Ok, I’ll admit it. I never saw it coming. Not even a little. The first time I played the Hilton Garden Inn last summer, I envisioned a venue where musicians went to die. It’s a hotel lounge, after all. I say this without no disrespect to the hotel itself, it’s just an picture I’d painted. Ten months later, I couldn’t be more wrong.

Last night I played the Hilton with my good pal Eric Ott. Each of these shows Hilton seems to grow incrementally in size, not just in attendance (the numbers have been there since last fall), but in spirit. It’s almost as though I’m at one with the folks who come to see me play here in that we’re both kind of surprised this is the way things have worked out here. It’s much different than any bar, simply because they have couches you can sprawl out on, but it’s also a nice crossroads centered in New Hampshire’s Culture Central (Portsmouth). Folks check in throughout the night, many coming from dinner or the movies. It’s a nice launching pad/finishing line (although many folks have made a night of it – hello Rosie and Glen, Lynn and Josh, JHawk and Shawn, Jim and Amanda), and the low-volume allows for conversations rather than shouting matches.

The Hilton has also had a rather stranger power to draw people I haven’t seen in many years. Armed with the power of Facebook, each and every show has encountered a familiar face from the past in attendance. Last night it was old friend and fellow musician Alan Jordan. I haven’t seen him in at least 7-8 years. The only unfortunate part is I don’t really get to talk all that much with them (I am working, after all), but it’s been a real treat getting to see them again. This has been a recurring theme, and one I’d like to see continue.
Onto the show…
Eric’s sets were amazing last night. I really dig seeing him solo, as his song’s melodies cut through without the interference of a full band. He’s been working hard at his solo craft, and it played out well in his performance last night. Kick ass sets indeed. What’s nice about our arrangement is that we kept swapping sets, which means there’s never a break in the action. It keeps people engaged and also keeps them from heading to their car. I envision more of these double-bills in the future.
As far as my own performance, my new ukulele Kevin made his debut last night. I was horrified at how hard it is to play standing up (sans strap), as I’d only played sitting, but regardless, my new song Diamond worked out nicely, as did most of my songs. Something about the comfort of the room and the quality of the crowd inspired me. Sometimes the best surprises are in the least likely places. The Hilton’s been a nice surprise indeed. I’ll be back on March 5. Stop in and check it out for yourself.
Thanks to all who came out to the show last night. It was great to see you, and the support always inspires. I’ll be at the Winter Farmer’s Market next Saturday (Wentworth Greenhouse in Rollinsford starting at 10 AM). Bring the kids. Buy local food. See you there.

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