Something about the best-laid plans. I know there's a quote there somewhere.

Alas, I totally intended on attending my 20th high school reunion last weekend, so much so that I paid the money to reserve my spot. I had written a couple of blog posts referencing the event.

Long story short and without the drama, I got a chance to play a gig, a second one for me at Othello's here in Norman, and I can't regret that one little bit. My first show wasn't bad for a first show, but this one was better.

And, it looks like I'm getting a few more gigs throughout the fall. Like I've said to anybody who will listen, I'm a moron for not having pursued solo live gigs earlier. M-O-R-O-N.

No, I'm not the second-coming of Billy Joel or Elton John; however, we had a darned good time, and I'm going to take advantage of it. If your venue has a piano and a mic, I'm coming to play. So, just mark it down. I would play six nights a week if possible.

I would be lying if I didn't acknowledge feeling bad for missing the reunion, but it just wasn't even a hard choice for me.

However, whether or not I attempt to sing "I Kissed A Girl" for the humorous amusement of partiers again is a whole other story. I do have an idea about what I might do with that song. An interesting idea. Could be very humorous and interactive. My thought is that if there is ever somebody at one of my gigs who really, really, really wants to get up and sing, they can sing "I Kissed A Girl."

The other thing that came up Saturday night, a musician's issue I suppose, is whether or not to accept alcohol as a "tip" during a show. I like to have a great time, no doubt, but I take gigs and music and playing seriously, and a lot of the stuff I play is fairly sophisticated. It requires my faculties. And while three shots didn't faze me too much, I am pretty sure my personal limit to play effectively is three over the course of a gig. Max.

When I played with a band, it was never a big deal because I was just the keyboardist. Nobody was paying attention to me anyway.

If there are any other musicians out there, what's the best way to "kindly refuse" booze during a show? What's the etiquette out there? Basically, I just tried delaying taking the shots as long as I could without making the guy feel bad. He was having a good time, and I didn't care to insult him.

Ah, it's not a huge deal, and I don't know what other musicians do. However, I tend not to eat anything for at least three or four hours before playing, so three shots definitely puts a kick in my engine. However, the more I gig, the more I could see this being something I have to learn how to manage -- being cordial yet firm.

Last but not least, I didn't hydrate nearly well enough before the show and during the show. How do I know this? When I don't hydrate well enough and then play for 5-6 hours in a day, which I did on Saturday, the underneaths of my fingernails get super sore. During the gig. Bruised even.

On the other hand, three shots will make that pain go away right fast.

As soon as I know what nights I'm playing in September and October, I'll post them to the site and get the word out.