It's been quite a week!I returned safe and sound from my holiday in the Great White North on Monday and went directly to The Bluebird Cafe to sign up for open mic and get my raincheck ticket for next week. Smart!
I walked in and was happy to see my new friends already there. This is a weird thing. You know how in a social situation, you are attracted to certain people for different reasons? Well, during all these open mic nights, I have been attracted to the people I find the most talented. Duh. Anyway, I think I've mentioned them before, but on separate occasions and at different places, I have spoken with Craig, Les, Jack, Rock, Joe, Shashi, Justin, Cowboy Slim, and a few others whom either I have approached or who have approached me. What I realized Monday when I walked into the Bluebird, is that four of them were all sitting at the same table and asked me to join them. I wasn't even aware they all knew each other. Nashville isn't that small is it? Anyway, I was happy to see them, and listen to some great songwriters for a while.
Then a few of us went to Pick's, which is a bar in a hotel that also has open mic on Mondays. It's a little more laid back and relaxed, and they have no rules about profanity in lyrics! Sweet! So Jack requested my song, Please Go, which we have renamed "the best breakup song... ever!"
Fun night.
Tuesday, after all my crazy classes at the YMCA, I worked on some songs and that night went back to Douglas Corner Cafe. I really like it there. More of my favorite Nashville songwriters were there again. I already feel the ticking clock, and though I miss all of my California family dearly, I know it's going to be hard to leave here!
I went ahead and did Please Go because jack was there again and he gave me the courage to try it for a more crowded house. It went over like a charm. I followed it with Here We Go Again. Just to redeem myself.
Wednesday was music classes, which I love, then Taco Night at Kenny's friends Theresa and Spock. Great people, awesome food!
Last night I had a scheduled performance at a Writer's Night. I thought it would be so exciting! When I walked in the place (never having been there before), my heart sank a little. To call this place a dive would be too generous. And oh, what's this? A smoking establishment! Goody goody gumdrops! Why did I even bother quitting (10 months ago! Wheee!)??
So picture this, I walk in, all cuted out, seriously, I even straightened my hair. I was hot last night and I'm not afraid to admit it. And I am faced with about 15 guys, ranging wildly in age and personal hygiene. Scary. "I'm outta here" was my first thought. But, I was scheduled. I felt obligated, and also, okay, a challenge? Yeah baby. A challenge. Gulp.
I recognized two people in the place, which helped. Then Cowboy Slim came in and my heart slowed a little. Then a couple ladies showed up and the estrogen level increased, further relaxing me. AND! the guy currently singing was using a little profanity. Okay, I had one chance to get this crowd on my side and I decided to use it.
I was in the next group of writers and I started the round with Please Go.
In the pocket! It worked, thankfully. I followed up with One More Song and Alive. Then I tried to stay for the next round of writers but I couldn't see two feet in front of me for the smoke (cough! How did I EVER do that???) So I left after they each did one song and went to visit Kenny and his Funky Bunch. I can't get enough of them!
Today, my friend Kathie is coming to visit from Indiana for the weekend. I'm dragging her to karaoke tonight! My vocal teacher may join us, which would be fabulous! And, we'll be hitting the touristy honkytonks afterward on Broadway. I should have some great photos!
I will try to stay out of the smoking places, but seriously. I feel like I'm swimming against the tide!
Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, by the way!
It really sounds like you are having a great time there! it will be hard for you to leave, won't it?
ReplyDeletebut remember rumble fish? i was in there today with megan, the beautiful. they asked about you and were worried that you had not come in for so long, until i reminded them you were in nashville and would be back in the new year. i think they thought you had defected to another sushi place until i talked to them. well, then we left and went to CVS where i discovered that i left my credit card in the restaurant. so went back to get it and they had it wrapped up on a note that said "12/05/09-dinnertime-stacey's friend". haha now i'm known as "stacey's friend". hey, the service is great now, so i'm not complaining. miss you gyrlie....miss you alot.