There's something special about summer evenings in the Finger Lakes. The vineyards are full and green, the hills seem to glow as the sun begins to set, and everything moves just a little slower. It's one of my favorite times of year to play music, and I'm excited to be returning to Bet the Farm Winery on Friday, July 24 at 5:00 PM.
If you've never been to Bet the Farm Winery, this is the perfect excuse to visit. Tucked away in the beautiful Finger Lakes countryside, it's the kind of place that reminds you why this region has become one of the premier wine destinations in the country. Great wine, peaceful scenery, and friendly people all come together to create an experience that's hard to beat.
Whenever I perform there, I love watching people settle in with a glass of wine, relax after the workweek, and simply enjoy being together.
My shows are built around storytelling. Folk music has always been about connecting people through stories whether they're about travel, home, hard work, love, history, or the little moments that make life memorable. I draw inspiration from traditional American folk music while adding my own experiences and original songs that reflect the places I've been and the people I've met along the way.
If you've followed my music online, you know I also spend a lot of time creating videos about cowboy boots, Western heritage, and craftsmanship. Those same themes find their way into my songwriting. I enjoy writing songs that celebrate honest work, small towns, open roads, and the characters you meet throughout life. Even if you've never considered yourself a folk music fan, I think you'll find something familiar in the stories.
One of my favorite things about performing at wineries is that people come from all walks of life. Some are longtime fans who know every lyric. Others simply stopped in for a glass of wine and happened to hear live music as they walk up to the door.
Of course, the wine is a huge part of the experience.
The Finger Lakes has earned an international reputation for producing exceptional wines, and for good reason. Our cool climate and unique landscape create ideal growing conditions for grapes, resulting in wines that are vibrant, balanced, and full of character. Whether you're a fan of crisp whites, refreshing rosés, or bold reds, there's something here to discover. I always encourage people to support our local wineries because every visit helps sustain the farms, families, and small businesses that make this region so unique.
Bet the Farm Winery is a wonderful place to slow down and appreciate that craftsmanship. Every bottle represents years of work in the vineyard and winery, just as every song represents years of writing, performing, and refining. I think that's one of the reasons wineries and folk music fit together so naturally they both celebrate patience, authenticity, and the joy of sharing something made with care.
If you're looking for a relaxing way to spend a Friday evening, I'd love for you to join us. Bring your family, invite a few friends, or make it a date night. Grab your favorite bottle or sample a new wine, find a comfortable seat, and let the music carry you into the weekend.
Live music is always different from one performance to the next. I may tell a new story, play a different arrangement, or try out a song I've been working on. That's part of what keeps every show unique, and it's why I always appreciate the people who come back again and again. Your energy shapes every performance just as much as the songs themselves.
Supporting live music also means supporting local communities. Independent musicians, wineries, restaurants, breweries, and small venues all work together to create the experiences that make the Finger Lakes such a vibrant place to live and visit. Every time you choose to spend an evening at a local venue, you're helping keep that community alive.
I hope you'll make plans to join me on Friday, July 24 at 5:00 PM at Bet the Farm Winery. Whether you're coming for the wine, the music, the scenery, or simply an opportunity to unwind after a busy week, I think you'll leave with a smile.
I'll be bringing the songs you just bring yourself, your friends, and a love for a great Finger Lakes evening. I can't wait to see you there!