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

May 4, 2026 - No studio today, Jim DeVito is dealing with some health issues, but is doing better. Sue is scheduled for her surgery next week.

May 6 Carpetbaggers DAVE, Frankie and Tony at Hurricane Grill and Wings - It was a nice evening. Tony's new rig has some great sounds. Chris and Duffy stopped by late.

May 7 Bagan and Company - Dan and AI wrote a song. We listened to it to decide how we could work with it. We also did some more work on the Poor-Dum video.

May 9 Carpetbaggers DAVE and Frankie at Hammock Grill - It was a little slow but the weather around us was bad. No rain where we were. Thanks to folks that did show up (notables Bruce & Ranae). Also thanks to the wonderful staff we had fun.

May 10 - Happy Mother's Day!  

May 11 Retrophonics Studios - Jim and I worked on organizing songs for the 3 project's we're working on Say Grace Carpetbaggers, Shines A Light multi track solo project, Leftovers solo basic.  

May 11 DAVE at Hammock Grill - It was kind of a dreary evening but still some brave souls made their way to JT's. Had a good time met a lot of new faces and was glad to see The Butcher (Mike), Renee and Mike's brother.

May 13 Carpetbaggers DAVE, Frankie and Tony at Hurricane Grill and Wings - We had a great night at Hurricane's! Frankie and Tony kicked butt! Thanks Abe, Albert, Slim and staff you guys are the best! Say a prayer for Maryellen  she is very sick. We also pray that Bob Patterson has a quick recovery. We are happy Sue's surgery went good! We miss you!

May 15 Carpetbaggers DAVE and Frankie at Tides - It was a little slow but still had a good time. Thanks Felicia, Mandy and staff you guys are the best!

May 16 DAVE at Murray Bros. Caddyshack - I had a nice evening. Thanks Scott and staff you guys are the best! Theresa and I stopped by our neighbor Greg's and said goodbye to Brian Drysdale. I was going to play "Smile For The Camera" but it seemed too late.

May 17 DAVE at Aunt Kate's - It was another great afternoon out on the porch by the water. Thanks Brian, the two Daves and staff you guys are the best! Theresa and I stopped by and said goodbye to Kenny Beckstrom a good man and friend. 

Looking forward to making progress on Leftovers my new solo project. 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

April 6, 2026 at Retrophonics Studios - Sue was in today to put some great string parts on "Calculated Risk".

April 7 Rain Day

April 8 Carpetbaggers DAVE, Sue and Frankie at Hurricane Grill and Wings - There was a chance of rain so we set up under cover. It's always a little cramped when we do that but it turned out alright. This is our only show this week, we'll see you next Wednesday same time same station.

April 9 I started on a new tune called "Roll the Dice".

April 10 Bagan and Company - We continued work the Poor-dum video. The end is in sight.

April 13 DAVE at JT's - It turned out to be a nice crowded evening. It's a little strange being so far from your audience as a single but I think I'm getting used to it.

April 15 Carpetbaggers DAVE, Frankie and JC at Hurricane Grill and Wings - Sue injured her shoulder Wednesday afternoon and was unable to play. I called JC Hatfield  and he said he could help us out. He did a great job.  Thanks JC. It was good to see the Dunaway's out and about. We missed the queen bee and hope she is getting better.

April 16 Bagan and Company - Dan and I continued work on the Poor-Dum video.

April 17 Carpetbaggers DAVE and Frankie at Tides - Sue is on the DL until further notice. We will know more after the weekend. Frankie stepped in and kicked butt. We had several requests for some old original tunes that we did "Fernando" (Besley), "Smile For The Camera" (Besley/Kulwicki/Mayvillle), and "Complicated World" (Besley/M.Berardo). We had a blast! Thank you Felicia, Mandy and staff, you guys are the best!

April 18 Carpetbaggers DAVE and Frankie at The Hammock Grill at JT's - Another fun night! I'm so glad Johnny and Brandy are back, it's great. Thanks everyone for stopping by! See you back here soon,

April 19 DAVE at Aunt Kate's - I had a nice afternoon out on the porch by the water. The caterpillars are starting to wind down, so that's good. See you here again soon.

April 20 Retrophonics Studios  - Jim and I went to work on two of my new tunes "A Knight" and "The Big Move". Johnny Medico stopped by, we let him hear "Calculated Risk" with Frankie Urzetta singing and Sue Westcott playing strings. Jesse Cruce was also there I talked with him about some ideas for "The Big Move".

April 20th, DAVE at the Chianti Room - It turned out to be a nice evening. Their happy hour is back, yea!

