Shovelbyrds

Diary

February 15, 2012 - Not much going on in Shovelbyrd’s Land lately. A couple of us have been sick so we haven’t gotten together. We are planning on jamming tomorrow for the first time in a while. We do have significant work ahead of us for the move “That 60’s Movie”. It looks like we need to record some new tunes and modify some others. We are looking at getting a Synchronize License for the song “Born To Be Wild” written by Mars Bonfire. We will have to re-record the song but it’s planned to be in two key scenes. I did do some recording with Anderson Bourque (www.andersonbourque.com). They are a jazz trio so that was a lot of fun. I’m currently in the process of mixing their tunes and then on to mastering. Keep in touch! See ya – Cap’n Happy!

January 23, 2012 - Looks like the Shovelbyrds are going to Hollywood (or LeRoy, Michigan)! We are working with Easy Time Entertainment to be in their film “That 60’s Movie” they will be shooting this summer in LeRoy, Michigan. They have asked us to be the bar band in a couple of scenes and also provide some original music that will be used in the film. Pretty exciting stuff, eh! See ya – Cap’n Happy!

January 17, 2012 - We played the Davison Eagles Club on Saturday and the crowd was in a dancing mood. The dance floor was full on a number of occasions, although I wouldn’t say we are a dance band the crowd seemed to enjoy our rock-n-blues style of music! The Eagles Club treated us great and we look forward to playing there again March 10th. “Earl” played his new Fender Stratocaster and “Codfather” the new kick drum pedal. They both have never sounded better. This Saturday we meet with the movie director/producers to see how our music can help them in their film they plan to shoot this summer. That could be real exciting and a great opportunity for the Shovelbyrds music to be heard by a much larger crowd. More to follow on that great opportunity. See ya – Cap’n Happy!

January 6, 2012 - Back to work last night for the first rehearsal of the New Year! We have a couple of new toys for the band from Christmas. “Codfather” has a new kick drum pedal and “Earl” has a new Fender Stratocaster – SWEET! I’m sure they will be bringing their toys over for a trial run before our gig on Saturday, January 14th at 9:00pm at the Davison Eagles Club. We are also meeting with a movie mogul on January 21st to discuss options for the Shovelbyrds to be included in his production he plans to shoot this summer – pretty exciting stuff! See ya – Cap’n Happy!

December 28, 2011 - Happy New Year from the Shovelbyrds!

December 22, 2011 - The stage was set: Friday Dec. 16th 8:30pm the Shovelbyrds would be opening up at Alexanders J's Smokehouse & Bar for "Wayno's Secret Coming Home Party". One of Flint's worst kept secret in decades! Plenty of people and plenty of good times ahead. I came prepared for the best of what Flint and the surrounding area has to offer as far as great music goes. A Flint legend (well going on 20's years, that's OLD.. LOL) with the Shovelbyrds. Then the up and coming young band "Easy Vibe" rock'n the Smokehouse after the Shovelbyrds until the wee hours of the morning of Dec. 17th. Coming home last time (fall of 2010) we had a rock'n good time. This time would be no different. In fact, I believe I witnessed the Shovelbyrds at their best! In all my years before, during and after my tenure with the Shovelbyrds, I can say they have never sounded better than that December night! They rocked the Rock-n-Blues like they had been together the entire 20 years the Shovelbyrds have been entertaining the Flint area. I was not alone in this opinion. For those of us who witnessed the one hour concert, we all agreed. It sounded great, it sounded tight and when "Mojo" slipped his finger into that guitar slide, everyone sat back and enjoyed the band and what they have to offer. My "Secret Coming Home Party" also had a few surprises not mentioned on the Shovelbyrds website, FB and Twitter. Flint's favorite Wayward Son (ME) would get up and sing an original song (One I wrote way back in 1986) "Feel Alright". I felt so at home singing that song. The band was doing what they always do and rock'n the song that Cap'n and I produced back in the 80's. I couldn't here myself in the monitor, but from what I have been told, I "Sang on Tune"! Yeah baby.. We had family there, we had friends there and we had a great time. For about an hour, I was able to talk to the members of the Shovelbyrds and this group of guys love rock'n the tunes. What a great time I had catching up with everyone! I also need to add that "my tether" that "Cap'n" referred to, was turned off just in time for me slip out of town, onto a plane and back to the Island life I love so much. I extended and Invitation to both the Shovelbyrds and Easy Vibe to come play out here on San Juan Island. Us Islanders would luv to hear these guys on a warm summer night in front of thousands of people that visit the island every summer. Come on boys!! The rest of the U.S. would really like to hear the musical perfection. A shout out to Easy Vibe for letting the Shovelbyrds perform before their set. Thanks guys, you all sounded great and I'm sure there are great things to come for you all! Take care and we need to end this on a somber note: "Cap'n" and I played with a guy named Aaron Lewis in one of the many bands we played in over the years. Aaron unfortunately passed away in Arizona of a brain tumor last month. We wanted to extend our thoughts to the Lewis family for their loss. I can say for sure that Aaron was a lot of fun to be in a band with! I will never forget the time when I sang my first song for the band and Aaron said "Your in".. I kept thinking, "I was the only one singing and they had no one else coming in to audition!" LOL For those of us who love to play music, any former band members passing is a sad moment. Wayno out! Until next time

December 20, 2011 - Nice party on Friday at Alexander J’s Smokehouse for “Wayno”! The food was good, crowd was large, great music by both the Shovelbyrds and Easy Vibe, and a great time was had by all! “Wayne” knows how to throw a party! He just needs to come home more often! It was good to see old “Wayno” and his crew, kick back and drink a couple of beers – Life is good today! This is Christmas week so Merry Christmas to everyone. Here’s hoping 2012 is a great year for everyone! Our next gig is Saturday, January 14th at 9:00pm at the Davison Eagles Club on M-15 in Davison. Hope to see everyone there. See ya – Cap’n Happy!

December 12, 2011 - This is "Wayno Week" as he will be in town later this week. Can't wait to jam with him and maybe have a cold beer, we will see! See ya - Cap'n Happy

December 7, 2011 - We got a surprise this week as “Wayno” is returning to Michigan to spend time with his family. For those not familiar, “Wayno” was our drummer for a long period of time prior to “Codfather”. He left Michigan to pursue career opportunities that have turned out very successful. He is throwing a Secret Coming Home Party to celebrate. The reason it is secret is very few people in his family know he is coming home. The celebration will be held at Alexander J’s Smokehouse on 5490 Fenton Road in Flint, Michigan on Friday, December 16th at 8:00pm. The Shovelbyrds will be performing one set beginning at 8:30pm with Easy Vibe hitting the stage at 9:30pm. Hopefully we can get “Wayno” to sit in on drums for a tune! This should be a great party as “Wayno” knows EVERYONE! See ya – Cap’n Happy!

November 23, 2011 - Happy Thanksgiving from the Shovelbyrds - GO LIONS!

November 2, 2011 - Wow, it’s been a long time since our last update – Sorry about that! We played the neighborhood party at Du-Bra-Dorf Point in September and had a great time. We had an opening act, David Oliver and he did a great job in his debut performance. Pretty bad when the opening act is better than the headliner – LOL! We continue to hear from the neighbors about the “wonderful” party. Is there one planned for next year? We will see. We just got notice from CD Baby that they have run out of inventory for our “Blame It On The Jack” CD. That is always good news! We are going to get together tomorrow (11/3) for the first time since the Du-Bra-Dorf Point gig. Rumor has it another CD is being planned, we will see. Hope everyone is doing well and keep the emails coming in – See ya – Cap’n Happy!

September 19, 2011 - We had a great time playing the Chaczik’s Pig Roast on Saturday, September 10th. The food was outstanding, the beer cold, the fire warm, the band loud, and the firecrackers inappropriate (or so the Genesee County Sherriff said!). Luckily we were packed and out of there before the “Boyz” showed up! He mentioned something about a resident compliant of loud music and firecrackers. I’m pretty sure we didn’t have anything to do with those issues! Rock-on! This Saturday we are playing the Valley Vista Drive Block Party. We are using this party to celebrate our 5th year anniversary! Yes, we have been playing together for five long years – AMAZING. Rumor has it we may have a couple of opening acts for this weekend. We may see the debut of David Oliver and possibly the Michael Dudash Band. We will see. The party is from 3:00pm to 8:00pm with the music beginning at 3:00pm. The Shovelbyrds will be going on at 4:00pm. This party is weather permitting so pray for good weather. Anyone in for a polar bear plunge in the “Codfather” pool? See ya Saturday! Cap’n Happy!

August 29, 2011 - We aren’t rehearsing this week as “Mojo” and his family are feeding the mouse in Florida! Our next gig is the Chaczik’s Pig Roast on Saturday, September 10th. This is a private party. Just can’t wait to have some pulled pork! We are also looking at playing a neighborhood party on September 24th but the details are yet to be finalized. Not much else going on, see ya - Cap’n Happy!

