Confessions of a Gigging Musician(From the Novel, "The Waiter"-work in progress)
... I can see it in their searching eyes. They remain focused on playing, but the eyes always have a distant, slightly desperate and tired look. The best of them all have the tough skin and professional polish—they've been through it over and over, years and years. I get into many conversations with my fellow gigging musicians. I always want to know what they know. Over the years I've gotten less competitive and more concerned for their well being, unless of course they're jaded, no-talent assholes. I will dole out acquired wisdom where I feel it might be welcomed, or i'll just listen and try and relate to life on the so-cal gigging circuit. These days I mostly catch them passing through the restaurant; we have music all weekend. The only shows I have time to catch are my own, but I consider it a definite fringe benefit that I get to watch and chat with several of the acts we host. They're mostly doing straight covers, some are originals, and some are singer-son