The City That Never Sleeps

Uh… that phrase does NOT describe Raleigh. Not on any given week day, anyway.

Last week I was giddy with excitement as I had made plans to touch the stage at Yancy’s Jazz Club for open mic night. I saw it as another great opportunity to get out there and perform, and network with people in the Triangle music community.

So, at about 11:40pm on Wednesday night, I grabbed my keys, purse, and briefcase and rushed from the news studio to Fayetteville Street downtown.

Inside Yancy’s, I saw a young woman on stage. She was killing an old Smoky Robinson song. Open Mic was in session!

Here’s the thing: That young lady was the last performer for the evening. The House Band had taken over and the crowd had grown thin.

I connected with the leader of the House Band. He is surprisingly a musician I know. I explained to him that I wanted to practice some of my songs and work on my performance style. I mentioned a few songs that perhaps the house band could perform with me: MISTY, FEVER, FUNNY VALENTINE, GOOD MORNING HEARTACHE.

It seems it wasn’t a good night for the standards. I was told the keyboardist who knew those songs was not working that night.

What’s the old saying about not succeeding at first? You bet, I’m going to try, try again!

I’ll be back at Yancy’s this Wednesday night just before closing time. This woman’s gotta sing!

Be Sociable, Share!

•