able were there to enjoy our music almost until the end of the show. With Able as skipper, Loui enjoyed the beautiful autumn day, drinking in the beer garden and taking photos and videos of us while we played. It was encouraging to know we had a small following of friends and family. We finished around 5 pm, and while we packed up, I enjoyed a complimentary pint of Guinness. I downed it before heading back home to Jarrahdale. We arrived back at Rob and Wendy’s place to find Wendy, Loui, and India playing a board game and drinking. I sat down, nibbling on a plate of food prepared by Wendy—cheese, crackers, homemade sausage, and other tasty delights—before heading home and watching a series on Netflix called “Boy Swallows Universe.” I couldn’t keep my eyes open for very long and decided to retire from the busy last three days of playing music.
Tuesday March 18. 2025
I had a mission to head to Serpentine where my van is parked at Speedy Spanners getting ready for the vehicle inspection. I had to fix the gas regulator above the height of the gas bottle and while I was there measure up for new curtains and try and fix the door. The regulator was no problem fixed in no time at all but the door seems to be a little challenging no matter a job for another day. I was a little anxious because Id committed to a wedding the next day at Chapel Farm Middle Swan. I was nervous because the bride and Groom had hand picked a heap of songs that I wasn’t 100% familiar with. I arrived home just after lunch. Put away all my tools from the caravan job and had some lunch watching a little more Netflix. I finished lunch and decide to delve into the songs with ambition the learn the melody, verses, choruses and challenging bridge to these new song requests. “Keep The Wolves Away” was the first song off the list. I knew this was an important song because the Bride had put it last on the list and I knew it must have meant something special to her. The song is simple with the same chords repeated in a circle style format with a chord that resolves every verse with each note picked. It’s an emotional song that tells the story of a man poisoned by the toxic fumes of his job of at chemical plant he works at near the Gulf of Mexico. He fights in the court to get compensation only to find the money runs out and he’s pinching pennies to keep the wolves away only to find his son who writes the song to now carry the legacy of keeping the wolves away and providing money for his family. It’s a good song and I was looking forward to playing it for the fist time live along with many others on the list.
Wednesday March 19, 2025
The Chapel Farm is and amazing venue. Here musicians must adhere to strict noise compliance. It’s in a built up residential area so keeping it to a respectable level is a must. They do weddings six days a week here and the owner was there the greet me as I arrived to set up in the beautiful rustic alfresco style room. the food was delectable and the professional staff were friendly and welcoming. The show commenced at 1pm and finished at 5pm. the fist song by Paul Kelly, “Don’t Stand so Close to The Window” a waltz style track that I know well and felt relaxed strumming away. The next Stairway to Heaven played in all its entirety, a great second track that showcases my ability to pay a classic yet complex song. Actually the fist song my guitar teacher ever taught me. Soon “Keep The Wolves away came up on the set. My throat in my mouth the nerves hit like a tonne of sand. I began to sweat and so went for broke strumming and trying to remember the fresh melody. Luckily I was able to get it together in time to play the intro correctly. The song was complete and I got a smile from the bride. I knew I had nailed it. I took a breath of relief and felt good and encouraged to play on. Next thing speeches and time to get the SLR Nikon out for some happy snaps. Everyone looked amazing with their best suits and dresses dolled up to the max. I too had a new suit that I had purchased especially for the wedding. I looked dapper with my cleanest dirty white shirt. I was able to snap some great pictures with the Krystal the bride and Benjamin the groom for my Easy weddings profile. I was buzzing on a high without so much as a single drop of alcohol. I packed up and departed Chapel Farm with a great feeling and some good dollars in my pocket. I made my way down Roe and Tonkin arriving home to meet up with Mark walker my good friend and band mate over the years for a cheeky pint and a serloin steak that Mark shouted me. Mark was staying the night to record more of his album the next morning.
Thursday March 20, 2024.
After a mild sleep-in, I rubbed my eyes open, got up, and made coffee and toast for Mark. We sat on the back veranda and watched the world go by before it was time to get to work. With the Pro Tools session opened for the first song of the day—the fifth song of the album—Mark nailed it on the second take. We had the bones of a song ready for Mark to lay down a guide vocal over. We toiled away on another two songs before calling it a day. A good result—and time for a cold beer. We chatted and listened back to what we’d done, and Mark decided to hit the road around 6:30 PM. I watered the garden in the dark and drank one more beer before watching the end of the series “Boy Swallows Universe.” My eyes heavy and my brain fried from the studio work, I welcomed the bedsheets pulled up around my neck as I drifted off to sleep.
That concludes my Blog entry ending Friday March 21. 2025 Have a great day and Il’l be back again next time. Stay well be safe. Love to all