Whenever people are kind enough to compliment me after a performance, I always try to smile and thank them even if I am personally disappointed with how I played. Sometimes it can be difficult, and Sunday was one of those nights. It is important to remember that most compliments are offerred sincerely, and to reply with anything less than a minimal smile and “thank you” is not only rude, but just poor form.

The Barco Tropical Live Christmas Special on Sunday was actually held in El Barco (on the second floor) rather than the usual Barco Tropical (on the third floor). It seems there was a double-booking for that night on the third floor, so we were moved downstairs. As it turned out, the second floor stage area, lighting, customer seating, and bar area are all much nicer than the third floor, and I was making suggestions all night that the event should be held on the second floor from now on. I think many of the other musicians agreed with me, and by the end of the night the owner did too. I’m guessing he was happy with the crowd that showed up, because he has requested that the next monthly open mic be held on the second floor.

I will be sitting in with AKA Toe Jam at Molly Malone’s Midnight Masquerade countdown party on the 31st. The band’s bass player won’t be able to be at the party, so I was asked to fill the bassist’s role. I told them that would be fine, as long as they have no problem with me playing The Stick. Last week they gave me a CD of about 17 songs to learn. My first rehearsal with them will be on Thursday.

Last Friday I started pushing the advertising for the “Solo Trio” show coming up in January, and a few inquiries about advanced tickets are beginning to trickle in. I’m both excited and anxious about this show, because its level of success will determine whether I’ll be able to invite more Chapman Stick players to Hiroshima in the future.

I finally got around to updating the Schedule section today. I’m getting excited about a special performance I’ve scheduled and am organizing for 7 January. I’ve invited my friend and Stick player Derek Dallenger to come to Hiroshima for a joint show at Live Cafe JIVE. Derek and his wife will be driving up from their home in Miyazaki Prefecture to spend a few days with Chicaco and I. Joining us for the show will be the amazing bassist/vocalist Kajiyama Shu. We will each be performing a set of solo music, so I’ve given this event the decidedly uninspiring title of “Solo Trio”. Tickets are on sale now!

Before the “Solo Trio” show, I have three more appearances in December. The first will be on the 12th at the monthly Barco Tropical open mic. Then on the 26th, the Latin American Association is having its Christmas Party with live music and all you can eat and drink for a very low price. Finally, we’ll be celebrating 2004 and ringing in the new year at Molly Malone’s Midnight Masquerade on the 31st. See the Schedule section for details.