I picked up a very nice gig with Ms. Rose’s Preschool in Wind Gap, PA for Wednesday morning. A friend whose daughter is a fine teenage singer/songwriter at Godfreys’ Open Mike works there and reached out to see if I could do it. Of course. I’m easy. Sometimes folks are afraid that I’m busy or too pricey for their events and don’t bother to ask. Sheesh.

It was a glorious, sunny day and as I set up in the band shell at the park, parents, grandparents and kids started showing up, walking across the grass to the stage. I knew this would be a good one. The kids sat in the first couple of rows of seats, but I knew that wouldn’t be for long. It was especially great to perform for daytime dads, and, during the course of the set, I often caught them in chuckles with the various asides that I sprinkle in during the show. I think they also appreciate my guitar work along with the songs and my ability to connect with the kids. A point of pride for me. Dad’s are not easy to entertain without a beer in their hands.

When I did PB and Jelly, I got the kids up, boys to the left, and girls to the right. A very nice visual and the cell phones popped up with the adults. When I opened up the magic bag and dumped the shakers and silks out, it was like Christmas. I did my several songs that slowly introduce thinking after the initial novelty of exploring the instruments. That’s a serious leap for these kids, especially for the 4 and 5 year olds.

We finished up with the kids and their families coming up and dancing, singing the Hokey Pokey. Hokey, yes, but pure folk music and dance. How often will these kids get to dance with their elders? Serious stuff disguised as hokum.

As I packed up, I got nice compliments from the school teachers and the school is interested in having me back in various ways, perhaps as an early school year mixer, or in small classroom visits. I can do that.

Again, I note how few families buy CDs, in spite of the very immediate live show. There is little connection between the show and the possibilities of using the CD music to expand on the event. There is a tremendous disconnect on that level, along with a fairly tight budget for young families. Understood, but still curious.

A one-gig day, but a good one. Local travel, okay pay, a beautiful day, a PA park, kids, families, music and future gigs. That’s pretty good for a day’s work.