Open at 11

WE OPENED THE store at 11 a.m. today, an hour later than usual. Sheryl had a doctor's appointment and I was playing at the Illinois Veterans Home. It was the first time in the nearly five years we've opened late.

Sheryl and I are an island, always here and rockin'. Every now and then Steve Rees comes in to help us out if we head out of town, and it's greatly appreciated. We open early and stay late all the time. It's a small and family-owned business. We think it's part of why we are doing so well.

If I go to a business and there's a sign on the door that says they'll be open in an hour, I probably wouldn't be happy. But I'd understand, especially if I know the owners.

Of course, as soon as I opened the doors people started piling in and I sold a really nice guitar right off the bat. Then Emily showed up with her college roommate, and then Rockin' Jake and his crew pulled up - they have another gig at The Club tonight and they are staying at Chez Second String.

Maybe we oughta open an hour later every day. Nah. We enjoy our lives and the store hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.  Thanks for your understanding and support!

Cheesey Fourth

THE CHEESEBURGERS ARE getting ready for a big show Saturday at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy. We are playing on the west side of the grounds by the deer park, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., before the fireworks.

The Quincy Park Band and Zeke Cernea will be on the other side of the grounds, so you can still hear your favorite patriotic music. There will be food vendors, and you can bring your own chairs, blankets and cooler with your favorite beverages to the show.

This is the first time a rock band has played at the Vets Home during the fireworks. I'm hearing we'll have a big crowd. We are ready. So let's party and make sure the fireworks are extra Cheesey!

We are also having our annual Independence Day sale all week here at Second String Music. We have 15% off all in-stock items (NOT including the few consignments items remaining). We are celebrating three years in our Fifth and Maine location. The sale is now now through July 4 at 4 pm. We are closing at 4 that day to celebrate some of our own Independence!

Playing for the vets is special

I FILLED IN at the last minute for Liz Bentley yesterday at the Illinois Veterans Home. As usual, I'm the one who got the most out of it.

Liz plays there regularly but was under the weather. I showed up at the Elmore residence hall and the staff was very excited. Soon the room filled with residents, all very curious and a few disappointed Liz wasn't there.

"Well, I'm three times her age, half as talented and not quite at good looking," I said. "Other than that, we'll be fine."

They laughed and seemed to get it. And for the next hour, they paid undivided attention, tapped their toes and sang along. Way cool!

I was nervous about what songs to pick. Turns out after going through some stuff there's tons of material from back in the day - maybe not the 1940s or 50s, when most of the residents served, but they knew quite a few of the songs. And let's face it - they just don't do 'em like Hank Williams Sr., Ricky Nelson and Eddie Cochrane did.

What fun! It was an honor and a privilege to play for them, and I can't wait to do it again.

Six String Heroes donation

SIX STRING HEROES has given the Illinois Veterans Home $3,500 in musical instruments for the activities department. We had a press conference this morning at the Vets Home and had a great time talking about Six String Heroes and the amazing power of music.

Mia Meacher, activity therapist at the IVH, told a great story about one of the residents. He's struggling with dementia and couldn't remember his own name, or the name of his wife. Mia played a song used at their wedding all those years ago, and the man remembered the song, his name and his wife.

Studies show music triggers memory recollection, and it can last for more than just a fleeing moment.

Both KHQA and WGEM will have stories tonight. Frank Haxel and I were on Y-101 this morning with Dennis Oliver and Jeff Dorsey, and the Quincy Journal gave us some love, too.

Huge thanks to Sara Heiden and the Blue Cross/Blue Shield employees, who have raised thousands of dollars for Six String Heroes. They are doing it again at the end of February, and don't forget about our big party March 7 at Turner Hall, featuring Avenue Beat, Clockwork and Eleven.

Awareness is important, but it's all about Six String Heroes and the amazing things done for veterans. We are honored to be a part of it!