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.