August, 2006
This August has been quite full of travel and music. There were a couple of amazing gigs with BTD. First we went to the Hamptons for a couple of sets at the Bridgehampton Childrens Museum. This gig was lots of fun. Just the experience of being in the Hamptons was well, very RICH. We saw a lot of polo shirts, golf bags, sports cars, and nose jobs. Beyond the cliche, we actully met some amazing people and were made to feel very welcome. We were treated to an amazing after party at the home of our host (OK second home). I spent some time hanging with their teenage daughter and all of her friends. We were jamming out in the backyard to some classic rock tunes and a little snoop doggy dog sing along. It was a blast. We stuck around until the bitter end then Chikako and Lisette drove us all the way to NYC.
The second BTD gig this month took us to Detroit. Here we were part of a huge downtown concert series that was created to help revitalize the community in Detroit. It’s hard to realize the extent of this cities hardships until you’ve been there. I think we were very fortunate to meet so many inspiring people (like Nngie and Bob) who are so passionate and driven. We saw an amazing art exhibit that exists on a local man’s property. The Hidelburg project is an perfect example of how creativity can promote hope and change in a challenged community. It was a sight to behold (sorry no pics). Afterwards, the gig went great. We even nailed the Buckets (a new BTD experience for me)!!!
Between BTD gigs I went for a little family time with Marie in Germany. My trip started with a layover in Amsterdam where I spent one night alone. Wow, what a place. I got myself settled into a hotel, stopped into a coffee shop and spend the rest of the day and night walking around and enjoying this beautiful city. I’m looking forward to another visit for sure. Next I found myself in the black forest of Germany helping to celebrate Marie’s father’s 60th B-Day. We had a great time catching fish in the trout pod, eating like kings, and playing music. I was honored to play the oboe part in a chamber quintet with Marie’s super talented professional orchestral cousins. In the end my classical concert debut went pretty well. I also made them play “Girl from Ipanema.” All in all it was a great party.
For the next week we drove around southern Germany between Stuttgart and Munich in Marie’s mothers classic VW convertable bug. We stopped in many small towns to eat, drink beer, and visit friends. One of the most interesting parts of the trip came at the thermal baths. Here the waters are full of minerals and naturally healing. We went to a couple of different bath houses for whole afternoons. There, totally naked, we rubbed our bodies with honey, then salt, and spent hours sweating in 200 degree saunas. It was spectacular.
Back in NYC, feeling revitalized and full of energy, I’m back to work on some new projects. I’ll be in town for the next couple months performing at the usual spots doing some unusual things. I’m really looking forward to an upcoming gig at the Stone on Sept. 10th. Also, there will be lots of traveling in the Fall. Whew!!! As always, I appreciate you checking in with me. Keep in touch.
All the Love,
Clay
