Vocalist Rod Dixon observes: "When it's all over and they go home, the people don't remember what you sang (played), they do remember how you made them feel". This parallels my experience, and two recent comments from seniors (in my music therapy work) come to mind:
Around the corner, and out of view, I overheard a nursing home resident being asked if she enjoyed the (my piano music) program. She was enthusiastic in stating her pleasure in having attended, and that she enjoyed herself, while adding "I don’t remember what he did". Look at this beyond the (potential) obvious, and Rod’s words ring true. Another resident, as she thanked me for the presentation added "It made me think of someone else beside myself". This instructs me that it isn’t (just) about the notes, and the end game is not about what you hear with your ears. The words or the notes direct us to a destination; where we have the opportunity to "get it". This broadens my awareness to see that I am, at times, too concerned about the notes I play, and what others may think (as I become stuck "within myself"). At these moments (which I just observed in myself while watching a recent gig on video), I'm "speaking" more than "listening". The common/surface presumption is to move forward (according to my ordering) when the real deep power is to move in "reverse". The spiritual connection, rooted in love, will lead to the pure expression that originates from God. People will call this "emotion" or "conviction" as it is expressed. It is the communication of the "soul", or the "renewed mind". Ultimately, it’s not (about) me, or up to me to connect with others through music. This is the work of God, to which we succumb (rather than attain), and through which we are blessed.

Received this evening: the Midiri band (minus Jimmy, who travelled with his family) post-Mammoth festival, during the (3 hour tour) trip to the Reno airport. Gives just a tiny glimpse into the natural beauty of it all. And, for those who may have doubted, yes - I own jeans.

One of the benefits, to me, of gigging are the frequent trips to the shore (in New Jersey) and beaches (DelMarVa - Same sand and water but different lingo. If you get it wrong, someone will correct you). This is the bayside sunset view from the deck at Crabber's Cove. Not as congested this weekend, perhaps because of school starting Monday. Next weekend (Labor Day weekend, and our final gig here of the season) will likely be a different story. Am enjoying the work, and the view.

One final photo from the festival, this time of our hotel - which housed all of the musicians (and some of the guests), and contributed one performance venue (which we did not work this year) to the event. Much of our time was spent walking back and forth across the highway.

Yesterday was our travel day home, and I must say, I continue to be impressed with Southwest Airlines. I'll see Paul Midiri again on Saturday night, as he is subbing for Mike on the Crabber's Cove gig. The rest of the band, though, not until after the cruise. That's another story for another time. Speaking of stories, am thinking about another blog. Not a journal this time, but a place for more lengthy articles and commentary on politics, religion, and art. Playing with a little essay today, provoked when I heard Nancy Pelosi say (clearly) that global warming is reversible by using alternative energy sources. Now we're so much more potent than nature that we can not only "destroy the planet" with our behavior, we can also heal it. Yes, our country was founded on central government directed responsible living... okay, stop now. I'll let you know if that blog ever gets going. Then you can say it, and you won't be the first - "stick to playing the piano" :)

Still Saturday night. Walking back thru the Hilton from our final set (pictured). Weird schedule, but worked out for me. Our sets today didn't begin until 5pm(!). The part that worked out was that I started not feeling well by the late morning. By early afternoon, it would have been difficult to have been on the bandstand. By late afternoon, through lots of ginger ale, and taking it easy (but getting no work done - the flip side to taking it easy), I was back on my feet. We had 3 good sets, and I felt connected throughout. Only 2 sets tomorrow, then it will be over (too quickly). One thing about going home - I won't be thinking about having to go back to the humidity. Apparently, we brought it with us, and it has felt like "home" all weekend. Sorry, Orange County!

Jimmy Lawlor - the sophisticate.

from the Connecticut festival

When finished day one of this (Orange County Ca) festival, I returned to my room to find photos from the Connecticut festival (2 weeks ago) in my e-mail. In contrast to the all tent venues in Connecticut, this weekend is all indoors, and mostly at the Hilton (pictured last post). Ran the camcorder during our set in the Pacific Ballroom yesterday, and captured some good stuff, I think. Won't really know until we get home, though, as our hotel (Holiday Inn across the highway) has disabled the a/v input jacks on the televisions, so I can't get a good listen to it (without the ability to download directly into my laptop, at the present). All in all, quite a good day.

Travel day today, and now in Costa Mesa, Ca. The view from across the highway (where we are staying) at the Hilton, where the bulk of the festival happens. Looking forward to starting at 9:30am tomorrow. A pleasant trip today, although both planes were packed. I've always liked Southwest Airlines. Funny how they started out as "no frills", compared to other carriers at the time. Now, just by not changing, the deck has just about flipped - no charge for 2 checked bags, no extra service charges, free peanuts and snacks with your beverages, friendly service. I doubt they are losing money. Will check in tomorrow.

Our little (and I mean it!) cabins last weekend at the Conn festival. I was in the back building - the rest of us in the front. Hit the ground running this week, with much to do. These festivals create some significant displacement of schedule, resulting in very full days, when at home. Am travelling to the Orange County festival this weekend, so it's another crammed week. I'll try to do better with checking in.