I performed on Saturday night at the Rat Pack Lounge.  My regular gig that continues to thrill me.

    I would like to start this post with the WOW.  There were two gentlemen in the lounge as I arrived.  They’d selected a table front and center, and seemed excited about what I would be singing that night.  They asked lots of questions:  Did I sing Jazz?  Who were some of my favorite singers?  Did I play the piano?

    I became curious about them.  I mean, in the 3 months or so that I’ve been singing at the Rat Pack, noone’s ever been so interested in the music.

   It turned out that these guests were servicemen from the Marine Corps Air Station at Cherry Point.  They had driven to Raleigh for the weekend to in their words, “just get away” from the base.  They were jazz lovers and both played musical instruments. 

   I regret that I did not get their names before they left, for they were extremely polite and generous.  Authentically nice guys.  They had some drinks, ate some sushi rolls, and smoked cigars.

    Just one week ago, I added a new song to my song list:  Get Here, by Oleta Adams.  This song became popular during the First Gulf War.  It was a song to the troops to get back home as soon as they could.. that there were people at home who needed them.  I sang the song during the week that the United States death toll in the current war reached a tragic milestone. 4,000 dead.

   I sang the song Saturday and dedicated it to all of the troops fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

   The marines told me later that while they might not have shown it, they were deeped touched by the song and my tribute.  They thanked me. They thanked ME. I feel totally unworthy.  They are the ones who deserve all the thanks.  I told them I was grateful for everything they have done and continue to do.

   Now, that was the WOW.  Here’s the oops:

I made a huge mistake in one part of my evening attire.  I don’t even feel comfortable documenting all the details, so I won’t, thank you very much.

   It was NOT the dress.  It was fine. A black gown with tiny straps that criss-crossed in the back.  It had a slit that went up to mid-thigh.  I would never wear a fitted dress without my spanx or similar “foundation” item.  When I put on the dress, I immediately saw that my spanx were exposed on one my left leg. Arrrggghhh!!! They wouldn’t work!!  I wore the footless ones, because I was wearing strappy sandals.

    As I type this, I am having a light bulb moment.  I could have worn full length panytyhose and chose a different type shoe.   I was running late Saturday night, and made a quick decision to go without.

    That decision would haunt me all night.  I did not move the way I normally move in some of the more upbeat songs.  I stayed close to the side of the piano, and didn’t venture center stage at all.

    All in all, it was a great night.  I met some amazing people, and I learned a value less on wardrobe.

That was THE big question for me last night at the Rat Pack Lounge.

I had not performed in a week there, so I was thrilled about getting back to the show.

I am adding new songs every week, and was really pumped about presenting this latest batch. They included Nature Boy, Come Away with Me, and Fly me to the Moon.

I have learned that there are some songs I simply need to know and have to have in my song wheel, and then there are the surprises I throw in, along with songs that I simply LOVE to sing.

What I’m getting to is that I was totally ready for the gig.

The problem was, the Saturday night crowd never materialized. Downer.

I walked into the lounge and there was one couple sitting in a booth. I’ve come to know them and it was great seeing them.

It soon dawned on me, that the Triangle was tuned into the ACC basketball game between Duke and Carolina. I imagine the sports bars in the area were doing great business last night.

So that was how Saturday night was looking last night.

On the spot, I decided that I was hired to sing, and that I had a job to do. Yes, the show must go on! Guests should not be treated differently just because their numbers are small. I powered up, and performed as though the place were packed. A few more folks walked in over the course of the evening, but not many. There was applause after each selection, and I sang full out and had my usual night of fun. I am thrilled to sing, no matter what the circumstances!

That being said, I am going to make some phone calls and send out emails this coming week, to my core group of friends to make sure they know what’s up and show up for the show.