As you all know, last night was Emmy night, and usually venues like this one don't draw big crowds on award show nights. The club owner told me he expected about 6 people to show up, so he was delighted that the show was nearly sold out. From his point of view, the show was an outstanding success, and it's reasonable to assume he will have me back.
It was really gratifying to me to see so many friends, both steel players and others, including a number of former bandmates from my gigging days, show up. It was also really scary playing in front of such giants as Al Vescovo, Doug "Earnest Bovine" Livingston, and Mark Switzer (who deserves more recognition that he has received.)
I was nervous and hit a few clams, but all in all, I think the evening want extremely well. Everybody seemed to really enjoy it.
The main act, "Nougat" is 2 ladies from Australia, both of whom are award winning players in their native country. Ruth Roshan, and Tania Costantino. Ruth plays the mandolin. Tania is a guitarist. Each is a virtuoso, and they have been playing together now for 3 or 4 years. I joined them ladies from for the last song of the evening, a beautiful piece called "The Lonely Shepard."
You can see a video made of the tune here. I played the pan-pipe part om the steel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQpNURCMpBo
Here is a video of the group playing live.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3cDP9CF ... er&search=
Once again, thanks to all who came, and to those of you who missed it, sooner or later you will have a second chance.