If you were fortunate enough to see Morgan Wallen in concert in Ohio this past weekend, you may have been shocked to discover a big change in the country music superstar's appearance. Morgan Wallen has ditched his signature mullet hairstyle and is now sporting a buzzcut. He was seen onstage in Columbus on Friday in a red ball cap, to the conternation of those in the audience as well as on the internet. Fans have mixed emotions about this new look of his, and personally I can't say I'm for it. I have long hair and disapprove of most any haircut, but from what we have seen this is much more than just a trim.

Some have even gone as far as claiming that he is now bald, and that's a bit of an exageration, but honestly not too far off from the reality. He was quoted onstage midway through the performance addressing murmors about his new 'do announcing, "I didn't like my long hair anymore, so I shaved it off." In the past we've seen drastic hair style changes as such indicate instability and personal tribulations, but this doesn't necessarily seem to be the case for the artist behind chart toppers like Last Night, Whiskey Glasses, and Wasted on You. 

This comes right after news has broken that Dan Symers from Dan and Shay also hit a barbershop to get a fresh summer cut. The verdict is still up in the air as to whether these have been impulsive decisions or not, but I'd bet many a consideration had come to both of their minds beforehand, especially with the forethought that some of their fans may be disgruntled. At the end of the day whether you're a public figure or not, it's just hair and it will grow back, but i believe we're entitled to express our opinions so long as we are nice about them. With his roots in Tenessee, you would have to imagine that Wallen is no stranger to the summer heat, but as a performer on stage I am sure the shorter hair does makes a difference. 

Rejoice!!! The company has announced they will add a location in Ohio - their first here in the state. It'll be along I-70 just outside Dayton. As of now, the closest one to Northeast Ohio is off I-75 in Richmond,KY. The huge convenience stores and gas stations are award winning...including having the cleanest bathrooms in America!!! Ummm...THANK YOU!

I know people that SWEAR by Buc-ee's, so they are pumped for a roadtrip to Dayton! Read the story from Channel 5 here.

All my life, music has held a special place in my heart. When I was in elementary school, we were taught to play the recorder and "Hot Cross Buns" was my jam! We also had a few acoustic guitar lessons, which planted the seed in me to grow into the instrumentalist I am today. In 6th grade I picked up the trumpet and seemed to have a natural ability with it, but after an inability to play the Hawaii 5-0 theme song after only months of practice, I called it quits. That was far from the end of my musical journey, however. 

Sometime around 8th grade, I picked up my first bass guitar and amplifier. I practiced often, and received instructional help from my good friends who were guitarists. After some time, I got to the point where I was capable enough to jam with friends and even perform in front of large audiences, and some of my best memories come from those experiences. I've played open mics, talent shows, and many a garage sess. I've had my fair share of failed attempts at creating a band that never got very far, but it was still fun. 

As my talent grew, my gigging setup improved as well. I went from a cheap 20-watt amp to a 200-watt Acoustic brand one, and I love thumping on that with my nice Peavey Milestone III bass. I also acquired an acoustic guitar, and an electric guitar that my dad has had for nearly 50 years. As a bassist, I'm nothing exceptional, and that's completely okay by me. I pushed to the point where I can learn to play just about any song I want and that's all I really need. I was voted "Most Musical" by my high school as a senior, though I thought "Best Hair" would have been more accurate with my locks. I can't even read traditional music, but I'll take it either way! 

I don't play as much as I used to with my busy life these days, but the therapeutic aspect of laying down some riffs is still invaluable for me. I have been saving my change in a mason jar for years now to get my dream bass, a Gibson Thunderbird, and I'm still far but no less committed to it. Aside from that, I aspire to improve at drumming and the ukelele, and maybe even learn to play that old banjo that lives in my closet. Whether it's an instrument or some other form of artistic expression, I encourage you to find something that makes you as happy as playing the bass does for me.

