So, I was low on computer access for the end of my May Northeast run and have been trying to keep up with my house since getting home on Sunday. I can report on some fun gigs all across the board for the trip… subbing with Polka Family is a blast; my gigs with Hank Guzevich and Fred Ziwich in New Jersey were a great change of pace for all of us utilizing all of the instruments in our arsenal; the Guactacular at the Bell House was packed and an exciting event for everyone; school clinics at Emmaus were quite enlightening about some of the great stuff going on in Mr. Denmead’s band program and finally an intimate solo concert at Barbes is always good for me to stretch a bit…. In the midst of all of this has been the traveling up I-95 from FL to NY….. I’ve always enjoyed driving like that—good time to observe the country and think and encounter a lot of different kinds of people…. I do have to say, that at least once on each trip in the past year, I’ve been approached by some person in need of assistance—mostly financial. It’s really difficult to see people like this and having to discern whether they are genuinely in need or just wanting to swindle money. Regardless of your social or political thoughts, I think it’s sad that so many more people in our country have been reduced to this… In one sense, makes ya think that there’s less of a need for music/entertainment—but on another hand—I think we need it more now than ever. I generally choose to play music that is basically happy in nature—(I mean, c’mon you have to smile when people are playing or dancing to polka music!!!). Whether you’re doing well or your in a deep funk, music can provide an extra lift to keep ya going and see the light….. Polka on people!
alex