Yes, tonight I played my last gig billed as Ham Steak. I was paid with Anchor Steam Beer. The event was the Ceramics BFA show opening at the Hartford Art School. That's the degree conferred on me two years ago. The kids who showed tonight were the last of the ceramics majors that I attended classes with. They're a great bunch of people. And, I must say, the work they showed was really quite good. From sculptural to functional they represented a wide variety of well thought out and well executed pieces.   

I've been away from the program now for almost a year. Funny, it feels like a million years. But not tonight. They swiped a stage from the figure drawing studios and set up tinsel, a fog machine, sparkley backdrops, musical appliques, blue holiday lights, and a furry red overhead light for me. It was so sweet.

I had a blast playing for everybody. It's always cool to have a crowd that whistles and sings along. I couldn't imagine a better way to end the Ham Steak era than what happened tonight. Thanks to all of you who came out and special thanks and hugs to the class of '07, "Reclaim to Fame". I'm proud to have been a part of your opening.

Oopah!

The rumors are true. There is now a George Hakkila MySpace page. It's been way past due. This thingy will stay here for a while. I don't know what direction Ham Steak will take. The transmission indicator says, "Park" but my foglights still work.

All live shows after next week will be as George Hakkila. Flyers can refer to me as "formerly Ham Steak" or "formerly of Stringbean" or "formerly of King Crimson" or "formerly of Steely Ham". I don't really care what you call me as long as you call me.

Much love, pizza, and beer,
                                 Mr. Steak

To welcome the new season and rehash one of my pagan favorites I've loaded my North American hit, Ode to the Vernal Equinox onto my music profile page. You can even download it! Yes, the lo-lo-fi blue-bluegrass chimey ditty that's been covered by Leon Redbone, Leon Spinx, Leon Huff, and Leanne Rimes is available again in its original mix! It is best enjoyed slightly chilled and decanted in a manner that promotes a frothy head. Have a nice Spring.

What does a baker do when faced with a difficult decision?







He choses the path of yeast resistance.