From the old Johnny and June Cash song, RR woke up early Thursday and headed to Goetz Middle School in Jackson, NJ for two “crack o’ dawn” shows for 7th graders. Donnie had his Wednesday night gig, so he had little sleep again. He tried to play slide with a plastic water bottle in the first set. It’s not the same.

The shows went well, but I had too rein myself in somewhat, since the 7th graders, by and large, didn’t get up and dance. It’s rare when that happens, so I sometimes over-react, coming close to begging them to react. Funny how I forget what its like to be that age. 6th graders are usually un-self-conscious and 8th graders tend to be comfortable in their skins. Something about 7th grade. There were three kids in the first show who made up for their introspective (self-conscious) peers. Skinny little kid who flashed dozens of moves in the aisle, a black girl who got up in the back, and a cheerleader who did a standing back flip towards the end, as all these three came up fun to do a “dance-off”, “slam” or whatever. Very cool kids that showed the way. Yes…

Chocolate factory – Tallarico’s – on Friday night – First Friday in Bethlehem.