Quod Severis Metes. April 28, 2006
April 28, 2006 9:09am
Actual conversation on the metro around 11:00pm last night:
"Didn't I see you play somewhere on Connecticut Ave?"
"Was it at Cafe Citron?"
"Yeah, is that where you're playing tonight?" I'm guessing this guy and his girlfriend were on their way to downtown DC perhaps Adams-Morgan.
"No, I just finished playing at a restaurant in Rockville."
We introduced ourselves. I gave him my card and told him to come to my show at Citron on Monday. Moments later, I said goodnight and got off the train at my stop.
OK, it was kinda cool to be recognized on the metro. Then again, I have a distinct look not to mention the fact that I've got a guitar slung on my shoulder and 100 pounds of sound equipment on a cart. But what touched me was that I made such an impression on the person that he actually remembered me. Turns out it was a few years ago when he saw me playing at Cafe Citron!
Doesn't happen all the time, but it happens enough that over the years I've met so many people that have recognized me in random places. If you've been reading my blog for a while now, you know that for the past year or so I've imposed upon myself this project to overcome my shyness by going out into the audience and introducing myself to at least one person.
TIP: if you're a performer, make it habit to be friendly to people who come up to you, no matter what mood you're in. Despite what you may have felt about your performance (usually we performers needlessly exaggerate the degree of our mistakes in a show and we all make them--the pros are just better at covering them up), their take could be completely the opposite and they just want to express their appreciation.
Last night at the Andalucia we had a lot of customers. But when I finished my last guitar solo for the evening, there was no applause. They were civilized enough to keep the volume level of their conversations at a polite level during my performance though, unlike some people (ahem!). :-) But as you know the show is not over until you walk offstage out of the view of the audience. So afterwards, I put my guitar down, got up from my seat and held my head up high and (with proper posture--thanks to ballroom dance lessons) walked towards the bar where my dinner was waiting for me. A patron waved me down as I passed his table, "Your music was beautiful. Thank you."
"Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it." That's it. That's all you have to do to properly accept the compliment. Over time, you'd be surprised how many people you've touched. I'm not saying that quantity is the goal. But every now and then I take pride in knowing I made at least one person's life a little more pleasant or even inspired them to take flamenco classes. But one at a time, little by little they add up!
April 28, 2006 9:10am
If you haven't figured out the title "Quod Severis Metes," it's Latin for "As you sow, so shall you reap."
CONFESSION: the past few weeks I haven't been keeping up with flamenco events as well as I should. I've got some personal stuff to work out so if you have an event that I've neglected to announce or post pictures about, please don't take it personally. I'll catch up soon.
I'll still keep up with my blog though. It's very therapeutic for me and it allows my friends to keep tabs on me to make sure I'm OK and still going out every now and then and having a good time.
Don't forget this Saturday April 29, 2006 starting at 9:30pm is the Sala Rociera party at the Pink Flamenco. Look for the house with the pink flowers in front (see above pics). I have a performance elsewhere that night, so I'll be arriving late.
Tonight I'll be at Cabanas in Georgetown performing with dancers Ginette Perea and Mariya. See you there!
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