I have been busier than ever this summer, folks. Besides playing shows pretty regularly, I have been doing some writing (including creating a booklet about one of my favorite bands, the Norwegian girl trio Ephemera) and teaching a singing course at St. Louis Community College. I'm also happy to report that I am back in the studio working on a couple of fun songs for release later on. One of them is a simple, sing-along ode to drinking called "Beer and Wine." This tune seems to get people going when I play it at wineries and elsewhere, so I thought I should go ahead and record it. It's certainly lighter in "spirit" than most of my other songs. The second tune planned for a session is just called "Working Blues." It has a fascinating history that I'll share later on. Upcoming shows for me include duo gigs with Denise Chappell on Aug. 3 (EdgeWild Restaurant and Winery in Chesterfield at 5 pm) and Aug. 17 (at Stone Spiral Coffeehouse in Maplewood, 8 pm); a trio show with Denise and Mark Arnold at the Creve Coeur Lakehouse on Aug. 10 from 7-10 pm (that place is always a delight to play at); an appearance at OakGlenn Winery in Hermann on Sat., Aug. 11 at 2 pm; and a rockin' show with Shakey Deal, my Neil Young tribute band, at the Naked Vine in Chesterfield, Sat., Aug. 25 from 8-11 pm. I'm so lucky that I get to play with fun, talented musicians! I had the pleasure of seeing one of my main heroes, Neil Young, in concert recently. What an incredible show he did, just solo! Neil is always riveting when you see him live, and his show at the Fox was no exception. If you want to read my review, you can find it here: http://zacharymule.com/wp/?p=4083 I was amazed that he did one of my favorite songs from HARVEST, "There's a World." Never caught that one live before. And the songs "Love and War" and "Peaceful Valley Boulevard" were mesmerizing. The audience sat spellbound for those two gems. Don't miss Neil live if you see he is coming to your town. And if he isn't, come see my band Shakey Deal...we try to be the next best thing to Neil Young! By the way, folks, I am looking for a few people to write little testimonials or "snippets" about my music, either in general or about specific songs that have touched you. Some of these will be included in a memoir I am writing. The first three people who write something for me that I can use, will get a gift...it could either be an autographed photo, a CD or the like. You can message me here or write me directly at kevinarenick@gmail.com. I just want your honest thoughts and feelings, about how the music has affected you. Just a few sentences is fine! :-) I hope to release a compilation of some sort this fall. I just don't know yet if it will come together in time, but I'm hopefull. I have some unreleased songs I would like to get on there. I also want to mention that I am available for House Concerts. I love doing these, and I will fit any budget. You can book me as a duo, trio or the full Shakey Deal band. Just get in touch, and it should be pretty easy to work out a date. I am at home in OTHER homes, so to speak, and promise to give you an entertaining show you won't forget! Just let me know your preferences. My best to all my fans out there...I am approaching the 1000 subscriber mark, and I'll have to do something extra special for that person when the time comes. Meanwhile, everyone enjoy the rest of your summer. Please stay safe...I live in the state where that horrible boating disaster happened, and it's unthinkable that such things can happen. So be smart and careful, and as always be KIND to each other. That's what the world needs! Blessed be... Kevin