A night for the record books

When I'm traveling and someone asks me to play their event, I say yes if it's at all convenient. Sometimes I get paid, but there's always a story. So when I met Giorgio on the street two days ago and he asked me to play his "eclettica galleria" art opening, starting at the time I normally wrap up a street set, I heartily agreed.

After a lackluster evening of busking I took a break before the opening. While I was lounging and reading in an empty piazza an audience member recognized me and called me over to join him and his friends for a drink. A lovely conversation ensued, until I had to excuse myself to go play.

After the gig I was still on a high, and as I left the gallery another recent audience member called me into the bar that's become my morning coffee joint while I'm in town. I joined him and the proprietor for a drink before making my way home. But before that, was the show.

It was a pretty standard "stand in the corner and play" corporate kind of gig. I met some neat people and talked a lot about the dulcimer and what I do. Then a gentleman made a speech, and told me to play something lively.

What followed was one of the more unique experiences of my life. I've jammed with strangers and I've played to improvisational dance, but this is the first time I've ever jammed with a painter as he created, in the course of about five minutes each, first a portrait and then a simple Venetian cityscape.

I had no idea who the guy was, since everyone just called him "maestro". It turns out that he's kind of a big deal, Giuliano Ottaviani, and a really nice guy to boot. And, after everyone had left, he paid me with a painting.

What a night it's been.