He's Gonna Take His Boat As Far As It Goes...

An open letter from Mike--we're gonna miss you buddy.

Dear Friends:

     The past seven years, playing in this band has surpassed my wildest dreams.  When Jake and I started out as a two-piece acoustic act in 2000 we had modest expectations to say the least.  The following year we decided to try to put together a full band.  I still remember the first night that we practiced in my basement.  It was Jake, Howie, Andy, Brendan (our first drummer) and me.  I knew right away that we had something special.           
     Each year has surpassed the one before in terms of shows, distance travelled and quality of events.  We have made so many friends across the country that we would have otherwise never known.  Being able to record and play our own songs for people has also been a special kind of thrill that is hard to describe.  We have been honored to perform on stage with Coral Reefers Doyle Grisham, Amy Lee, T.C. Mitchell, Mike Utley, Robert Greenidge and Mac McAnally.  We were also privileged to open for and perform with Little Feat including our friend and mentor Billy Payne.
     As the band has evolved into its current lineup, I have come to think of these current and former members as my extended family.  I have the utmost respect for their musicianship and their contributions to the success of this project.
     A few years ago, I realized that I was actually the same age that my Father was when he died.  As I passed that milestone, I began to give a lot of thought to the next chapter of my life and what that might be.  My beautiful Daughter Marcy is all grown up and has a family of her own.  My responsibilities and expectations have begun to change.
      I began working toward a goal of retiring and moving aboard my own sailboat and heading for the Caribbean and parts unknown.  I learned to sail, read everything I could on the subject of cruising and living aboard a sailing vessel and eventually bought a sailing yacht.  This summer I am moving forward with my plan.
       I do so with mixed emotions.  On one hand I’m very excited to begin a new adventure but at the same time, I’m saddened to leave behind some of the best friends I’ve ever had.  I know that the band will replace me and I’m confident in their continued success.
     It is my intention to make and maintain a website documenting my travels and Jake has offered to make a link to it from the Boat Drunks’ site.  Through that, those of you who wish, may follow my adventures and contact me.
     Following my departure, I trust that you will continue to give this band the same kind of love and support that has sustained us through these past seven years and know that I wish them and you only the best.  My last official show will be on July 12th at the Peoria Riverfront.  We have already discussed possible occasions where I may show up in the future so stay tuned!
     As I leave you, I take with me the pride at being a small part of this great band’s success and the memories of all of you.  I’ll never be able to convey how much this has all meant to me.  Just know that I will be out there somewhere and, if I run in to the Hollow Man, I’ll buy him a drink!

God bless you all.
                                  Mike