It was, in fact, one of the scenarios we thought of when we first checked out the space upstairs - this would be a great place to have some friends and fellow artists over for an afternoon of, say, a blue jam session. We had our first one last Saturday.
A couple of guitar and one bass amps, and we were good to go. It was nice and easy, first to arrive was Mark Ventura, or Doc Mark as we call him, a true blues aficionado, father of guitarist Ethan Andrew Ventura, lugging a guitar case. No, he didn't play, he was there to just take it all in - the guitar was for sale, and our son, Leon Karlos Altomonte, had his eyes on it.Ian Paolo Acosta, coming from his successful EP launch, "Palaboy," held at our place last June 14, plugged in first and warmed things up with Ethan. Leon was soon all over that white guitar playing rhythm to Ian's riffs.
We wished we had a drum set - perhaps a few more sound proofing efforts so as not to disturb the neighbors that much. (Should be ok though, we don't complain whenever they go into one of those videoke concerts with feelings on Friday nights).
Karl Wilcockson (Tumbleweeds) arrived with his enviable gear. He performed three pieces that he prepared just for this get-together. It was great to see both established musicians and budding ones get together for an afternoon of interaction - which was done both at the jamming area with their guitars and at the tables over ice tea and beer.
Ric Maniquis, also fresh from a jam-packed performance at The Living Room, arrived a little late (he came from an exhibit opening at the Maryknoll Sanctuary, which according to him is a must see... and we will visit that exhibit hopefully today).
Manong Nelson Alabanza, civil engineer in the truest sense, a Living Room regular, and despite nursing a cold, came for a cup of coffee.
Mike Maximo sang Pride and Joy to his heart's delight, his son watching intently at the next table.
We ended the day with Steamroller... and we all thought, yeah, let's do this again soon...
