So many roads.

Today is October 1, 2022. My last posts were in 2013. That’s nine years between posts. But that does not imply I have not been persistent or busy.

Still, I digress. My music has blossomed since 2013 in way that is not representative of this site until now. My Bandcamp site is more current and viable. That site “sells” my music which would not pay the light bill (or any bill, for that matter) but until recently, that was a lesser concern than just getting my music “out there.”

Now, at this spot in time and space, is my music is not only out there but I am too…out there playing at the Asheville Airport since July 2022. I am not paid but I am allowed to collect tips. On two occasions, in my 2 hour sprint, I collected $115 one day and $105 on another. On some occasions, the jar pulled in only $20, like this last gig but often or not it comes in around $40-$60 for a two hour spot.

More importantly, and what I value the most, are the comments from the people sitting in the lobby area, to which the piano is situated for their listening pleasure. “You brighten up everyone’s day” one kind lady said as she dropped in a $10 spot, coming from behind and commenting to my back…”Very nice” said one as she gave me a pat on the shoulder after dropping in a tip, again from behind. I catch the eye of some standing in the distant TSA Preferred line, looking at me as I play and nodding their head in time with the beat…too far and to close to the checkpoint to come over and drop in a few bucks but I also nod and thank them with a smile.

I have received numerous $20’s, a few $10’s, a number of $5’s and of course the $1’s that often come in clumps of 2-3…I even get loose change.

To say I am embolden is an understatement. I am encouraged to make this my Number One concern, my concerted effort (concert effort) to be responsible for something that people actually place value in, enough to part with a few bucks and a nice comment. I can play my expressive piano music and get in return a measure of another human beings expressive appreciation.

I’ve not been a part of that before. I am not usually complimented on anything. Most of the time, people are indifferent. When I play, some come out and express a kindness I am not used to, but for which I am eternally grateful. My music has opened up a kinder world, a response to something I have held dear and almost secret.

All of this has allowed me to dedicate myself to the one thing that was always part of me in a holy way but dormant and unknown. And now it has been released.