Hey everybody!

It's been a while since I have been on the board. Things have been very busy, but really good. I'm in a hotel right now with my laptop and a little down time so I figured I would update everybody in the WV. With my recent schedule and having a 2 year old at home, i have not had much time for posting. i do stick my nose in quickly from time to time though, just so I keep up to date. Anyway, here is what I've been up to....

I went to Kandahar and played for the troops at KAF. It was an amazing experience. In my top 3 of all time, if not number 1. I was there with George Canyon. He is a well know Canadian country artist. We went to play for Canada Day and were there for about a week. It is the hottest (usually around 65 celsius) and dustiest (like chaulk dust) place I have ever been, yet i would go back in a heartbeat. The people there were awesome and we had a great time with them. It was also very eye opening to see what is going on over there first hand instead of watching limited press coverage. No mistake our men and women over there (and I speak for all nations who are there) are doing great things. i could go on about it for a long time, but i doubt I could do it justice. Top 2 memories form the trip aside from a couple of great shows and a open jam with the Canadian troops.

#1 Just as we were taking the stage the base was rocketed by the taliban. Three rockets. I could hear them hit even with my in ears in. We all hit the dirt and put on our helmets and armored vests and when the MP's said get up and get to a bunker, we ran. Now this was business as usual for the soldiers there and they barley batted an eye. They're actually used to it!!!! After about 45mins we came out of the bunker and went on to play the show. It made the war very real. No one was hurt.

#2 I got to drive a tank!!!!!!!!!!!

I have a few pics up on my myspace and facebook pages if you want to check them out. I'll try and post a few here.


I also just found out this week that I have been nominated again this year for the Canadian Country Music Association's fiddle player of the year award. I'm very excited about it. Maybe this year will be my year to win!! Cross your fingers. The awards will be held on Sept 8th.

And........ I just found out that i will be doing all the fiddle tracks for George's new album which is being produced by Richard Marx in Chicago. I'll be going sometime in the next few weeks. Some of you will remember Richard's name from his crazy successful recording career in the 80's. Hi production credits are even more outstanding. Keith Urban, Vince Gill, Kenny Logins, Barbera Striesand, N'SYNC just to name a few. I am really pumped about this opportunity.... and slightly peeing my pants at the same time. Even as i type this I feel I should wrap up so i can go practice!!!!!!. In fact i think i will, while I have the time.

Thanks for listening to me rant.

lol

sweet!!!!


how'd you do driving the tank?

I am assuming you are flying into Chi-town? IF you drive, you will go past my house

Whoa, that must've been scary being shot at by missiles, I probably would've freaked out , lol. glad to hear everyone's ok. AND YOU GOT TO DRIVE A TANK!?!?!?!?! SO LUCKY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats on the nomination (again)!

wow.rockets and fiddles....congrats on the nomination!

Yeah, having ordinance launched at you at a gig can be scary. At least you know it was the enemy and not the audience!

Glad you're safe. Congratulations on the recording opportunities!

Thanks everybody.

I'll keep you posted. Awards are this weekend...... and yes..... driving the tank was awesome!:)