Typing this during the production of my radio show, as Rob is working with EQ. Am announcing on the show (to air on 3/2) the release of the instructional series ; Lessons For The Thoughtful Pianist. If you click now, you'll get a "holding tank" page (Max is really good with all that), while I finalize the website prep. Expect it up and running in the coming few days. This is a unique and proven series. Stay tuned.
Also - topped 30,000 total video views today. Am networking with a lot of nice, encouraging people as a result of all this. Encouragement, in this business is good, especially in February.

Late on Wednesday evening (about 1:30am). This week has flown by, and has been one of ups and downs. The music, however, is ever more consistantly in a good place. Here I am with Felicia and Max at the jazz vespers this past Sunday:



even on an "off night" (as this was), the presentation still works.
This was a way fun gig!

As of tonite (just after midnight Tues. evening), there are now 5 solo piano videos on my original youtube channel to have reached 1,000 views. Leading the pack (of solo videos) is the original post of Always, currently at 2,348.
Am running from behind (even more than usual), as yesterday (devoted, ultimately, to "escaping" Bloomington/Normal, Illinois) was to be devoted to particular administrative tasks (on top of the routine) that desperately need to be addressed. Keep, plugging, Joe. Lord willing, I can, as my blood work for my (belated) physical came back great! Comprehensive mineral/vitamin supplementation works for me! Now, back to the grind...(after viewing again the inspiring KJ performance - posted here down on 7/1/07)

More "drama", including getting sick through the night (if it was going to happen, this was the most "convienent time"). Finally drove to Chicago, and, though our flight was cancelled, made it on the last flight out (to Phila) as standby. As it turns out (no surprise, really), lots of empty seats, as others who missed connections are, perhaps, still dealing with their "drama". Stepping back, now - sometimes I think my "career" has a significant stride toward a "turning point", and other times, I wonder who I’m kidding. A soul-searching time this has become ( in Yoda-speak). "We may make our plans, but God determines the outcome" - Proverbs

It was nice to have all our band sets on the ballroom stage with the nice grand pianos. Last night’s trio set (at least it started that way, then Joe turned it into a "jam session") was in the room where I would have played in the "pianorama", had I not arrived late. Speaking of late - we really didn’t think we would get out on time (either), did we? I won’t even begin to describe the "drama". It happens sometimes. Suffice to say, I’m much calmer now. Flights are cancelled out of Bloomington (our "puddle jumper" to Chicago), and Robbie and I made our way (by cab) to a Hotel. Lucky us - an "Olive Garden" was across the lot (skating rink).

Late Saturday night, and I'm now minutes short of being awake (?) for 24 hours. Robbie is out cold, and I'm winding down. Earlier in the evening, Robbie (with permission, of course) visited all 5 performing venues during a scheduled set, staying for one song each (his strategery). He liked much of what he heard. He really does listen, and focus, when it comes to taking in music and art. Before this, he and I hit the swimming pool. A good day with my son. As for performing, no train wrecks. A portion of the trio set was actually very good, we'll see what the video looks like. Only one set tomorrow, before the shuttle picks us up at 3:45pm. If Robbie sleeps a lot (a real possibility), we'll see how much I can get done. Will check in again then.

Uh...... well....... er.........

Here's a new one. After an initial one hour delay, we're told that the flight crew was not given the correct "show time", so they had no idea folks were waiting on them. They call called their hotel to wake them up. Another hour delay. Some of us remember what the airline industry used to be like. At any rate (and after more miscues), we're now here. Missed the pianorama, and arrived 10 into the next (Midiri band) set. After a mildly "grand entrance" for me, it was "down to business". Wasn't how I planned to draw attention to myself :) Now, a break in the action, so it's off to adventure with Robbie.

Perhaps you can tell that I now have a better cell phone camera. Anyway, after some hassle, we were able to rebook on a 6am flight today. "We" means - my son, Robbie (11) and I. Will continue to take advantage of the opportunity to share these festival trips those in my family (one at a time) when I can. Robbie, often difficult, and sometimes impossible to get of of bed in the morning, did very well with the 3;25 am alarm. Now we're waiting again. So far I only missed one set, and a meeting. We'll see what happens today. Did I mention that our flight is now delayed?

Nothing happening. Here we go again. Cancelled flights (but not all) means that some of the Midiri Band made it to the first night of the Central Ill. festival, and some (one) didn't. Back to the "holding tank" to try again tomorrow (at 6am). If no delays, then I'll rush in just in time for the "pianorama". I'll let you know.