I cover popular music, entertainment and broadcasting for the Daily Press. That means I’m following local musicians, clubs, radio stations, concert halls, promoters, festivals and fans. My blog, Sound Check (dailypress.com/soundcheck), is a great source for the latest news about the area’s music scene. I also write about outdoor activities, lifestyles and food for the paper.

I’ve worked as a features reporter for the Daily Press since 1994. Before that, I covered city government for the Danville Register & Bee in Danville, Va. I graduated with a journalism degree from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1988 and from Pinecrest High School in Southern Pines, N.C., in 1984.

The Who, guitars, UNC Tar Heels, early American history, barbecue, beer, my wife, my dog.

Drake reschedules Virginia Beach show due to "unforeseen family matter" 5/21/2012
If I didn't know better, I'd think that Drake has something against Hampton Roads. The young hip-hop star has now canceled or postponed two consecutive local appearances.

Poquoson girl is Justin Bieber's date for Billboard Music Awards tonight 5/20/2012
A Poquoson girl who asked pop star Justin Bieber to her prom didn't get that wish. But Bieber surprised her with a video during the prom and asked her to be his date for the Billboard Music Awards.

Van Halen's Hampton Coliseum show postponed 5/18/2012
One Van Halen lyric goes "Come on baby, finish what you started." Let's hope the band follows its own advice.

Free Music! Industrial-strength sweetness from Girlyman 5/18/2012
Atlanta's Girlyman plays sweet acoustic pop that strives to side step the saccharine. It's a fine line, admittedly. But judging from today's free track, Girlyman walks it with panache.

Remembering Chuck Brown, the father of Washington, D.C.'s go-go music scene 5/17/2012
It's been a sad week for music lovers with today's loss of Donna Summer and Wednesday's death of Chuck Brown who pioneered the go-go musical movement ofWashington, D.C.