Where have I been?

Its been a real long time since my last blog entry. A lot has been going on since February. I was doing the podcast for a while. It was a lot of fun doing it but life got real busy and I didnt have the kind of time that the podcast required of me. 

I've been working longer hours at my day job and have been gigging and performing more frequently. Things at church have been requiring more time and attention and I've been able to spend a lot of time with my son. 

I've been blessed to be playing frequent gigs at local bars and restaurants. Taps and Apps in Mililani has been having me come share music pretty often and I am super grateful for that. If youre near central oahu and looking for a chill space to grab a bite or a drink, I highly recommend checking them out www.instagram.com/tapsandappsbrewpub I'll be back there playing on August 13 from 8-11 pm and on August 20 for Happy Hour (4-7 pm) 

I've mostly been doing private events like weddings, birthdays and this summer I've done a lot of grad parties. Im always humbled and super grateful that I get to do what I love to do and make a living off of it. I still remember just learning guitar and going to open mic nights and hoping to get the chance to play a gig. 

When people thank me for playing their event or party I always tell them thank you. I dont think people really understand that they are making my dreams come true. Doing music for people that enjoy and appreciate it, thats been the dream. Being able to pay my bills because of it, thats all a crazy bonus. 

I entered The Hawaii Songwriting Festival Songwriting Contest on Oahu and Won. The prize was a dope ukulele and tickets to attend the Songwriting Festival on the Big Island. It was an amazing experience and I got to learn a lot from people in the music industry from around the world. It was all very inspiring and exciting. I am planning to attend next year as well and am really looking forward to it. 

I dont know when the next entry in this blog will be but if youre reading this, thank you. Thank you for having enough interest to stop by the site, and thank you for reading these thoughts. I appreciate it. Stay blessed. Love and Aloha. 

its been a long time, I shouldnta left ya.......

Wow, its been a while since my last entry. My macbook stopped working on me and made getting onto my site pretty difficult. A lot has happened since July. I've been playing parties and shows. i entered a small local talent contest by Island Cafe with Island 98.5 and won. I played a fun show for HNL Flow. I have played a few shows at OnStage drinks and grinds in Waikiki. I've been doing as many open mics as my schedule would allow. 

I have a performance coming up The Mill in Mililani next month that I am pretty excited about. I played a 2 hour set there last month for a fundraiser and really enjoyed the venue. 

I haven't been back out on the streets of Waikiki though. I do miss it. I hope to make it out a couple times before the end of the year. 

hmmmm..... so what else. Oh, I started Periscoping. Thats been pretty fun. If you have a periscope connect with me (@jehlikejam) ... I do follow back. 

I played a party for the Muscular Dystrophy Association at Shriners Hospital for Children in Honolulu. That was my second party for them. The kids were amazing. They're going through so much but carry it with grace and smiles. It was a total blessing celebrating their progress and victories with them. 

I'm so scatter brained right so I'm gonna end this here. I dont know if anyone is ever going to read this, but if you are, thank you so much for your interest. It means a lot. 

love and blessings, jeh