Yours truly reading a magazine at the bar. November 30, 2006 9:06pm

Just a quick blog entry before I go out and get some breakfast...

Las night (Thursday) was one of those nights where it felt like a job. Despite not having warmed-up, my playing was really on and I was feeling pretty inspired, but the people just weren't responding. Perhaps they were a bit intimidated as far as knowing when to applaud. It's kinda hard sometimes with the improvised free-form (libre) solos to know when my performance is actually finished. But even then I'd pause at the end to make it clear that I was done and still no applause. Ugh.

I know it's nothing personal. I mean c'mon it's a restaurant not a concert hall, but still, call me old-fashioned, people should at the very least give some polite applause if for other reason than to proclaim to the world Hey, I'm cultured and can appreciate the finer things in life such as live authentic flamenco guitar.

Don't get me wrong. I still enjoyed myself playing guitar as always. And I still get paid the same regardless. But it's just a lot more satisfying knowing that my audience got something out of my performance.

Afterwards, I got my free dinner as usual and as I waited for the manager, Monica, to finish up so she could give me a ride to the metro, I kept myself entertained reading People magazine and learned more than I ever wanted to know about Katie and Tom's wedding. :-) Sometime later, Monica gives me her keys and asks me to load my equipment in her car. I go to the dining room and walk towards my stage chair to pick up my guitar when one of the customers caught my attention...

"Miguelito, I'm sorry we missed your show."

"It's OK. Usually, I start playing at around 8:00pm until almost 9:00pm with a short break in the middle." It turned out to be a flamenco dance student and her friend, yay! Finally, someone's here tonight who can appreciate flamenco!

"The least I could do is play a guitar solo for you."

So I serenaded these two beautiful girls at their table and I felt much better knowing that at least two people here are cultured enough to appreciate what I do, ahem! :-) I lingered a while at their table getting to know them and in the meantime, Monica left without me. Oops. I said goodnight and went back to the bar, practiced guitar and relaxed for a little while longer before packing up and leaving the Andalucía out into what felt like a warm summer evening.

Please come to the Andalucía next Thursday December 7, 2006 when I'll have dancer Pam de Ocampo performing with me.

Practicing at the bar. November 30, 2006 9:34pm

Anywayz, check my main page at noon when I'll announce the winner of the free ticket for the upcoming Camino / al flamenco show at Gala Theatre-Tivoli.

Allright. Time for breakfast! Chow for now. :-)