| In 1989, we moved
to Orlando, Florida after going there a couple times on vacation.
I thought it might have some "better" music opportunities. Which it did.
I was Hired by Ken Epperson at "Guitars and Stuff" because of my Vintage
knowledge and Customer friendly Spirit. That little vintage guitar store
hosted the first 5 or 6 "Orlando International Vintage Guitar Shows".
We dealt hundreds of vintage and used guitars and other related items.
By 1992, I joined "The Lonerider Band" and played five nights a week in
a "hoppin" country dance club called "Billy Bob's in South Daytona". That
same club hosted many successful Race Weeks and Bike Weeks where I met
and hung out with many NASCAR drivers and cool bikers.
In late '96,
Thoroughbred Music opened an Orlando location and I came on as salesman,
then quickly moved to Guitar Department Manager a month later. I was quite
burned out on playing all the time and used this opportunity to go back
into the guitar buying and selling biz. In late '98, the full time
guitar spot in "The Orchid Garden" at Church Street Station opened up.
I was able to snag the job, anticipating a fearful buyout by Sam Ash Music.
Then in August of 2001, Church Street Station closed. Since then, I have
made a great living out of free-lancing on guitar and running my own band,
"Downbeat".
A 5 piece rockin' band that can play anything from old country to classic
rock and beyond. A very talented group of musicians. All of
which had also been employed at Church Street Station at one time or another.
I also enjoy giving "Tele Pickin" guitar lessons and some beginner lessons
too.
Some other noteworthy credits to my life-of-guitars experience include film work with Grammy nominated composer Colin O'malley. And the journey continues................  |