Christmas Party Gig.
Like falling off a horse.
[Image: Borrowed Fender guitar amplifier, my Black Takamine acoustic guitar, (on the table) my portable JBL speaker (20 watts), and my cell phone with all of the backing tracks.]
I think the last paid gig I played was back in 2015 when my buddy Mike hired me to play bass for him. We actually had two shows in one afternoon. It was a lot of fun, even though I couldn't remember a lot of the music since it was new to me. If I remember correctly, I got paid pretty well for the day. That was over eight years ago, and I haven't played another gig since...until tonight.
A few weeks ago, one of my students asked me if I would be interested in playing some background guitar music for two or three hours for his Christmas party. My first thought was how long it had been since I played a gig in front of a large group of people. I wasn't sure that I still had it in me, especially with all that has happened in the past few years. I told him I would think about it. I eventually agreed to do it. So, I borrowed a guitar amplifier and downloaded about twenty-five jazz and Christmas backing tracks to play along with. I set up and started playing as guests arrived. I played for about an hour and a half straight. Then I got my break, while everyone went to dinner in the basement of the house.
I guess the plans for me to continue playing had been changed. By nine o'clock the party was winding down. I packed up everything and took it to my car. I really wish my health was better so I could enjoy these kinds of things more. It took me about fifteen minutes to relax and feel comfortable, but I guess everyone enjoyed my efforts. So, I guess I can still do it. Old musicians never die, they just go to bed earlier.