Music, music, music
I don't smoke, wouldn't touch drugs, I rarely drink. My one great vice is concerts. I just love going to see live shows. I've seen hundreds of shows in my lifetime. Everyone from Julio Iglasias to Motley Crew. For a good number of years, I was fortunate enough to be in a position that allowed me to see a lot of concerts for free. Many of them are shows I wouldn't have otherwise gone to see, but I'm glad I did.

Summer is the time when a lot of acts come through Upstate New York. There are lots of outdoor venues that attract some big names. I eat it up. Next week, Etta James is coming to town. I can hardly contain myself. She's one of the few people left on my list that I really want to see but haven't had the opportunity to see before. I've also got plans this summer to see Bonnie Raitt, Keb' Mo', Shemekia Copeland, and more. There's also a treasure trove of local talent that deserves more spotlight than they get.

I hope you'll join me at a show some time this summer. Who knows, maybe some day you'll be able to tell your friends that you saw Steve West when he was just playing small clubs around Upstate NY.