It’s not about getting every note right. It’s about having a damn good time.

Sure, the music matters. But let’s be honest — live music isn’t always perfect. We miss notes, forget lyrics, and take songs in directions we never…

I may be pretty late to the party on this one, but I’m learning that volume is a bigger deal than I realized. 

Last night, the band and I played at Anthony’s Soul Cafe, which is a very different…

Here in Santa Fe—but I suspect this is true just about anywhere—there is no shortage of serious musical talent.

There are plenty of people who want to perform, and plenty who deserve a stage.

The problem isn't talent.

The problem…

I've written well over a hundred songs at this point. Some, if I'm honest, aren't so great. But many — at least in my opinion — are pretty good. Songs about sad cowboys, cats, aliens, pleasant mistakes, and broken-down trucks.

…

First, the big news. We're slated to keep playing at Anthony's Soul Cafe the first two Thursdays in October. We've found a home at Anthony's — not only do we genuinely enjoy playing there, but the food is that good…

Who would have ever guessed that I would become the front man for a band?

Certainly not me.

In fact, if you had told me a few years ago that I would be standing on a stage, singing my own…

Despite the rain, we had a small, but enthusiastic crowd at Kaktus Brewery.  It was a fun gig and we look forward to playing there again.  

The last few days have seen significant rain and we literally had to dry…

The band did our Monday evening gig at Anthony's yesterday.  I would have to admit, it was not our best performance.  It wasn't bad by any stretch of the imagination but I set a pretty high bar.  I want it…

September has started with a bang. We just booked a gig on September 19 at Kaktus Brewery in Bernalillo, from 6 to 9 — a great venue, and we're looking forward to it.

That's on top of our regular Monday…

The Mike Chastaine Band — Tom Gentry, Ron Tintner, and Mike Chastaine — had a fantastic night at Anthony’s Soul Cafe this past Monday!

We mixed up a fun blend of favorite covers and original songs, adding our own unique…

I've never thought of myself as a salesperson. I'm not the guy who's comfortable working a room, handing out a pitch, and closing a deal on the spot. That's just not who I am. 

Not even when I was an…

I had a really nice gig at the Cerrillos Station Farmers Market on Thursday evening, and it reminded me why I enjoy playing farmers markets so much.

There’s something very grassroots about them. Maybe it’s because people aren’t there specifically…

Not every song or story has a happy ending.

Some songs are about roads that didn't lead where we hoped. Some are about the love we found... and the love we lost. Some are about chasing…

My new band debuted at the Mine Shaft and it went well.  Ron Tintner on keys, guitar and ukulele and Tom Gentry on bass, plus, of course, yours truly doing lead vocals and guitar, and a little harmonica. Given that…

Why Showing Up Daily Beats Going Big Once in a While

Somethings you learn the hard way.  When I was going to high school and college the popular way to study was wait till the last minute then cram.  Show…

As I have been reporting, I have been working on putting together a band to play live gigs with me.  I think I may have found two guys that will really mesh well.  Ron Tintner and Tom Gentry.  Ron plays…

Saturday I got to play at two different venues.  First at the grand opening of Santa Fe Guitar Gallery and then later at Dr. Hall's Santa Fe Has Talent.  

Good turn outs at both and it went well.  

Always nice…

I played solo tonight at Cerrillos Station farmers market in Cerrillos.  Had a very good turn out.  I added some twists to some of the songs along with play some new songs I have recently written.  Went completely without amplification…

Hard work pays off.  I am starting to book gigs through the summer.  

May 30 I am playing at Beer Creek for the album release party

June 4 I will be playing at Cerrillos Station in, what we hope will…

Yesterday was the New Mexico Music Awards, where I had the honor of being nominated for one of the songs on my album. While I did not win, it was a privilege to spend time with some of the greatest…

I just booked a gig at the Mind Shaft in Madrid for May 7 from 7 to 9.  I have been wanting to play there ever since I moved here and now I will.  I am going to be joined…

I saw an ad for really cool stickers.  Jeff Haynie did a wonderful job putting together the design.  They will be available in a couple of weeks.

I just got invited to play a couple of songs at the Cowgirl.  I have been trying to figure out how to get into the line up.  Dr. Hall invited me to play on April 6.  Show starts at 4…