“I’m an old retired guy living my best life. I was in the Marines for 20 years; then I got my PhD in computer science. When I retired from the University of South Alabama, I picked the guitar up again. My daddy bought me a guitar when I was eight. I learned a song or two here and there but never really played. About four and a half years ago, I started playing with a group doing open mic nights at Cedar Street Social Club and realized there’s more to playing music than just playing songs–you’ve got to play with people. I joined the Street Folks Band and sometimes play at the VA center or the American Legion. Local musicians are also invited to play Sidewalk Sessions on street corners in downtown Mobile, so here I am. My brother once did some busking on the streets of San Francisco; he went barefoot and put his cardboard guitar case out there. I never dreamed I would be out here doing this or playing music during Mardi Gras. I love watching people listen and dance to my music. Today, I’ll probably start out with “Gimme Three Steps,” “A Pirate Looks at Forty,” and “Take It Easy.” Then do a little Dwight Yoakum and some honky-tonkin’ out here.”

Fletcher