Dennis jamming in lifeguard chair at beach

My Second Week as a Musician in Myrtle Beach

Week two in Myrtle Beach is officially in the books, and if the rest of this journey continues at this pace, I’m in for one of the most exciting chapters of my musical life. When I packed up and moved here, I hoped things would unfold gradually — that I’d meet people slowly, feel out […]

Dennis playing at Jay's in Little River jam

My First Week as a Musician in Myrtle Beach

I didn’t expect my first week in Myrtle Beach to feel like jumping into a river mid-current, but that’s exactly what happened. I arrived with boxes still taped shut, guitars still in their cases, and the faint hum of the long drive still buzzing in my head. I was so excited to be here, I […]

abstract drawing of doing creative versions of cover songs

How to Reimagine a Classic Song (And Why You Should Try It)

There’s something magical about a great cover song—one that doesn’t just imitate the original but transforms it. A reimagined cover has the power to reveal hidden possibilities in the music, to shift its emotional core, or to shine a spotlight on a rhythmic, melodic, or harmonic element that might have gone unnoticed before. One of […]

solo latin jazz guitar at wedding

Latin Jazz Solo Guitar for a Winery Wedding

The beauty of weddings is that they are never just about two people. They’re about families, cultures, and communities coming together to celebrate life, love, and the power of connection. At a recent winery wedding, I had the honor of bringing those worlds together through music — from tender processional songs drawn from the indie […]

Sunset Salsa band in recording studio

One Year, One Album: The Journey to Sunset Salsa’s Debut Recording

In March 2025, my band Sunset Salsa recorded our debut album—a milestone that was over a year in the making. What started as a setlist for a local gig turned into a deep dive into salsa, merengue, bachata, and Latin jazz. This post is a behind-the-scenes look at everything that led up to that weekend […]

Blue Train logo

Bringing the Blues to Life

The blues is more than a musical style—it’s a vehicle for adventure. That’s been my philosophy for years, and it’s the guiding principle behind Blue Train, the blues band I lead in the Myrtle Beach region. Our subtitle, “The Blues Band That Takes You Places,” isn’t just a catchy phrase. It’s a mission. Blues, like […]

the members of Sunset Salsa

Recording Sunset Salsa’s Debut Album: Sweat, Soul, and Studio Time

After months—maybe even years—of dreaming and planning, the past weekend marked a major milestone for me and my band, Sunset Salsa. We recorded our debut album. And even though I’ve recorded many times before and spent countless hours in the studio, this one was different. More intense. More exhausting. More fulfilling. And, frankly, more eye-opening […]

Dennis Winge solo at wedding ceremony

My Intentions as a Musician Moving to Myrtle Beach

When I think about moving to Myrtle Beach (which I will be doing in November 2025), I don’t see it as just a change of scenery or a career opportunity. I see it as a sacred transition — a healing ritual that touches every part of my life. Spiritually, artistically, financially, relationally, socially, and in […]

abstract drawing of musicianship

What Is Musicianship—and Why Does It Matter?

The Listener’s Perspective vs. the Musician’s Responsibility When someone listens to a performance, they don’t think about how much technical work went into it. Just as when a person looks at a painting, they don’t ask how many hours the painter spent studying color theory or anatomy—they simply ask: Do I like it? Does it […]

dennis playing at corporate event

The Ultimate Guide to Performing at Corporate Events

When you think of live music at a corporate event, what comes to mind? For some, it’s a lively party band after dinner. For others, it’s a jazz trio or solo guitarist providing a smooth backdrop for networking and conversation. The truth is, corporate entertainment can take many forms, but one thing is constant: the […]