... to play this evening at the high end Italian restaurant I've worked at in the past - yes, Steve, 'Luciano's' - ... it would have been outdoors under a tent or umbrella, same as the customers, but I'm just not ready mentally or physically, especially since the past few weeks I've played the kb very sporadically ...
Perhaps if I had been given a weeks notice ... oh, well ...

Tony I'm surprised you didn't jump at the chance to get out there after all this time at home stagnant. I hope you at least passed it off to another player so they could earn?

Normally I would have jumped on it, as I love the venue and have good rapport with the staff ...It was tough to say no, but as I said, I just didn't feel physically or mentally ready, and for this venue I would need to be at the top of my game ... The fellow who called has been playing the lounge there for about 14 years, and the owner puts him in charge of doing stuff like this ... he has a list of guys he calls regularly ...

Tony, I think your reaction is rather natural and correct. So far we are not getting our previous reality back, instead we are learning to live with the new one. Outside cafes are opening here as well, okay, let people sit and eat. But live music is sort of a statement, and I'm not sure that we are there yet. Anyway, if you feel that you need to process the idea first, I don't think that forcing yourself to get back in the game would do anything good.

I've been occupied with my guitar lately. Today I tried to play an arranger and I discovered that it's not that easy as it used to be. You learn one thing and forget another. What's the point of learning... Certainly getting back in shape also takes time.

Ah Luciano's. I see what you mean I'm on that page as you know haven't had much time to sit and play been busy with other family duties. Today I had to go to the memorial grave marker company to pick out a stone. If I were in your shoes I would have turned it down too. Pretty short notice and yes if you had been given a few days or a week that would have been something else.

Tony, I admire a man who has no need to follow, and can be true to himself.
It says who you are.
Good health, John C.

People have no idea what it takes, to pack up, load up, set up, etc., for a job. You need a little time to get ready, even in perfect conditions, and conditions are not perfect right now.
Good decision T.

Thanks guys for your support ... I know I made the right decision for ME ...
Stay well

Hi Tony,
you have to do what you’re comfortable with.

You’ll know when you’re ready.

Gotta do what your comfortable with. Only downside I see is in situations like this once you say no your at the bottom of the call list or forgotten.