This is a two-for-one...a blog about our Thursday at the Blue and Saturday at the Gualala Hotel Grand Re-Opening. Why not? There is an underlying story here, and it centers around Mike. He's our leader, guide, inspiration, teacher, muse - the whole bit. Sometimes he's the eye of the hurricane too. Here's the magic - Mike can surround himself with all sorts of Thugz configurations and make great music happen. He adjusts with ease, and the music is always interesting, creative and exciting. On Thursday, it was Mike with Ian, Chris, Stephanie and me. It really worked well, and we had a blast. I love singing harmonies with Stephanie, and I'm always amazed when she belts out her songs. Mike's Duo work with her has really paid off - just as all the time he spent working with me, teaching me tunes, making suggestions, has added so much to my musical experience. Thursday at the Blue is always crowded and chaotic, but our little group listened well to each other, and we managed some really interesting jams. That's Mike's influence too - he plays a musical hint, and we all take off from there. He really takes us "places." On Saturday, at the Hotel, Mike was surrounded by the full band - Ian, Chris, Andre and me. It was a new situation for us, so we had to tread lightly at first to find out how the room would respond. Mike figured things out pretty fast, and his choice of tunes was fantastic for the event. He really got going on guitar solos and fabulous trumpet riffs. Everything he did elevated the music beyond a typical bar-band scene. Of course we all respond to his lead, and I think we all played with energy and enthusiasm. The fans were certainly revved up. It was so nice to see Gualala rockin' again - it has been too long. We're hoping the Hotel will continue to be the hub of all things groovy! Take care. love, Sylvia