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Marty and Kevin. Photo by Joshuapickering.com

Years ago, I would have taken last night’s turnout at The Red Door personally. Instead of focusing on quality, I would have immediately jumped to numbers, or lack thereof. But this is a new dawn, a new age, and I’ve come to count my victories when they are there to be tallied, however small and deliberate. Despite the humble turnout, the victories were numerous. I finally came to terms with an enigma that’s bothered me for years, caught up with some good friends, and witnessed a singer/songwriter swimming in the very waters I’m toeing.

I shared the stage with Anna Coogan last night. She’s been touring in support of her new record for the past couple of months, on leave from her job in Seattle to make a go of it (or die trying). As someone who’s in the same mindset lately (me), it’s always nice to converse with someone actually putting their dreams to practice. They become a living model for all that’s possible and challenging, and Anna happily shared her recent plight (some gutter balls, some strikes). She opened the night with a set of songs from her new record and killed (despite having a cold).

In terms of the crowd, yea, it was small, but anytime folks forgo cold weather and Monday night in favor of coming to see me play, I do not look upon it lightly. Instead, I am grateful for what I have, and on this night, I had an amazingly attentive group of folks who listened intently (and also laughed at most of my jokes, which is number two on my list of things that make me feel good).

So, what’s the aforementioned enigma? Well, I’ll just say that I’ve never felt comfortable at Red Door. I don’t know what it is, but the room’s energy just doesn’t seem to play well with my own forcefield. Tonight, none of that existed. I felt like myself. You know how they say the people you want to hang with most are those who allow you to be your true self (ok, this is something I say a lot, but yea, others agree)? I also feel the same way about venues. I think a lot is revealed in how much you allow yourself to open up at a venue. Obviously, the first time you play anywhere, there’s nerves involved. With Red Door however, that theory never worked, not after the third, fourth, fifth times. I’m not sure how many times I’ve played there now, but whatever last night’s number is, it’s a real charmer.

I’ll leave this entry by saying this: I’m not sure playing Mondays locally is something I see happening a lot in my future. I mean, if it’s a local show, and I’m asking people to come out, it’ll most likely be on the weekends. That being said, I’ve learned to never say never.

Ok, THIS is the last thing I’ll say: tonight’s show was the last booked by good friend Jay Boucher. He’s moving onto other ventures (more on that soon), but in the process of working the Red Door these last five years (five? really?), he’s turned an isolated event which formerly only featured local musicians into something that attracts national touring acts.  Jay always has his ear to the ground. Just look back and see who he’s brought in and what they’re doing now (Deer Tick, These United States). He will be dearly missed by many in the scene and beyond. Here’s to one of the most under appreciated talents the Seacoast has to offer, and best of luck to him in his feature endeavors (something another Jay never had the class to say).

Thanks to everyone who came out tonight. Truly appreciated.

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