Humble Beginnings

I can still remember, quite vividly, the  moments when I would play the piano for teachers and fellow students in my pre-school class when I was 4 or 5 years old, but I cannot remember not knowing the names of the piano keys. My mother taught me the musical alphabet first - so  I knew the note names like I knew my own name. I played for fun, but it became part of me. 

I have been a musician my entire life and although it definitely has not been ALL glamorous and full of  amazing moments, I am glad I chose this as my profession and that I have had the support of family members and those closest to me to get me through the not-so-fun moments. 

After graduating from the University of Central Florida in 2001 I enjoyed 4 years teaching in the St. Johns County School system in St. Augustine FL. There, I earned several grants for my school's music program while also establishing a dedicated 501c music boosters program, the first in the school's history. I was nominated for Teacher of the Year twice before leaving my position in 2006 to pursue professional playing (again).

After taking a few regional band gigs performing around the Southeast, I decided to make the move to Nashville. After about a year of playing in and around the downtown Nashville scene I was hired by Opry legend Mel McDaniel (Baby’s Got Her Blue Jeans On) where I stayed on for a few months of touring. During my time in Nashville I had the pleasure of working directly with several other notable artists, bands and songwriters such as Tiffany, Jelly Roll, Hootie and the Blowfish, Stan Lynch, Johnny Bulford, Emerson Hart, just to name a few. Below are those whom I had the pleasure of working with the most.

Heidi Newfield

Following that time with Mel, I was approached by band leader for former front woman of Trick Pony, Heidi Newfield. Heidi was embarking on a solo artist journey that would score her a top 10 single (Johnny & June) and a #2 billboard charting album in 2008. The album (What Am I Waiting For) also won 5 ACM nominations in 2009 - playing with her and that band for 4 years and which included the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2009 is still one of several favorite time periods - ever.  During that time in addition to playing keyboards and saxophone, I also served as band leader the last 2 years.

Sister Hazel

In the spring of 2012 I was contacted by a management company out of Nashville that needed a piano player for one of their artist's industry showcases. He said Sister Hazel was working on a new album and material that needed piano but it would likely only be for one night. Well as it turns out, one night turned into several more. Working the Sister Hazel brought me to multiple continents and to some fantastic venues and cities around the United States. Sailing aboard The Rock Boat was also a treat. I feel as though I've made some great life long friends. The charity work the band does for kids - feeding hungry kids to helping children battling childhood cancer has turned out some of the most memorable experiences I've lived to date. I’ve had the pleasure to record with them on every album released since 2013.

My wife and I were blessed with the birth of our daughter Olivia in March of 2023. After careful and bittersweet consideration, I made the difficult choice to retire from full time touring in December of 2023.

After working with Sister Hazel on the road and in the studio for nearly 12 years, I played my final show with the guys as a full time touring member on December 2, 2023 at the House of Blues in Chicago.

Working as a touring musician for 20+ years was a great ride and a life changing adventure.

The next chapter awaits!