I sat on a little chair last night and played for around 20 people. some were sitting pretty close. their closeness was almost air to me.

but probably only two or three were really that close to me, I mean really listening.

a few were texting. some were shifting in their chairs. others kept leaving their chairs to get more drinks.

the temptation was to huddle over my chords, tune in on an inner transmission, and tune out the rest. I wanted to hunch over and protect the songs. I have learned how to be there, singing them, and a thousand miles away at the same time.

I have also learned that if you’re spending your time worrying about the people who aren’t tuned in, it’s almost impossible to be open and connected with the few people who really came to listen.