This month, 5 days in, I've already finished 3 songs. You can listen to them, and follow along all month at my profile page. I don't know if I'll make it to 14, but I'm on pace.

Here's what I found on-line about craft beer. Just substitute local musicians or artists or what have you: 

-- Craft brewers are small brewers.

--The hallmark of craft beer and craft brewers is innovation. Craft brewers interpret historic styles with unique twists and develop new styles that have no precedent.

--Craft beer is generally made with traditional ingredients like malted barley; interesting and sometimes non-traditional ingredients are often added for distinctiveness.

--Craft brewers tend to be very involved in their communities through philanthropy, product donations, volunteerism, and sponsorship of events.

--Craft brewers have distinctive, individualistic approaches to connecting with their customers.

--Craft brewers maintain integrity by what they brew and their general independence, free from a substantial interest by a non-craft brewer.

--The majority of Americans live within ten miles of a craft brewer.

I  believe as I develop my new goals as an artist, that I will be working with the concept of Craft Music.

Just wrapped up a photoshoot with Kristi Jan Hoover. Roaming around Frick Park and Nine Mile Run on such a beautiful fall weekend was spectacular. Can wait to share the final photos!

I got home and Randy was blasting Jonatha Brooke's album "Plumb". And this, I realized, is why I love albums over digital downloads: if you wanna know who's playing slammin' drums, you've got to read LINER NOTES. Liner notes are how I learned I was a huge fan of anything made by Craig Street. It's how I studied Joni Mitchell's lyrics. We love liner notes.

Now I'm noshing on some roasted sweet potato fries and an omlette, and getting ready to head down to the Pittsburgh Children's Museum for the Mini Maker Faire. (I'm making music at 2 pm). I went on line to check out the theatre schedule and came across the totally endearing "The MakeShop Show" made by kids. It was the first time I've ever wished I was a kid in the 21st century. I would totally be making up videos instead of what I was doing back in the 80s -- creating a multi-track system with two boom boxes and blank maxell cassette tapes. Kids have so many classy toys these days....

Finally, I wonder if I can track down Jonatha's drummer for a song on my next album...........? It will be easier because I know his name. Thanks to liner notes (which we love).

Oh, and go Steelers.

I'm now happily wrapping up some home repair projects at chez Kropf, enjoying the summer garden, and continuing my efforts to work on my next CD.

You can see tour pictures at my Facebook Page. Thanks to everyone who was a part of it.

Then, the Americanos are out and about -- Highland Park's Bryant Street Festival, back at the Three Rivers Arts Fest (yay!), and a return to the always-laid-back Backstage Bar.

For links and flier pics and all, you can read my June Newsletter.