Saturday was a chance to participate in a benefit concert for a children’s peace center in Central Bucks County. It was good cause for a center that works on anti-bullying. I was drawn to it from the network of children’s musicians in the area, including friends Jenny and David Two of a Kind), David Perry and some folks I knew nothing about. It was a good chance to witness what other folks are doing in the field.
It was in a Quaker Meeting House, so that was cool from the start (my paternal grandfather was a Quaker in Bristol). I got there early and met some of the performers, church and peace center folks. We went through a couple of the songs we would sing together at the beginning and at the end.
I was scheduled to finish up the first set with two songs in 10 minutes. (I think I went over…). I followed two solos and a family trio who did various peaceable songs. (One was A Place in the Choir, one I had thought about doing.)
So I got up and said that I have no songs of socially redeeming properties, but it was a family audience so I was not particularly concerned. (As Hope says, “You are being Dave Fry.”) I started with Giants, invited two young girls up to play Thunder Tubes. It was treat. I mentioned that this was a unique event for a Quaker meeting house.
There was one toddler girl who was up and dancing to almost everything, so I took her cue and decided to do All Around the Kitchen and get people up and moving. I launched into it and we shook that thang, with both kids and adults adding some dance moves. It was a good set, a good introduction to the other performers as to what I do, and how I do it.
The second set featured Pauline and Her Puddle Jumpers, which was Pauline and the kids in the audience. She does alot of preschool shows, and it was cool to see her use those tools to get kids to move and dance. I thanked her after her set, saying, “You know what you’re doing.” It was good to connect with her today.
Two of a Kind finished with their honed chops: friendly, inclusive and socially awake songs and presentation. They are good at what they do, as well.
Interestingly I was not terribly impressed with the other performers in various ways. Out of tune guitar, tepid performance skills, misguided material for the situation and other blips. But, I have a high set of expectations from doing this all these years. And I have rock and roll sensibilities, as well. But, I appreciate their effort, dedication and emotion behind doing this for a living, so these thoughts only surface here on this blog.
Again, another no pay situation though I did sell four CD’s. It’s still worth it to network with others, help out a good organization, play for new folks and work on my act, such as it is.