An Oops and a Wow

   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.

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