From historic taverns to open mics and hometown bars, this week was all about playing live and connecting with people through music.

I’m talking about:
• Penn’s Tavern — why I love historic venues and that tough-to-get booking convo with the owner.
• Wednesday Open Mic — my most-viewed post ever, a full signup list, and a mix of mandolins, violins, and political songs.
• Friday at Liquid Noise — hometown crowd energy, a glitchy request system, and those epic 2-hour sets.
• Saturday at the Horn Pub — first pedalboard run, big crowd interaction, and the reminder that if you’re having fun, they are too.

Plus: a quick rundown of my next adventure — scouting venues in the Finger Lakes.

Hit play to hear the stories, the lessons, and the laughs behind a week full of gigs.