As I get more successful,  it means I have less free time to go out and hear others perform.  I suppose that's the one drawback that nobody tells you about when you decide you want to be a professional musician.   I love seeing live performances,  but there are fewer and fewer opportunities to catch someone else if I have a gig of my own.

In the last few days,  I've had the rare chance to hear some really fine local musicians play.   It has sort of recharged my batteries.     Our little corner of the world has some fantastic performers.   We don't always get the big names passing through town, but I can name at least a dozen local performers that will give you a show to rival just about anyone in the fun department.   Chances are you won't have to pay $75 a ticket to see them either!

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.