Just the Way You Are | Billy Joel

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I’ve been hearing that Billy Joel just released a new song.

Hallelujah.

The first song of his that I remember connecting with was “We Didn’t Start the Fire”. That was 1989. I was 10 years old, jumping on a gigantic trampoline, at my friend Deiter’s house. Deiter was Belgian. He still is Belgian. Not quite sure why I am talking of him in the past tense—perhaps because we haven’t seen one another in 35 plus years. I digress though. He had this giant trampoline, and we were bouncing on it, doing back flips and forward flips, listening to Billy Joel be incredible.

That’s how Billy Joel makes me feel: like I’m jumping on a trampoline when I’m 10 years old. He always will. Thank you for making more music and putting it into the world. I imagine it means the world to a lot of us. It does to me.

This is me playing the first few sections of “Just the Way You Are” feeling like I’m 10 again, jumping on a trampoline.

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Delicious Salads, Plaid Shirts, Brian Wilsons, and Bison

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The first music I ever connected with, consciously, in my life, was The Beach Boys. I was in Elementary School at the time—perhaps 4th grade? Regardless, their music moved me in a way that I can’t quite capture in words. So, I showed my appreciation by making an arrangement of one of their songs.

As an adult, I can only marvel at the wonderment of Brian Wilson, and how marvelous it feels to sing something so gorgeous and perfectly crafted from top to bottom. Like nature: balanced and beautiful.

Last year, while I was on tour in Idaho/Wisconsin, I filmed a bison, as I was eating a salad by my car, in the Old Faithful parking lot of Yellowstone National Park. I posted it later that night to my Mike Vitale music page, and forgot about it.

I logged on a few days later, and was shocked to see that this silly bison video went viral. I received nearly one million views in the course of a few days. Comments. Lots of comments. Pretty wild. It seemed that most the activity around that video was fueled by vitriol… people telling me how stupid I was or how dumb the person in front of me was. You know. That sort of thing.

This video I shared with you now, doesn’t have any bison in it, as far as I can gather. It does feature me wearing a plaid shirt I regret buying.

However, I might be mistaken. Perhaps I could proclaim with some small amount of pride, that this video is in fact very much like a bison walking through a parking lot, towards a forest, only to be lost from the eyes and ears of human spectators once again, on its way to who knows where, for who knows what.

That would be whimsical—and perhaps that is the stuff that delicious salads, plaid shirts, Brian Wilsons, and bison even, are made of.

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TOUR SCHEDULE

The Fall 2023 Tour Continues in Greensboro, North Carolina

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Awendaw Green in Awendaw, South Carolina

The past several weeks have felt like a tornado of long drives and visiting with family (in the best way possible). However, I am in Charleston, South Carolina at the moment, wishing everyone warm regards, bearing tidings of either magpies, or news. Still on tour. Tour, tour, tour. Played Awendaw Green last night (fun times). Leaving for North Carolina, shortly. Perhaps you might want to see me while I’m in town? I’m not gonna lie: I’d like that. Allow me the opportunity to provide the bat time, bat place, and bat channel for such an endeavor (Adam West would approve).

Awendaw Green in Awendaw, South Carolina

Thanks to my friend Jasmine Commerce for being a mensch and providing a warm bed to rest my bones here in Charleston. In fact, thanks to Sarah, and Mia, and Chris, and Bob, and Phil, and Brenda, and Darice and all my friends and family for opening your homes and your heart to me. I am poor as can be, yet the richest man alive. How does that work? It’s measured in my soul, by the nearest approximation: whatever the currency, I feel it in my heart. Thank you. Deeply and truly:

Oct 21 - State Street Wine Co. | Greensboro, NC @ 6pm

Oct 24 - Swan House Concert Series | New Bern, NC @ 7pm

Oct 26 - Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge | Madison, TN @ 6pm

Oct 27 - Rootstock | Woodstock, GA @ 7:30pm

Oct 28th - 101 Steak | Atlanta, GA @ 7pm

Oct 29th - HiFi Clyde’s | Chattanooga, TN @ 11am

Nov 3rd - Cocoa Beach Show | Cocoa Beach, FL

Nov 4th - Pompano Beach House Concert | Pompano Beach, FL @ 6pm

Nov 8th - Wet Dogs Brewing | Lake Placid, FL @ 6pm

Nov 9th - New World Biergarten @ New World Music Hall | Tampa, FL @ 6:30pm

Nov 10th - Music by the Bay House Concert | Madeira Beach, FL @ 7pm

Nov 11th - Wolf Howl House Concert Series | St. Petersburg, FL @ 7pm

Nov 26th - Vine | Long Beach, CA @ 4pm

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Lafayette, Louisiana

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I’ve met a few cajuns in my life, whether it was beknownst to me immediately or not at the onset. However, last night, there was no mistaking the bonafide and genuine article insofar as accents are concerned.

It was thick and lovely. I had to concentrate on occasion to make sure I was on the same conversational wavelength as this Louisianan Acadian, whom had no problem switching back and forth between archaic French and a uniquely American and Canadian dialect of English that was sure to muddy up the crinkled and bewildered face of a California musician… you know, not from around these parts (he had his fair share of fun with that exercise I imagine). He also bought me a whiskey on the rocks, so either way, I was pleased to be along for the ride.

