Spring is here, and soon the music will move outside!  I love being able to play out in the open air... Bella Vida is coming up and Bettina Villamil & Friends will be playing.  Don't miss a fun time at the "music garden" in Geneva, MN.  The festival is May 28, 29th and 30th.  Week before last I was lucky enough to be able to play at the State Theatre in MN with a band called Rocket Club.  They are a fantastic group and I am proud to say I shared the stage with them!  Well, keep posted, I'll be playing a lot this summer. I hope to see you out at a show!

Well... I have been enjoying the winter as well.  I finally went snowboarding for the first time this winter, and I kept my feet under me the whole time!  Last weekend I was able to play four shows with four different groups; The World According to Garth (garth brooks tribute band), Bettina Villamil & Friends, Gypsy Lumberjacks (opening for Cornmeal) and the Wayzata Symphony Orchestra.

There are many more shows coming up, festival season is on its way.  To kick the season off is Festi di Bella Vida.  See you there?!

For no longer having the Swine Flu!  It took me for quite a run though, but my voice and energy is back finally.  Since last post, I played opening for WookieFoot in Fargo at the Aquarium.  That was a blast, what a great crowd.  The musicians that played with me were Joseph McCaulley, Leif Magnuson, Bobby Patrick, Ben (I'm working on remembering your last name) and David Boose "Booser".  

Also, I played Beethoven's Symphony #9 with the Wayzata Symphony Orchestra.  What a rush that piece is.  Its the one that has "Ode to Joy" in part of the piece.  We had a chorale singing during the very difficult fourth movement.  Our next concert won't be until February I think.  I'll have some good rest in by then to be ready for the crazy amount of practice it takes.

Now looking to the future,  I'll be out in the Dakota's soon! December 10 in Fargo, Dec 11 in Aberdeen and Dec 12 in Sioux Falls.   I am lucky to have a fantastic line-up for the mini-tour.  Al Oikari from the Big Wu, Nate Sipe from Pert Near Sandstone, RJ Peterson from Fat Maw Rooney, David Boose from HyenTyte and the Gypsy Lumberjacks  and John Henderson from Fancy Bastard and The Uncomfortable Uncle.  Can't wait to see you at a show!

I have just finished recording this years Christmas original at the Ramblin Ranch in Wisconsin!  Last year's song, Snow Angels, was a very lovely tune.  This year, however, is a more playful song called "Sox n Undies"!  The instrumentation turned out phenomenal, thanks to all of you musicians who have contributed your time and efforts towards the making of this track; David Boose, Javier Trejo and Jason Marks.  I'm sure lots of socks and undies with pictures of trees will be coming your way this Holiday!

Starting Monday September 14th, Bettina Villamil & Friends will be playing every Monday at the DownTime Bar and Grill. Some drink specials after midnight are $2 Grain Belt Bottles, $2 Bartender Choice Shots and $2.50 Rail Drinks.  I can't think of a better way to start the week!

Check out the DownTime on myspace http://www.myspace.com/downtimebar