CURRENT MISSION

I'm hitchhiking to make new friends and get a feel for the various music scenes around the country. It's basically reconnaissance work, but with a guitar instead of a rifle.

ABOUT ME

I'm a traveling singer/songwriter, guitarist, and storyteller. I believe in the kindness of strangers and the power of words.

more info: www.tylerpreston.com

PHILOSOPHY

I live to entertain, educate, and empower people through music.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Once I get home and established I would like to be someone who can host. For now, I am a traveler.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I'm new to this! So disappointingly I don't have any wild stories for you (yet).

Interests

I'm particularly passionate about American music from the mid-20th century (1929-1969) and the emergence of rock from folk, country, blues, and jazz, especially as it relates to the electric guitar.

I'm also into bohemianism, cats, coffee, creativity, Dada, history, hockey, minimalism, modern nomad culture, reading, spicy food, sustainability, and temporary autonomous zones, among other things.

Frankly, the only thing I am 100% not interested in is calculus.

• cats
• wildlife
• culture
• performing arts
• concerts
• dining
• cooking
• beer
• coffee
• potluck
• partying
• drinking
• reading
• traveling
• minimalism
• music
• jazz
• guitar
• blues
• scuba diving
• hockey
• history
• hitchhiking

Music, Movies, and Books

My all-time favorite writer is Charles Bukowski. I am also fond of Herman Hesse, Henry Miller, Milan Kundera, John Steinbeck, Jack Kerouac, and Hemingway, among many others (English major here). Most recently I finished rereading Miller's Tropic of Cancer.

As far as music goes, I dig blues, rock, folk, jazz, and world, and I'm always down to go see a show.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Growing up in southeast Alaska, I have seen some of the most majestic wildlife in the world; whales breaching, eagles diving for salmon, moose drinking water from the gutters of my house… you name it. But nothing compares to this:

It was a sunny afternoon. The street was filled with tourists. I could see them through the windows of the Alaskan Hotel & Bar in downtown Juneau where I was drinking with my friends. And all of the sudden, a bear sauntered by the window, and then right into the bar! But, before he could order a beer, the bartender shouted "Hey YOU! You get outta here!" as he grabbed a glass and a spoon and started banging on them. The bear stood there for a few seconds, looking like he didn't want to leave, before he finally took one long slow last look around the bar and sidled back out on to the street. True story.

Teach, Learn, Share

First and foremost, I can offer my presence as a a considerate, helpful, grateful guest in your home for a night or two.

I would be delighted to perform a house concert for you and your friends. Maybe you know some other musicians and we could throw a potluck-house-concert-party together!

I would be more than happy to give you a guitar lesson. I can teach a number of different styles suitable for all skill levels. Or if you like I could teach you some songwriting tips & tricks that I know.

I am a pretty good cook (specializing in French onion soup, homemade guacamole, fajitas, stirfry, and omelettes) and would very much enjoy cooking for/with you.

Finally, I am 100% completely willing to pitch in with chores around the house, or a bigger project like cleaning the gutters or washing the windows. I am not afraid of ladders, and I do not mind getting my hands dirty or lifting heavy things.