So tell us in what part of the First Coast do you reside now and how long have you lived there?
In 2017, I relocated to the Jacksonville area when I heard my mother was having some surgeries…and someone needed to cut her grass. LOL. So I came here to be closer to my mother and she gave me the best piece of advice I ever received in my life. She said, “You’ve worked hard your whole life to take care of others. Why don’t you just play your guitar like you always should have all along?” I didn’t know then just how profound that question was but I do now.
When did you know you had an interest in music?
My Uncle Chet found a guitar in a public park leaning against a tree. He asked around, but no one claimed it. He brought it on a rare visit and gave it to me. I remember him encouraging me, saying, ” You’re the one” and “You can do it.” I was eight years old. Ever since those first days with that old forgotten, sun-worn guitar, I’ve had a love affair with music.
Did you start with any specific instrument and migrate to other instruments?
Yes. Next question HAHAHAHA!
Are you currently in a band (or bands)?
I am humbly the front man for Duval Country Line. In addition to being the lead singer, I play lead/rhythm guitar and harmonica.
Who is your favorite musician or what musician influenced you the most?
My favorite famous guitar player of all time is Stevie Ray Vaughn. But my favorite guitar player of all time is Jimmy Sexton. Every guitar player should look him up…these details are important
Are there any specific memories or highlights of your career that you would like to tell us about?
Over the years, I have had the honor and privilege to share the stage with some greats including 38 Special, Leon Russell, Buddy Guy, and the list goes on. My most memorable experience with a guitar in my hand was performing the National Anthem for the Jags vs Titans 2023 Wild Card playoff game to over 73,000 fans. ESPN televised the performance and it went viral on 4 platforms and over 40 million people saw it. The next morning I woke up, I was in Guitar World Magazine, USA Today, and all over TV. Needless to say, my life has not been the same since.
What area bands or musicians are at the top of your list to go out to hear?
When my Lisa and I have the opportunity to go listen to local musicians, our first choice is to support our Guitars for Kids Rising Star Bands: Midnight Sun out of Jacksonville and The Shopping Mall Guerillas out of Keystone Heights. Each band has a unique style that is a direct reflection of their old Souls. Local musicians?…Drummer – Jim Mitchell, Bass player – Tommy Gillstrap, Guitar player – Jimmy Sexton, Piano – Vibe RW and Harmonica – Shaw Fromm…these guys are at the top of their game. Always a pleasure to hear.
Do you have a favorite venue that you enjoy playing locally?
I’ve hosted an open mic band jam for the last 4 years on Thursday nights from 6ish-10ish, LOL, at The Howling Wolf in Putnam Hall “by God Florida” that is always a really good time. As a Band, we enjoy performing on any stage but Green Cove Springs Food Truck Friday, the Clay County Fair and the Community Sea Walk Festival are currently at the top of the list.
Do you have any gigs coming up to tell our readers about?
September is a big month for me and DCL. On Sept. 15th, I’ll be performing the National Anthem to kick off the Jags home opener against the Browns while playing Allen Collins 1977 Double Cutaway Les Paul Special. A Dream Come True!!!
DCL has been given some amazing opportunities also, we’ll be performing for the 17th Annual Angel Flight Poker Run at the 1405 Saloon (Sept 1), the Duval Music Jam at Underbelly (Sept. 21), Whiskey on the Rocks at Boogerville (Oct 5), the 30th Annual Camp Boggy Creek! The Ride For Children (Oct 6), the Riverside Avondale Music Tour (Oct 12) and the list goes on and on as we join with other change-makers in our community.
What is the best way for musicians to network?
Show up and play at an open jam…test yourself.
Are there any local venue owners/managers that you would like to rave about?
I’m appreciative of every venue that provides us the opportunity to share our music and more. We’re fortunate to have venues that have consistently supported myself, DCL and our Guitars for Kids program as we’ve grown forward. Jamie at The Howling Wolf, John at Boogerville, Daniel at Cliffs and Lisa and Donny at Renegades have been with us since the beginning and we look forward to creating many more cherished moments together.
If you had a question you would like to ask another musician what would it be?
How do you determine your value?
Personal hobbies or interests? Family?
Nothing like walking around a pond with a fishing pole for 48 hours while you’re teaching your dog to swim at my cousin’s house in Texas! LOL What brings me the most joy? Spending time with My Lisa and my Mama.
What’s the best thing for you about living on the First Coast?
Riding my motorcycle, Ol Blu, with My Lisa in the rain.
Where and how can folks learn more about you and/or your band? Links to your website?
Folks can find us on Facetrap, LOL, and most social media platforms. We also have a website that we’re looking for someone to manage…HAHAHA …paulwanemusic.com. DCL recently released an all Original album, “Hammer Stone” is available on all major platforms and our CD will be available any day now. Oh and don’t forget our new DCL Fan page where we get to enjoy your experiences too.
Is there anything else that you want to tell everyone reading this?
I’d like to say thank you all for your support and love. Together we really are making a difference in these young people’s lives. Keep up the good work.
What is Guitars for Kids Rising Stars?
All my life I’ve been giving away guitars because that’s how I got my first guitar. Well, my Lisa is the genius who came up with developing a program and we just received our official 501c3 status thanks in large part to the support of this amazing community!! Over the last 4 years, we’ve given away over 300 complete instrument kits to set artists up for success. Once an individual receives an instrument from Guitars for Kids they become a Rising Star for LIFE. There’s an entire community of them, they help each other with school work, create bands and make lifelong friendships. Twice a year we host free family-focused events at Boogerville to showcase our Rising Stars. The Jumpin and Jivin Juneboree is the Saturday before Father’s Day and Rockin for Stockins is the first Sunday in December…you have to attend to experience the magic of making dreams a reality.
What would you do with a million dollars?
Give it away.
What’s one of the greatest lessons you ever learned?
My Granny taught me my heart was a Blessing Box. I could either lock them up or I could give them away to receive more every day. My Lisa and I believe we are blessed to bless others and that if you have the ability to meet a need then it’s your obligation as a Good Human to do so.
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Mike is a native First Coaster and was a leading figure in surfing and skateboarding for most of his life. After promoting music for many years on the local music scene, Mike now brings a unique perspective to FirstCoast.Life as a contributing writer.
One Response
Hi I’m Paul’s mom..
He was different from the day he was born! We all are! God doesn’t make copies, he makes originals. I love watching Paul and Lisa grow their way! Come out to Boogerville in December, see for yourself what these two, with the help from various other people in the community, are doing to really change lives in children forever! Support Rising Stars at Boogerville in December. It’s free for the family…I heard Santa might stop by too!!