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February 19, 2006
Espresso Plus
Saturday, February 18 was a beautiful Florida “winter” day (about 75 degrees and sunny). I wanted to be taking a walk by the river, or maybe even working in the yard (a never-ending chore, as our house sits on over acre of land).
Instead, I was cooped up in the studio all day, working feverishly on a set of tracks for Jim McDonald, who is leaving for Europe in less than a week, and will be taking these tracks along so that he can work with them.
I would have stayed in the studio all day and all evening, but for the fact that Sheryl and I were scheduled to play a concert at Espresso Plus, a coffee house located just north of us in Titusville Florida.
Frankly, I was tired, and did not feel like going. I was only half finished with Jim’s tracks, and I had a deadline.
On the other hand, it was a chance to play live music with my wife, so after packing up our stuff, off we went.
We had never played at this place. It’s a small coffee house; rather new to the Central Florida live music scene.
We ended up playing for about 10 people.
Sounds like a recipe for a rather dismal evening, doesn’t it?
It turned out to be great fun, and one of those nights Sheryl and I will look back on fondly as we think about the various gigs and venues we have played.
We knew just about everyone in the audience, and the place was small and intimate, so it was very much like playing in someone’s living room.
To our surprise and delight, out friends and fellow musicians Spike and Sandy showed up, and they came prepared, having brought their instruments (there was to be an open mic following our show).
Since they knew Sheryl’s music well, they came up to play and sing along with us on a few tunes, and then I had a chance to play with them as they did some of their own material.
For a while there, I forgot that I was tired.
Playing music for an appreciative audience (no matter what size) can be a tremendously therapeutic experience. It gets into your blood.
Once you learn how to give a good performance, experience the positive reaction of an audience, and realize that you have communicated something of value to them, you’re hooked.
Sheryl even made a few dollars from ticket sales, and sold a few CDs.
It’s a good thing she likes to perform (and is good at it!), since we’re going to be playing somewhere for the next several weekends.
Check out http://www.sherylpaige.com to see the schedule.
Hope to see you there!
My next post will be Tuesday, if all goes well.
On Monday, I gotta finish Jim’s tracks!
Sheryl Paige and the Project Studio Guy at Espresso Plus
Sandy Ferris at Espresso Plus
Spike is on Fire at Espresso Plus
(Its a lame joke, but I couldn't resist!)
Posted by leon at February 19, 2006 09:58 PM
Comments
You are an absolute trooper! Even we didn't know you were that tired! That earns you your Second degree Eagle Scout badge! Sometimes there's even no rest for the non-wicked! The small gatherings can definitely be some of the best times! At least you didn't say "Spike was a Flamer!"
Ta Ta for Now!
Posted by: Sandy @ Spike at February 19, 2006 11:16 PM
Hi Leon!
I don't think Spike is a flaimer at all.
Yes, that was a good night of music last Sat. night.
Keep us posted o all your doings.
See you Fri night.
Steve Perry
Posted by: Steve Perry at February 23, 2006 02:39 PM