April 21 Songwriter's Night - It was ad a great night, Michael Cassidy and Sam Pacetti really brought it. Bob as always was great! Thanks everyone for supporting "LIVE" original music. See you back here May 19th writers to be announced soon!

Michael, Sam, Bob, Dave

April 22nd, Carpetbaggers DAVE & Frankie with special guest John Winters and Laurence Stevenson at Hurricane Grill and Wings - What a great night, Laurence is headed back to Canada. I hope John will join us again in the near future.

April 23 thru 27 - Theresa and I are in Virginia visiting family. United Airlines and Budget rent-a-car, both were spot on. A very comfortable trip.

April 29 Carpetbaggers DAVE and Frankie with special guest Tony Scozzaro at Hurricane Grill and Wings - Sad to say it, but it's going to be at least September before Sue gets back to playing. Tony is going to help us out all he can. Thank you Tony, you're the man!! Tonight was a lot of fun with all three of us trying to get back on track trying to remember songs none of us have done in a while. We made it through.

April 30 Bagan and Company  - Dan and I continued work on the "Poor-Dum" video.

May1 DAVE at Aunt Kate's - It was another great day out on the porch by the water!

May 2 Carpetbaggers DAVE and Frankie at Hurricane Grill and Wings - We were under cover but the weather held off. It turned out to be a nice evening!

May 3 DAVE at Aunt Kate's -What a beautiful afternoon out on the porch by the water!

It's been a great few weeks.  We all miss Sue who's dealing with an injury. Frankie and I will carry on with help from time to time with Tony Scozzaro and others sitting in. 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

March 23 Retrophonics Studio's - No studio today Jim had company. Hopefully next week we will have Frankie in singing a Besley/Medico tune "Calculated Risk" and a Besley/Westcott tune "Dirty Little Secrets".

March 24 Songwriters Night at the World Famous Oasis - It was rainy and on a different night, (usually  held on the 3th Tuesday each month). We still had a nice night and all our songwriting guests kicked butt! See you back here April 21st!

Cindy and Bear, Denny, Bob and Dave

March 25 Carpetbaggers DAVE, Sue and Frankie at  Hurricane Grill and Wings - The weather was nasty but the show did go on. Dale Hicks sat in and did a great job as usual, he's headed back home tomorrow.

March 27 Bagan and Company - Dan and I moved our "Poor-Dum" video along.

March 29 DAVE at Aunt Kate's - I was afraid the wind was going to make it too uncomfortable but I was wrong, it turned out to be a beautiful day out on the porch by the water! Thanks Brian and staff you guys are the best!

March 30 Retrophonics Studios - We worked at Jim's studio today with Frankie Urzetta. He sang vocals tracks on "Calculated Risk" a Besley/Medico tune and "Dirty Little Secret" a Besley/Westcott tune both will appear on our new Carpetbaggers CD Say Grace. I also laid a rough track down on "Everyday Life" a new Besley/Westcott effort. It was a good day.

April 1 Carpetbaggers DAVE, Sue and Frankie at Hurricane Grill and Wings - It was a great time! Laurence Stevenson was with us! 

April 2 Bagan and Company - Dan and I continued work on the Poor-Dum video.

April 3 DAVE at Aunt Kate's - I had a nice afternoon out on the porch by the water, me and the caterpillars!

April 4 Carpetbaggers DAVE, Sue and Frankie at Hurricane Grill and Wings - Saturday night at Hurricanes. It was fun! Thanks Abe, Albert, Slim and staff you guys are the best!

April 5 DAVE at Aunt Kate's - Another afternoon, me and the caterpillars, out on the porch. by the water. I had a good time anyway. Thanks Brian and staff!

It's been a good week, I finished a couple of new tunes "Everyday Life" (Besley/Westcott) and "The Dream" (Besley). I'm looking forward to the studio this week with Sue Westcott. We are on our way to Carpetbaggers #3 Say Grace and my 7th Shines A Light. 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

March 14 thru 18, 2026  Spring Break, we headed to Arizona with Brianna and Braylen too - It was a blast, baseball and the Grand Canyons! Our travel days were long, we had a little trouble on both ends with delays with connections but TSA was a breeze.. It was good to hang out with Lou, Diane and their friends from California. These trips are never long enough, glad we did it. Next trip is in the works right now.

Grand Canyon

March 20 DAVE and Sue at Tides  - We had a great night at Tides. Thanks Felicia, Mandy and staff you guys are the best!

March 21st DAVE at Caddyshack - Really enjoyed it! Still not up to par but the audience was great! Thanks Scott and staff!

March 22nd DAVE at Aunt Kate's - Yet another great afternoon out on the porch by the water!

I'm always glad to be home and back to playing music. 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