As 2010 draws to a close, I – like everyone else, it seems – have been looking back at what I’ve accomplished and where things are headed for the next year.
I have to say… I’m very excited!
2010 was a brand-new start for me in many respects. Dueling Pianos has been a great opportunity for me to develop and showcase my entertaining skills. Not only has it taught me how to work a crowd, but it has also forced me to grow my repertoire exponentially. I continue to have a stack of request cards beside my computer filled with songs I need to learn “someday”.
Part of my not having learned them yet is due to the limited amount of space in my “lyrics” binder I drag with me everywhere. I have a feeling 2011 will be the year I cave and get some sort of iPad device so I don’t have to lug lyrics and sheet music with me everywhere!
Statlers has been another interesting gig which has seen me entertaining weekly for the past two months on Wednesdays. It’s been really great because the management and audience is so supportive and also really appreciates what it is I bring to the evening. More and more people have been coming out regularly, and that always pleases me.
Something unexpected happened in August as well. I was lamenting the loss of Jersey Boys and was wondering what would fill my time now that I would no longer be playing the show from week to week. All of a sudden, I was getting calls to entertain in retirement homes, which I’ve been doing on average once or twice a week since then! The people in the homes are definitely very appreciative of what I do, and although I don’t do the “standard” repertoire they’re used to hearing, they seem to really enjoy the show I put on.
Of course, Soular is still going very strong. We had one of our best years that we’ve had so far, and I’m proud to say I was a part of it. It’s such a fantastic band with every member a truly accomplished musician. I continue to be inspired by the people I’m around and love being out performing at such a high level so consistently!
The Slights, the original project I work with, has seen me taking on new roles in terms of getting us gigs, arranging other bands to perform with us, as well as writing, recording, and producing a lot of new material. Our website is being redesigned and our material is constantly evolving, so it’s very exciting to see where things will go in the New Year.
As of January 10th I’m now accompanying/assistant directing “NewChoir”, a group that meets weekly in the downtown area and performs popular music. Check out their website at http://www.newchoir.ca.
I’m extremely fortunate to be as busy I am with the projects I’ve taken on. I make a living playing, transcribing, writing, recording and arranging music. I have a great time doing so, too.
With more on the table for 2011, I’m excited to see where things lead! Bring it on!