This weekend (August 12th & 13th) at Hale Farm, they will be having their Civil War reenactment. It is said to be the largest in the state! The participants will re-create the first battle of Petersburg, VA in 1864, and there will be many arts and crafts of the time available as well. Living history exhibits are a great part of the weekend as well.

I remember going to this one year with my parents when I was maybe around ten years old. My dad was big into the history of the time and so we went to watch the battle reenactments and check out some of the toys and other crafts that were common in the 1860s. While I may not have been totally interested in being there at a young age, I am now able to appreciate why it's important to know that part of our history. Here is the article from The Plain Dealer with all of the needed information.

I love caffeine. Energy drinks, soda pop, coffee: it's all great. Working overnights, I've always got something with me to keep my energy up, but there's nothing like that cup of mud in the a.m. Coffee shops are fine, but for me, nothing hits like a gas station Columbian blend with an excessive amount of creamer. By the 9th little cup of French vanilla I'm opening, I have to wonder if anyone's judging me! 

Personally, I need an ice cube or two in there so that I don't burn my mouth. I will never understand why so many places serve it at the same temperature as lava; even the kids' temp is hot for me. I want to drink my hot beverage when it is served to me, not an hour later! Because of this, I wish I liked iced coffee, but it's just not for me. I do enjoy a nice iced tea with some raspberry. 

What's weird about coffee for me is how directly influenced my consumption of it is based on the time of day. As soon as the clock strikes high noon, it's time for something with carbonation. I do the Dew, Monsters, Nos, and all that unhealthy stuff; on occasion I drink water!

Not long ago, there was a bar full of patrons having a good time like any other day down in Key West. Nothing I'm sure had happened out of the ordinary that day to anyone until this...IN WALKS KENNY CHESNEY AND GIVES THEM AN IMPROMPTU PERFOMANCE!

Yes! This recently happened at an establishment down in the Florida Keys. Wouldn't that be the coolest thing to be out somewhere, just hanging out with friends or family and in walks a celebrity...who goes on to perform at said moment?! That has never happened to me and likely never will. I do wish you luck that it may happen to you one day, and maybe you could even get to meet the celebrity!

Tonight on CBS the Superfan takes center stage...  Tonight is LL Cool J.

But coming up in the following weeks are artists like Shania Twain, Little Big Town and Kelsea Ballerini.

Where fans try to prove the are these artists biggest fans.  I am just throwing it out there WQMX Superfan??? Hmm...

There is every chance you may have never heard of the late, Dan Seals.  Or it may have been a long time since you thought of him or his music.  His story was one of real success, but time and history has not been kind to him.  During his run, country was not as strong as it would eventually be and certainly nothing like today.  But in a radio world, he was very popular and had big charting success for a number of years. In those days, essentially the 1980's, we called artists like Dan Seals "radio stars."  Lots of airplay, but success in other avenues, not nearly as strong.  I played Seals music for years on great country stations across the nation

It was not for any lack of talent at all.  Dan Seals was originally known as England Dan, and had good success with the soft rock duo, England Dan and John Ford Coley on the pop charts with a run of songs in the late 1970's.  You know some of those, I'd Really Love To See You Tonight, Nights Are Forever, Love Is The Answer, and there were more. He was also the younger brother of Jimmy Seals from the highly successful pop group, Seals and Crofts also of the 1970's with hits like Summer Breeze.  Dan was from a musical family and was exceedingly talented as a vocalist and musician. He disbanded from John Ford Coley in 1980.

This Was A Big Song - Everyone Knows This One

He went country and for about five years had no success on the charts.  Then in 1985, off his fifth country album came a duet with Marie Osmond,  Meet Me In Montana  that went number one and was highly decorated within the music industry.  Then 10 of his next 11 singles all went to number one over a period that went from 1985 to almost 1991.  He was always on the radio, as his songs were very popular and his pop country sound was a staple of country radio. That included Bop, a gigantic radio record from 1985 that today, would not even be recognized as remotely "country"  sounding.  Although the song remains a favorite from that era as it is a great dance song.  Five of his singles had success on the pop charts as well, with Bop going into the top 10.

