Tonight is opening night for Ain’t Too Proud here at the Princess Of Wales Theatre. It’s our last out-of-town opening night. The next, and last opening will be on March 21, 2019 at the  Imperial Theatre in New York City. 

People ask me if I ever get tired of playing the same songs, the same way every night when I play shows.

Nope.

The five musicals that I held the drum chair, as well as the 12 others I’ve been a sub on over the years have never been boring. I’ve enjoyed every night I had the chance to be a part of a broadway, or off-broadway show. I feel good knowing that I am making other people happy when I’m part of a big or small orchestra.

There have been gigs that have been boring, don’t get me wrong. I’ve been in many gigs that have been unbearable, but I always have to remind myself that I’m playing drums for a living. 

I’ve worked way too many day jobs in the past and I don’t want to go back to that lifestye ever again. It’s just not for me.

I’ve paid plenty of dues to get to this point and cherish every minute -especially with THIS show. I’m not taking things for granted.

Special shout out to Lane Sanders for transcribing the drum book. Its pretty detailed. Sorry I don’t read the music anymore Lane-lol. 

That’s another thing that makes things interesting to me. I memorize every show I play. After I get it into my head, I can watch the show, concentrate on other musicians in the pit or read books like The Iliad as I play the show. I’m just kidding about the last part. I’m not that talented.

I never liked keeping my eyes in the music while I’m playing music. I makes me feel as if I’m not connecting to those around me if I’m constantly reading. If I can memorize entire albums like I did as a kid, this is just another thing to put in my my memory banks.

I am having such a great time playing this music. It’s MOTOWN! Never gets old.