In another couple of weeks, the Jazz Ambassadors will be back on the road. Our rehearsals are now focused on the four shows we'll be playing in rotation on fall tour.

Playing music may not look like it's physically and mentally demanding, but it is. When we finish an hour and a half long show, the guys in the band have gone through quite a workout.

When we performed in Vero Beach, Florida on 17 April, the venue was very small. The concert sponsor had given away more tickets than there was room to fit everyone for one show, and there were still more people wanting to attend. So, they asked if we would be willing to do two shows. We decided if we cut a little bit of time and playing out of each show, we could get through them. The next day was going to be a "maintenance day", which meant we did not have a show. Normally, when we're on tour, we'll play shows for nine days in a row, and then take a day off to get our uniforms cleaned, do maintenance on the vehicles ... and take a break from playing.

So, anyway, this day the guys in the band played two shows. I thought about repeating whatever poem I wrote for the second show, since it would be a whole new audience ... but then I decided, if the NCO's in my band could do the work to play two shows in one night, I could do the (very minor) work to write two poems.

1700 Show

The road stretches on
Far from home; miles do stack
The music we play
Is our gift; gives us back

The people we meet
Rich and poor, young and old
The way that they cheer
Warms the soul; never cold

The days move along
Much the same; always new
The music we love
Best we have; share with you

The songs offered up
Move a heart; brings a smile
Makes it all worth
Every day, every mile

 
2000 Show
The trumpet, the voice
The trombone and the bass
The saxophones, too
Bring a smile to your face

The drums and guitar
And piano by Tim
Mack on the soundboard
You can’t forget him

Playing in sections
Or playing alone
Play light and pretty
Or make your horn moan

Play with some fire
Or play it real cool
Play for the glory
Of your favorite school

Play when you’re tired?
I know that you are
Two gigs in one day?
That’s one gig too far