We're approaching the last weekend of Scarborough, and I'm amazed at what's happened so far this year.

For starters, my voice is tired. I wasn't expecting 6 shows of my own per day, plus pub sing. I also wasn't expecting the Sea Hag stage, which is in an open enough area that I push (maybe more than I should, at times) to be heard. I'm looking forward to a bit of a break after this weekend, but not too much of one...

Performing with Irish Blind has been fantastic this year. I'll be honest in saying that they're not exactly what I was looking for in a band, but damn are they close! We've gotten some great responses to our schtick this year, and have high hopes to continue. First step, I think, is getting a CD done. This will be my primary objective following faire this year - recording a CD with Irish Blind and recording my own 3rd CD.

I'm still reeling from the fact that this year saw 2 milestones for me. First, I got Trousers Not Included produced outside of my home - something I wasn't sure I'd ever have the money to do. Second, I finished recording Seldom Sober in time to have it out by the final weekend of run. On top of these things is the most amazing thing to me - people are interested in what I'm doing... enough so that they're buying my CDs. Thank you to all of you for your support, and I promise to keep the music coming!

This year also brings the end of an age at Scarborough - the Corsairs are retiring after 13 years of performance. These guys are a huge part of the reason I wanted to start performing at faire (I still have a fair amount of fanboy with regards to the Shantyman), and their departure is a very sad thing for me. Sadder still because I've got a show scheduled over their final show, so I won't be able to make it to see their last huzzah.

Ah, well. Such is life on stage, eh? This year has been exhilarating, exhausting, enlightening, exciting, enriching, and ... indescribable. Bristol, you've got a lot to live up to.

Here's to a great weekend, and many more seasons to come!