Last night I played a solo show, Live @ Drew’s, Ringwood, NJ. What a great gig! I really enjoyed the whole experience, even though the house PA is a bit shot and could do with some updating, it’s a fabulous place and a great concept…. Hand picked artists turn up to play at Drew’s regular old house (it overlooks a lake so maybe not that regular), the audience pay cash on the door which is paid directly to the artist, they bring food and drink – I guess in the states it’s known as a ‘Pot Luck Supper’ (food to share) and BYOB (bring your own booze) and a great time is had by all. Drew has regulars on his mailing list that trust him, they turn up and check out artists / music that otherwise they may never hear or consider all on his recommendation. Such a unique and rare experience, especially in the days of ‘Pay To Play’, to walk away with all the door money leaving the venue owner with just the joy of having had the whole thing going on at his home. Mad, crazy, nuts…! Maybe…. but fantastic at the same time. Drew does what he does all for the love of music. How wonderful is that!?! Thanks Drew. Also, a big thank you to Zara Phillips who came along and played a few songs keeping everyone entertained while I raced there through the Friday night traffic. And yes, Drew, I’d LOVE to play there again, just repair that broken floor monitor will you, please!
Oh, yeah….. I arrived back in my NYC hotel room at 00:24, turned the TV on and watched The Who on Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon – that wasn’t bad either 😉 We’d recorded the performance earlier, before I headed over to Drew’s but I never thought I’d make it back in time to watch the actual broadcast. Amazing performance.
Not a bad day overall.
Photo by Mike Knarre