Hi guys:

I didn't think it was right to hijack other topics with my pop-ins so I started my own "I'm back" thread. I never really left but I did lose my SZ password so I just haven't said much.

I left Hilton Head, SC five years ago when the economy started to tank and the housing market bubble burst. My gigs were all vanishing and at the same time I had a great cash offer for my condo. HH was great but after nine years there it was time to move on.

My wife and I always spent a lot of time in Atlanta and I knew people here so it was the logical choice. I now work as a computer specialist for a defense contractor and play out extensively. For example, I have a concert this Thursday backing Zakiya Hooker, the daughter of blues legend John Lee Hooker, then I have a solo piano concert at the Atlanta Civic Center this Friday for a local university. I play weddings and private parties a good bit, and I still write occasionally for Keyboard Magazine.

Wish I could tell you where you could see me play in Atlanta but it changes from week to week... that's a good thing.

I work with arranger keyboards less these days and I play my Hammond SK2 organ and Kawai ES4 or Korg SV-1 pianos. I have a Yamaha 9000 Pro and Tyros 3 still but they are up for sale.

So thanks for the greetings and all. I'll be around when I have something interesting to add...

www.jimeshleman.com

Esh ... good to hear from you, and thanks for the update ... don't be a stranger ...

I'm up in Atlanta for the Road Atlanta ALMS race this weekend...

Where are you playing?

Thursday night is a free/open to the public blues concert at the 444 Theatre in North Highlands. It's supposed to be videotaped and we're expecting about 250 people. I should know more details about that tomorrow.

Friday is a one hour solo concert before the AIU graduation exercises at the Atlanta Civic Center on Piedmont Avenue. I start about 11am. It's free and open to the public also but it's usually a very large gathering (1000+).

I have several friends who'll be at the races - enjoy!

The show tomorrow night will be at the 444 Theatre at 444 Highland Ave., NE Atlanta, GA. Starts at 8pm. It's a broadcast videotaping so it's free and open to the public. Excellent 8-piece band and of course a famous singer, Zakiya Hooker. Be there if you can!