Alan Katowitz photo
(click to enlarge)

Like so many other songwriters, I got my hands on my first guitar in high school.
I was a huge Joni Mitchell fan, and she is still at the top of my list in terms of songwriting and fearless creative expression.

The photo above was taken during my first open mic experience in a very seedy club
called the Elegant Parlour in Vancouver way back when.

I made the bus trip to the downtown east side with my guitar in a green plastic garbage bag because
I didn't own a guitar case. Two or three loyal buddies came along for moral support that first night.

It was exhilarating and terrifying all at the same time. A short set of Joni, Neil Young and CSNY covers was all I had to offer, but after that I was hooked. I chose the life of a performer and never looked back.

Follow the links to my archives to experience the journey.

Click here to see my bio