Sandy Lake, Steve Earle and Dave the Bartender

I had way too much fun at my last Manitoba summer show at the Sandy Lake Hotel.  Who doesn't love a great crowd and impromptu performances by random musicians who just so happen to be there? It's always those unplanned moments that are the most memorable. We were all treated to some mean Steve Earle covers by Riley Kling from Birtle, Manitoba, whom I met for the first time that night. Riley had come upon my music online and the next thing you know, he's at my show along with his guitar, signed by Steve Earle at the "Meet & Greet" before Steve Earle's concert a few days before in Russell, Manitoba, quietly asking if he could play a few songs in between my sets. Riley wowed us all and I look forward to having him perform with me again in the future. As the evening flowed, a couple of people put a bug in my ear that I should get Dave the bartender up to sing "House of the Rising Sun." Yep, I can play this one, but will Dave sing it? I've never heard Dave sing before, but neither had I heard Riley Kling either! There was no hesitation when asked, as Dave gave a nod and modestly stepped up to the mic, and belted it out while I hammered away on the guitar. It was icing on the cake at the end of the night: sweeeeet!