Meanwhile, Back at The Poptimists

Well, I couldn't find a piano player in time to announce my second round of auditions. I figure you owe potential auditionees at least a week's notice so they can prepare and work their schedules to make it.

I think summer is second only to December for unavailability -- of anyone. Since The Poptimists plays the first two weeks of December, I want to round up everyone now -- before they find something better -- or more fattening.

So I'm hoping to have the auditions the last weekend of August. Now I need to approach all the same accompanists again, and ask them the same thing I just did this past week. Nothing like deliberately forcing others to experience déja vu.

Maybe I should just put them on retainer. You never know when you may need a pianist on a moment's notice. (I'm really resisting about four or five great comebacks to that last statement.)

Also, I'm housesitting this weekend, so that usually means one or two marathon writing sessions. I'll be finalizing my audio CD for the Noel Coward Award competition (see a few entries below), and so I can submit my show on Monday before the judges get the onslaught of last-minute submissions at the end of the month.

Also, there are two melodies in The Poptimists I want to rework and get to my arranger.

"My arranger".

Wow, it sounds like I'm doing a real show, doesn't it? I haven't had my own official arranger in about twenty years. I'm lucky enough to have people like Brad Handshy and Michael Johnson who can take my leadsheets and play wonderful arrangements almost on the spot.

You may have noticed that I rarely use names of my actual friends in my entries because I feel it's a little intrusive since my entries are usually so risqué.

[Insert cricket sounds]

I also mention Brad and Michael out of gratitude for all Brad and Michael have done for my musical efforts.

And of course the fact I'll be asking Brad and Michael to play for my new auditions dates is just a wild coincidence.

Next: A longer post.