One small step for man, one giant leap of courage.

One small step for man, one giant leap of courage.

Last night, it finally happened.

On Monday night, July 20, 2026 (exactly 57 years after the first moonwalk) I stepped onto the stage at Truth Vinyl’s open mic night in Arlington, Texas, and did something I’ve dreamed about for decades. I performed my original songs live in front of an audience.

I played three of my own songs: “Masterpiece,” “The One I Waited For,” and “Call Your Bluff.” The room held about 20–25 people. I was the second‑to‑last performer, and when I walked up on stage, I played mostly with my eyes closed - part nerves, part focus, and a whole lot of courage.

For me, this was huge!! After twenty years of wanting this moment, I finally made it real. Even with a few hiccups - rushed tempo, low guitar volume, a couple chord slips - I kept going. I didn’t stop. I pushed through every second.

And the crowd responded. The applause was loud, warm, and genuine. As a musical artist, that kind of reception hits you right in the heart. It felt like validation, relief, joy, and accomplishment all at once.

Surprisingly, the best part of the night was my voice. Singing has never come naturally to me. I’ve worked at it for decades and only started formal lessons this past March. Those lessons have helped tremendously, enough so that I finally felt confident singing in front of a room full of strangers. Even with a couple jumbled lyrics, I was proud of how my voice sounded.

I’ve played in bands my whole life - bass, keys, guitar, playing mostly covers. But I’ve always carried the quiet desire to sing my own songs.

I’ve had missed opportunities over the years - venues where I wanted to ask the owners if I could play my originals. Lora at Peppermill, Linda at Someplace Else/Escapades, Rob at Old Cocktail Lounge, Carl at Diamond Jim’s. All those opportunities were gone before I ever got the courage to ask.

So last night wasn’t just an open mic. It was me finally doing what I’ve wanted to do for half my life.

It wasn’t perfect. But it was real. And it was mine.

Special thanks to my friends Ezell Clark (keys) and Ray Esh (drums) for being there as backup band. Thanks to Ray also for the photos.