So…. the trip is carrying on and has really been growing and giving me some amazing experiences.. Nothing quite describes the scope of this festival. I can’t overstate how many different types of artists, music, drama, visual art and just unique personalities I have encountered in the last few days.- And last night I got to experience (in some really cold weather) – The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, one of the most amazing shows of music, dance and pageantry I’ve ever seen. People from throughout the UK, as well as Europe, Australia and a few Americans. Amidst all of this newness– I was playing accordion on the street by a German bratwurst stand and bumped into an ex-accordion student of mine from PA that I hadn’t seen in at least 6 years! I’ve met performers who are friends with the son of one of my friends, last night a fan originally from Texas came into my show with her “Don’t Keep Calm and Polka On” t-shirt as she just moved to Scotland recently.
My show is being well received by the audiences that are here. I’m also feeling more and more confident about the solo setting for this repertoire. It’s awesome to be developing this music– in some cases from my band repertoire and in other cases new repertoire that I might be adding to the band repertoire or just developing in the solo realm. It’s been a growing experience as an artist and as a human.
But then there’s the other side of the coin… last night was the biggest show so far– 36 people in the audience. Now- as a musician/ artist/ entertainer– I’ve played to a wide variety of audiences- in size, venues, what they like,etc… But night after night we’re distributing fliers with the other 3000 shows to get people into our theaters, cabarets, clubs, etc… Busking on the street, playing showcases at clubs, attending conferences to meet promoters/ booking agents– it’s some of the most intense work I’ve ever done.
But on Sunday- the crowd changes over, I’m told… so it’s like starting all over!! So today, I’m relaxing a bit- catching up with work– looking out at Edinburgh Castle and maybe just soaking in a little down time from the 6-10 miles of walking with an accordion a day to reflect on the experience.
I’m greatly appreciative of Karen and David Denzine for their support of this trip, work and hospitality. I’ve been enjoying the experience and look forward to what these next few days will bring– as well as the upcoming gigs with the band in the USA too… and getting home to the kiddos!
Only Three More Shows!
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/alex-meixner