Baby, it was cold outside. It was a very brisk 22 degrees and a slight wind coming down the Mississippi River valley in Lawler Park, Prairie du Chien, WI for a couple Christmas songs for the Holiday Lights – Stroll in the Park event. While the crowd was sparse, an abundance of Christmas spirit provided ample warm to warm the night. Thanks to Prairie du Chien Parks and Recreation for the invitation. We handed out a few guitar pick to some brave little ones (who loved to dance with their mommy and daddy) .

(Chet's First Pick Initiative).

We had a great time at Olde Tyme Christmas in Oelwein, Iowa. This was the most picks I’ve handed out. Hopefully, Santa will step up.

I played Christmas music for a quick four hours. Thanks to everyone that stopped out. Thanks to the Oelwein Chamber of Commerce for allowing me to attend, engage and entertain. As always 10% of all donations made get passed on to Guitars4vets.org.

(Chet's First Pick Initiative).

Today was a great day for the Holiday Craft and Vendor Show in Prairie du Chien, WI. Congenial crowd and the time flew by. Thanks to the vendors and crafters and the Prairie du Chien Parks & Recreation Department. It is my goal to attend, engage and entertain. As always 10% of all donations made get passed on to Guitars4vets.org.

What a great day at the West Union Craft and Vendor Show in West Union, Iowa. I swear seasonal cinnamon and pumpkin spice filled the air as local crafters and home business entrepreneurs had great baubles available. We met some really awesome people and we’re able to hand out picks (http://www.chetreagan.com/chets-first-pick-initiative/) to a lot of kids. I played Christmas music before the crowd thinned and I took some requests from folks in my corner. Thanks to the vendors and crafters. Thanks to Jessie who organized and allowed me to attend, engage and entertain. As always 10% of all donations made get passed on to Guitars4vets.org.

Veteran’s Day is a special time. As the son and brother of a veteran and a veteran myself ,duty to country is important. I was lucky enough to be able to perform at my local school district Veteran’s Day Tribute. I performed Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue by Toby Keith as a memorial to 9/11 anniversary AND to punctuate that our military is the walk behind our talk. I felt compelled to say these words – “The freedoms that we enjoy in this country are not secured in the US Senate… They’re not secured in the US house… Or in the White House. They are secured with our active and reserve Armed Forces, veterans and their families. I’m here to tell you despite what you see in Hollywood and on the news, in your TikTok or snapchat feed – it’s OK to still love your country and the principles which it was founded.“

Today was the First Annual Beer and Bacon Event in downtown Cedar Falls. A flat tire couldn’t keep me away.

I busked off in front of National Cattle Congress off of Ansborough Ave in Waterloo, Iowa. The manager of National Cattle Congress welcomed me by asking me to pack up and leave their property. NAME REDACTED said he had “no problem with street musicians”. However, he added he “wished I would have contacted” him sooner. He said possibly would’ve let me in the Cattle Congress grounds. I didn’t engage him hoping that he comes through on his word next year. I was performing on public ground. Private property owners have no say/jurisdiction there.

I busked in front of the historic Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. The Surf was hosting a concert by The Wailers. I made a few referrals for Guitars4Vets.

Artapoolza in Cedar Falls, Iowa. I gladly relocated four blocks away from the stage and played for 3 hours. I learned it is a local busking taboo to busk when there is another music artist scheduled. Lesson learned.