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First ‘paid’ gig!
After 8+ years in TAC and several years at a regular open mic, a friend’s recommendation got me started playing in our local Dining Room, which is a venue that serves a hot, free lunch provided by our county food bank and an all-volunteer staff. The idea of someone playing music has everything to do with making the ‘soup kitchen’ a more human experience, and does not expect any recognition of musical ability. I’ve learned to enjoy the occasional eye contact, foot tapping, or upraised thumb to acknowledge my musical efforts as dozens of people take their turns getting to sit at a table and have a waitperson serve them a hot meal.
Two weeks ago I was playing, as usual, and an older man dressed for life on the street walked up to me. He reached in his pocket and pulled out a handful of change and placed it all on the piano next to my chair. He told me I needed a jar or a hat for tips! I tried to get him to take it back, saying that keeping his contribution would threaten my amateur status. He just smiled, showing the half-dozen teeth still scattered across his gums and said I deserved whatever status I had reached. Getting paid and/or tips for playing is an excellent win. Getting a tip from a homeless guy is a gigantic win. I highly recommend the experience.
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6 Replies
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Congrats Paul. I am remiss to be out of contact. What an great encounter! I love the sentiment of, “you deserved whatever status you had reached.”
I’d put money in the hat. No charity…just deserved.
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@paul0r What a fantastic story. Not only a testament to your selflessness, but to humanity in general. Thank you so much for sharing.
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😍 So happy for you Paul.. not only are you doing something wonderful but getting “paid” is a bonus.
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What a wonderful way to use and share your skill and talents, Paul! The recognition and appreciation shown by that fellow is sweet icing on the cake! Great win!
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This is awesome Paul – great story and very inspiring. I’ve been thinking about playing in public (still haven’t braved an open-mic night) but this sounds like a good way to get some practice playing in front of people. Would you be willing to share your set list? Congrats and thanks for sharing!!
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Thanks for all the nice comments. Hearing them from those who understand the journey is especially rewarding. I’d be happy to share my song list, but right now it’s just pushed past 70 tunes. I do have a shorter go-to list that I use at the Dining Room. Those songs are more laid-back and appropriate for the venue. Still I hesitate to dump a 30 song list on the forum. I’ll send both lists by PM for anyone who is interested enough to send me a request. Be warned, some of the songs are not easily found, including a couple of originals that are unpublished. Cheers!
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