August 23, 2011 - At the Flint Motorcycle Club’s Big Brothers Big Sisters benefit on Saturday (8/13) we had to make a choice; 1) Play outdoors and take a risk on the forecasted rain or 2) Play indoors and be upset if it doesn’t rain! Well, we played indoors! I REALLY wanted to play outdoors, but it did end up raining so we made a good decision. The Brown Sugar Band started the day off and they are a very young group (15-17 years old) and play almost all originals. It is pretty cool to see a young band playing their original tunes. Keep up the good work guys! “Ollie” had them dialed in so they sounded great, even during the acoustic set! Nice job “Ollie”! We followed Brown Sugar and played three sets. My repaired bass did fine and “Mojo” played the gig with his new guitar. It is sweet, but I can’t tell you anything about it due to his paranoia. “Earl” played the gig while sick as he was puking on a regular basis. But, being the real rocker that he is, he rocked on even while being tuned to the wrong key! Eb dumb ass! Our next gig is a Pig Roast private party on Saturday, September 10th. See ya - Cap’n Happy!

August 8, 2011 - We played in the rain on Saturday at the Pariseau’s Mansion in Davison, and I mean RAIN! Everything is still wet, oh well the rock-n-blues must go on. We had a great time at a first class house party. The food was excellent, the beer was cold and the crowd was fantastic. I had some technical problems with my 1974 Fender Precision Bass. It seems after 34 years I should expect some issues. I need to fix it this week or play a different bass this weekend. I seem to have a couple of others lying around someplace. Do I play the 1974 Fender Jazz, the 1958 Fender Precision, the 1979 Rickenbacker 4001 or the 1983 Rickenbacker 4003? Too many choices, but probably the Jazz bass, as I’m a Fender guy! This Saturday (8/13) we are performing at the Flint Motorcycle Club’s Big Brothers Big Sisters Benefit with the Brown Sugar Band. The Brown Sugar Band will be playing 2 45-minutes sets beginning at 3:00pm. We are performing 3 45-minute sets beginning at 5:00pm. David “Ollie” Oliver our “Sound Dude” will be running the sound all day at the club. Looking forward to seeing what our gear can do in that environment. It should be a great time playing the FMC’s natural amphitheater on a beautiful summer day in Michigan. See ya Saturday – Cap’n Happy!

August 2, 2011 - We haven’t communicated in long time and I’m sorry for that, it seems the summer is slipping away rapidly. We did play the Flint Motorcycle Club’s Music Fest on July 18th. We had great weather but it was a little warm on stage. We had a great time performing and listening to all the other bands and the FMC members always treat us fantastically. This Saturday (8/6) we are playing a private house party in Davison. That is always a laid back jam until you are tired gig, so that will be a lot of fun. Next Saturday (8/13) we are playing the FMC’s Big Brothers Big Sisters Benefit with the Brown Sugar Band. We will be providing more information on that gig. On Saturday September 10th we are playing a private pig roast in Goodrich. Enjoy the summer as the days are slowly slipping away. See ya – Cap’n Happy!

July 1, 2011 - Happy 4th of July from the Shovelbyrds! Take this time to enjoy your family, friends and neighbors and some good Shovelbyrds tunes from …blame it on the Jack! See ya and stay safe - Cap'n Happy!

June 22, 2011 - First off I have to apologize to the Shovelbyrds Flock! Our gig Saturday night at the Full Circle Breast Cancer Benefit was cancelled at the last minute. The organizers ended the bands early due to the size of the crowd. So, for all of our Flock that was there, including my parents, we are truly sorry! That is the first time we have ever had a gig cancelled at the last minute. On to some good news, “Earl” had successful surgery yesterday (6/21) and is recovering well. Let’s hope his penis implant works properly! I won’t be playing in “Codfather’s” Lepre’ Cod Golf Tournament on Monday as the old shoulder still is not working right. I have played that a number of years and it is a good time, oh well! Our next gig is the Flint Motorcycle Club’s Music Fest on July 16th. Happy Father’s Day to all fathers including “Marv”, “Earl”, “Codfather”, “Mojo” and “Ollie”. Keep doing what you do, you’re the best! See ya – “Cap’n Happy”!

June 10, 2011 - The Shovelbyrds jammed last night to prepare for our Full Circle Breast Cancer Benefit gig on Saturday, June 18th. The benefit is being held at the Flint Motorcycle Club and we will be the last band standing beginning at 10:00pm. We will be playing one set, but there are some great local bands before us! “Mojo” still hasn’t bought a Harley, not sure what is holding him up. All he wants is a used bike, with no miles, in perfect condition all for around $10k! Good Luck with that “Mojo”. “Earl” is going for surgery to fix his “problem” on Tuesday, June 21st, Good Luck “Earl”. “Codfather” is hosting his annual Lepre’ Cod Golf Tournament on June 27th in support of the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. What no band, we would look great on the nine green jamming away! It is a joint effort between Whitey’s Restaurant and Madden’s Lounge. What a party for a great cause! Me, well I’m not doing too well as my shoulder is a mess and prevents me from playing golf. It has almost been as bad as my hockey season with all the injuries. Guess I’m getting old and need to slow down! But I can still rock – a chair! See ya – “Cap’n Happy”!

May 23, 2011 - We got together last Thursday to jam for the first time in a while. We didn’t play very long as “Codfather” was not felling very well. We are going to take the next couple of weeks off before we get together June 9th to rehearse for our next gig on June 18th. We are playing a Breast Cancer Benefit at the Flint Motorcycle Club in Otisville, Michigan. We don’t have the details yet for that gig, but it should be nice playing outside! The weather in Michigan has sure sucked this year. It has been a very cold and wet spring. Haven’t played much golf, haven’t got my spring lawn work done or garden in so I better get moving! “Mojo” is looking at buying a bike (Harley anyone!) to save on gas. “Mojo” the wife bought that excuse – Amazing! He’d look good on a nice Fat Boy touring Genesee County with his guitar and amp strapped to the back. See ya – Cap’n Happy!

May 3, 2011 - This Saturday the true "Earl" comes out of his shell. His “80's Tribute Gig” is this weekend and he will be in full 80's costume. I believe the mullet he has been growing the last few months is ready to be displayed and honored. "Joe Dirt" would be proud! He does have a hernia he got from doing a Michael Jackson foot slide at the Shovelbyrds last gig. So he will just have to "Sit and be fit" and play the heck out of the 80 tunes. Rumor has it “99 Luftballons” may be on the set list. "Mojo" is back to work with MHIG and loving every minute of it. He is also working on “Wayno's” new website to display his pictures he has taken the last few years. No Shovelbyrds pictures have made the cut yet. But, if I could just get one of "Earl" this weekend, with the hernia and him wincing in pain with every screaming "E" chord, it just might make it on the front page. "Cod" has joined the ever exclusive and prestigious Davison Country Club with monies earned from the Shovelbyrds debut CD "Blame it on the Jack". With that being said his $3.75 that "Cap'n Happy" distributed at the annual Shovelbyrds Christmas Party last year will not go very far. Have fun "Cod" as that is one heck of a nice golf course. He also threw one hell of a going away party for Kevin & Mona, a couple of Shovelheads, and is still recovering. With all the rain mid-Michigan has experienced he now has lake front property on "Lake Hilgendoodle"! "Cap'n Happy" still hasn't played golf since last September and is suffering through a shitty spring. He and Mrs. "Happy" are looking forward to the 2011 Hazelnut Hang at the Windjammer in Isle of Palms, South Carolina. All troubles, worries and shitty springs will melt away as good times are always had at this party. It's a rite of passage to start every summer this way! Everyone should head down to hear “Sister Hazel” belt out the songs in a great atmosphere as it’s "All For You”. As mentioned earlier, Wayno Director of Internet Services (And still doing very poorly at his job!) is trying to get a website up and running to showcase his pictures he's taken the last few years. Thanks to “Mojo”! – Wayno out!

April 27, 2011 - The Shovelbyrds didn’t get together last week as “Earl” wasn’t available. “Mrs. Happy” and I spent the weekend in Chicago and had a great time. We go to Chicago about 2/3 times a year and always have a good time. There are a lot of things to do in that town and we try to do them all! “Earl” has his “80’s Tribute” gig on Saturday, May 7th. He is playing in a band that does a couple of shows annually focused on tunes from the 80’s. I can hear “Earl” now belting it out on “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves. He can nail that tune! He also looks very good in Spandex but the Aquanet hair spray supported high hair is going to be an issue! The health of the Shovelbyrds hasn’t been very good this year. I had three months of pain and selling with my ankles and now “Earl” is experiencing some health issues. I guess that happens as you get closer to qualifying for Medicare! Getting’ old isn’t easy! The weather still sucks in Michigan. I haven’t played any golf since September of 2010, probably the longest streak of not playing since I started at age 9. Here’s hoping for some warmer weather! See ya – Cap’n Happy!

April 20, 2011 - We got together last week and jammed something we haven’t done in a while. We started working on a new tune “Green Grass and High Tides” by The Outlaws. That damn song is about 10 minutes long so you don’t want to make any mistakes during rehearsal or you have to play it again. It’s a good song choice for us as we are slowly becoming a southern rock/jam band. More guitar, more guitar! “Earl” brought over his new Taylor 414ce acoustic/electric guitar and we all got to play our best versions of James Taylor songs! Sweet Baby James! We are not getting together this week so we started working on “Dear Mr. Fantasy” by Traffic. Another opportunity for our guitar players to stretch it out a bit! We did book another gig playing the Flint Motorcycle Club’s Music Fest on July 19th. Outside in the warm summer weather with a cold beer – SWEET! It’s still cold as hell here with spring nowhere in sight. See ya – “Cap’n Happy”!

