Peace, all;

It’s Monday. I realize that I’ve been negligent about something. I haven’t really written to you. Sure, I send announcements for my gigs (and believe me, you’re still gonna get them). But I haven’t spoken to you. Well, I’m starting now.

Yesterday I did a gig at a Wesak celebration in Hancock, NY. It was a difficult gig in a way. I was working all night at my radio job, got out at 7am, caught an 8am bus, and pretty much had absolutely no sleep. To make matters worse, my ass was being soundly kicked by a massive dose of hay fever! Yuck! Messy and uncomfortable! But, the gig must go on! And it did! I played dilruba to a pre-recorded track (this is not as “sterile as it may seem: I never use the same tracks twice, and I always deliberately forget what I prepared, so as to sharpen my improvisation skills!). The music was good, and the performance well received. Plus, I did something I never did before: I hooked up the dilruba to an MXR Phase 90, a Boss Harmonist, and a Boss Digital Delay. Being the reckless lunatic I am, I tested none of it before the gig; and Allah was merciful. It all worked! And,,, when I stepped on stage, my hay fever went away. I felt no illness or fatigue while I was playing. But that always happens.

 

This Wednesday, at 7PM, I’m playing at The Shrine (http://renegadesufi.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=151:dawoud-returns-to-the-shrine&catid=13:latest-concerts). I will be joined by Brandon Terzic, Josh Myers, and Jimmy Lopez. I’m looking forward to this performance; this line-up will be a nice combination of fine musicians, and we’re playing some new music.

 

I’m in a good mood of late! I feel optimistic about the future. There is new music coming from,,, wherever my music comes from. The ideas and creativity are coming in a torrential flood! There are also some business things that I’m working on. It all looks good.  BTW, I published my novel. It’s available as an e-book (http://www.amazon.com/Quantum-Hijria-Science-Fiction-ebook/dp/B006W4BE6C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1337047328&sr=8-1) Check it out. I hope to see you Wednesday! Write to me at dawoud@renegadesufi.com

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