August 12, 2026 Carpetbaggers DAVE and Frankie at Hurricane Grill and Wings - Calling for bad weather again so we set up under the roof.  It was a good idea, thanks Albert! It was laid back but fun. I always enjoy hanging out with Frankie. We had some moments. Thanks Abe, Albert, Slim and staff!

August 13 thru 17 Virginia - We had a great time visiting family and friends. Although fun, it was great to get back home!

Seafood soup we had for lunch one day.

August 18 Songwriter's Night at Oasis Tiki Bar - We moved the event inside. It was just too hot plus calling for some bad weather. JC and Sweet William were a real treat. As usual Bob brought it. Thanks for supporting original music in St. Augustine. See you next month.

JC, Sweet William, Bob and Dave

August 19 Bagan and Company - Dan and I worked on layout for DWB 2010-2020, also added "The Last Rhyme" to my music page.

August 19 Carpetbaggers DAVE, Frankie and Tony at Hurricane Grill and Wings - It was a hot as hell start for the evening but kind of cooled off by the end. We had a great time playing to the brave folks who could take the heat.

August 20 OFF - I'm about to complete another song "The First To Go".

August 21 DAVE and Frankie at Tides and Oyster - It was a nice night at Tides. Thanks Felicia, Mandy and staff! Thanks to all the folks that gave us a listen! See you back here September 18th.

August 22 Carpetbaggers DAVE, Frankie and Tony at  - The Hammock Grill at  JT's - It started out pretty nasty with the rain . Thanks Johnny for not calling it off. We had a great time. This is a great place and we hope to be back when they start to book again.

August 23 DAVE at Aunt Kate's - It started out a little slow but was packed by the time I finished. Thanks Brian, Dave & Dave and the wonderful staff at Aunt Kate's see you next Sunday!

It's been a hot week literally! Looking forward to the studio this week. Kurt Johnson sent three banjo tracks "Circles", Va. Pines and "Believe in Somebody". Also my time with Dan Bagan at his studio. Thanks for letting me live my dream!!! Keepin' It Real!!- David

see you down the road!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
check out my upcoming performances here:
http://davidwattbesley.blogspot.com/p/schedule_31.html

Carpetbaggers Band 

The North Star Band

July 23 -  July 26, 2026 - Theresa and I went out of town for a few days day. We did an overnight in Cedar Key to see how it's coming back since the hurricane. We saw our friends March and Jody, the new and improved Big Deck (it's looking great), we had a couple of hot dogs and drinks at the L&M. We booked a room at the Cedar Inn for ole time sake. We ate at the 2nd Street Cafe/Steamers, and had a couple of drinks at the Island Hotel Neptune Bar. We drove to Holmes Beach on Anna Marie Island the next day and stayed a couple of days with Chuck and Dara. We were their first guests since the hurricane hit them. We all met up the with Bill and Barb Bartow's to have dinner and listen to some music. I don't remember the name of the place but the food was excellent. We also ate at Duffy's, twice we love this place and their burgers. We had breakfast at the Island Cafe where you can sit on the beach, it's great!  Our last night Chuck cooked us dinner, jerk chicken, mashed potatoes and a mango black bean salad with grilled vegetables was what was on the meu.. We had a nice time getting shells and swimming in the Gulf of America. Thanks Chuck and Dara, what a great couple days.

July 27 Retrophonics Studios - I got a track on "Roll The Dice" and touched up "The Moment #24" which will be my 2nd release from my new project Leftovers. 

July 28 OFF - I started a new tune inspired by Dan Bagan "The First To Go".

July 29 Carpetbaggers DAVE, Frankie and Tony at Hurricane Grill and Wings - We had a nice hot evening at Hurricane's. Mike Houpt stopped by for a bit it was good to see him, got his transplant and he looks good.

July 30 Bagan and Company - Dan and I worked on a new YouTube music site for me. We also released a first mix of "The Moment #24".

July 31 DAVE at  - Aunt Kate's - The weather looked pretty threatening so I postponed until next Friday instead (August 7th). 

August 1 Carpetbaggers DAVE, Frankie and Tony at Hurricane Grill and Wings - It was a nice evening at Hurricane's, the bad weather held off. Thanks Abe, Albert, Slim and staff you guys are the best!

August 2 DAVE at Aunt Kates - The weather wasn't so friendly this afternoon, the rain did come. I'll be here next Friday and give it a little extra. Thanks Brian, Dave & Dave also the wonderful staff!

August 3 Retrophonics Studios - Johnny Medico was in doing drum track on "Roll The Dice" and "Virginia Pines". We sent Kurt Johnston 3 tunes "Virginia pines", "Circles" and "Believe In Somebody". I can't wait to hear what he comes up with. Jim, Johnny and I decided which way we are going to head on "The Best Of Times".

