25th Anniversary Trip

After the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival, Carol (who came with me to Rehoboth for the weekend) and I drove straight to the airport to do something we haven't done in 25 years (since our honeymoon): take a trip together. The first picture Carol took (on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge) was of her favorite subject: sunsets. Set the tone for "Yes, we really are doing this!".

When I planned this trip, I really wanted to go on a cruise; something that Carol has always wanted to do. I had to dig a bit, but finally found (a grand total of) 2 that departed on a Monday (a necessity due to the Jazz Festival). One of them was perfect: a 4 day Bahamas cruise on the Monarch of the Seas. We flew into Florida on Sunday evening, and boarded the ship on Monday. The weather was nearly perfect over the entire time. 

It had to happen, though; on the last day of the trip, one of the passengers asked me: "Are you ... (I wait with anticipation) .. the one who played Santa Claus on the island?" Yes, the subtle transition continues. That evening, one of our waiters came to the same conclusion, exclaiming "Santa Claus!". Soon a group of them were singing "Santa Claus is Coming to Town". Good grief! Fortunately, we are among the last diners, and the room was mostly empty (trying to keep the cat in the bag).

   After a wonderful trip, we weren't finished. Com'on, really: are you going to fly in and out of Orlando without going to:

 Carol made good use of her camera throughout the trip, most of the time; I was characteristically oblivious when she said: "Stand over there", then took my picture. Sometimes, she just can't help herself.

The family wizard:

What Mr. and Mrs. Santa do in the off season:

                        And on our final night, we found our way to the castle:

Now, back to reality. But, Carol and I agree; we won't wait 25 years to do this again.

Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival weekend 2012

This year's Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival was fought and won in the trenches. More than any other Jazz Festival in my awareness, the entire town embraces the event; with many restaurants offering live jazz (in addition to the ticketed headliner events in the larger theater venues), and being rewarded with very enthusiastic support (and full houses).

My participation this year (in the trenches) began Thursday night with Shore Jazz at Just in Thyme. Here's John Ewart looking scholarly:

Friday and Saturday brought two performances (same each day) with "Spontaneous Invention", featuring saxophonist Dave Schiff. Dave's roaring sax was given a roaring reception at Old Bay Steak House:

As long as one hand keeps playing, it's okay for the other to take a picture, right?

Our late show was at Arena's in downtown Rehoboth. This turned out to be a great venue and setting for jazz.

On Saturday night, Holly Lane visited (after her show at Cafe Azafran), and payed tribute to Vessa Fulton. Vessa touched and warmed the lives of everyone in her path, and will always be remembered.

On Friday night, 12 year old trumpet sensation Geoff Gallante payed a surprise visit, To our (and the audience’s) delight, he returned late Saturday night (after performing at 3 other clubs), and proved himself a true jazz man. 

On Sunday morning, Shore Jazz was featured for the jazz brunch at Bethany Blues, beginning at 10am. It didn't take long for the house to fill, and spirits to soar. We quickly became Shore Jazz and Friends; joined by Cody Leveal, Dave Schiff, and (yes, again) Geoff Gallante. Awesome!

Mike McShane (pictured earlier  but hidden above); the ultimate musician in the trenches, was with me on every gig (and played one more later in the day). Safe to say, we got it done. 
A weekend well spent, and well played.

Some time ago, we needed to put together a rehearsal, and chose Mike McShane's place; convenient to (most) everyone, with a "music room" already in place (including the keyboard pictured above). One problem. Mike and Lyndee have many "children"; specifically the independent furball kind. After about an hour, it stated to get quite uncomfortable. I'm allergic to cats, and I could feel the point of no return hitting. So I excused myself, driving home immediately. By the time I arrived (home), my face was quite the swollen, puffy mess. Live and learn. 
Recently, my keyboard was in the shop for a couple of weeks. Once it became clear that it wouldn't be available when needed for the next "Shore Jazz" gig, Mike offered to bring his keyboard from home. About midway through the gig I remember saying "My face feels like it's had a cat rubbed in it". Mike immediately said: "The keyboard". Yep. First time I've ever been allergic to the instrument I'm playing.