Big Country Breakthrough

The charting success culminated with a song called Good Times in 1990 as a #1. The next single called Bordertown peaked at #49, and then it was over.  No song he ever released after that went higher than that.  Country had changed, moved on and he was left behind. Garth was here, Alan Jackson too, Clint Black, Brooks And Dunn, Travis Tritt and more. Seals and tons of other 80's artists were shown the door very quickly, he was not alone.  80's Pop Country was over  -  and over right now.  This movement began a few years earlier about 1986, but with the advent of the aforementioned new stars, plus giants like George Strait, Alabama, Randy Travis, Reba and Holly Dunn, traditional country was ruling the day.

This Was A Huge Hit At The Time  #1

But Dan Seals should be remembered for the music he gave us.  He was a very talented guy that had nine straight #1 songs, recorded over a dozen albums and released about 40 singles. He also helped define an era of country that was very different from what was immediately ahead.  The Urban Cowboy craze lingered far too long, and much of the mid 80's pop country was format-less and not very marketable. But it's what we knew so we stuck with it well past it's expiration date.  Seals was just doing what artists did then.  Recorded songs that the radio would play, but few would buy, and fewer would go to see live.

This Song Really Touches People  #1

He was caught in the middle of a looming musical revolution that was coming from many avenues of the business who would eventually, and finally be brave enough to redirect the entire format.   At last placing the emphasis on our fans and giving them what they craved.   When the focus was placed on our fans first and pop fans and charts second -  it all changed.

Always Loved This Song

Dan Seals and dozens of others were simply ushered out not out of any malice, the entire genre just seismically shifted.  But Seals, regardless of the sales, concert attendance, or anything else was a very talented guy in every regard.  He deserves to be remembered for being very chart successful during a different time giving us some great music to enjoy still, even if it's on our phones or in our homes.

Another #1

Dan Seals died in 2009 of cancer - he was 61 years old.

Fairs are so much fun, and I can't wait to go to Stark County's again this year. Growing up living there, I fondly remember going with my Dad and pumping myself with as much sugar as I could, from the irreplicable sweet lemonade to that sticky but oh-so-good cotten candy.  My all-time favorite fair food, hands down, is an elephant ear. A little cinnamon and some powdered sugar makes them heavenly. Funnel cakes are good, but not as good; don't come at me. 

It's the 174th annual one this year, and outside of the food there's some really cool stuff planned. Truck and tractor pulls are so crazy and always impressive to me. They're Friday and Saturday at 7pm. The amount of effort and money put into these rigs for that sole purpose, I can't help but respect. I've seen some serious EATERS with astronomical torque, and sounding like thunder. Alongside this, there's demolition derbies on Sunday and Monday, and those are what I look forward to the most.  

Of course, there will be some amusement rides, carnival games, and all that fun for the kiddos. Personally, I love the one that just spins super fast with everyone looking at each other like a carousel. If that's there, you know I'm on it! There's also farm animals for show, and even horse racing Wednesday and Thursday. 

On Wednesday there's also Home Free, the premier a capella country group made up of five voices and zero instruments. Check out their version of "Man of Constant Sorrow" to get a feel for them. They sound real good! Thursday is the legendary rock group Styx, and I'd bet you're already familiar so I'll skip their description. Both shows start at 8pm with gates at 6:30pm. 

Get all the info at https://starkcountyfair.com and whether it's this or another one, make sure to get on out and have some wholesome fun this fair season! 

Since today is National Cat Day, I thought I would share this adorable picture of my cat Buttercup that I took earlier today. I want to draw your attention to how he is snuggled under the blanket asleep. HE did that, not me! I just put the blanket down for him on the couch and went to the grocery store. I came home and found him like this - sound asleep. I put groceries away, snapped this picture and left the house again and he never moved...I checked.

It would be awesome if it was bring your cat (or dog) to work day...although he doesn't travel well - but it's the thought! If you have a cat(s) in your household, HAPPY NATIONAL CAT DAY!