August 5 Carpetbaggers DAVE, and Tony at Hurricane Grill and Wings - Frankie wasn't feeling well so it was just Tony and I. They were calling for a bad storm so we set up under cover, but the rain never came. We had a great night! It seemed like more people were listening than talking that's always special. Thanks Abe, Albert, Sim and staff you guys are the best!

August 6 Bagan and Company - Dan and I worked on layout for DWB 2010-2020. We are also looking into some ideas that will get our music to more ears.

August 7 DAVE at  Aunt Kate's - I called Brian earlier in the day to cancel thinking it looked like it was going to be a rain out. I was wrong and I'm glad I was convinced to go on and give it a try. Thanks Theresa! It turned out to be a great day out on the porch by the water!

August 9 DAVE at The Boathouse - It was a nice afternoon. See you back here September 13th, 11am to 2pm.

No Retrophonics or Bagan and Company this week. I will be back at it next week. Thanks for letting me live my dream!!! Keepin' It Real! -David

see you down the road!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
check out my upcoming performances here:
http://davidwattbesley.blogspot.com/p/schedule_31.html

Carpetbaggers Band 

The North Star Band

July 13, 2026 Retrophonics Studios (B) - I worked with Jim on "The Moment #24", two small changes and I think it's ready.July 13 DAVE at The Hammock Grille at JT's  - Cancelled due to weather conditions.

July 14 OFF - Theresa and I took Braylen to Salt Springs and then stopped by Wayne and Sue's to see what they'd been up to. Sue is getting better.

July 15 Carpetbaggers DAVE, Frankie and Tony at Hurricane Grill and Wings - Another warm but fun evening at Hurricane's!

July 16 Bagan and Company - Dan and I ordered the thumb drives for DWB Vol 1 2010 - 2020. We also are starting to write a song together inspired by a song Dan had already written about an old man.

July 16 OFF - The family went out for Sushi for Brianna's birthday. Started writing a couple new tunes.

July 17 DAVE and Frankie at Tides and Oyster Bar - It was a little warm but we made it through. Turned out to be a good night had fun.

July 18 Vilano Concert  - It was crazy hot and humid but we had a good turn out and we gave a good show. What a great little venue. A few things come to mind to make the experience better 1. Lights or start a little earlier 2. Get rid of the ants. Thanks for having us and thanks to wonderful folks who lent us an ear.

Vilano Amphitheater

July 19 DAVE at Aunt Kate's - There was a chance of rain but turned out to be a great day out on the porch by the water!

July 20 Retrophonics Studios - Jim and I worked on "The Moment #24" and picked out some songs to send to Kurt Johnston "Circle", "Believe In Somebody" and "You Knew It".

July 21 Songwriter's Night at the Oasis Tiki Bar - Michelle Ingrham could not make it so Galan Curry was able to take her place. I had heard of but not met Galan before. Hearing him perform his songs was a real treat. Micheal Jordan as always kicked butt. Bob is always a pleasure to hear and sit beside. I remembered the 2nd to last verse of "It's A Great Life" long after I finished the song (frustrating but oh well). The rain came and went, it didn't stop us. Thanks to all the folks that support our Songwriters Night. And thanks to the Oasis for giving us a space to have it.

Michael, Galan, Bob and Dave

July 22 Carpetbaggers DAVE, Frankie and Tony at Hurricane Grill and Wings - It was a hot but it was a fun show. Thanks everyone for supporting Carpetbagger's music.

I have a few days off. Theresa and I are going to visit some friends on the Gulf Coast. Thanks for letting me live my dream!!! Keepin' It Real! -David

see you down the road!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
check out my upcoming performances here:
http://davidwattbesley.blogspot.com/p/schedule_31.html

Carpetbaggers Band 

The North Star Band

June 22, 2026 Retrophonics Studios - Jim and I worked on "Virginia Pines" and "The Last Rhyme". Next week I'll be out of town and Jim is going to add some parts on these two along with "The Moment #24".

June 24 Carpetbaggers DAVE, Frankie with "SG" Tony Scozzaro at Hurricane Grill and Wings - We had a nice especially hot evening at Hurricanes! Thanks Abe, Albert, Slim and staff!

June 25 thru 29 Virginia - Theresa and I went to visit our family. We went into DC with Becky and Chris to see the Reflecting Pool and as my grandson used to say " Abe Linc" Memorial. It was a rainy day.

Chris, Becky, Theresa, Dave
We were pretty wet but it was fun.

