Lincoln Journal Star, Nightline section, Friday FEBRUARY 25, 2000

BY JEFF KORBELIK Lincoln Journal Star

Chris Sayre likes to keep busy, which may help explain his schedule for the coming week.

Today, you will find the Lincoln singer-songwriter with Dave Marsh and Terry Keefe at Mickey's Bar and Irish Pub from 5 to 8 p.m.  They comprise the Paddywhack Trio, a popular, foot-tapping, Celtic ensemble.

On Sunday, Sayre will kick off the Friends of Wilderness Park benefit at 6:15 p.m. at the Zoo Bar.  After his 30-minute set, he will hop into his trademark 1963 Ford Falcon and head across town to open for Dana Robinson at a Lincoln Association for Traditional Arts house concert (857 N. 42nd St.).

The following Saturday, the Paddywhack Trio will provide music for a good old-fashioned ceili at Auld Recreation Center in Antelope Park.  In between, Sayre will conduct a private performance for students at McPhee Elementary School.

Whew!

"That's how my life works most of the time," Sayre said.

The 45-year old musician doesn't mind and actually relishes his hectic schedule.   "I'm a very fortunate guy.  I've been around forever, and I'm really lucky to be able to make a living doing my music," Sayre said.  "I've been doing it since I was 16.  Some people say I'm nuts, but it keeps me young."

The second Wilderness Park benefit will highlight Sayre's upcoming performances.   He will join local musicians Terri Jo, C. A. Waller and Meelee for the event, which also will feature new Lincoln folk duo Phil and Kim and a special appearance by the Bob Davis Band.

The nonprofit organization's first benefit in September drew nearly 150 people.   Walker, Keenan Copple and Radio King provided the entertainment.

Sayre quickly jumped on board when benefit organizer Dave Titterington asked if he would play for Sunday's event.  Proceeds will support the group's newsletter, lobbying efforts and environmental workshops.

"I spend a lot of time hiking at Wilderness Park, and I'm more than happy to support it any way I can," Sayre said.  "I'm a big advocate of the park."

Sayre's solo set will include cuts from his self-produced CD, "Falcon Rust," which he released in June.  The 14-song disc is an original mix of country blues, folk and pop.  He's already sold more than 300, thanks to some steady airplay on community radio station KZUM (89.3 FM).

"For a local guy, that's pretty amazing," he said.

The CD's title was derived from his car, which boasts more than 250,00 miles.

The car has become dear to Sayre.

"I travel all over the state in it," he said.  "I took it to O'Neill last weekend.  It's starting to rust out, but it's a really great car.   People just love it."