The Shane Speal Newsletter

Last Thursday, my apprentice, Kennedy looked at me and said, "what are we going to make today?"

I smiled a Cheshire grin for a sec and then exclaimed, "we're making a double-neck cigar box guitar just like Jimmy Page would play!" I exclaimed. 

 "Why?" he asked.

 "Why not," I said.  "We have the tools!!!"

     We have the tools.  They're the famous last words from a madman... and that madman is me.  HA! 

     I've been learning a lot in the past few years as I step out and make music a career.  Probably one of the biggest things is to make sure I don't let the business risk, paperwork, taxes, etc gang up and snuff out the goofy spirit that got me into this world of cigar box guitars in the first place. 

    I constantly remind myself to "go out and play."  Invent new things.  Write new songs.  Be creative.  (After all, that's what people are paying me to do.)  But damn, this business world can sure drag you down.  The business taxes, gig bookings, web admin stuff and messages can really bury a person.  I'm sure you know what I mean.  Nobody is immune to this stuff.  

But there we were on Thursday, building double-neck cigar box guitars.  We were matching necks, adding new design ideas and laughing up a storm because...HEY! they're double-neck freakin' cigar box guitars! 

Why did we build them?  Because they needed to be built!  Should there be any other reason?

I write all this just to tell you that I think you need to go out and play.  We all do.  What do you daydream about when nobody is looking?  What's the one thing you would love to explore?

Photography?  Pull off the side of the road on your way home from work and snap a few pics today.

Music?  Go hit an open mic and play your best three songs.  (I host one every Wednesday.  We'd love to see you there.)

Get more education?  Stop in a college office and get some pamphlets...maybe talk to somebody.  (My beautiful wife, Melissa just got her Masters in Business.  It was a lot of hard work on late nights, but she's scaled an "Everest" in her life.  I'm so proud.)

So just do it.  Take a step in that direction, even if it's small.  You only live once.  Let's have some fun on this earth, ok?

Your friend,

- Shane

Ps.  If your dream is to play a double neck cigar box guitar, I know where you can buy one!

Shane Speal & the Snake Oil Jug Band blow the roof off of Liquid Hero Brewery this Friday @7 in York PA.  Be there!:
 We return to the Liquid Hero Brewery in Downtown York PA, Friday, August 2.  It's loud cigar box guitars + electric washtub bass, washboard and harmonica.  Nobody can touch my band.  We're friggin' fierce.  Show starts at 7pm.  No cover and they pour the greatest microbrews you've ever tasted.   Directions and info are at www.LiquidHero.com

...And then Shane returns to Western PA for the Speal's Tavern Guitar-B-Cue this SATURDAY!  Get your tickets now so that you can be there to enjoy a whole day of music, food, beer, and good griends from Speal's Tavern. The Hawks, The Hornswogglers, T.K.and Geroge Black Cat Moan, The Artful Codgers, Doppler Affect, Angry Johnny Stangry, and The King of the Cigarbox Guitar - Shane Speal will be playing in music all day long. It's a Blues Fest! All day blues, all day food, all day beer. Only $15.00 a ticket advanced or $18.00 at the door. We'll have a pig roasted and plenty of other food. Call Dan at 724.433.1322 ot Dar at 724.787.8137. Ther are a limited number of tickets. The Gitarbeque will be at the Slickville Fire hall in beautiful downtown Slickville, PA. Just a few miles off Rt. 22 down Rt. 819. A celebration of 80 years in business of Speal's Tavern! Speal's Tavern wants you to join us in out celebration of 80 years of business.

Every Wednesday, 9:30pm - Shane's Open Mic at the First Capital Dispensing Co., downtown York, PA.  More info...  I'm working on some new songs that will be played this Wednesday.  They're a little more bluegrass in nature.  That's the awesome thing about my open mics: people are encouraged to show up and try new stuff!  The audience is anticipating fresh, original music.  I love it!

Coming to NYC on November 2...SHANE TAKES MANHATTAN!!!  Shane Speal will be performing at the acclaimed Metropolitan Room Jazz and Caberet Club.  Get your tickets now for the special show:  Shane Speal at the Metropolitan Room

 The Pennsylvania Cigar Box Guitar Festival is coming on August 24th in York PA.  A full day of cigar box guitars, live music, vendors and more.  AND IT'S TOTALLY FREE!  Get more information at the Official Facebook page.  And hey, they're selling their ultra cool t-shirts online right now.  There's two styles:  "Keep Calm" (link) and "Keystone Logo" (link). Even if you can't make it, you can still look stylish!