April 11, 2011 - The Shovelbyrds are getting ready for the summer season and this weekend's perfect weather has the Shovelbyrds doing what they do best! "Keeping their significant others happy!" Maybe a little Golf for The “Cap'n” and “Mrs. Happy”. “Cod” playing with his new dog Kinsey and the kids outside in the perfect Sunday weather, “Mojo” enjoying the “Mr. Mom” time with the kids at his farm house, “Earl” playing around with his new Taylor acoustic guitar and “Ollie” enjoying some TV and maybe the Masters with a life size picture of Tiger Woods. That's right, the Shovelbyrds are getting out and experiencing what Mid-Michigan has to offer this time of the year. “Earl” is playing a gig with an 80's tribute band on May 7th in full 80's costume (Boy George costume??). Good times I'm sure playing some of the best music of that decade when MTV played videos and VH1 behind the scenes was being played out in “Cap'n Happy's” basement. “Earl” also has a new Taylor acoustic guitar he purchased thanks in part to Uncle Sam and his mighty tax return. I guess having the new acoustic guitar is just one more reason for the Shovelbyrds to think one more time about going acoustic. Cod, as mentioned in the aforementioned paragraph, has a new dog named Kinsey to replace his deceased and always loved dog Meiko. Oh and he is frying up some of Mid-Michigan's best fish for the "Lent" crowd. “Mojo” is having fun working on some new tunes for the Shovelbyrds and their possible 20th anniversary CD next year in 2012. Good luck as he has always had the "Mojo" for the Shovelbyrds the last 19 years. “Cap'n” on his never ending quest to help pull us out of this darn recession we are in purchased a 1966 (the date I was born, so it must be good!) Fender Villager 12-string acoustic off of a friend of "Ollie's" and he's not sure why! LOL, well, I just told you why, he is helping to get our economy back on track one guitar at a time. Ollie purchased an 82 inch TV with Uncle Sam's mighty tax return. 82 inch!? That's tall enough to ride on most Cedar Points rides. Which I believe he and the family will be on when he starts watching Blue Ray movies on that thing. So the Shovelbyrds are making their significant others happy this "Lental" season and also doing their part in helping the U.S. economy recover. They are also "Letting their music do the talking" – Wayno!

March 28, 2011 - I haven’t spoken with “Earl” in a while but he should be the proud owner of a brand new Taylor 414ce acoustic/electric guitar. That is one nice axe! I’m sure he will struggle looking for the feedback and sustain switch. And knowing “Earl” he has already tried a half dozen different pickups looking for “The Sound”! But he does play a mean “Shanty” on it as he lays around the Shanty and puts a good buzz on! We didn’t get together last week and not sure if we are getting together this week. The Flint Motorcycle Club is looking to book us for their annual Music Festival in June. That sounds real nice about now, an outside gig in the summer! It’s 28 degrees today in marvelous Michigan and we could use some warm weather. Any feedback on our new website? “Mojo” has done a good job “freshening” up our website. Very nice “Mojo”! Have you checked out our new music videos on YouTube? Sound Dude “Ollie” has done some nice work, so go check them out! See ya – Cap’n Happy!

March 21, 2011 - Well, let’s discuss the good and bad from this weekend’s gig at the newly renovated Club Car Lounge in Durand. First of all the place really looks great. The owner Dennis Zdunic has invested a lot of money into the place. A kitchen has been added and everything redone on the inside. The food is outstanding and they advertise the best burgers in the state of Michigan. The burgers are highly recommended by the Shovelbyrds! Now the bad. The crowd was extremely limited throughout the night. There is no way Dennis made enough money to cover the cost of the band. He has only been opened for a month since completing the renovations and is not yet drawing a regular crowd. We were not able to draw our regular crowd for a number of reasons. One – it is a long drive from our home base in Davison to Durand! Two – Durand has a terrible reputation of police pulling people over coming out of the downtown bars. They even pulled my 73 year old father over for allegedly crossing the center line (Yeah, right!). Overall it was a disappointing evening. But, even though nobody was there, we played hard and it’s always fun to jam. See ya – “Cap’n Happy”!

March 18, 2011 - We are looking forward to playing tomorrow at the newly renovated Kane’s Club Car Lounge in Durand. We go on at 9:00pm and are playing four sets. The original owner Dennis Zdunic repurchased Kane’s after Bill Kane owned it for seven years. They have invested a significant amount of money renovating the facility including adding a kitchen. We haven’t played there since late in 2009 so we are looking forward to playing the “new” venue and checking out the renovations. “Earl” has purchased a new toy. He bought a Taylor 414CE acoustic/electric guitar. Not sure how that is going to work out for “Earl” since it is very tough to get any sustain or feedback out of an acoustic guitar! Maybe that is what the “electric” part is for, we will see. We booked a couple of shows this week. We will be playing the Full Circle Breast Cancer Benefit at the Flint Motorcycle Club on June 18th and Pariseau’s House Party (Private Party) on August 6th. See ya tomorrow at Kane’s – Cap’n Happy!

March 15, 2011 - We received a late call from Doug Madden of Madden’s lounge in Davison to perform at their “Fat Tuesday” celebration March 8th. Madden’s Lounge is the local Irish pub that throws a damn good party. The place was packed and the celebration included face painting (Nice look Doug) and fortune telling (What lotto numbers are going to win tomorrow?). David “Ollie” Oliver our Sound Guy recorded a number of songs from the gig and posted them to YouTube. You can check them out here - http://www.youtube.com/user/davidnroxy. We also have a gig at the newly renovated Kane’s Club Car Lounge in Durand March 19th at 9:00pm. Kane’s has new ownership and has invested a significant amount of money renovating the facility and installing a kitchen. We haven’t played Kane’s since 2009 so we can’t wait to see the improvements on Saturday. Joel Brown from the Joel Brown Band was instrumental in getting us the gig and we are trying to talk him into coming up on stage and jamming a little, but we are still working on him – Come on Joel, man up! A little piece of Shovelbyrds trivia – We are 16 CD’s away from breaking even on our 2008 debut CD …Blame It On The Jack – 16! Buy one and help us get to break even, because if you set your goals low enough, you’re always happy! See ya, Cap’n Happy!

January 18, 2011 - There just hasn't been much going on in Shovelbyrds land since the turn of the new year. We had a successful 2010 and I'm sure when the spring and summer rolls around things will pick up. We would like to tell everyone that "CodFather" is still frying the fish, "Earl" is still bringing the milk to the people, "Mojo" has been noticeably absent since his new career took off and "Cap'n Happy" is hibernating with Mrs. "Happy" awaiting the new golf season. We got together before the Holidays to pass out the big bucks we garnered in 2010. We had a lot of fun and Red Stag and it turned into quite the party! Once again, Mr. "Cap'n" is still recovering from the late night Red Stag shots (for medicinal purposed only of course). We did have one noticeable band member absent from the festivities. "Mojo" forgot about the party, so we just handed out his $3.75 to the 3 other band members. The extra .75 cents went into the "Cap'n’s" coffers. He stated some unknown and little used clause in the contract he makes everyone sign before stepping into his studio. It states something like "If you miss a Shovelbyrds BBB session or a good party, you will be deducted the price of one Red Stag shot". Hence the .75 cents he is now richer. We want everyone to know that we are indeed on FaceBook and feel free to hit the "Like" button. You too can become a "ShovelHead" and get all the perks that come along with such a title. Like... Ok, just hit "Like" please – Wayno!

January 4, 2011 - Happy New Year from the Shovelbyrds! We wish you and yours the best in 2011 and are anticipating a great year for the Shovelbyrds. What could be in our future? New music, More gigs, New merchandise, you will have to wait and see – Enjoy – Cap’n Happy!

December 3, 2010 - The Shovelbyrds got back to work on Monday rehearsing for our Flint Motorcycle Club Christmas Party Gig on Saturday, December 11th. We play at 8:00pm at the FMC Clubhouse. The FMC family always takes good care of us and we are very excited to be performing. Last week was Thanksgiving so happy belated Thanksgiving from the Shovelbyrds. The Detroit Lions failed to deliver again but after all of these years of failure you learn to expect it! It’s hard to believe we have 4 weeks left in 2010. Another year goes bye! We got our first snow of the season yesterday and Christmas is three weeks away so you still have time to order Shovelbyrds CD’s and merchandise in time for Christmas! They make great stocking stuffers! See ya – Cap’n Happy!

November 19, 2010 - What’s up with the Shovelbyrds? Well, not much! We haven’t been jamming since “Mojo” found a new job. His job requires him to be out of town Monday – Friday so that leaves little time to jam. We are still playing the Christmas party at the Flint Motorcycle Club on December 11th. Red Stagg for everyone! I feel a hangover coming on the 12th! The party is open to the public but there is a $5.00 cover charge and it is BYOB. “Wayno” has also taken a new job but I’m sure he will write about that in a future diary update. It’s hard to believe another year is almost gone. Our debut CD …blame it on the jack was released December 18, 2008, almost two damn years ago! I would like to record another CD but I don’t think the band is too excited about going through that process again. Not much else to report, next week is Thanksgiving so happy Thanksgiving everyone! We are very thankful for our flock of “Shovelheads” as you allow us to “let the music do the talking”! See ya – Cap’n Happy!

