Mark again - hope your celebration was as wonderful as ours was. We had people waiting at the door to get in at the Concourse Bar, and everyone had a great time without getting out of control! I had a windy, snowy ride back home to Minneapolis yesterday, took down Christmas decorations today, and hopefully my wife and I will get in a run at the YWCA this afternoon. Here's wishing you all the success and happiness you can handle in 2012!

Mark here - had a *long* day yesterday. We played a holiday party in Rockford, IL, so I left Minneapolis about 9:30 am, got home about 12:45 am - yup, 15 hours and 600+ miles! I have gigs in town for a while now, so maybe the tires will cool off!

Mark here, We had a *great* time on the east coast, but now it's time to return to whatever normal is. We played the Brink Lounge last Saturday and had a terrific crowd, then I beat it back to Minneapolis in time for my regular Sunday brunch with a band I play with called Patty and the Buttons. We got new hammers put on our piano today, so I'm psyched about getting reaquainted with my keyboard chops.

Mark here - I'm at Dulles airport, ready to fly home after a great tour. We had lots of laughs, good food and drink and enjoyed wonderful hospitality everywhere we went. Did anyone see us?

Mark here - we're in Philadelphia, staying with original Wail guitarist John Cooper and his lovely family. Tonight we play at the Bullfrog Brewery in Williamsport, PA, then back to Philly for some recording.  You can follow our schedule on our calendar page. By the  way, how many of you remember John from years ago?

Hi All,  Well it's about time I get around to dropping a line.  Man what a whirlwind month.  First off - The Midwest Gypsy Swing Fest was stellar, amazing and perfect. Thank you to ALL! the musicians, the weather committee, the volunteers and mostly you - the MGSF fans.  On to Feb 2012 - mucho phone calls and emails galore. I will keep you up to date.   Immediately following the MGSF the Wail played at Katerina's in Chicago as part of the Chicago Django Fest. The very next Day we flew to Ireland for two weeks of family, guiness…

Mark again - What a busy week, ending with two Wail gigs, an early morning drive back to Minneapolis for a brunch gig, and right back into teaching today. I'm getting ready to go to my karate class!

Mark here, I had a few great outdoor gigs this week, enjoying the weather while it's still warm. I also ran a 4 mile race to benefit PACER, an organization that serves families with children who have special needs. The theme was fighting bullying - can you do anything to help?