A Month of Anniversaries

Welcome to May, 2005. This month marks a number of important anniversaries here around Scandininavian Central. First and foremost, it's the tenth anniversary of the band. That's right, it's been ten years since a group of crazy freshmen at Cornish College of the Arts put together a tentative polka band. Since then we've recorded three albums, started work on a live video (which should be wrapped up sometime in the next couple months) and made several trips around the US and Canada. I never envisioned that things would go this far. I never imagined starting a business to manage the affairs of the band. I never dreamed that we'd play for 5000 people in a hockey rink in Canada. It's really amazing and humbling to me what happens when you work hard and dedicate yourself to your dreams. I would like to thank all those of you who have been supporters and fans of the band over the past decade. In the beginning I just wanted a polka band because I like playing polkas. Now I've got an entire enterprise thanks to all of you!

Also of note this month is the one year anniversary of meeting my wife. It was May 16, 2004 that I received a fateful instant message from my soon-to-be bride, Danna. By that point I had pretty much assumed that I would never find a suitable mate. Who wants to marry a travelling musician, let alone an accordionist? Well, as it turned out, Danna did and I'm forever grateful. She has given my life a new hope, a new purpose and a new meaning. Now I get to experience the joys of having a family and supporting my wife as she attempts to fulfill her dreams of becoming a classical vocalist. I can honestly say I've never been more proud of anything or anyone in my whole life than I am of her.

For those of you who haven't heard, Danna and I were married on April 30th in a ceremony at Lake City Christian Church here in Seattle. The church was packed to the rafters for the social event of the season. We had some of Seattle's greatest musicians in attendance and performing. I was really touched at how many people wanted to express their love and caring for us by attending the wedding. The reception was one of the best I've ever been to. Lyle Schaefer and his polka band played wonderfully and everyone had a great time. Many thanks to Lyle and the band and also all the other musicians who showed up and jammed throughout the day and evening.

Finally, May also marks one year since I lost my dear friend Jim Kinney. I've been thinking about Ol' Jim a lot lately. He was a huge part of my life until his passing. Now I have Danna to fill that void. I can't help but think Jim had something to do with that. He always wanted to see me do well...