October 30, 2010 - Exciting news from Shovelbyrds land! The Shovelbyrds have received payment from CDBaby for CD, DPD and streaming sales. Very cool! Thanks CDBaby for giving non-signed bands an avenue to pedal their music. The Shovelbyrds need to buy more Digital Permanent Downloads (DPD's) for "I'm Your Captain/Closer To Home" as we are sold out! This is good, as the Shovelbyrds rock this song and love playing it live. Thank you for everyone who has invested a little money in this song, it's greatly appreciated. The Shovelbyrds have booked a gig, the Flint Motorcycle Club's Christmas Party on December 11th! This will be one rock'n good time. So come out and join us in celebrating the holidays and help us support the Flint Motor Cycle Club as well. They have been good to the Shovelbyrds and we hope all the "Shovelheads" can make it out there. As for the band members, "Cod" is up in the "UP" Deer Hunting. Seems that hunting is a passion for the Shovelbyrds! Good luck Cod. We hope you enjoy the time up in the "UP". The “UP” is one of the best places in the Mid-West, especially in the fall. "Mojo" is still working full time as "Mr. Dad" and enjoying the time with the kids. Word on the "UP" street is, is that "Mojo" has his next "Blame it on the Jack" song in his back pocket and just waiting to bring it to the Shovelbyrds table. Yet, without "Wayno" there to give him the inspiration to write the next great song, we are all awaiting the news. Maybe "Cap'n" sleeping on the porch this summer for all the late night band practices will give him the inspiration he needs... :-) "Earl, no nickname yet" is a big fan of "Jack Johnson" and wants the Shovelbyrds to go acoustic! Hmmm, "Mojo" what do you think? The intimacy of going acoustic could bring big changes in Shovelbyrds land and we would love all of you to write in to us at shovelbyrds@shovelbyrds.com and tell us all what you think. I could picture it right now. "Mojo" strumming that sweet 12 string from the new amp and the crowd roars with approval. For "Cap'n" the golf season is all but over and hockey season has already started. This year "Cap'n" will bring home a couple of "hat tricks" and let this last golf season go by the wayside. Just remember "Cap'n" to always wear your mouthpiece! We don't want the hero of the class of ‘84 to play at the next "Wayno coming home party" with no teeth! "Wayno" our "Director of Internet Services" is back on the traveling bus. He is currently in Colorado enjoying all the snow storms that have hit the area. Yet, he was just offered a two year contract to move to one of the San Juan Islands in Washington State with a sister property. Two years in the same spot? Really, a binding contract? We will see. On a very somber note, a great person and a good Shovelbyrds fan Dick Garrett died this past Saturday evening. The entire Shovelbyrds crew wants’ to pass on our sympathies to the Garret family! He will surely be missed and our deepest of sympathies are extended to the family and anyone who new Dick. RIP Dick – Wayno!

October 7, 2010 - October 2nd and the stage was set. The backup band PSALM6TEEN had just rocked (and I mean rocked!) the house that Jack built – Jack’s Place - and the Shovelbyrds were ready to take the stage. It then occurred to me, "How weird is this?" my old band, old friends, family and a bunch of strangers totaling around 125 people were ready to rock the house and welcome me back home! I thought, I don't have that many friends, LOL! “Cap'n Happy”, “Mojo”, “Codfather” and “Earl” were gracious enough to haul all their gear into downtown Flushing, Michigan, and I can say this with certainty, the Shovelbyrds sounded great! Four sets of originals and covers blended quite nicely together to keep everyone on the dance floor having a helluva good time. This party lasted until last call when "Jack" himself was getting people out the door and safely home. Thanks Jack, your place was the perfect place to hold this bash. For the first time I met "Earl” and ”Codfather", very nice guys. I'm still trying to figure out how two nice guys got hooked up with “Cap'n Happy” and “Mojo”. :-) The first thing I told them "believe 99% of what Pat has told you about me, it’s the 1% you have to worry about". And this brings me to the infamous Shovelbyrds song "Blame it on the Jack". As soon as I heard they were getting ready to play this song, I knew they would call me out. I was home and they of course got on their microphones and told the crowd about how the song was written about the coming home boy - The guy who Pat wrote the song about. I didn't disappoint. I hurriedly went to the bar and got a shot of Jack Daniels. When the song ended, I "Blamed it on the Jack"! A total of 110 people showed up to the party with "Wayno" and about 30 or so more were bowling and just hanging out watching the Shovelbyrds do what they do best - "Let their music do the talking" There was another reunion of sorts. Anyone who graduated with me back in 1984 remembers the nights of hard work practicing music at “Cap’n Happy’s” house in his basement. So “Cap'n” was busy with a few ‘84 graduates catching up with the good old days of time gone past. I got a laugh remembering all those good times. The Shovelbyrds played to perfection that night and my personal Facebook folder was littered with e-mails the next day about how well the Shovelbyrds had performed that night. Sweet! The Director of Internet Services picked the right band for the right time. Thanks guys and "Mojo”, that Soldano amp you have is pure music to listen to when I sat in on the drums for two songs. Nice tone. Thanks "Codfather" for letting me sit in and play your drums with the band. Great time after I got over the jitters on the first song. This reminds me, "Mojo" looked over at me like old times and gave me that "Dude, slow down man" look. :-) Ahhhhhh. I'm back home for sure – Wayno!

September 20, 2010 - Well, the Shovelbyrds had to turn down a couple of gigs earlier this month because everyone couldn't get their schedule together. Yet, we are happy to announce that the Shovelbyrds will be playing at “Wayno's” coming home party in Flushing on Saturday, October 2nd at 9:00p.m. at Jack's Place. “Wayno's” coming home party will have a plethora of music, including special guests PSALM6TEEN. The party starts at 6:30 and the music will start at 7:30pm (or somewhere in that vicinity). We will get on stage and jam around 9:00pm. We will have a special guest drummer on a few songs! Guess who that will be? Yep, the party man himself “Wayno!” Since the Shovelbyrds "Director of Internet Services" has done such a poor job on that, the Shovelbyrds thought we would reorganize like every other corporation these days and give “Wayno” a shot on the drums again! He will only play 3 or 4 songs, but that's just enough rope to hang himself with. :-) Please come out and join the Shovelbyrds and PSALM6TEEN October 2nd to celebrate a long lost “Flintoid” coming home and also a "Mini Cougar Bash" at the same time. If you don't know “Wayno”, that's alright. We all who know him, know that he'll try and get to know you in the eight hours he has. We will be celebrating “Wayno's” return to Michigan and also celebrate his next adventure! This last Alaskan adventure has Wayno having visions of Grandeur! The party has somewhere in the range of 125 to 150 people who will be attending. Come on out to Flushing and see what all the talk is about! Oh, the other guys in the band are ok as well! I promise. Lol – Wayno!

September 7, 2010 - Kind of a strange week this past week in Shovelbyrds land. As most of you know we rarely turn down on opportunity to perform. Our usual motto is “Anytime, anywhere!”. We were asked to play on the Flint Motorcycle Club’s float during the Otisville Days parade but were unable to pull the scheduling together. Also, we turned down an opportunity to play a private Pig Roast party because we couldn’t get on everyone’s schedule. We have never been able to lock up the Outer Limits gig as Derek and I play phone tag on weekly intervals. We are looking at playing a gig at Jack’s Place in Flushing to celebrate our long lost former Shovelbyrds member’s return – WAYNO on October 2nd. Hopefully more to follow on that gig as it will be a BLOW OUT! Hope things are going well in your land! See ya – Cap’n Happy!

September 1, 2010 - Mr. I HATE FEEDBACK ran sound for Blind Fortune at the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Benefit at the Flint Motorcycle Club on Saturday, August 21st. And guess what – FEEDBACK, have I told you how much I HATE FEEDBACK? Guess I can’t bitch anymore! Where the hell is Oliver when you need him! Probably should stick with the bass, hard to screw up a G note! I would like to dial in the PA before our next gig, but since we don’t have anything scheduled, no worries! We also ran into Red Stag again, I actually dropped the damn bottle! Glass and booze everywhere, what a waste of an outstanding alcohol product. Alcohol abuse anyone! We did have a great time as the boyz & girlz of the Flint Motorcycle Club always give us their best. Thanks FMC! We are looking at a couple of gigs in the near future but nothing has been finalized. We haven’t played since the FMC gig and really don’t even have a rehearsal scheduled. Oh well, see ya – Cap’n Happy!

August 16, 2010 - It was great to play live again! If you don’t play live for a while you forget how much fun it is! The band was hitting on all cylinders even though the crowd was small and we had PA problems again. I HATE FEEDBACK! That happens when you are the first band playing with an unfamiliar sound guy and PA system. Have I told you how much I HATE FEEDBACK! Not sure they raised as much money for Prostate Cancer as they would have liked but we had a great time! This weekend we are playing a Big Brothers/Big Sisters benefit at the Flint Motorcycle Club (More on that to follow). We also got a call from Derek about playing at Outer Limits, so we will see were that leads. Jamming on Thursday this week and playing live on Saturday! Cool, see ya – Cap’n Happy!

August 11, 2010 - We did rehearse last week and it was nice to play a few tunes. We are rehearsing this Thursday for the gig on Saturday, August 14th. We are playing the Davison Eagle Rider’s 1st Annual Prostate Cancer Benefit (http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/flint/index.ssf/2010/08/ davison_eagle_riders_riding_fo.html) at the Davison Eagles Club (http://www.davisoneagles.com/) at 5:00pm. The Davison Eagles Club is located north of Davison, Michigan on State Rd. (M-15). We are playing a 1 hour 15 minute set with OEM and Yooz Guyz also performing. The cost is $10.00/person. Hopefully the weather will be warm, beer cold, and we help raise a lot of money! See ya there – Cap’n Happy!

