If nothing else, this sailing voyage to the sunny south has allowed me to see and hear several live singles and groups, plus take a close look at their equipment.

The vast majority of the performers I've met are weekend players, individuals that have a primary source of income other than music. Tonight, the band consisted of a couple sax players, one who also doubled on a bass guitar.

Their equipment, a pair of Yamaha 12-inch speakers on stands, an antique mixer/amp, a mic stand with an old Shure SM-58, a laptop filled with midi files and MP3s that was perched on a keyboard stand covered with a piece of black plywood, and I believe the saxes were mic'd as well.

Both were great sax players, and the younger guy had a good voice and did a great job with Fly Me To The Moon. Problem was they didn't, or were not able to read the audience. While they played one song after another, with horrendous dead time between, the audience sat there as if they were listening to Muzak. Within 20 minutes the audience of about 50 people was down to a dozen at best.

One of the things I can honestly say about the vast majority of the full-time performers on this forum is they know how to read an audience and play what the audience wants to hear. I had the honor of meeting many of you and learned a lot over the years.

I gave the restaurant manager one of my CDs and a card when I sat down to eat dinner. She came back about a half-hour later and asked if I would be at the marina for a few more days. Unfortunately, I'm headed south again tomorrow and by the following day I hope to be in Eddie Shoemaker's neighborhood. She said she loved the CD and want's me to book some dates with her when I return in early March.

Just another fun day in Paradise,

Gary

Wow, you sure have a surreal life! A bit like Indiana Jones......I'm envious.

Jim,

Wednesday marks 6 weeks on the water, living aboard the boat and some long days getting from one destination to another. Last night I anchored out in a small pocket of water behind an island chain near Vero Beach, Florida. The wind picked up about midnight, blew about 45 MPH most of the night, then a couple heavy rain showers moved in and pelted the boat. I probably only slept about 3 hours at most, then got underway for Stuart at 8 a.m.. Had to motor the entire time because the wind was right on the nose of the boat. I'll be here for at least three to four days getting some much needed repairs, then head south of Miami to meet up with a friend.

Tomorrow night I'll be with Eddie Shoemaker on one of his jobs, mostly enjoying being on dry land for a change. This has been a once in a lifetime adventure for me that may result in a book.

Cheers,

Gary