This week I played a one hour show at St. Ann's Home in Rochester.  It was a little different from just about any other performance I've ever done.   Most of the crowd was over 80,  and about two thirds of them were in wheelchairs.   It's a little daunting to face that at first.  I decided right away to stay away from most of my blues songs and instead went with a lot of old standards.    They loved it.    I could hear people singing along with a lot of the numbers,  and I encouraged it.

When I imagine how these people must have lived long vibrant lives,  and in their twilight ended up in situations where they need quite a bit of care just to live their lives,  it makes me a little sad.   I have to say however,  I felt quite proud to be able to entertain them if only for an hour.  Folks like this still have quite a bit to teach us,  if we'll take the time to listen. 

I'd like to encourage all my fellow musicians out there to look into doing a gig like this at least once.   It's humbling.

I'm getting into a different mode too.   As is usually the case,  I've picked up a few more guitar students now that school is back in session.   I've also got at least one upcoming gig on the books with my old buddy Pete Collin.   You can't really count on Pete for a gig between May and September.   Between his job and his love of fishing,  he's just not likely to be available.    Once he gets his fingers back in shape,  it's as sure as sign of fall as the changing of the leaves.

Well folks,  there's another week or so to enjoy summer.   Then the kids are back to school,  and everyone sort of gets into a different mindset.

As is my family's tradition,  we will have a big clambake over Labor Day weekend.   We'll eat all day,  maybe take a boat ride if the weather allows,  then say goodbye to the summer.   

 Last night, I had the privilege of playing a show to a packed house with a group of musicians whom I respect very much.   My cheeks seriously ache today because of all the grinning I did during the whole show last night.

My friend Deborah Herbert is just a wonderful performer.   Her voice blows you away,  but it is her stage presence that really impresses me.  Her spirit is contageous.   She makes everyone in the room feel like they're getting their own private show,  and at the same time makes you feel like you've just shared this communal experience with everyone else.   She's passing that gift on to her daughter, Jasmin.  A truly remarkable young lady with a set of pipes that many adult singers would envy.

Dave Sharman once again anchored the band with his fine guitar playing.  I had heard Dave play a number of times before,  but I never really got to hear him stretch out and show off his chops like I did the last couple of times he sat in with me to back up Deb.  On top of that,  he's a genuinely nice guy.

Ross Bracco jumped right into the fire with his upright bass.   Ross has only been playing the upright for about a year or so.  He bought it after joining me in forming our little acoustic blues group.   His background is really in jazz,  and boy did he impress me last night.  We didn't reherse before the show,  because for the most part,  we had no idea what we were going to play until Deb called a song.   If I didn't know better,  I'd say Ross had been rehersing every song we did for weeks. 

My nephew, Phil West is a drummer.  He graduated from high school this summer,  so the novelty of saying "wow,  he's good for a kid"  has gone.  Now what people say is just,  "wow,  he's good."     He's only going to get better as he continues his journey.   I can't wait to see it unfold.

Bill Brown is just something else.  He's usually pretty soft spoken and reserved,  but he just lit up last night.  Deborah has that effect on many people,  but with Bill,  it's extra fun to watch.   They did a duet of "Bill Baily"  that makes me smile just thinking about it.   I've learned a lot from Bill,  and it was great to see someone who has played with a lot of very talented people still gets humble about sitting in with someone who is really special.  I hope that's a lesson I remember if I'm still doing this as long as Bill has been.

Deb invited anyone who wanted to sing or play to jam with us,  and one of my guitar students took her up on the offer and came up to sing.  Jennifer Brady sang and impressed everyone in the room.   I also put Connie Deming on the spot and had her join Deborah for a version of "Georgia on my Mind"   It was sweet.     There were other musicians in the room like Pete Collin and Tim Shea who were just there to see a great show.   They weren't disappointed.

This is a pretty long page compared with what I usually write,  but the title is "Why I Do It"     Well,  the fact that I can wake up at 6:00 AM and want to tell the world about the show we did last night should be a clue.  I just love good music and the feeling I get when a room full of people respond to what we do.    There are some who might tell you that music is about art or working out demons or some other such business.   If that's what they get out of it,  who am I to argue?   For me,   music is an expression of joy that just makes me feel good to share.

My friend Deborah Herbert is a jazz singer.  But she's more than that.  She's a great performer.     Her stage presence is just amazing.   I've seen her blow the roof off a place one moment with a swinging number,  then bring it down to absolute silence as she shifts gears and does an acapella gospel tune that makes your heart pound.    Through all of this there is one constant.......her smile.     She looks like she genuinely enjoys what she's doing,  and that spreads to her audience.

That's something I need to remember.   I've said many times that I'm a lucky guy to be able to do what I do.   Sometimes when I'm performing,  I concentrate on the music so much that I forget how fun it is.   

Deb will be in town for another couple of weeks.   If she has a gig coming up,  I will be sure to post something about it.   Stay tuned.