February 15, 2012 - Not much going on in Shovelbyrd’s Land lately. A couple of us have been sick so we haven’t gotten together. We are planning on jamming tomorrow for the first time in a while. We do have significant work ahead of us for the move “That 60’s Movie”. It looks like we need to record some new tunes and modify some others. We are looking at getting a Synchronize License for the song “Born To Be Wild” written by Mars Bonfire. We will have to re-record the song but it’s planned to be in two key scenes. I did do some recording with Anderson Bourque (www.andersonbourque.com). They are a jazz trio so that was a lot of fun. I’m currently in the process of mixing their tunes and then on to mastering. Keep in touch! See ya – Cap’n Happy!

January 23, 2012 - Looks like the Shovelbyrds are going to Hollywood (or LeRoy, Michigan)! We are working with Easy Time Entertainment to be in their film “That 60’s Movie” they will be shooting this summer in LeRoy, Michigan. They have asked us to be the bar band in a couple of scenes and also provide some original music that will be used in the film. Pretty exciting stuff, eh! See ya – Cap’n Happy!

January 17, 2012 - We played the Davison Eagles Club on Saturday and the crowd was in a dancing mood. The dance floor was full on a number of occasions, although I wouldn’t say we are a dance band the crowd seemed to enjoy our rock-n-blues style of music! The Eagles Club treated us great and we look forward to playing there again March 10th. “Earl” played his new Fender Stratocaster and “Codfather” the new kick drum pedal. They both have never sounded better. This Saturday we meet with the movie director/producers to see how our music can help them in their film they plan to shoot this summer. That could be real exciting and a great opportunity for the Shovelbyrds music to be heard by a much larger crowd. More to follow on that great opportunity. See ya – Cap’n Happy!

January 6, 2012 - Back to work last night for the first rehearsal of the New Year! We have a couple of new toys for the band from Christmas. “Codfather” has a new kick drum pedal and “Earl” has a new Fender Stratocaster – SWEET! I’m sure they will be bringing their toys over for a trial run before our gig on Saturday, January 14th at 9:00pm at the Davison Eagles Club. We are also meeting with a movie mogul on January 21st to discuss options for the Shovelbyrds to be included in his production he plans to shoot this summer – pretty exciting stuff! See ya – Cap’n Happy!

December 28, 2011 - Happy New Year from the Shovelbyrds!

December 22, 2011 - The stage was set: Friday Dec. 16th 8:30pm the Shovelbyrds would be opening up at Alexanders J's Smokehouse & Bar for "Wayno's Secret Coming Home Party". One of Flint's worst kept secret in decades! Plenty of people and plenty of good times ahead. I came prepared for the best of what Flint and the surrounding area has to offer as far as great music goes. A Flint legend (well going on 20's years, that's OLD.. LOL) with the Shovelbyrds. Then the up and coming young band "Easy Vibe" rock'n the Smokehouse after the Shovelbyrds until the wee hours of the morning of Dec. 17th. Coming home last time (fall of 2010) we had a rock'n good time. This time would be no different. In fact, I believe I witnessed the Shovelbyrds at their best! In all my years before, during and after my tenure with the Shovelbyrds, I can say they have never sounded better than that December night! They rocked the Rock-n-Blues like they had been together the entire 20 years the Shovelbyrds have been entertaining the Flint area.

I was not alone in this opinion. For those of us who witnessed the one hour concert, we all agreed. It sounded great, it sounded tight and when "Mojo" slipped his finger into that guitar slide, everyone sat back and enjoyed the band and what they have to offer. My "Secret Coming Home Party" also had a few surprises not mentioned on the Shovelbyrds website, FB and Twitter. Flint's favorite Wayward Son (ME) would get up and sing an original song (One I wrote way back in 1986) "Feel Alright". I felt so at home singing that song. The band was doing what they always do and rock'n the song that Cap'n and I produced back in the 80's. I couldn't here myself in the monitor, but from what I have been told, I "Sang on Tune"! Yeah baby..

We had family there, we had friends there and we had a great time. For about an hour, I was able to talk to the members of the Shovelbyrds and this group of guys love rock'n the tunes. What a great time I had catching up with everyone!

I also need to add that "my tether" that "Cap'n" referred to, was turned off just in time for me slip out of town, onto a plane and back to the Island life I love so much. I extended and Invitation to both the Shovelbyrds and Easy Vibe to come play out here on San Juan Island. Us Islanders would luv to hear these guys on a warm summer night in front of thousands of people that visit the island every summer. Come on boys!! The rest of the U.S. would really like to hear the musical perfection. A shout out to Easy Vibe for letting the Shovelbyrds perform before their set. Thanks guys, you all sounded great and I'm sure there are great things to come for you all!

Take care and we need to end this on a somber note: "Cap'n" and I played with a guy named Aaron Lewis in one of the many bands we played in over the years. Aaron unfortunately passed away in Arizona of a brain tumor last month. We wanted to extend our thoughts to the Lewis family for their loss. I can say for sure that Aaron was a lot of fun to be in a band with! I will never forget the time when I sang my first song for the band and Aaron said "Your in".. I kept thinking, "I was the only one singing and they had no one else coming in to audition!" LOL For those of us who love to play music, any former band members passing is a sad moment.

Wayno out! Until next time

December 20, 2011 - Nice party on Friday at Alexander J’s Smokehouse for “Wayno”! The food was good, crowd was large, great music by both the Shovelbyrds and Easy Vibe, and a great time was had by all! “Wayne” knows how to throw a party! He just needs to come home more often! It was good to see old “Wayno” and his crew, kick back and drink a couple of beers – Life is good today! This is Christmas week so Merry Christmas to everyone. Here’s hoping 2012 is a great year for everyone! Our next gig is Saturday, January 14th at 9:00pm at the Davison Eagles Club on M-15 in Davison. Hope to see everyone there. See ya – Cap’n Happy!

December 12, 2011 - This is "Wayno Week" as he will be in town later this week. Can't wait to jam with him and maybe have a cold beer, we will see! See ya - Cap'n Happy

December 7, 2011 - We got a surprise this week as “Wayno” is returning to Michigan to spend time with his family. For those not familiar, “Wayno” was our drummer for a long period of time prior to “Codfather”. He left Michigan to pursue career opportunities that have turned out very successful. He is throwing a Secret Coming Home Party to celebrate. The reason it is secret is very few people in his family know he is coming home. The celebration will be held at Alexander J’s Smokehouse on 5490 Fenton Road in Flint, Michigan on Friday, December 16th at 8:00pm. The Shovelbyrds will be performing one set beginning at 8:30pm with Easy Vibe hitting the stage at 9:30pm. Hopefully we can get “Wayno” to sit in on drums for a tune! This should be a great party as “Wayno” knows EVERYONE! See ya – Cap’n Happy!

November 23, 2011 - Happy Thanksgiving from the Shovelbyrds - GO LIONS!

November 2, 2011 - Wow, it’s been a long time since our last update – Sorry about that! We played the neighborhood party at Du-Bra-Dorf Point in September and had a great time. We had an opening act, David Oliver and he did a great job in his debut performance. Pretty bad when the opening act is better than the headliner – LOL! We continue to hear from the neighbors about the “wonderful” party. Is there one planned for next year? We will see. We just got notice from CD Baby that they have run out of inventory for our “Blame It On The Jack” CD. That is always good news! We are going to get together tomorrow (11/3) for the first time since the Du-Bra-Dorf Point gig. Rumor has it another CD is being planned, we will see. Hope everyone is doing well and keep the emails coming in – See ya – Cap’n Happy!

September 19, 2011 - We had a great time playing the Chaczik’s Pig Roast on Saturday, September 10th. The food was outstanding, the beer cold, the fire warm, the band loud, and the firecrackers inappropriate (or so the Genesee County Sherriff said!). Luckily we were packed and out of there before the “Boyz” showed up! He mentioned something about a resident compliant of loud music and firecrackers. I’m pretty sure we didn’t have anything to do with those issues! Rock-on! This Saturday we are playing the Valley Vista Drive Block Party. We are using this party to celebrate our 5th year anniversary! Yes, we have been playing together for five long years – AMAZING. Rumor has it we may have a couple of opening acts for this weekend. We may see the debut of David Oliver and possibly the Michael Dudash Band. We will see. The party is from 3:00pm to 8:00pm with the music beginning at 3:00pm. The Shovelbyrds will be going on at 4:00pm. This party is weather permitting so pray for good weather. Anyone in for a polar bear plunge in the “Codfather” pool? See ya Saturday! Cap’n Happy!

August 29, 2011 - We aren’t rehearsing this week as “Mojo” and his family are feeding the mouse in Florida! Our next gig is the Chaczik’s Pig Roast on Saturday, September 10th. This is a private party. Just can’t wait to have some pulled pork! We are also looking at playing a neighborhood party on September 24th but the details are yet to be finalized. Not much else going on, see ya - Cap’n Happy!

August 23, 2011 - At the Flint Motorcycle Club’s Big Brothers Big Sisters benefit on Saturday (8/13) we had to make a choice; 1) Play outdoors and take a risk on the forecasted rain or 2) Play indoors and be upset if it doesn’t rain! Well, we played indoors! I REALLY wanted to play outdoors, but it did end up raining so we made a good decision. The Brown Sugar Band started the day off and they are a very young group (15-17 years old) and play almost all originals. It is pretty cool to see a young band playing their original tunes. Keep up the good work guys! “Ollie” had them dialed in so they sounded great, even during the acoustic set! Nice job “Ollie”! We followed Brown Sugar and played three sets. My repaired bass did fine and “Mojo” played the gig with his new guitar. It is sweet, but I can’t tell you anything about it due to his paranoia. “Earl” played the gig while sick as he was puking on a regular basis. But, being the real rocker that he is, he rocked on even while being tuned to the wrong key! Eb dumb ass! Our next gig is a Pig Roast private party on Saturday, September 10th. See ya - Cap’n Happy!

