Tom Hipps: Calendar

Had a real good time at this annual event. I brought along Phil, guitarist from my band From Ordinary, and he played banjo on a few numbers for a rootsy vibe. Played some old hymns like "Old Rugged Cross" and "What a Friend We Have in Jesus", along with original tunes, some worship songs, and a kickin' version of "I Saw the Light" by the late great Hank Williams.. The people appreciated the music and let us know it. What a blessing.

Crossfest rocks! It's getting bigger (and better) each year. This year's headliner was Mark Schultz, who performed a great set. We also got to see and hang out with a few bands/musicians that we cross paths with now and then at shows... that's always fun. And bratwurst! :)

This place is special. Exceptional, comfy lounge atmosphere with a tremendous view of the river... we were treated to the most beautiful sunset. I also got to play the baby grand piano which graces the stage, and we sounded great through the JBL house speaker system. We will return!

This place was a great time! Gorgeously renovated historic building, fun crowds, heavenly food, and delicious locally brewed beer. I tell you, La Crosse WI has some of the finest eating/drinking establishments around.

Probably the most fun we've had at a gig in a long time (they're all usually fun, but this one stands out). Playing in our hometown is always a good time... once again, saw folks I hadn't seen in years, including my old supervisor from Bridgeman's, where I worked as a teen. The crowd was NUTS, and I mean that in the best way!

Sam and the gang once again welcomed us and took good care of us... batterfried shrimp dinners, good beer and coconut cake to top it off. Great staff, great food, and good times were had once again at the Honker.

The opening act cancelled, so I rounded up my talented friends Phil Rundle and Craig Larson to fill the slot. We had a ball... we each did solo sets, then came together at the end to play a few numbers together. The placewas rockin'! Me and the boys went to Dulono's in Uptown Minneapolis afterward for the best pizza in town (in my humble opinion) and excellent live bluegrass music.

This was a real fun night. Saw lots of folks I hadn't seen in a long time, and ate my fill of delicious broiled fish, compliments of the house. Funny how gigs and food always seem to go together... works for me! :)

Our friends Jerry and Georgia showed up and lit up the room (as they always do) with their fabulous dancing, not to mention their bright and shiny personalities! We love them, so we don't mind sharing a bit of the spotlight! :)

Possibly our finest show at the Freight House. Just one of those evenings where the crowd is right, we're playing at the top of our game, and everyone has a great time. Sold lots of CD's too!

For a night-after-New Year's Eve gig, this was a pretty good time! Some of the same crowd who came to the Nugget the night before showed up to this one too... kudos to you guys! Our musician friends Craig Larson and Jason Roath sat infor a couple of numbers. Rudy's is really a fine establishment. The help is attentive and friendly, the food is great, and the atmosphere can't be beat... red leather, dark wood and decorative glass abound. Look for more appearances at Rudy's by us in the spring.

FUN!!! We had a great time ringing in the New Year. Lots of friends showed up and filled the place. Nothing like free champagne and perpetually honking horns to make for a party atmosphere! I and our bass player Rick had the seared scallops, which were fabulous... Pat had his usual burger. Why I tell you what we had to eat, I have no idea:) Our friends Angela Minnick and Craig Larson lent their vocal talent to a few songs too. Thanks to the Gold Nugget and all who helped make it a great night.

The Ed's show was a blast! Pat and I worked some Christmas songs into the set... my favorite moment was when we had the whole crowd singing "Jingle Bells, Batman smells" with us. Saw lots of old friends, which is always nice but even better around the Holidays.

This was our second year in a row doing the Wenonah Canoe party. This year, they featured a Mexican buffet... yum! It was a nice entry into the Holday Season.

Man, did we have a good time! Hometown gig, and being it was the day after Thanksgiving, there were alot of people in town that I hadn't seen in ages. Our friends Johnny Peterson and Rick bell each hopped up to play some wicked piano on a few numbers, and the owner of the establishment, Chris Gardner, wowed us with his vocals on "Roadhouse Blues". Our friends from LaCrosse, Jerry and Georgia, also made the trip down to see us. And, Mom came to this gig too:)

Saw an old friend of mine at this gig which I hadn't seen in probably 20 years, Matt Benson... an incredibly gifted guitarist. Brought back memories of the early days as a musician, playing little bars and wedding receptions and loving every minute of it!

Now I can say I've performed in a bank lobby! Actually, it was a very cool gig. Merchant's Bank is one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in the area. This was a "network night" for the Downtown Business Association. Great food, open bar, and lots of people I hadn't seen in a long time. What could be better?

We were the VERY FIRST musical guests to grace the Loring Kitchen & Bar! It is an upscale, beautifully designed venue. They will be hosting live music nights occasionally... we hope to make another appearance!

We had a great weekend at the ol' Freight House. Good crowds, and everyone seemed to be in a great mood. Our friends Jerry and Georgia stopped in and, as usual, lit the place up with their excellent dancing and bright personalities.

We had a great weekend at the ol' Freight House. Good crowds, and everyone seemed to be in a great mood. Our friends Jerry and Georgia stopped in and, as usual, lit the place up with their excellent dancing and bright personalities.

This was a great gig, in spite of my back giving me mucho trouble. We performed in the historic St. Paul Union Depot... the acoustics were tremendous! There was a silent auction to benefit US veterans... I bid on (and won) a very cool Blue Moon neon light. It looks great in my basement bar!

Gotta love a hometown gig. Good to see friends and family again, and having our old friend John Peterson sit in on piano made the night really special.

Fun times at the Honker, as always! The batterfried shrimp alone keep us coming back:)

Thanks to my good friend Sarah Lawrence for lending her vocal talents to this gig! And yes, I had my annual footlong hotdog with mustard & onions... some things become tradition and can't be messed with!