Long story made longer: we had a lot of fun last night at Cafe Sydnie Mae in the land of Acadia.

In all honesty, until a day or two ago, I was naive to that word as well: Acadia. It means “place of plenty” or just, paradise. It was the name given to portions of Louisiana after French settlers made a home here with the indigenous who were so kind as to share the wealth of. I say here, because I’m in Lafayette, LA at the moment.

I had my first taste of Crawfish Étouffée last night… and speaking of paradise: that just so happened to be what that dish of culinary magic tastes like.

My friends and hosts Sarah and Dustin have given me a soft place to lay my head at the end of the night, and some mighty fine jams for my brain and ears, both being musician of the stellar ilk. I gorged myself on Zydeco and ball-busting conversation (I was amongst close friends having their fun with one another… not to mention the guy from out of town).

Speaking of which Dustin and I are playing a show tonight in New Orleans. If you’re local, swing by. It’s a mighty fine and large porch. The weather is nice. Dustin is incredible. He’s playing at 6:30pm. I go on at 7:30pm. This is open to the public to attend and I would be happy to send the address to you, as would the hosts.

Friday October 13th

Riverbend Music Room

Music starts at 6:30pm

Suggested donations welcome for the artists.

Tomorrow, I’m heading up to El Dorado, Arkansas to play some music with my friend Chris Loggins. Music starts at 7pm. No cover.

Marilyn’s on the Square

119 N. Jefferson Ave. #6107

El Dorado, AR

"Friend of the Devil", The Grateful Dead, and GIVING SONGS

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When I was a young man—I figure I was probably around 15 years old, I had these two friends: Josh and Jeff. This was in Visalia, CA, where I grew up. I was learning how to play guitar at the time—and I liked singing a lot too. I was very much interested in a lot of the music that was permeating the airwaves in the 1960’s, as well as, music that was part of the counter-culture in that era. This came fast on the heals of a lot of the grunge music that was big at the time of my teenage years, for my generation. It’s been humorous watching all the teenagers around now, 2023, wearing the clothing of “grunge” era musicians—much as we did at their age, wearing the tie die clothing, bell bottoms, and making the same aesthetic choices as those of our parents when they were are age. It’s a 30 year cycle of sorts that perpetually rears its head once more, as a way of making us laugh thirty years later, and perhaps to remember where we came from.

The Grateful Dead seemed to me to be the pinnacle of that counter culture. At the moment, at the age of 15, I had never listened to their music aside from an MTV music video for a song of theirs called “Touch of Grey.” Yet, I constantly saw Josh and Jeff wearing these beautiful tie-die t-shirt designs that screamed for a person’s attention: namely mine. So, eventually I asked: “Who are The Grateful Dead?” We were swimming in a pool at Jeff’s house at the time of my query.

He was happy hop out of the pool, and to show me their music, and I was so surprised by what it sounded like. It was country and rock and bluegrass and jam… all mixed into a lovely little package of beautiful.

The lyric writing on many of these songs were sublime. They told stories.

I’m 44 years old now. I love the Grateful Dead. I remember when Jerry Garcia passed away and how many people felt his loss. I remember attending a tribute show to Jerry in the Angeles National Forest with my brother Clark.

I remember a lot of things. Music often is the border collie that herds our memories out of the darker pastures of our subconscious, bringing memories and experiences, once again to the forefront.

At any rate: I was in Michigan on tour again this Summer, and every time I come to Michigan, I perform a cover song for a charity called GIVING SONGS.

You can learn more about what they do HERE, however, in short, the music they release every month helps fundraise and provide wheelchair accessible vehicle grants for families in need.

This year, I decided to get stoned and perform “Friend of the Devil” with another local talent from Michigan named Rob Nelson, who sang background vocals and also played lead guitar on this track, while I played rhythm and sang. Rob sounds sublime and inspired.

Written by Jerry Garcia, John Dawson, and Robert Hunter, FRIEND OF THE DEVIL was released by the Grateful Dead in 1970 on an album called AMERICAN BEAUTY. To this day, it make me smile playing it. It was one of the first songs I ever learned to play. It has been covered by countless others—and I hope that we did a great job in its rendition.

You can download a free copy of the song here, or you can make donation to GIVING SONGS while also downloading the song. It can be as big or as little of a contribution as you would like.

https://payhip.com/b/E7HAs

If you are interested in giving it a listen first, you can do so here:

However, all proceeds from your donation will go directly to GIVING SONGS.

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TOUR DATES



SOLD OUT show at PORCH SESSIONS in Pasadena and WINE AND SONG this Wednesday

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Wow, last night was so incredible. Thank you to Brenda and Will with Wonder and Awe Productions for making last night so special, along with all the music talent who performed: Jaywoozy, Guyville, Daisy Abrams, and Tom and myself.

Everyone had a blast and were so kind and the evening was immensely special to me.

A huge thank you to everyone who found me on Instagram as well.