August 8, 2011 - We played in the rain on Saturday at the Pariseau’s Mansion in Davison, and I mean RAIN! Everything is still wet, oh well the rock-n-blues must go on. We had a great time at a first class house party. The food was excellent, the beer was cold and the crowd was fantastic. I had some technical problems with my 1974 Fender Precision Bass. It seems after 34 years I should expect some issues. I need to fix it this week or play a different bass this weekend. I seem to have a couple of others lying around someplace. Do I play the 1974 Fender Jazz, the 1958 Fender Precision, the 1979 Rickenbacker 4001 or the 1983 Rickenbacker 4003? Too many choices, but probably the Jazz bass, as I’m a Fender guy! This Saturday (8/13) we are performing at the Flint Motorcycle Club’s Big Brothers Big Sisters Benefit with the Brown Sugar Band. The Brown Sugar Band will be playing 2 45-minutes sets beginning at 3:00pm. We are performing 3 45-minute sets beginning at 5:00pm. David “Ollie” Oliver our “Sound Dude” will be running the sound all day at the club. Looking forward to seeing what our gear can do in that environment. It should be a great time playing the FMC’s natural amphitheater on a beautiful summer day in Michigan. See ya Saturday – Cap’n Happy!

August 2, 2011 - We haven’t communicated in long time and I’m sorry for that, it seems the summer is slipping away rapidly. We did play the Flint Motorcycle Club’s Music Fest on July 18th. We had great weather but it was a little warm on stage. We had a great time performing and listening to all the other bands and the FMC members always treat us fantastically. This Saturday (8/6) we are playing a private house party in Davison. That is always a laid back jam until you are tired gig, so that will be a lot of fun. Next Saturday (8/13) we are playing the FMC’s Big Brothers Big Sisters Benefit with the Brown Sugar Band. We will be providing more information on that gig. On Saturday September 10th we are playing a private pig roast in Goodrich. Enjoy the summer as the days are slowly slipping away. See ya – Cap’n Happy!

July 1, 2011 - Happy 4th of July from the Shovelbyrds! Take this time to enjoy your family, friends and neighbors and some good Shovelbyrds tunes from …blame it on the Jack! See ya and stay safe - Cap'n Happy!

June 22, 2011 - First off I have to apologize to the Shovelbyrds Flock! Our gig Saturday night at the Full Circle Breast Cancer Benefit was cancelled at the last minute. The organizers ended the bands early due to the size of the crowd. So, for all of our Flock that was there, including my parents, we are truly sorry! That is the first time we have ever had a gig cancelled at the last minute. On to some good news, “Earl” had successful surgery yesterday (6/21) and is recovering well. Let’s hope his penis implant works properly! I won’t be playing in “Codfather’s” Lepre’ Cod Golf Tournament on Monday as the old shoulder still is not working right. I have played that a number of years and it is a good time, oh well! Our next gig is the Flint Motorcycle Club’s Music Fest on July 16th. Happy Father’s Day to all fathers including “Marv”, “Earl”, “Codfather”, “Mojo” and “Ollie”. Keep doing what you do, you’re the best! See ya – “Cap’n Happy”!

June 10, 2011 - The Shovelbyrds jammed last night to prepare for our Full Circle Breast Cancer Benefit gig on Saturday, June 18th. The benefit is being held at the Flint Motorcycle Club and we will be the last band standing beginning at 10:00pm. We will be playing one set, but there are some great local bands before us! “Mojo” still hasn’t bought a Harley, not sure what is holding him up. All he wants is a used bike, with no miles, in perfect condition all for around $10k! Good Luck with that “Mojo”. “Earl” is going for surgery to fix his “problem” on Tuesday, June 21st, Good Luck “Earl”. “Codfather” is hosting his annual Lepre’ Cod Golf Tournament on June 27th in support of the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. What no band, we would look great on the nine green jamming away! It is a joint effort between Whitey’s Restaurant and Madden’s Lounge. What a party for a great cause! Me, well I’m not doing too well as my shoulder is a mess and prevents me from playing golf. It has almost been as bad as my hockey season with all the injuries. Guess I’m getting old and need to slow down! But I can still rock – a chair! See ya – “Cap’n Happy”!

May 23, 2011 - We got together last Thursday to jam for the first time in a while. We didn’t play very long as “Codfather” was not felling very well. We are going to take the next couple of weeks off before we get together June 9th to rehearse for our next gig on June 18th. We are playing a Breast Cancer Benefit at the Flint Motorcycle Club in Otisville, Michigan. We don’t have the details yet for that gig, but it should be nice playing outside! The weather in Michigan has sure sucked this year. It has been a very cold and wet spring. Haven’t played much golf, haven’t got my spring lawn work done or garden in so I better get moving! “Mojo” is looking at buying a bike (Harley anyone!) to save on gas. “Mojo” the wife bought that excuse – Amazing! He’d look good on a nice Fat Boy touring Genesee County with his guitar and amp strapped to the back. See ya – Cap’n Happy!

May 3, 2011 - This Saturday the true "Earl" comes out of his shell. His “80's Tribute Gig” is this weekend and he will be in full 80's costume. I believe the mullet he has been growing the last few months is ready to be displayed and honored. "Joe Dirt" would be proud! He does have a hernia he got from doing a Michael Jackson foot slide at the Shovelbyrds last gig. So he will just have to "Sit and be fit" and play the heck out of the 80 tunes. Rumor has it “99 Luftballons” may be on the set list.

"Mojo" is back to work with MHIG and loving every minute of it. He is also working on “Wayno's” new website to display his pictures he has taken the last few years. No Shovelbyrds pictures have made the cut yet. But, if I could just get one of "Earl" this weekend, with the hernia and him wincing in pain with every screaming "E" chord, it just might make it on the front page.

"Cod" has joined the ever exclusive and prestigious Davison Country Club with monies earned from the Shovelbyrds debut CD "Blame it on the Jack". With that being said his $3.75 that "Cap'n Happy" distributed at the annual Shovelbyrds Christmas Party last year will not go very far. Have fun "Cod" as that is one heck of a nice golf course. He also threw one hell of a going away party for Kevin & Mona, a couple of Shovelheads, and is still recovering. With all the rain mid-Michigan has experienced he now has lake front property on "Lake Hilgendoodle"!

"Cap'n Happy" still hasn't played golf since last September and is suffering through a shitty spring. He and Mrs. "Happy" are looking forward to the 2011 Hazelnut Hang at the Windjammer in Isle of Palms, South Carolina. All troubles, worries and shitty springs will melt away as good times are always had at this party. It's a rite of passage to start every summer this way! Everyone should head down to hear “Sister Hazel” belt out the songs in a great atmosphere as it’s "All For You”.

As mentioned earlier, Wayno Director of Internet Services (And still doing very poorly at his job!) is trying to get a website up and running to showcase his pictures he's taken the last few years. Thanks to “Mojo”! – Wayno out!

April 27, 2011 - The Shovelbyrds didn’t get together last week as “Earl” wasn’t available. “Mrs. Happy” and I spent the weekend in Chicago and had a great time. We go to Chicago about 2/3 times a year and always have a good time. There are a lot of things to do in that town and we try to do them all! “Earl” has his “80’s Tribute” gig on Saturday, May 7th. He is playing in a band that does a couple of shows annually focused on tunes from the 80’s. I can hear “Earl” now belting it out on “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves. He can nail that tune! He also looks very good in Spandex but the Aquanet hair spray supported high hair is going to be an issue! The health of the Shovelbyrds hasn’t been very good this year. I had three months of pain and selling with my ankles and now “Earl” is experiencing some health issues. I guess that happens as you get closer to qualifying for Medicare! Getting’ old isn’t easy! The weather still sucks in Michigan. I haven’t played any golf since September of 2010, probably the longest streak of not playing since I started at age 9. Here’s hoping for some warmer weather! See ya – Cap’n Happy!

April 20, 2011 - We got together last week and jammed something we haven’t done in a while. We started working on a new tune “Green Grass and High Tides” by The Outlaws. That damn song is about 10 minutes long so you don’t want to make any mistakes during rehearsal or you have to play it again. It’s a good song choice for us as we are slowly becoming a southern rock/jam band. More guitar, more guitar! “Earl” brought over his new Taylor 414ce acoustic/electric guitar and we all got to play our best versions of James Taylor songs! Sweet Baby James! We are not getting together this week so we started working on “Dear Mr. Fantasy” by Traffic. Another opportunity for our guitar players to stretch it out a bit! We did book another gig playing the Flint Motorcycle Club’s Music Fest on July 19th. Outside in the warm summer weather with a cold beer – SWEET! It’s still cold as hell here with spring nowhere in sight. See ya – “Cap’n Happy”!

