It’s been 2 years since I updated this website. Many changes have taken place during that time. In October 2007, I started working swing shift at Penrose Main Hospital in Colorado Springs. The switch from very early morning hours to a 3 p.m. start time threw my off for some time and I still attempt to sleep like a swing shift worker over the weekend to stay in that wake-sleep cycle. I work with three of the best techs in the radiology department: Julia, Dave and Tracey. Together we make a great, mutually supportive team. All three are kind, generous people and I enjoy their company more than the actual work. Unfortunately, working second shift has put a damper on my musical performances. I work Monday through Friday and Saturday is my rest and recovery day from the busy week. That leaves Sunday which, for obvious reasons, is not the best day to perform. I will be playing my annual gig at Mueller State Park on Saturday, July 25th at 7:00 p.m. Come out to the park if you can, I’d love to see you. Admission is entry fee into the state park. The amphitheatre is located in the campground (ask directions at the entrance booth). I love playing at Mueller because it is truly the great Colorado experience.

So “what happened with my previous job” you may be thinking (or maybe not)? I had a serious conflict with my boss and ultimately quit (listen to my new song, “The Right One” regarding this difficult decision). The doctors I worked with were very supportive of me to the end and for that I am eternally grateful. After an appeal, I was able to qualify for unemployment benefits for three months before beginning my job at the hospital, which helped during the transition. Winning the appeal was also good for me psychologically because I knew in my heart that the abuse I suffered was inappropriate and the department of unemployment agreed. Rarely can you quit a position and receive unemployment compensation.

The past two years have been full of change and, thankfully, music. Tracy and I have attending concerts by Kenny Loggins, David Wilcox, Firefall, Fleetwood Mac, Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood and Poco during that time. The concerts at the “Lost Dutchman” just 15 minutes from our home in Woodland Park were especially significant for me. At both the Firefall and Poco concerts I got to meet, shake hands and talk with these fine musicians that have been a part of my life for more than 35 years. Tracy’s boss owns the resort so it was also free for us. Wow, the perfect fringe benefit for music lovers.

I’ve continued to compose, record and play in my home studio and average a complete song each month; either an original tune or a cover. I also started taking piano lessons again; this time with a classically trained teacher, Alice Carlson, here in Woodland Park. Reading music notation remains difficult for me (chord charts are my thing), but I’m determined to get my sight reading down. I’m working on two pieces from the baroque period, “Think of Me” from the Phantom of the Opera, and the Peanuts classic, “Linus and Lucy.” Alice also has me practicing Hanon exercises for finger strength and agility (ouch, some days my forearms cramp). Oddly enough, as I discovered last time around , daily piano practice improves my guitar playing as well... better finger-brain communication me thinks!

Please check back to this site for updates. I plan to add new music in the near future and I’ll try to be more timely with future entries. As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me personally if I can be of assistance to you in any way. Thanks for your on-going support.

Until next time, I remain,

Walker (Mike)

Bank Marquee, Woodland Park, Colorado   

Woodland Park, Colorado