I had a fantastic time jamming with some very talented and experienced musician friends, including Walker of Brotherhood of the Grape, fresh in from New York City. It was a great day, and an amazing experience getting to play with musicians at that level. -The Deacon

Still working on this one: “Death Letter Blues” by Son House. Work remains for sure, but it’s finally starting to come together. -The Deacon

Another good day on the bench. I’ve really appreciated all the support for this offbeat idea I decided to chase in my mid-50s. I’ve greatly enjoyed these weekly Bench Sessions, and I continue to learn a lot every time I play. Unfortunately, Wisconsin winters aren’t especially conducive to outdoor guitar playing. So, unless I come up with a better idea, I’ll be moving the Bench Sessions indoors and online after Thanksgiving. More information soon. Thanks again. — The Deacon

It was a beautiful afternoon in the Third Ward today. I’ve been working on a couple of other songs, hoping to put together a real set. There’s still much work to do, but I’m seeing—and hearing—progress. With any luck, I’ll have a legitimate thirty-minute set before the snow comes. —The Deacon

Good day on the bench today. I’m still working on the songs in my set, trying to make them sound more like a performance and less like practice. That means dialing in my guitar tone, getting the mix between the foot stomp and guitar right, and, most importantly, building a stronger groove. Its been fun playing electric. Lots of good work remains. But today was a good day. The Deacon

Some questionable weather and some equally questionable playing on my part, but I had a great time adding the John Lee Hooker classic “Boogie Chillen” to the mix today. Much work remains. The Deacon

Thursday’s bench session took me to a few spots around Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward, including Catalano Square, where the Third Ward Moon Festival is happening this weekend. It was cool to play near Museum of the Moon, Luke Jerram’s installation suspended above the fountain. Still working on new songs and hoping to have a proper set ready before long. The Deacon

Just practicing some fingerpicking on my acoustic guitar while looking out the hotel window in Juneau, Alaska. Right after I ended the video, I saw a bear strolling down Main Street. The Deacon

Took the Bench Sessions on the road this week—to Juneau, Alaska. I found a spot on the docks and played for folks heading back to their cruise ships. It was a perfect evening. The Deacon

A Northwoods Bench Session. Played a little blues beneath the pines in Minocqua, near the trestle and the Thirsty Whale. A perfect northern Wisconsin afternoon. The Bench Sessions continue. The Deacon

I changed things up a bit today. The acoustic stayed home, and the electric came out, along with a little amp. Same old blues, but with a little more guts. I played my best for a few folks enjoying the cooler Milwaukee weather. A good day on the bench. The Deacon

Today’s Bench Session took me to the Capitol in Madison. Plenty of smiles, thumbs-ups, and encouragement from a very forgiving audience. Back on the bench in Milwaukee tomorrow. The Deacon

Two decent bench sessions this week, and it was a hot one out on the burner. I’m working on the Son House classic “Death Letter Blues.” As the title suggests, it tells the story of a man learning that the woman he loved has died. The notes are simple enough, but getting the feel right is another matter. I’m not there yet. More time needed on the bench. The Deacon

I had a short session on the bench today before a storm rolled in. There was a nice crowd in the Third Ward, with people eating and drinking before heading to Summerfest. I’m working on the blues classic “Dust My Broom.” Robert Johnson recorded his version in 1936, and Elmore James later turned it into an electric slide-blues standard in 1951. The Deacon -- The Deacon

A decent bench session today, and it was a hot one out on the burner. I’m working on the Son House classic “Death Letter Blues.” As the title suggests, it tells the story of a man learning that the woman he loved has died. ​The notes are simple enough, but getting the feel right is another matter. I’m not there yet. More time needed on the bench. The Deacon

Good bench session today in a busy Third Ward. I’ve been “woodshedding” the Son House classic “Death Letter Blues,” and I was happy to play it for a few office workers on their smoke break. I hope they liked it! The Deacon

I was back on the bench today, working on some new material. The Third Ward was buzzing with people headed to Summerfest, but I didn't have much interaction. It was just fun to blend into the scene. I'll be back tomorrow. The Deacon

I made it through the entire set, got a few thumbs up, and met some good people. The highlight came from Liam, who was visiting from Minneapolis. He stopped for a while, listened, and then handed me this sketch. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon on a bench in the Third Ward. See you next week. The Deacon

First Bench Session is in the books. I did not make it through the full set before the rain came, but I got out there, played for a while, and learned a few things. That feels like a good enough start. The Deacon

A little finger-picking and slide on the strat.