The purple- gray shadows of the impending dawn hung low on the horizon like the forward guard of an approaching army. The darkened sky preceding this advancing day lie marred, and cluttered with the twinkling celestial bodies that mingle amongst its blackness. Then suddenly breaking the illusion of infinity the orange ball emerges from its nightly absence eager to warm the planetary sphere we call earth. The darkness to the west fades as the orb ascended through the muted sky on its journey to another day. Then at 8:30am, I was born...
So, how, do I define the indefinable? Well, the early years were as most I guess. I was a reckless youth, looking for excitement in any place I could find it. Not a good student, where school was concerned. Then, between the ages of 22 and 30, I tried to follow in my older brother’s footsteps by trying to do the retail management thing, definitely not the thing for me. Although, some may say that was an extreme waste of time, I chalk it up to another lesson learned, and I learned most the hard way.
So, then, who am I? I am that long hair rocker that lives for thundering drums, shredding guitars, and hi-hair woman that look good in black leather and sprawled out on the hood of a muscle car. Hmmm. does that sound like a whitesnake video? Unfortunately, I cut the hair when I turned 30, however, that spirit still lives within my complicated persona. Therefore, for now I will give you the condensed version of the Shev.
In 1975 at the age of twelve, I began to study military history. Today, I am somewhat of an American Civil War Historian. In addition, I have given a few presentations on the subject at local libraries. Over the years, I have collected a vast number of books on The Civil War, and just about every other American war, from the French and Indian, to the gulf war. One friend has lamented that I should have been a history teacher, unfortunately, for me I never finished college so I do not have that little piece of paper that states I have a clue. Don’t you just love bureaucracy?
Also, that same year, I learned about hard rock music. It revealed itself to me in the form of one of the world’s greatest Rock bands, "KISS." It was on a summer day in 1975 that I first heard, “Rock and Roll all Night.†Since that day, I knew that music would always be apart of my life, and I set out to become a rock star… LOL...
On a warm September day in 1989, after being a roadie for a local band, and sort of singing with another band (we had no name) I got another chance. A friend, Jeremy (Jerm), and I were jamming in my back yard, just having a good time. Before we called it quits for the day, we decided to form our own hard rock band. We decided on the name, "Knightaxe." I had come up with that name years before while singing with the no-name band I mentioned above. Anyway, with me singing, Jerm on guitar, Guy on bass, and Mike on drums. We did what is known as the basement tour, as we never played any gigs. We, did, however, write plenty of songs, conversely, after two year we disbanded. After about nine months of being away from the music, Jerm and I reformed with a couple of new faces. Ed on bass, and Kitty (John) on drums. This band, although, still had the same feel as, 'Knightaxe," We, however, were a little more musical, This time we were collectively known as, "Cruel Reality." (See link below right) After writing some new songs, playing some gigs, and recording a demo tape in July of 1995 we again disbanded in December 1995. I am still waiting to reform...
In addition, to all that, I am married to a beautiful woman named Stephanie. She and I have a house and 2 wonderful cats (Angel, a white & gay tabby, and General James Ewell Brown Stuart, a Black cat)... I am also, a volunteer tour guide/Interpreter for the national park service, at the Vanderbilt Historical site, in Hyde Park, New York, and durning the Halloween season, I am a Storyteller at the number one haunted attraction in America, the "Headless Horseman Hayrides, and Haunted Houses," located in Ulster Park, New York. My characters name most of the time at the Horseman is, "Knightaxe." hmmm, sound familiar? This year (2008) due to the storyline, it's Kel-Brae, a Scottish wiseass... Sorry, Let me continue...
In February, March, and April of 2007 I attended the, Recording Workshop," in Chillicothe, Ohio this is a school designed for audio engineering. I have wanted to learn the art of recording since my days with my band. Therefore, I am now a certified audio engineer looking for work in that field. Last but surely not least my brother-in-law, Tom and I brew beer, and are learning all the nuances of that most humble art (see my Captain William Hudson link to the right)…
Well, folks there is a lot more to the story, however, I hope that will give you just a small glimpes in to the insane world of the Shev. Ciao. real editor best profile tools real editor best profile tools