April 11, 2011 - The Shovelbyrds are getting ready for the summer season and this weekend's perfect weather has the Shovelbyrds doing what they do best! "Keeping their significant others happy!" Maybe a little Golf for The “Cap'n” and “Mrs. Happy”. “Cod” playing with his new dog Kinsey and the kids outside in the perfect Sunday weather, “Mojo” enjoying the “Mr. Mom” time with the kids at his farm house, “Earl” playing around with his new Taylor acoustic guitar and “Ollie” enjoying some TV and maybe the Masters with a life size picture of Tiger Woods. That's right, the Shovelbyrds are getting out and experiencing what Mid-Michigan has to offer this time of the year.

“Earl” is playing a gig with an 80's tribute band on May 7th in full 80's costume (Boy George costume??). Good times I'm sure playing some of the best music of that decade when MTV played videos and VH1 behind the scenes was being played out in “Cap'n Happy's” basement. “Earl” also has a new Taylor acoustic guitar he purchased thanks in part to Uncle Sam and his mighty tax return. I guess having the new acoustic guitar is just one more reason for the Shovelbyrds to think one more time about going acoustic.

Cod, as mentioned in the aforementioned paragraph, has a new dog named Kinsey to replace his deceased and always loved dog Meiko. Oh and he is frying up some of Mid-Michigan's best fish for the "Lent" crowd.

“Mojo” is having fun working on some new tunes for the Shovelbyrds and their possible 20th anniversary CD next year in 2012. Good luck as he has always had the "Mojo" for the Shovelbyrds the last 19 years.

“Cap'n” on his never ending quest to help pull us out of this darn recession we are in purchased a 1966 (the date I was born, so it must be good!) Fender Villager 12-string acoustic off of a friend of "Ollie's" and he's not sure why! LOL, well, I just told you why, he is helping to get our economy back on track one guitar at a time.

Ollie purchased an 82 inch TV with Uncle Sam's mighty tax return. 82 inch!? That's tall enough to ride on most Cedar Points rides. Which I believe he and the family will be on when he starts watching Blue Ray movies on that thing.

So the Shovelbyrds are making their significant others happy this "Lental" season and also doing their part in helping the U.S. economy recover. They are also "Letting their music do the talking" – Wayno!

March 28, 2011 - I haven’t spoken with “Earl” in a while but he should be the proud owner of a brand new Taylor 414ce acoustic/electric guitar. That is one nice axe! I’m sure he will struggle looking for the feedback and sustain switch. And knowing “Earl” he has already tried a half dozen different pickups looking for “The Sound”! But he does play a mean “Shanty” on it as he lays around the Shanty and puts a good buzz on! We didn’t get together last week and not sure if we are getting together this week. The Flint Motorcycle Club is looking to book us for their annual Music Festival in June. That sounds real nice about now, an outside gig in the summer! It’s 28 degrees today in marvelous Michigan and we could use some warm weather. Any feedback on our new website? “Mojo” has done a good job “freshening” up our website. Very nice “Mojo”! Have you checked out our new music videos on YouTube? Sound Dude “Ollie” has done some nice work, so go check them out! See ya – Cap’n Happy!

March 21, 2011 - Well, let’s discuss the good and bad from this weekend’s gig at the newly renovated Club Car Lounge in Durand. First of all the place really looks great. The owner Dennis Zdunic has invested a lot of money into the place. A kitchen has been added and everything redone on the inside. The food is outstanding and they advertise the best burgers in the state of Michigan. The burgers are highly recommended by the Shovelbyrds! Now the bad. The crowd was extremely limited throughout the night. There is no way Dennis made enough money to cover the cost of the band. He has only been opened for a month since completing the renovations and is not yet drawing a regular crowd. We were not able to draw our regular crowd for a number of reasons. One – it is a long drive from our home base in Davison to Durand! Two – Durand has a terrible reputation of police pulling people over coming out of the downtown bars. They even pulled my 73 year old father over for allegedly crossing the center line (Yeah, right!). Overall it was a disappointing evening. But, even though nobody was there, we played hard and it’s always fun to jam. See ya – “Cap’n Happy”!

March 18, 2011 - We are looking forward to playing tomorrow at the newly renovated Kane’s Club Car Lounge in Durand. We go on at 9:00pm and are playing four sets. The original owner Dennis Zdunic repurchased Kane’s after Bill Kane owned it for seven years. They have invested a significant amount of money renovating the facility including adding a kitchen. We haven’t played there since late in 2009 so we are looking forward to playing the “new” venue and checking out the renovations. “Earl” has purchased a new toy. He bought a Taylor 414CE acoustic/electric guitar. Not sure how that is going to work out for “Earl” since it is very tough to get any sustain or feedback out of an acoustic guitar! Maybe that is what the “electric” part is for, we will see. We booked a couple of shows this week. We will be playing the Full Circle Breast Cancer Benefit at the Flint Motorcycle Club on June 18th and Pariseau’s House Party (Private Party) on August 6th. See ya tomorrow at Kane’s – Cap’n Happy!

March 15, 2011 - We received a late call from Doug Madden of Madden’s lounge in Davison to perform at their “Fat Tuesday” celebration March 8th. Madden’s Lounge is the local Irish pub that throws a damn good party. The place was packed and the celebration included face painting (Nice look Doug) and fortune telling (What lotto numbers are going to win tomorrow?). David “Ollie” Oliver our Sound Guy recorded a number of songs from the gig and posted them to YouTube. You can check them out here - http://www.youtube.com/user/davidnroxy. We also have a gig at the newly renovated Kane’s Club Car Lounge in Durand March 19th at 9:00pm. Kane’s has new ownership and has invested a significant amount of money renovating the facility and installing a kitchen. We haven’t played Kane’s since 2009 so we can’t wait to see the improvements on Saturday. Joel Brown from the Joel Brown Band was instrumental in getting us the gig and we are trying to talk him into coming up on stage and jamming a little, but we are still working on him – Come on Joel, man up! A little piece of Shovelbyrds trivia – We are 16 CD’s away from breaking even on our 2008 debut CD …Blame It On The Jack – 16! Buy one and help us get to break even, because if you set your goals low enough, you’re always happy! See ya, Cap’n Happy!

January 18, 2011 - There just hasn't been much going on in Shovelbyrds land since the turn of the new year. We had a successful 2010 and I'm sure when the spring and summer rolls around things will pick up. We would like to tell everyone that "CodFather" is still frying the fish, "Earl" is still bringing the milk to the people, "Mojo" has been noticeably absent since his new career took off and "Cap'n Happy" is hibernating with Mrs. "Happy" awaiting the new golf season. We got together before the Holidays to pass out the big bucks we garnered in 2010. We had a lot of fun and Red Stag and it turned into quite the party! Once again, Mr. "Cap'n" is still recovering from the late night Red Stag shots (for medicinal purposed only of course). We did have one noticeable band member absent from the festivities. "Mojo" forgot about the party, so we just handed out his $3.75 to the 3 other band members. The extra .75 cents went into the "Cap'n’s" coffers. He stated some unknown and little used clause in the contract he makes everyone sign before stepping into his studio. It states something like "If you miss a Shovelbyrds BBB session or a good party, you will be deducted the price of one Red Stag shot". Hence the .75 cents he is now richer. We want everyone to know that we are indeed on FaceBook and feel free to hit the "Like" button. You too can become a "ShovelHead" and get all the perks that come along with such a title. Like... Ok, just hit "Like" please – Wayno!

January 4, 2011 - Happy New Year from the Shovelbyrds! We wish you and yours the best in 2011 and are anticipating a great year for the Shovelbyrds. What could be in our future? New music, More gigs, New merchandise, you will have to wait and see – Enjoy – Cap’n Happy!

December 3, 2010 - The Shovelbyrds got back to work on Monday rehearsing for our Flint Motorcycle Club Christmas Party Gig on Saturday, December 11th. We play at 8:00pm at the FMC Clubhouse. The FMC family always takes good care of us and we are very excited to be performing. Last week was Thanksgiving so happy belated Thanksgiving from the Shovelbyrds. The Detroit Lions failed to deliver again but after all of these years of failure you learn to expect it! It’s hard to believe we have 4 weeks left in 2010. Another year goes bye! We got our first snow of the season yesterday and Christmas is three weeks away so you still have time to order Shovelbyrds CD’s and merchandise in time for Christmas! They make great stocking stuffers! See ya – Cap’n Happy!

November 19, 2010 - What’s up with the Shovelbyrds? Well, not much! We haven’t been jamming since “Mojo” found a new job. His job requires him to be out of town Monday – Friday so that leaves little time to jam. We are still playing the Christmas party at the Flint Motorcycle Club on December 11th. Red Stagg for everyone! I feel a hangover coming on the 12th! The party is open to the public but there is a $5.00 cover charge and it is BYOB. “Wayno” has also taken a new job but I’m sure he will write about that in a future diary update. It’s hard to believe another year is almost gone. Our debut CD …blame it on the jack was released December 18, 2008, almost two damn years ago! I would like to record another CD but I don’t think the band is too excited about going through that process again. Not much else to report, next week is Thanksgiving so happy Thanksgiving everyone! We are very thankful for our flock of “Shovelheads” as you allow us to “let the music do the talking”! See ya – Cap’n Happy!

