Hello! I'm glad you decided to become a Patron of the Arts, a Patron of the Artists, and specifically, a Patron of this artist!

My life is a pretty interesting collage, a lot more than I could hope tell you about right here, and that's what my Homesite is for. It's a pretty well illustrated and extensive collection describing me, my life and philosophy, my music, instruments, recordings, plans and projects; with an additional ARCHIVE section full of tour stories that show pretty clearly what I do. I also post the (relatively) latest news and future plans. It's also where you'll find links to whatever music and/or video I have posted on-line.

My plan is to provide my Patrons with a complementary copy of any studio production CD that is released for distribution to the public, hopefully one a year. In addition, my Patrons will get one or, more likely, several CDRs of "unreleased" material: tracks from live performances and jam sessions, new songs I've just written, studio "work in progress", and anything I produce that might be of interest during the year. I'm also plan to include a VHS tape, or SVCD, or eventually DVD, of finished and/or rough-cut raw video footage from the year. Though I am often out of touch, or just too busy on tour, I'd like to keep my Patrons updated on the latest news and events with some sort of newsletter.. whether directly mailed, e-mailed, or posted to the (when and if the service becomes available) Patron's private lounge. For similiar reasons I might be limited on what I can post to the lounge, but there will also be times of the year where I might be able to post studio clips almost daily as work progresses, inviting comments and suggestions, even asking for feedback on different takes and versions. I'd also be open to special requests from my Patrons, general or specific. Other possibilities are discounts for multiple gift subscriptions and/or copies of CDs available to patrons, and discount, backstage, or free passes to performances. It is my hope that the dependable support of my Patrons will give me the ability to record and produce a steady stream of audio and video material. I intend to show my sincere thanks by giving my Patrons a lot in return for their support of that work, in whatever form I can. I feel confident that whatever I do, my efforts will meet with your approval. This is an ongoing story, and each year doesn't have to be the same as the last, we'll all be seeing where it goes. I hope to involve you in the process, previewing and commenting on alternative versions and mixes, making suggestions for things to do and places to go; ideas and specifics for performing, recording, or teaching, or anything that might make good use of my talents, skills, knowledge, or experiences.

This year, in addition to the "Folksinger" CD to those who didn't already have one, I have sent my Patrons a CDR with roughmixes of a couple new originals, and new versions of originals from the old "Gypsy Road" CD; though mostly it was "Jam at Joe's", where Joe and I were cutting loose to relieve the tension, in between recording rhythm and lead guitar tracks for the upcoming CD. This is also a CD where I don't play any dulcimer, to settle the often asked question of whether I play other instruments! I also sent out a VHS tape with the Video Tour Journal "AK2K" with 17 short 3 minute videos originally intended for web-streaming.

I want all my Patrons to understand that they are foremost supporting my work as an artist, serving the people of the world, not just whatever material things I can produce. It's possible that some years I may not be able to produce as much, because I am doing too much that doesn't allow time for or result in production work, at least immediately. A look through the tour journals in the ARCHIVE will show you that I do a lot more with my music than just recordings. You'll be supporting my volunteer work in the schools and senior centers. You'll be supporting my efforts to keep developing the electric dulcimer. You'll be supporting my efforts to document my music and this life I live following the music. You'll be supporting the music, and that life, everywhere I play and everywhere I go. There's also the efforts I make to help other artists to be heard, to make art happen no matter what artist it flows through, and be a contributing member to the artist community, and the world at large. I have a lot of different projects and directions in the works, and I welcome your input as to which you think are the best, and even your personal involvement in them. I want you to really understand that as my Patron, you are involved in making these things happen, and you share the credit for whatever I do. I am quite dedicated to serving the people with my talent, skill, and experience in as many ways as I can, while serving the gift I have been given in the music, and you will be supporting and even guiding my efforts. Even I don't know where my road will lead, but you are welcome to come along for the ride, and be part of this effort.