As always, the Madison Green presents interesting situations, as I play for three hours under a tree with not sound system. It was very early fall, and with the wake of Irene – sticks everywhere = things were slower. Nice interaction with people, especially the kids, and I love the process and the creativity it demands to keep it real. I love it when a familiar kid comes right up and grabs a tamborine, to the amazement of passers-by. But even more fun is exploring new kids’ curiosity, then developing a musical relationship.
One older (5th grade?) got his little cousin to play a shaker, but was a little distant. He brought up that he had sung one of the songs I sang in his school chorus. He then brought up a bunch of folk songs (Grand Ole Flag, Yankee Doodle, etc.) and we proceeded to do them, as I gave him room to sing on his own. (which he did). Then he hit a nerve…”Do you know the Cat Came Back?” Boing….. He added a bass run that he was used to do, which I added to the arrangement. Very cool.
I got a $2 bill from a gentleman as a tip. I also got two shiny pennies from a woman, who gave them to the two 10 year girls with her, and instructed them to put it in my mandolin case. Only in Madison. But it’s all a part of the gig. Curious, always curious…..