Thank You Mike Leonard.

Here is a look back at how this whole "band" thing started...

Actually, we can blame it on a few words that Mike Leonard uttered to Ken about "just going for it" or something like that. Yea, Mike Leonard is that big shot NBC correspondent for the Today Show that does those funny spots about life.

He wrote a book that really moved the Dix family so they invited him to speak at the local book club... and get this... HE DOES it!!!

So there he is at their book club entertaining the villagers with his wit and wisdom when Ken corners the poor guy with burning questions that even the Dali Lama would have to look up before answering. Familiar with that look that stalkers get when they brush with someone of notoriety, Mr. Leonard quickly whips up some pearl of life wisdom just trying to lose this guy fast...

"Ken..." he said ,"If you have always wanted to sing on stage, just book the date and make it happen"

Ken left that night thinking about those words of wisdom from the man who figured out a way to get paid to play Wiffle Ball in his front yard. So Ken booked the bar and then called a few musicians to play in his little band. He called it Just JoeKen because Joe was the first friend that would agree to humiliate himself in public with Ken.

Turns out Mike Leonard couldn't have called it any better. The Dali Lama of life wisdom for the average guy was right on the money. People came, Ken had a blast, his friends and family admired his courage and we were good enough to get a call back. Now we get to go play music at other places for no money. Hey wait... I just realized we missed something in Mikes advice ... he got PAID to play Wiffle Ball!!! Can someone call him and tell him we have 20 more people to buy his book... we need to get Ken to corner him for more of that common man advice he whips out.

So Thank You Mike Leonard... you're our wise hero dude.