I cannot tell you how blessed I feel having had the run I’ve had over the past almost three years now. It all started with a monthly slot as a guest at Johnny Cascone’s in Overland Park, with Mike Ning and Jim Mair (Director of Jazz Studies at Kansas City, Kansas Community College and The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra). During a break one night, Jim suggested I call George, the owner of Cascone’s in North Kansas City, as they were looking for a Friday night steady act. Jimmy, the owner of Johnny’s, recommended me to George (his brother) and “Bam!”, I was hired. One year later they added Saturdays and now here we are. The Cascone Family has treated me like a star and for that, I am truly grateful. With an All-Star lineup to come in and accompany me (Paul Smith, Rod Fleeman, Danny Embrey, Allen Monroe, Charles Williams, Tom Pender, Dan Daluca, Greg Richter, Monte Muza), incredible subs (Kathleen Holeman, Lori Tucker, the Kinetic Trio) and a few select exceptional young players like Michael Stephenson, I am proud of the fact that we have provided a well-rounded and high-quality product. As an artist who is travelling more and more, to have this steady “Home Base” is priceless.

Last night, one of my wife’s co-workers stopped in with his wife. They paid me the highest compliment. They said that when it is time for their son to go to sleep, they play our CD to help soothe him. How cool is that? Later in the evening I met a gentleman who is a fellow Army vet. It so happens that he has known my former commander, Colonel Gary F. Lamb, for years. Col. Lamb assumed command of The United States Army Band, “Pershing’s Own” during my second year with the unit. Another small world moment.

Today, Rod came over and we worked again on the last few charts for “CHRISTMAS Hymns in the Key of Jazz”. I am really excited about how this will come together. Shyann came down and went over her song, “I Wonder as I Wander”, and man. You think you can’t be more proud of your kids and then they just blow you away sometimes. She is going to be awesome! If nothing else, I love being able to set the “stage” for her to shine. This reminds me: Have you marked your calendar? Friday, December 5th, 7:30pm. Cure’ of Ars, 9401 Mission Road, Leawood, KS.

At tonight’s gig, Jim and I were swapping stories about gigs here in KC. He said something that is quite true. You can be in the middle of certain musician groups here and never meet other groups. Although we did establish that he was playing in the City Lights Orchestra at Chang’s (a short-lived Chinese restaurant with jazz music in Topeka) back in 1989 when I went for Homecoming while at Hayden High School. He also knew a fellow who played at Harry Starker’s on the Country Club Plaza at the same time I would go and see my friend Hal Wakes sing there, too. It just goes to show. You can see someone a million times, pass them or bump into them and only sometime 8 years later, actually meet them.

This evening I exchanged a message with Denny, my manager Susan’s husband. Susan underwent a significant surgery last week and has a long road of recovery ahead of her. God was certainly watching over her as He always does. I think that spouses who show such incredible support and loyalty deserve every accolade in the world. Those who live out and respect their vows should be held up high as examples and role models.

I can’t follow that. Denny is my Hero of the Day.