July 1 Carpetbaggers DAVE, Frankie and "SG" Tony Scozzaro at Hurricane Grill and Wings - It was super hot and we stopped 15 minutes early because the USA Soccer team was playing. I think they won.

July 2 Bagan and Company - Dan and I worked on an idea for a compilation of my first four solo releases on thumb drive called "DWB Volume 1".

July 3 DAVE at Aunt Kate's - Man it was a hot one! I made it through another day out on the porch by the water. Thanks Brian, Dave1, Dave2 and staff you guys are the best!

July 4 OFF Happy Independence Day !

July 5 DAVE at Aunt Kate's - Lightning and threat of rain stopped me at about 2:15. Mike Howard happened to be there to pick up a check and helped me get my gear in the truck. Thanks Mike! I would also like to thank the great folks at Aunt Kate's, Brian and staff you guys are the best!

July 6 Retrophonics Studios - Jim Devito and I added a few guitar parts on "The Moment #24" , "The Promenade" and "Virginia Pines".

July 8 Carpetbaggers DAVE, Frankie and "SG" Tony Scozzaro at Hurricane Grill and Wings - It was hot with a capital H, but a great evening overall. Jim Sexton stopped by.

July 10 Bagan and Company - Dan and I worked on a song he wrote "Just An Old Man". We also listened to another he wrote. We moved ahead on the thumb drive order foe DWB Volume 2010-2020 .

July 11 Private Party - A real nice bunch of folks, it was a good time.  Congratulations on your retirement Cindy! 

July 12 DAVE at The Boat House - The weather held right up until the end. It started raining as soon as I pulled into my driveway. It turned out to be a nice time. 

It was a hot week but we're in Florida. It's going to be pretty busy this week, but I'm looking forward to it. I'm still moving along with Leftovers, my newest project. Thanks for letting me live my dream!!! Keepin' It Real!!! -DAVE

ee you down the road!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
check out my upcoming performances here:
http://davidwattbesley.blogspot.com/p/schedule_31.html

Carpetbaggers Band 

The North Star Band

June 8, 2026 Retrophonics Studios - Johnny Medico stopped by and added percussion to "The Moment #24". I added a guitar solo on the same song. Jim DeVito will add the other guitar parts. Johnny also had a synthesizer idea for "The Last Rhyme". We are starting to make headway on this new project. I'm excited! 

June 8 DAVE at The Hammock Grill at  JT's - It was a good night. If you haven't been here come check it out, the food is great!

June 10, Carpetbaggers DAVE and Frankie at Hurricane Grill and Wings - Carpetbaggers - We had a great time! Summer's coming!

June 11, Bagan and Company - Dan and I are almost finished with the "Poor-Dum" video.

June 11, off - Theresa and I went to visit our friends Debbie and Gary Carroll in Jax Beach. It was fun hanging out and catching up. Gary and I also worked on an original tune. He gave me some ideas for a new song he's been thinking about. I gave him song idea that Lou Hager and I (North Star Band) had years ago and never finished. Maybe a new look by Gary will bring it to life.

Dave and Gary

June 13, off - I worked on a couple idea's for a song Gary was thinking about.

June 14, A day off - I sent Gary my ideas.

June 15, off - I started a new tune "The Bitter End".

June 16, Retrophonics Studios - Jim, Johnny and I worked on "A Knight". I sang a scratch track, Johnny added organ and synthesizer parts. This song will appear on Say Grace. "The Last Rhyme", Johnny added synthesizer to this song will appear on Leftovers.

June 16, Songwriter's Night at the Oasis - We played inside because when I was setting up the weather looked terrible so we moved inside, but it never did rain as terrible as it looked. We still had a nice show inside. Don and Alex kicked butt. It was great to sit next to the great one, Bob. He says he is feeling better.

Dave, Bob, Alex and Don

June 17, Carpetbaggers DAVE and Frankie with special guest Tony Scozzaro at Hurricane Grill and Wings - It was a hot but it was fun playing with these 2 greats!

June 18, Bagan and Company - Dan and I cut "Hike Em Up" a song Dan Bagan wrote. We also are very near to completing the video for "Poor-Dum".

June 19, DAVE and Frankie at Tides - It was a rainy but fun night. Thanks to all who braved the weather and stopped by! Thanks Felicia, Mandy and staff you guys are the best!

June 20, Carpetbaggers DAVE & Frankie at  The Hammock Grill @ JT's - Carpetbaggers - There was a threat of rain but it stayed dry. It was a nice hot evening at The Hammock at JT's. I love the smash burger and brussel sprouts.

June 21, DAVE at Aunt Kate's - I had a nice Father's Day playing out on the porch by the water!

