.: News

Hey folks! well, it's been a wonderful, crazy long tour of Europe and now I'm settling into my new home: Portland! I am now accepting mandolin and guitar students with an emphasis on adults. I love beginners and helping folks who at one time may have played music but have developed bad habits and/or lost their way. Write me at:

zak (at)zakborden (dot) com

Well, I'm finally getting a bit of a break after an exhausting but rewarding 3 month tour of Europe with Rachel Harrington. I'm off tonight to play a program with my insanely talented Aunt, Jemima James and guests. Show includes a selection of songs by Hazel Dickens (Duets with Kate Taylor). I'll be back on Island time next week doing a show of my own at Che's Lounge. only 2 gigs this week. It's a nice change of pace. When I get back to Portland, I'll be cramming for the new record, teaching some, playing solo gigs and working in a new project with my old mates Casey Neill and Hanz Araki backing a lovely Irish singer named Colleen Raney.

Drop a line, stay in touch!
xoxo Zakie

Hi folks,
Just a heads up...Rachel Harrington and I have been zig zagging the U.K., Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands and now we're back in the U.K. We have traveled at least 6,000 miles and played 56 engagements including BBC radio spots, Interviews and gigs in Theatres, Clubs, the odd house concert. Only 17 left to go!! Then I go back east, play a couple solo gigs but mostly rest up and spend time picking on the front porch with my family....a much needed break. This tour, although completely exhausting, has renewed my utter resolve to play, record, teach and compose music for the rest of my life. Now if I can just figure out how to make it pay just a wee bit more...life will be perfect. : ) Thanks to all the crazy music-hungry Europeans who have come out to the gigs. We really appreciate you and your enthusiasm. Cheers!!

Well, in the last two days it's been a fester in Belfast, played live on an RTE radio program in Dublin and a beautiful little last minute booking in Co. Waterford. Then 4 hrs to airport, 35 minute flight to Manchester, then 4 to Scarborough where we had a nice crowd of very sweet people come out to our gig at the lovely Stephen Joseph Theatre an old renovated Odeon cinema house. Now it's 4 more dates and then a much deserved 2 days off at a friend's place in B'ham.

Drop a line, sign the guestlist. It's always nice to hear from folks.

Cheers, Zakie

Well, I can't believe it, but it's almost time to cross the pond again and tour Europe. Rachel Harrington and I will be mostly in the UK and Netherlands from April through June. Till then, My new CD IS AVAILABLE HERE:

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Also, after going out of print, Zak’s debut CD “Whistles & Steam” is now available again via digital download only on itunes and CD Baby. Listen to samples and get it here:

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Already armed with a load of new material, a third CD is in the works too!! Stay tuned for NEW VIDEO, FREE DOWNLOADS, and MANDO LESSONS Coming soon!!! Stop by and say hi on the new GUESTBOOK!