Speaking of which, here are the links to all of my socials if you are having a hard time finding me online:

I have one more show in Pasadena that I am playing this Wednesday August 30th at the Lost Parrot for an event called Wine and Song. I will be playing a short set between Shane Alexander and Susan Ritchie.

https://wineandsong.com/event/5199110/647052014/wine-song-susan-ritchie-shane-alexander

Tickets are $22 for the event. This is a listening room environment.

You can purchase your seat for the event here:

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UPCOMING SHOWS

Only 6 Tickets Left!

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There are only 6 Tickets left for the show tomorrow in Pasadena for PORCH SESSIONS

Tickets are $15 with a reward of fun.

Fun. Phun.

This is a link to buy tickets!

Directions for the show will be sent to you by RSVP’ing at the link.



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Mike Vitale at the Pensacola Beach Songwriter's Festival 2023

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I don’t know why I just wrote that title in third-person. It’s me. Mike. I’m writing this. I write all of this stuff. That’s me in the photo with the goofy looking look.

I am knee-deep in booking for my October and November 2023 run of shows in the Southern portion of the United States.

I am grateful to be a part of the Pensacola Beach Songwriter’s Festival in the land of Citrus, Florida!

They even added my goofy ass to their website:

https://pensacolabeachsongwritersfestival.com/vitale-mike/

I was just in contact with the person responsible for my bookings, and she has provided me with some details that I thought I would share here for everyone in Pensacola Beach who is interested in attending:

Wednesday Oct 4th 2023 | Bamboo Willie’s Beachside Bar - 7pm

400 Quietwater Beach Rd. Pensacola Bch, FL 32561

Friday Oct 6th 2023 | TBA (songwriter round)

Sunday Oct 8th 2023 | Handlebar - 2pm

319 N Tarragona St, Pensacola, FL 32501

Do I have more news beyond this? Sure. However, I need to get back to booking this tour. I have a long ways to go before my anxiety goes away from knowing full well that I have enough tour dates.

UPCOMING SHOWS

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Grand Island, NE House Concert Review

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The Spencer Family were my Hosts in Grand Island, NE

Steven Spencer and the family were so kind as to host me in Grand Island, Nebraska for this tour I just arrived home from a few days ago.

Steven wrote me an email with a review of the show. I was so stoked to finally have the opportunity to read it today.

While I may not make this painfully honest: my world and my dreams of playing music and telling my stories definitely hinges on the kindness of those who are willing to listen to them. My hope is that those who do listen, find humanity in my stories. The humanity is the story. It is the story of all of us.

I have no doubt where my place is in the world. It is doing what I am currently doing. Thank you Steven, for painting my endeavors in such a colorful and favorable light, as you have done here. I am immensely grateful to you and your family.

Here is Steven’s review of the concert:

I maintain that I am a somebody, who is a nobody, trying to be a somebody. I am immensely grateful for all the folks I meet along the way and who show me love and kindness and what it is to be a good person. I learn more on that with each of you that I meet. I hope to follow your course myself, in that trajectory, towards the heavens of good grace.

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UPCOMING SHOWS

The Den Den—or Ver.

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I am currently in the Denver, Colorado. Arvada to be precise. It’s a gorgeous bedroom community just outside of Denver. A hop, skip, and a jump—perhaps one verb’s length further away in distance from the city. I wonder inwardly what the people of Denver call their fine city, in some sort of local colloquialism. Do you know what I mean?

People in the Bay Area call San Francisco “The City.” Maybe Denver has something like that too? Something to put inside quotation marks when they write down the name of their home in written English. Maybe in their local circles, they refer to their mother city as The Den Den. Or just Ver. I’ll work up the nerve to ask the locals when I get tired of typing words.

Maybe they just call it home. That wouldn’t surprise me. I’m typing this at a Starbuck’s a few blocks from the home of the house concert host I am playing at this evening.

Faulkner—smoking a pipe. Not Truong. He doesn’t smoke pipes.

Truong is his name. He’s a great guy. He’s an economist. His bookshelves are full of volumes of Economic Theory, Philosophy, History, and a skosh of Literature. You might imagine that they smell of Book, Cedar, Leather, and Scotch. They don’t—well, how do I know? I wasn’t smelling his books this morning, like a weirdo. I swear.

I saw one fiction book. “The Sound and The Fury” by William Faulkner. I’m willing to bet he came from a time when men took pictures with pipes—Faulkner, not my host. I don’t think he smokes a pipe.

We can wager next time. You shouldn’t have took that bet, reader… and I need to exercise better grammar. Truong doesn’t strike me as a gambling man either—then again, he is hosting a musician from Los Angeles tonight at his house concert series. Sounds a bit like a gamble. I could suck, or at the very least, be very low on the entertainment spectrum.

With that being said residents of Den Den: y’all should come hangout tonight. Everyone is gathering at 6pm at Truong’s place of residence. Music starts at 7pm. Shoot me a DM on the social media sites. Tonight. Tonight being Sunday August 13th. Bring your pipe, and maybe some alcohol, incase I’m not entertaining—or incase I am.

This is the last date of my tour outside of California this summer. Stay tuned for my Fall Tour in October and November of 2023 down yonder.

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