VBT Bike Tours season (for me) began this week. For a couple of months in the late spring, then again in the early fall, I get to perform a solo piano entertainment show on the closing night of each week's VBT 5 night adventure. Similarly, from 2009 to 2020, I was on the entertainment schedule for American Cruise Lines, performing solo shows as a walk on entertainer, on ships in Chesapeake Bay ports (you'll find some entries on these in previous posts on this blog). For much of that time, most all of the ships were 100 passengers/guests. Similar to Vermont Bike Tours, where I perform in the living room of The Inn at Huntingfield Creek, the "living room" of the cruise ships were their own own kind of intimate space venue, which brought a similar affect to the performance, and the experience of the guests. 

Playing the same venue week after week, but having a completely new audience each time is not the norm for such things. Every once in a (great) while, on the cruise ship or a VBT event, I would see someone who had taken the excursion previously, but usually it's a crowd of fresh faces.  And having to prove yourself to nearly everyone each time (since they don't know you and are suspicious if they are going to like you or not) is its own fun little mountain to climb. And even if the program is the same from week to week, no two shows are (the same). You know me, I can't play anything the same way twice.  ;) 

All these years have taught me the simple "formula": 

1) Consider who you will be playing for (and playing with) as you prepare. 

2) Be present during the performance.

Then everything falls into place. :)

And here's a little bonus/behind the scenes pic:

Hanging out in the kitchen afterward can be just as fun a playing the show. If you are ever visiting the Rock Hall, MD area, you should stay at The Inn at Huntingfield Creek. 

You won't be disappointed.  :)