The Background Story:

Doug was born in Burlington, Washington within the smell of dairy cows in the lush farmlands of the Skagit Valley. Just west are the San Juan Islands. He spent his teens in the vineyards and orchards of California’s San Joaquin Valley. A tour of duty in the US Navy took him from San Diego, to Iceland, Singapore, Guam, Pussan and points beyond. He settled many years ago in Portland, Oregon.

When Doug was six, he built a drum set out of boxes and milk cans, and pretended he was Ringo Starr. He played drums and percussion in jazz bands, theatre orchestras, symphony orchestras, a US Navy drum and bugle corps, and combos of all types. He gradually switched from drums to voice and guitar about a decade ago. (Besides, there are very few solo gigs for drummers.) When not working at his day job as a business owner/manager, he enjoys sailing, gardening and cooking. He has a wonderful wife and two great kids.

Born:  February 7, in the age of the Baby Boomers

Musical skills: vocals, guitars, drums and percussion, conch shell.

I’ve played since I was 10 years old. There’s no question that I lacked discipline in my youth. With age, it seems, comes patience. And with patience many things are possible, and this certainly applies to music. With this new found patience, I’ve recreated myself musically, and transitioned from drummer to singer / performer. I’ve moved from playing a specific role, to finding my creative core and finding and revealing more of who I really am as a musician.

The qualities of my relationship to music are similar to the qualities that you attribute to the relationship with your oldest and dearest friend; someone who has been there for you, and you for them for a long, long time. Frustration comes and goes, but the relationship endures, and usually, it’s a great to be together.

Currently I’m focusing on writing new material for a second CD. I’ve also built a repertoire of American and Irish folk music and pop and jazz standards. Live performances are exciting. Check the schedule for dates and locations of performances.