This is the first time I've written a blog long after a gig, combined with a blog about a gig that is yet to happen. Life has been very challenging lately with work schedules, town trips and all sort of distractions - so I still haven't found time to comment on our wonderful gig at the Stewarts Point Store "Ballroom" on July 24th. We played as the Thugz Quartet (Mike, Chris, Ian and myself) for a great crowd - more of a listening than dancing group. However, some of my Seaview Road neighbors were there and started the dancing momentum. Once that happened, the ice was definitely broken. It was a warm evening for the coast - no fog, no drizzle - so it felt like summer, and the atmosphere was laid back. The Stewarts Point staff are the "best in the west," and they always make us feel really appreciated. You do have to climb 17 steps to get into the upstairs ballroom - a challenge for my crazy knees - but Sir Galahad Chris was ready to help - bless him. We're looking forward to playing for the same folks at the Gualala Hotel on August 15th. So tonight, we'll be down the coast at the Timber Cove Inn. It's a bit fancier and a bit more formal - with incoming tourists and inn guests, but we always enjoy the challenge. We often discover that a well-groomed, formal looking guest is a secret Dead Head - and off we go. It will be the Quartet again tonight, and Mike plans to do several of our Dead tunes as part of an "embedded rehearsal" - getting ready for our big Jerry Day Show at the Rio Nido Roadhouse on August 8th. No matter what, we really have to do a few Jerry tunes tonight in honor of Jerry's August 1st birthday. The "music never stopped," thank goodness. Take care. Love, Sylvia