Uncategorized | JJArtist

Mar 21

Maryland, OUR Maryland

By jjartist | Uncategorized | No Comments

The Maryland Avenue merchants organized an event this past Thursday as a run up to the Maryland Day Celebration. It ran from 4-9 pm and I was asked to join in as one of three musical acts. First were a couple playing guitar and bodhran, followed by a marching band. I got to occupy this corner by the circle around the Maryland State House and play my amplified music out into the heart of Annapolis. Tom Boddorff and his lovely wife Terry wandered by on their way to an art opening and took this very nice picture. Despite the cold weather the event was well attended.

I took particular pleasure in the opportunity to turn my amp up just a little higher than usual and project my sound out into a much larger space than usual. My regular gig at 49 West Cafe and Wine Bar is indoors with people chatting and eating. It is always a challenge under that circumstance to find the right level: Not to be two loud and overpower the room, nor be too quiet and not be heard. Toward the middle of my second set on Maryland Avenue, it dawned on me that I really didn’t need to modulate down at all, so I let it rip. Reminding me of so, so many years ago when I used to wander the streets of Annapolis on a Friday night singing at the top of my voice in a sort of operatic version of the Volga Boatman’s Song, among a few others. Might I then have had a small bottle of spirits tucked away in my coat pocket. Perhaps. Thanks to the Maryland Avenue Merchants for an opportunity to play for the public.

Mar 14

Spring Thaw

By jjartist | Uncategorized | No Comments

After a few days of warming weather the local rivers and estuaries melted. Carr’s Wharf extends out into the Rhode River and at the end of this lovely warm day the ice was finally melted. This river is where we spend many pleasant evenings poking around in the nooks and crannies in our little 10 foot skiff. The far shore is almost all protected Smithsonian property and all sorts of creatures (large and small) can be seen going about their lives in what might be imagined as a natural environment. It is so refreshing after months of being ice bound to see actual ripples in the water.

Feb 27

More Winter Snow

By jjartist | Uncategorized | No Comments

Portents of spring were premature. Groundhog day just has a way of getting you thinking about spring, so that any little indication gets interpreted as “The Beginning.” I won’t be fooled again. I know now that warm weather, balmy breezes and inviting water are just illusions created in Hollywood to fool the weak. These are last weeks reality. Last night’s was more of the same. More predicted for early next week.