"Be More Like Bert" by Kevin Dooley released

Local musician Kevin Dooley was asked to perform at the dedication of a memorial bench outside of Niwot Market last December 16 in honor of Niwot Market owner Bert Steele.

The guitarist singer-songwriter quickly accepted the invitation, and set to work writing a song in honor of his long-time friend, who passed away last August after a short illness.

Six days later, Dooley performed the song, "Be More Like Bert," at the dedication, incorporating several of Steele's well-known words of wisdom, many of which are permanently inscribed on the flagstone walkway around the bench.

Many in the crowd of several hundred people were moved to tears by the song, and several urged Dooley to record it.

That was more than enough encouragement for Dooley, who set to work rounding up musicians and engineers to make a professional recording. Most of the group gathered at the Left Hand Grange in Niwot on February 17, along with e-Town engineer James Tuttle, to record the tracks.

Keyboardist Michael Tomich of the House Blend Band, fiddler Oliver Jacobson, bassist Chris Engelman, mandolin player Steve Mullins, and singer Jeanne McAdara joined Dooley to create the recording, and later that day, a group of 20-plus friends and family of Steele joined in on the "Be More Like Bert" chorus.

Renowned Niwot musician Pete Wernick later added banjo and lap steel guitar tracks to the recording.

Dooley, who has recorded several CDs over the years, recently made the recording available on his website. "Be More Like Bert," by Kevin Dooley, is now available to be downloaded for free.

"It's been a heartwarming and wonderful process," Dooley said. "I am grateful. it's been an honor to be part of and a great joy to see how much folks enjoy and are touched by the song."