Back in mid-December, I played a fun little coffee-house type gig over near Detroit (Southfield maybe?) with my friend Paul Tiseo and a small crew of other musicians. It was for a group of young adult Catholics to socialize after what I interpret as a prayer meeting.

I was a little nervous going into it, as Paul is the only one of these musicians I’d played with before, and it was the first time I’d played most of the songs. Except for maybe Building a Mystery. I swear I’ve played that one before, but I can’t remember where or when.

Anyway, despite the lack of prep and that my playing was fairly mediocre, it was seriously the most fun I’ve had on a Friday night in years.

I have been thinking lately about hanging up my drumsticks, and just putting that part of my life behind me. I’ve been playing for somewhere around 25 years now, but hadn’t had a chance to play for quite a few months. And, because of my current housing, I can’t really have my set with me. When you don’t do something for a while, you forget what it feels like to do it.

This ad hoc gig with Paul and company has helped me remember that despite all the trouble in life, dang it, playing and performing music is part of being alive.

Plug: A few of the guys who played that night are from the band Garden of Souls. They have a new CD out soon. Check them out. http://www.gardenofsouls.com/