Author: CharliesTrail
-
Responding to the Rasta: Ziggy Marley encourages nation to unify
“He wanted to lift us up, but it was clear in his words; it was clear in his tone and his energy that he was saddened by what he’s seeing in our country. It wasn’t like hearing “Imagine” in the gym, although that feeling would have come back ten fold if it was the fall…
-
Charlie’s Little Book
As many of you know, this past June I got married, and my dad was the officiant. He booked the gig well in advance and he exceeded expectations. Expectations were high, too. My best friend, my favorite teacher, my mentor and bandmate, my dad has left a profound impact on me. He’s made me who…
-
Kindred Spirits: reflections on seeing Springsteen with my dad
From the opening “Ties that Band” all the way to the “Ramrod,” which ended the second encore, I was hooked. At one point – I believe it was during “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” – Bruce jumped on top of the piano and roared. Our seats were pretty high up, but I could see his arms up…
-
In loving memory of Robert Wayne Harsha: August 19, 1944 – August 16, 2016
“Living is Christ and dying is gain.” – Philippians 1:21 “I know where he is now,” Pat said confidently, just a minute before the remembrance service began at Columbus Evangelical Church. We all do. Wayne Harsha – a pilot, a preacher, a leader by example – made many believers out of non-believers in his 71…
-
Taking pride in the West
By CHARLIE DENISON What is it about the old cowboy music that brings such joy to Central Montanans and people all over the country? What is it that attracts so many people to the old way of life? As Ranger Doug of Riders in the Sky sings in “Blue Montana Skies,” the “Code of the…
-
The glory of true love: a happy groom reflects on the big day
Having been a groomsman close to 10 times, I thought I knew a thing or two about what it’d be like to get married. I thought I’d know what it’d be like to be the groom. Boy, was I wrong. When I saw my bride – Kari Albertson – walk down the aisle of the…
-
Need Your Love
“I need your love. I need it right away. I love you every night and day.” – Hambone, “Need Your Love” October 28, 2007“Do you want to eat here?” I asked.“No,” Hambone said, his long hands holding his head up, his voice barely audible.We were at a Waffle House in Shelby, Tennessee, about 15 miles…
-
How to give a good toast
We all know that you don’t have to be a public speaker to be a best man or a maid of honor. The only requirement for the position is being a best friend. It’s not a job, it’s an honor and a responsibility that comes from years of trust, years of long talks, years of…
-
“Crashing” the Indy 500
I was back in my hometown of Fishers, Indiana, driving in for the weekend from Kentucky, where I was going to school at the University of Louisville. For some extra cash, I turned to bartending, graduating as a “certified mixologist” from the Midwest Bartending School. Usually this took two weeks, but since the only people…
-
‘Jingling’ proves lucrative after all
I always thought it’d be fun to record a jingle. Think about it. “Mentos,” “My Buddy,” “Kit Kat,” “Oscar Mayer Wiener,” “Folgers.” All those little ditties just come alive in your head, don’t they? “Fresh goes better, Mentos freshness, fresh goes better with Mentos, fresh and full of life. Mentos, the freshmaker.” That’s what jingles…
charliebigsky.com 