RUBY SHOES...Post-gig

Just thought I'd give a brief report on the gig last night at Danny's Bar and Grill. We were crammed onto a very tight little stage (which looked much bigger when it was empty). Didn't quite know what to expect with the turnout...started off small, but by the end of our set, there were at least 75 folks in there to hear us. Frankly, I think the band wished we could have played more than our Hour and a Half slot before the other band played at 11:30. We had to cut our playlist short, but as they say...leave 'em wanting more! We had a lot of fun, though, and it was good to get some exposure. Hopefully we'll get invited to play somewhere else soon.

If you facebook, do a search for "Ruby Shoes Band" for some more photos.

RUBY SHOES...Tonight!!!

Media blitz!! Just givin' you one more chance to change your plans and come see us!

RUBY SHOES...Tomorrow Night!

The poster says it all...well...technically, not ALL. It doesn't say how much fun we have in the band, or how much fun YOU will have if you come see us in person!

SKETCHBOOK: Waitin' and Sketchin'

Many of the drawings I've done in my sketchbooks are created while waiting for something else to happen. It helps pass the time, and I often get so caught up in the process, that I forget what I was supposed to be doing instead of sketching. Today, after church, I was waiting for a store to open, and saw this little construction site in the parking lot. As has happened before, someone came up at the end, looked over my shoulder and asked, "Are you an artist?" I try to be polite when I answer "Yes", but it always amuses me. Kind of like watching someone swimming laps in a pool, and asking, "Are you a swimmer?"

In keeping with the "waiting theme", the sketch of the guy above, and the series below, were done while waiting to get my oil changed back in May. I've posted similar "oil change" sketches, and you'll probably see more...just a great spot to people-watch.

Here's one I drew way back in 2008, but haven't posted before. This was done while waiting at an Art Fair in downtown Kansas City. "Cliff" was selling CDs of his music while playing live...some nice jazz tunes, if I recall.

RUBY SHOES...our next GIG!

I haven't been doing a lot of artwork at home these days, but have been focusing more on music in my "spare time". The dance band I'm in has an upcoming gig at a local sports bar and grill. If you happen to be in the area, we'd love to have you drop in and check us out! See the little flyer above for details.

And if you're on facebook, you can do a search of Ruby Shoes Band to hear a few audio clips!

GRANDSON part 2

Okay...one more update on my new grandson, then back to the "art stuff" on this blog. Jackson came home yesterday, and everyone is doin' great! He's still a tiny little dude...I had to run out and get some premie "onesies" yesterday, 'cause he was being swallowed by his KU shirt!!

Oh yeah...I guess I do have some "art" to show you...here's a sketch I made during the long night waiting for lil' Jackson to be born...Courtney and Andrew trying to rest in between contractions. I think Andrew figured out how to do that the best.

Even while fighting off a migrane headache, contractions, and a long night with no sleep, Courtney said something while I was drawing: "I can do this. I'm awesome."

She is, indeed! Way to go, daughter of mine!!

I'm a Grandpaw!!

Big day...loooonnnngggg day...exciting day!!! My daughter Courtney had a baby this afternoon...Jackson William Shay! We had a "false start" on Wednesday afternoon. But around 12:45 this morning, Courtney's water broke, and we were off to the races.

Proud parents, Courtney and her husband, Andrew, with lil' Jackson.

Tiny baby Jackson in the hands of his Uncle Dan.

Everyone is healthy and we're so blessed that things went well. Thank you Lord!!

UPDATE...day 2...grandson stole my crusty ol' heart already!