Thursday, November 9, 2017

#1966, Thursday, November 9: My music mentoring


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Post 1966, Day 313 of 2017
- 2,505 days since I started this blog -

Daily Comment
After a rather downbeat rehearsal with Modern Mudd, caused by a lack of enthusiasm for the new material (Christmas songs for the one show we have in December) on my part, as well as other band members'.

I went from there to the open mic at the InsideOut Tavern - this is rapidly becoming my favorite open mic. I got to play a set with old friends, and it was very well received. I always see friends and the vibe of the place is homey and fun.

I then left to see a band I had helped start debut at the Dinosaur BBQ.

The band was built around a gorgeous young woman, Em, who, beginning a few years ago, was a protege of mine.

In her very early twenties when we met, Em had a big, dramatic voice. She was, however, very undisciplined, and sometimes when she sang, she shrieked. The very first time I heard her sing was at Shifty's open mic (on a dare, very drunk). She was horrible - really: She cleared the room!

But I heard some potential, and when it was over, I introduced myself (she told me she liked the sets I played on before her). I offered up some advice, including making sure she chooses musicians who know the songs she wants to sing, and also to figure out what she'll sing before she gets onstage.

The next time I saw her, I offered to help back her up, figure out the songs and the keys she sang them in, after reassuring the host that it would be better than the last time. Which I only thought it would be. But it was - much better. People didn't leave, they applauded.

Over the next year or so, I guided her to different open mics, gave performance tips, and helped her get more comfortable on stage. I even (finally) convinced her to stand when she sang, and that made a huge difference.

With many of her friends urging her on, she decided to form a band this past Summer. They got a 'gig' (no money, at a soft opening for the bar). She asked me to sub for the bass player, and I met some young musicians I didn't know (not surprising, I was more than forty years older than the next oldest guy in the band). We had one rehearsal and then did the gig, which was a big success, despite really crappy sound.

Tonight, she was great, looked totally comfortable on stage. The band (with mostly different personnel than when I played with them - and more of them, too - sounded good.

I was very proud at having made a contribution to her and the band's success.

I try to give back to the local community when I can, and that includes encouraging new members. It's all part of being grateful for what I have here, and wanting to maintain the original feeling I had about the musicians in the scene here: Welcoming and generous. That's the ticket!


Note: I am traveling to NYC tomorrow, next post will be for Monday, November 13.


Food and Diet




Today's Weight:                      203.4 lbs.
Previous Weight (11/8/17):           204.1 lbs.
Net Loss/Gain:                       - 0.7 lbs.


Diet Comment
A step in the right direction. A few more of these, and my goal is reached. Even if I step back a few times, and I know that will happen, if I just take two steps forward for every step back I'll reach my month end goal (two hundred pounds or less) easily. 

Food Log
Breakfast
4:10pm: Two organic turkey burgers and salad (chard, kale, red cabbage, walnuts, shaved parmesan cheese and balsamic vinaigrette).

Lunch
9:00pm: A Quest bar.

Dinner
12:30am: A Quest bar and one square (1 oz.) sugar-free dark chocolate.

Liquid Intake
   Espressos: 1;   Coffee: 0 oz.;  Tea: 0 oz.;  Water: 54+ oz.; and two big(!) shots of Jameson's Irish whiskey

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