Back to "reality". Completed the drive home late Tuesday evening. Took this picture on Wed afternoon at a retirement community, after completing my visit for the day. My jacket had a vacation for a few days, which is now over. A successful trip, all considered. Now, lots to catch up on...    

Okay- if you read the last post - as Robbie would say: FAIL! Also (if you read the last post), you can't help but notice the contrasting pictures (Delray Beach, Fla above). Some challenges getting down here, but, ultimately, everything worked out just fine. Started Wednesday night in North Carolina, where it was very nice to be (and perform) among friends. Last night, the Seacrest Presbyterian Church in Delray Beach, and (soon) tonight, the Lake Worth First Church of the Nazarene. Making new friends, and re-establishing old connections. Grateful for the opportunities.

After some major sidetracking from two big time snowstorms, leaving nearly 5 feet of snow in a weeks time (a record by far. This is eastern Maryland, not northern Alaska, or some mountain ski resort), my gigging life is returning to normal (even as I hold my breath). My (newly formed) trio worked 3 nights this past (Valentine's) weekend, at the Kitty Knight House, and it was a great experience. We're 3 guys, each with strengths and weaknesses, learning what works for us. My "suspicions" that we could (first) find common ground in the "Erroll Garner bag" were proved accurate in the 2 or so hours we spent "getting acquainted", a few weeks ago (click here for video). This past weekend was our next (and a significant) opportunity to explore the boundaries of all this. What we are all left with is the sense of a very "healthy" situation, both musically, and personally. For all of the dysfunctional (frankly) situations I've found myself in (as a sideman) over the years, this one (at the outset) stands in contrast. Gary and Mike are good guys, good players, and good friends. I'm looking forward to what the future (or, as I am inclined to say, "providence"), has in store. Speaking of the future, I leave in the morning for my driving trip to Florida (2 concerts in Fla, and one in NC on the way). As in the past when on the road, I'll try to check in often (daily if possible). Enjoying the new adventures.

Crazy, huh? Six weeks after the "Blizzard of '09", comes the "Blizzard of '10" - except, this was bigger. Nearly 3 feet of snow in some areas. On Thursday (the day before the storm came), the Avalon Theatre postponed Beth McDonald's concert for Saturday. To my understanding, this is the first time they've ever cancelled a show 2 days out (now rescheduled for May 15). Turns out it was the correct call. Few attempted anything on Saturday, but to take in the spectacle (beauty), and hope the power stayed on. Pictures above were taken Sunday and Monday in (pseudo-)chronological order. Know what's even crazier? An even stronger storm is coming tomorrow (though somewhat/slightly less accumulation is expected. This most recent event was actually 2 consecutive storms: a wild Nor'easter, and decent sized follow up, with no break in between). Needless to say, gigging may become (even) more complicated.