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..... music for occasions.....

 

Birthday At The Observatory



A friend called and said that one of their friends were looking for "something out-of-the-ordinary" for a family member's birthday.  "We have very diverse musical tastes—we'd like something jazz, pop, and international.  And we're having the party at the Chabot Observatory.  What do you have?"  With that challenge, I suggested they bring on a combination of three of my groups: a West-African fusion trio, a straight-ahead jazz trio, and an R&B quartet with a very soulful male singer.

After I played them samples from each group, the family coordinator said, "Fabulous, you've hit all of the bases.  Do you play in all of them?"  to which I replied, "I love visiting different cultures by playing different instruments.  How about this:  Why don't we bookend the whole event by starting and ending with the West-African group.  This way I could schedule the jazz trio during dinner, have a break during your video presentation, and then bring on the R&B quartet after that."  "And finish with the West-African trio, right?" asked the coordinator.  "Yes, and I have an idea that will really spice-up your event.  I work with an award-wining close-up magician who charms everyone who sees her sleight-of-hand effects.  That might be just the 'out-of-the-ordinary' touch you were looking for."  "Our guests will just love it, I can see it already!"

Needless to say, the whole evening went fabulously. Another night to remember...