venues at a glance

While I'm uncertain of it being unique to Dayton, Ohio, several Kroger stores in the area have an amazing and popular concept that has made their stores go-to places after work and on weekends. They are supporting local musicians who play live music. I have been on the Kro-Bar circuit for five years performing multiple times a month at Kroger stores in Centerville and Fairborn, but primarily at the Cornerstone Kro-Bar. It's fun to watch children in the loaded carts bob their heads or skip in the aisles with a smiling mom or dad. It's even more fun to watch the store staff enjoy the music as they serve customers who also are relating to the music. Shoppers enjoy sitting at the wine bar or individual tables. You'll find me nestled in the fine wine section catering nostalgic and original tunes to friends, followers and newbies as they sip a cool beverage served by the congenial staff. Several customers have been known to sing along or break into a dance move or two. Kro-Bars are especially fun on St. Patrick's or on patriotic holidays, where I've been known to dress in costume. I love what I do! 

Flea markets are big business, and entertainment has become a key part of shoppers' experiences. Two Florida locations have made that a priority.  Flamingo Isle in Bonita Springs and Fleamasters in Fort Myers have dedicated areas where musicians can connect with audiences. The food court stage at Flamingo Isle is at the cross-section of multiple aisles, while Fleamasters features a dedicated Music Hall Pavilion complete with an elevated concert stage and a huge dance floor. For the last three years I've been among the contract entertainers at both venues. I'm pleased to report that in 2026 I've again  been invited to perform at each site during February and March. 

Sweetwater, headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is more than the nation's largest online music retail operation. It's an academy for singers, songwriters, production specialists and more. Sweetwater's academy also attracts master educators, students and performers from across the globe. The megacomplex is sophisticated, modern and teeming with talent. Its showrooms are unmatched when it comes to instruments. and is my vendor of choice for equipment, including my new Rickenbacker Fireglow 330 12-string. The facility features an expansive full-service restaurant, which takes up a third of the main floor. It's anchored on one end by a fully equipped professional stage, complete with lights and a professional sound tech. To be invited to perform there before such a formidable audience is an opportunity of a lifetime, and to be featured multiple times is a true honor. Due to schedule conflicts, I was unable to perform in 2025, but as the result of the great relationship formed with Sweetwater in 2023 and 2024 over three performances, each of my original song Albums/EPs are on display and being sold at their headquarters store and I’ve received an open invitation to perform anytime my schedule allows. 

 I've had the pleasure of playing at The Stone House on their great outside patio/courtyard over the past four years. As its website says, it's a locally owned, community focused hometown tavern located in Waynesville, Ohio. It's a very special place worth frequenting. Their customer audience are attentive and very appreciative, and they show it with their enthusiastic applause. In addition to serving delicious food and beverages, it provides a unique way for organizations to take over the venue in order to raise money. In fact, Stone House Tavern will donate 10% of the sales back to the organization. 

Central Ohio is blessed to have a number of pleasant wineries and craft beer locations. For five years now, I've enjoyed playing at Enon, Ohio’s Brandeberry Winery indoors as well as outside on the patio overlooking a large seating area surrounded by country side filled with trees and flowers. Then there's the Centerville’s Bock Family Brewery, with its alpine motif, hand-crafted brews and excellent food. Add to the list is Seven Mile Winery located in a unique setting in rural Middletown, Ohio. The magnificent hall, that opens to the outdoors, is beautifully designed for large and small groups. I really enjoyed engaging with the customers where country music and oldies are favorite genres. 

Imagine coordinating an annual gathering of RVers across multiple eastern states. Besides social gatherings and reconnection, there the final night of food and entertainment. At the recommendation of an RVer who attended a performance in Florida, I was contacted by the coordinator to see if I'd travel to Greenville, Ohio to play on the final night. Of course, I said yes. I set up in a HUGE building with buffets, tables and seating at one end and me at the other. Fortunately, I had talked with the coordinator about the facility and made certain I took my best sound system. I also took multiple guitars so I could transition into different song genres that evening. Without question, I had an amazing time meeting some of the nicest folks in the country.

For the last several years of Ohio summer’s, I've had the pleasure of performing at Treasure Aisles in Monroe, Ohio, and I continue to entertain on the food court stage throughout 2025. It's always a pleasure to play music and sing to shoppers while they examine their bargains, enjoy a beverage or order a bite to eat. It's an exciting place for all ages, so I play family- friendly songs that appeal to adults as well as children. My goal is to ensure I add to the excitement and energy of their "treasure hunting" experience. 

Nestled in the quaint town of Yalaha, Florida, is a unique destination for locals and out of state visitors who want to enjoy German beer, hand-made sandwiches, and fresh-baked desserts and breads. It's the perfect destination for a lunch in the beer garden's park-like setting. Several times, I enjoyed performing on the outdoor stage under the canopy of trees. You know you've arrived when you step out of your vehicle and see the beautiful German crest over the main entrance. 

Hemingway's Cigar Bar & Novelty Lounge is a popular downtown destination for locals and visitors to Tavares, Florida's Seaplane City. It's conveniently located on Main Street, just a block from Lake Harris., so it can claim location, location, location! I have fond memories of performing on their outdoor seating area where customers and passersby were enticed by my music and the fragrance of a great cigar. The bar was always filled and, for some couples, the adjacent sidewalk became a makeshift dance floor. It's a great place to relax and enjoy life's pleasures.  

You never know how much your music will resonate with someone. While touring in Florida, I met Don Inmon and his beautiful family, who quickly became fans of my music, attending shows, buying my logoed apparel, and adding all my CDs to their music collection. Sadly, Don passed away in January 2025. To my surprise and honor, his family reached out to me to see if I could travel to Indiana to perform at his celebration of life. I cannot express how humbled I was to be invited to such a special event. As I played my music, I thought fondly of the long-distance connection we made and the graciousness of his wonderful family. The beautiful Celebration of Life they organized truly was a testament to Don and a life well lived. May God bless them all. 

The fast-growing city of Clermont, Florida, is blessed with rolling hills, beautiful lakes, amazing retail complexes and superb restaurants. The downtown area where I performed for three years area bars and restaurants is booming. The Salt Shack has opened a new lakeside restaurant with its own beach just down from Clermont's waterfront park. Around the corner is a new craft brewery plus other upbeat eateries that are certain to bring even more energy and fun to the Clermont community. I look forward to reconnecting in January with former fans and adding new ones at Clermont's popular venues.