Shipe in Laguna Beach

The callouses and the mojo are back, and I’m hitting my stride.

Beth Fitchet Wood hosts songwriter night every Tuesday @ The Marine Room Tavern, where I had my best set yet since I relocated to SoCal. I must have felt good, ’cause I even busted out the ukulele. (“The Beast is Back Again.”)

I knew it would be a good night when my friend Sir Doug Worley showed up (from McCabe’s Showcase in Oceanside circa 2008-09) to bear witness. Now, for the record, I love my original songs; sometimes I amuse myself into giggling fits. And I like my singing voice. And I justify myself well as a total package. But often I am honored to be billed with guitar specialists who can really put on a clinic. In this business, no matter how good you get, there is always someone displaying skills that make you hungry for practice time. Read more »