I'm making some progress on my new CD Leftovers concentrating on 5 songs "A Knights Ride" for Say Grace (Carpetbaggers) and 4 for Leftovers "Virginia Pines", "Promenade", "The Last Rhyme" and "The Moment #24". Also I'm also looking forward to completing the "Poor-Dum" video.  Thanks for letting me live my dream!!! Keepin' It Real! -DAVE

see you down the road!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
check out my upcoming performances here:
http://davidwattbesley.blogspot.com/p/schedule_31.html

Carpetbaggers Band 

The North Star Band

May 25, 2026 Happy Memorial Day, Retrophonics Studios - Jim and I worked on bass parts for "The Promenade" and "Virginia Pines". We also came up with a plan for "A Knights Dream".

May 27 Carpetbaggers DAVE, Frankie and Tony at Hurricane Grill and Wings -  - It was hot one. Also a chance of rain so we set up under cover. It didn't rain though.  We still had a good time, Frankie and Tony pulled me through it.

May 28 Bagan and Company - Dan and I are getting really close finishing up the  "Poor-Dum" video.

May 30 Private Party Carpetbaggers DAVE, Frankie and Tony - We were proud to be a part of Fred's 80th. The rain slowed us down but didn't stop us. We met some new faces and saw some familiar ones. Fred's family is wonderful thanks for taking such good care of us.

May 31 DAVE at Lullaby Of The Rivers Festival - I had a great time! I had a chance to see some musical friends I  don't normally get a chance to see. 

June 1 Retrophonics Studios - No studio today.

June 2 I didn't have a gig today but finished a new tune "Roll Of The Dice" can't wait to lay it down.

June 3 Bagan and Company - Dan and I are still working on it but we're just about done with the "Poor-Dum" video. I'm excited!

June 3 Carpetbaggers DAVE, Frankie and TonyHurricane Grill and Wings  - There was a nice breeze, it wasn't too hot. We put on a good show.

June 5 DAVE at Aunt Kate's - It turned out to be a nice afternoon on the porch by the water!

June 6 Carpetbaggers DAVE and Frankie at Hurricane Grill and Wings - We had a fun time, tried a new Bad Company tune, it went well. See you Wednesday with Tony Scozarro.

June 7 DAVE at Aunt Kate's - I had a good time. Theresa came, so did Darlene and Bryan, our friends from Cedar Key.

It's been a busy couple of weeks.  I'm looking forward to the studio and getting some work done on "Leftovers" my new project. I am also looking forward to getting together with Dan and hopefully finishing up "Poor-Dum" my new video. Thanks for letting me live my dream!!! Keepin' It Real! -DAVE

see you down the road!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
check out my upcoming performances here:
http://davidwattbesley.blogspot.com/p/schedule_31.html

Carpetbaggers Band 

The North Star Band

May 18, 2026 Retrophonics Studios - Jim and I worked on an arrangement for "A Knights Ride". We also put a lot of the new tunes in their right place. The Leftovers project now has 14 songs we are going to cut down to 10 (maybe). I'm excited about the new project and hope to have a release on some of the early tracks soon. 

May 19 Songwriter's Night - It was a little confusing at first. Bob tried to make it, he really wanted to, but was still pretty weak from being sick had to cancel. Then just as we got started, John Winters had an issue he had to take care of and missed the first hour. Dave Dowling was a good sport and we both carried on like they were all there. A nice night overall! Thanks Oasis for letting us showcase songwriters once a month. See you back here June 16th.

Dave Dowling, John Winters and Dave Besley

May 20 Carpetbaggers DAVE, Frankie and Tony Hurricane Grill and Wings - Another great night at Hurricane's! See you next Wednesday.

May 21Bagan and Company - Dan and I worked on the "Poor-Dum" video, we are getting close to the end. We came up with some ideas for Leftovers a dressed down project while waiting for Sue's recovery. Once Sue's ready, we'll resume Carpetbaggers' Say Grace, and my solo Shines a Light.  There might be a few releases of some of the music from these projects along the way.  But for now I'm concentrating on Leftovers.

May 23 Private Party - We had a great time! Thanks Katherine and Bobby!

May 24 DAVE at Aunt Kate's - I almost got out of there before a few spatters of rain ended my afternoon at the wonderful Aunt Kate's, on the porch by the water. See you back here Friday June 5th, 3 to 6pm and Sunday June 7th, 12 to 3 pm.

I hope to move forward at Retrophonics on my new project Leftovers and later in the week at Bagan and Company where I hope to finish "Poor-Dum" my new video. Thank for letting me live my dream!  Keepin' It Real! - DAVE

see you down the road!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
check out my upcoming performances here:
http://davidwattbesley.blogspot.com/p/schedule_31.html

Carpetbaggers Band 

The North Star Band