Based in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, I am a singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist who mixes hopeful lyrics with melodic guitar lines. I have been fortunate to have shared the stage with some of the area’s finest musicians for over 25 years, traveling the bandstands of the Northeast playing lead guitar with the Southspoon Blues Band, Under Construction, Blacke Sheep Shenanigans, Spellbound, and Alibi. In 2001, the readers of the Citizen Newspaper voted Spellbound the best regional band. In late 2001, I formed the acoustic duo, Nodzo & Van Arsdale with fellow Spellbound member, Bob Nodzo. The Citizen Newspaper entertainment columnist, Erica Gellar characterized our music by writing in 2007, "When "Mr. Bojangles" meets someone looking for a "Heart of Gold," its likely that listeners will find the Auburn acoustic duo Bob Nodzo and Jim Van Arsdale" The acoustic format was perfect for our blend of blues, jazz, and rock guitar and vocal styling’s. 

        2009 found former members of South Spoon Blues back together, reforming as Diana Jacobs & The Groove Theory. In 2011, with addition of bassist Mike Burns, drummer Dave Chitamber, and vocalist Sue Ferlenda we renamed ourselves Midnight Mood to mark a new beginning. In between Midnight Mood gigs, I perform original music as a solo artist, often joined by long time friend Mark Owens on guitar.

        2010 marked the release of the solo CD titled, "I Believe", which includes 9 new self penned tracks. This inspirational CD is a mixture of soaring guitar lines and soft acoustic ballads, the disk also features the song, "The Gift", a song written in tribute to my first guitar teacher, Bob Semenza. I look forward to passing on the gift of music and guitar to others for years to come.