October 30, 2010 - Exciting news from Shovelbyrds land! The Shovelbyrds have received payment from CDBaby for CD, DPD and streaming sales. Very cool! Thanks CDBaby for giving non-signed bands an avenue to pedal their music. The Shovelbyrds need to buy more Digital Permanent Downloads (DPD's) for "I'm Your Captain/Closer To Home" as we are sold out! This is good, as the Shovelbyrds rock this song and love playing it live. Thank you for everyone who has invested a little money in this song, it's greatly appreciated. The Shovelbyrds have booked a gig, the Flint Motorcycle Club's Christmas Party on December 11th! This will be one rock'n good time. So come out and join us in celebrating the holidays and help us support the Flint Motor Cycle Club as well. They have been good to the Shovelbyrds and we hope all the "Shovelheads" can make it out there.

As for the band members, "Cod" is up in the "UP" Deer Hunting. Seems that hunting is a passion for the Shovelbyrds! Good luck Cod. We hope you enjoy the time up in the "UP". The “UP” is one of the best places in the Mid-West, especially in the fall. "Mojo" is still working full time as "Mr. Dad" and enjoying the time with the kids. Word on the "UP" street is, is that "Mojo" has his next "Blame it on the Jack" song in his back pocket and just waiting to bring it to the Shovelbyrds table. Yet, without "Wayno" there to give him the inspiration to write the next great song, we are all awaiting the news. Maybe "Cap'n" sleeping on the porch this summer for all the late night band practices will give him the inspiration he needs... :-)

"Earl, no nickname yet" is a big fan of "Jack Johnson" and wants the Shovelbyrds to go acoustic! Hmmm, "Mojo" what do you think? The intimacy of going acoustic could bring big changes in Shovelbyrds land and we would love all of you to write in to us at shovelbyrds@shovelbyrds.com and tell us all what you think. I could picture it right now. "Mojo" strumming that sweet 12 string from the new amp and the crowd roars with approval. For "Cap'n" the golf season is all but over and hockey season has already started. This year "Cap'n" will bring home a couple of "hat tricks" and let this last golf season go by the wayside. Just remember "Cap'n" to always wear your mouthpiece! We don't want the hero of the class of ‘84 to play at the next "Wayno coming home party" with no teeth!

"Wayno" our "Director of Internet Services" is back on the traveling bus. He is currently in Colorado enjoying all the snow storms that have hit the area. Yet, he was just offered a two year contract to move to one of the San Juan Islands in Washington State with a sister property. Two years in the same spot? Really, a binding contract? We will see.

On a very somber note, a great person and a good Shovelbyrds fan Dick Garrett died this past Saturday evening. The entire Shovelbyrds crew wants’ to pass on our sympathies to the Garret family! He will surely be missed and our deepest of sympathies are extended to the family and anyone who new Dick. RIP Dick – Wayno!

October 7, 2010 - October 2nd and the stage was set. The backup band PSALM6TEEN had just rocked (and I mean rocked!) the house that Jack built – Jack’s Place - and the Shovelbyrds were ready to take the stage. It then occurred to me, "How weird is this?" my old band, old friends, family and a bunch of strangers totaling around 125 people were ready to rock the house and welcome me back home! I thought, I don't have that many friends, LOL!

“Cap'n Happy”, “Mojo”, “Codfather” and “Earl” were gracious enough to haul all their gear into downtown Flushing, Michigan, and I can say this with certainty, the Shovelbyrds sounded great! Four sets of originals and covers blended quite nicely together to keep everyone on the dance floor having a helluva good time. This party lasted until last call when "Jack" himself was getting people out the door and safely home. Thanks Jack, your place was the perfect place to hold this bash.

For the first time I met "Earl” and ”Codfather", very nice guys. I'm still trying to figure out how two nice guys got hooked up with “Cap'n Happy” and “Mojo”. :-) The first thing I told them "believe 99% of what Pat has told you about me, it’s the 1% you have to worry about". And this brings me to the infamous Shovelbyrds song "Blame it on the Jack". As soon as I heard they were getting ready to play this song, I knew they would call me out. I was home and they of course got on their microphones and told the crowd about how the song was written about the coming home boy - The guy who Pat wrote the song about. I didn't disappoint. I hurriedly went to the bar and got a shot of Jack Daniels. When the song ended, I "Blamed it on the Jack"!

A total of 110 people showed up to the party with "Wayno" and about 30 or so more were bowling and just hanging out watching the Shovelbyrds do what they do best - "Let their music do the talking"

There was another reunion of sorts. Anyone who graduated with me back in 1984 remembers the nights of hard work practicing music at “Cap’n Happy’s” house in his basement. So “Cap'n” was busy with a few ‘84 graduates catching up with the good old days of time gone past. I got a laugh remembering all those good times.

The Shovelbyrds played to perfection that night and my personal Facebook folder was littered with e-mails the next day about how well the Shovelbyrds had performed that night. Sweet! The Director of Internet Services picked the right band for the right time. Thanks guys and "Mojo”, that Soldano amp you have is pure music to listen to when I sat in on the drums for two songs. Nice tone. Thanks "Codfather" for letting me sit in and play your drums with the band. Great time after I got over the jitters on the first song. This reminds me, "Mojo" looked over at me like old times and gave me that "Dude, slow down man" look. :-) Ahhhhhh. I'm back home for sure – Wayno!

September 20, 2010 - Well, the Shovelbyrds had to turn down a couple of gigs earlier this month because everyone couldn't get their schedule together. Yet, we are happy to announce that the Shovelbyrds will be playing at “Wayno's” coming home party in Flushing on Saturday, October 2nd at 9:00p.m. at Jack's Place.

“Wayno's” coming home party will have a plethora of music, including special guests PSALM6TEEN. The party starts at 6:30 and the music will start at 7:30pm (or somewhere in that vicinity). We will get on stage and jam around 9:00pm. We will have a special guest drummer on a few songs! Guess who that will be? Yep, the party man himself “Wayno!” Since the Shovelbyrds "Director of Internet Services" has done such a poor job on that, the Shovelbyrds thought we would reorganize like every other corporation these days and give “Wayno” a shot on the drums again! He will only play 3 or 4 songs, but that's just enough rope to hang himself with. :-)

Please come out and join the Shovelbyrds and PSALM6TEEN October 2nd to celebrate a long lost “Flintoid” coming home and also a "Mini Cougar Bash" at the same time. If you don't know “Wayno”, that's alright. We all who know him, know that he'll try and get to know you in the eight hours he has.

We will be celebrating “Wayno's” return to Michigan and also celebrate his next adventure! This last Alaskan adventure has Wayno having visions of Grandeur! The party has somewhere in the range of 125 to 150 people who will be attending. Come on out to Flushing and see what all the talk is about!

Oh, the other guys in the band are ok as well! I promise. Lol – Wayno!

September 7, 2010 - Kind of a strange week this past week in Shovelbyrds land. As most of you know we rarely turn down on opportunity to perform. Our usual motto is “Anytime, anywhere!”. We were asked to play on the Flint Motorcycle Club’s float during the Otisville Days parade but were unable to pull the scheduling together. Also, we turned down an opportunity to play a private Pig Roast party because we couldn’t get on everyone’s schedule. We have never been able to lock up the Outer Limits gig as Derek and I play phone tag on weekly intervals. We are looking at playing a gig at Jack’s Place in Flushing to celebrate our long lost former Shovelbyrds member’s return – WAYNO on October 2nd. Hopefully more to follow on that gig as it will be a BLOW OUT! Hope things are going well in your land! See ya – Cap’n Happy!

September 1, 2010 - Mr. I HATE FEEDBACK ran sound for Blind Fortune at the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Benefit at the Flint Motorcycle Club on Saturday, August 21st. And guess what – FEEDBACK, have I told you how much I HATE FEEDBACK? Guess I can’t bitch anymore! Where the hell is Oliver when you need him! Probably should stick with the bass, hard to screw up a G note! I would like to dial in the PA before our next gig, but since we don’t have anything scheduled, no worries! We also ran into Red Stag again, I actually dropped the damn bottle! Glass and booze everywhere, what a waste of an outstanding alcohol product. Alcohol abuse anyone! We did have a great time as the boyz & girlz of the Flint Motorcycle Club always give us their best. Thanks FMC! We are looking at a couple of gigs in the near future but nothing has been finalized. We haven’t played since the FMC gig and really don’t even have a rehearsal scheduled. Oh well, see ya – Cap’n Happy!

August 16, 2010 - It was great to play live again! If you don’t play live for a while you forget how much fun it is! The band was hitting on all cylinders even though the crowd was small and we had PA problems again. I HATE FEEDBACK! That happens when you are the first band playing with an unfamiliar sound guy and PA system. Have I told you how much I HATE FEEDBACK! Not sure they raised as much money for Prostate Cancer as they would have liked but we had a great time! This weekend we are playing a Big Brothers/Big Sisters benefit at the Flint Motorcycle Club (More on that to follow). We also got a call from Derek about playing at Outer Limits, so we will see were that leads. Jamming on Thursday this week and playing live on Saturday! Cool, see ya – Cap’n Happy!

August 11, 2010 - We did rehearse last week and it was nice to play a few tunes. We are rehearsing this Thursday for the gig on Saturday, August 14th. We are playing the Davison Eagle Rider’s 1st Annual Prostate Cancer Benefit (http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/flint/index.ssf/2010/08/
davison_eagle_riders_riding_fo.html) at the Davison Eagles Club (http://www.davisoneagles.com/) at 5:00pm. The Davison Eagles Club is located north of Davison, Michigan on State Rd. (M-15). We are playing a 1 hour 15 minute set with OEM and Yooz Guyz also performing. The cost is $10.00/person. Hopefully the weather will be warm, beer cold, and we help raise a lot of money! See ya there – Cap’n Happy!