Brass Monkeys.

[Stephen Hawkins]

No Brass Monkeys were in evidence today when Brenda & I braved the biting wind at a local park. We have had many good days of playing in the open air during the summer months, but the winter is causing us a few problems.

Throughout last winter, we were still able to play outdoors at least twice a week, though we had to be selective about the days we ventured out. I guess we will do the same thing this year, thus avoiding the worst that the British weather can throw at us.

I love playing outdoors, preferring it to sitting in the house. The countryside and local beauty spots seem to inspire me, and I truly believe that I play better in rural locations. It is also true that I enjoy an audience, though only a few hardy souls were daft enough to be wandering around the park today. Still, around twenty or thirty cars made it as far as the car park, with maybe a dozen or so of their occupants wandering in our direction.

My fingers stopped working properly after about an hour, so we packed away our chairs and cushions and headed for home. I wonder what tomorrow will bring.

Kind Regards,

Stephen.

 

[TomBR]

Sounds great Stephen and well done the both of you.

I guess I'd be careful to let an accordion acclimatize back up to temperature before playing it "in the warm" after being in the cold. You don't want condensation on cold reeds. But I'm sure I'm not saying anything you don't know.
Cheers
Tom

 

[Stephen Hawkins]

Hi Tom,

You raise an interesting point, and one that I had given some thought to. When we have finished playing for the day, the accordion travels home on the back seat of my car. It is then stored in our lounge until it is needed again.

My "outdoor" accordion is a 72 Bass Chanson, which cost me only £150. I would probably not take a more expensive instrument into a hostile environment, but I am prepared to take a few risks with the cheap & cheerful Chanson.

The weather doesn't look too bad today, so I may very well chuck the Chanson in the car and head off for the afternoon. Many hundreds of people tell me that they look forward to hearing me play, and I do not want to disappoint them. The Chanson may not be the best or most valuable instrument in the World, but it has given joy to a lot of people.

It may help understanding if I were to explain (briefly) the reason I play at this latest venue. Earlier in the year, an 18 year old student from a local college was murdered in this park. The thug who took her life had recently been released from prison (big mistake) and is now back inside.

The nature of this vicious crime had a profound affect on the people who used the park regularly, and there was a dreadful atmosphere of sadness and grief which permeated the whole area. Brenda & I decided that we could and should bring a little happiness into this deep public depression, so I started playing there following a respectful period of mourning for the lovely young girl who lost her life.

There is a Café in the park, and the owners have generously articulated their approval for my mission. It would be impossible to count the number of people who have expressed their positive support. They go on to say that I have lifted their spirits by the simple act of playing music, and a number of them have become firm friends.

This is my motivation for playing at that particular venue, and I enjoy it so much that it is both a pleasure and a kind of public service all rolled into one.

Kind Regards,

Stephen.

 

[Glenn]

As ever, music has the incredible power to heal raw emotion and to bring people together. Good luck with the weather and keep on playing. :ch

 

[Geoff de Limousin]

Sounds like you are doing a fine thing in your community Stephen, soothing the nerves with music warm heartedly offered. :tup:

 

[TomBR]

Good for you Stephen, we're proud of you!
Tom

 

[Stephen Hawkins]

Glenn,

I will gladly do as you say. In fact, Brenda and I spent a happy (if cold) couple of hours in the park this afternoon.

Geoff,

Thank you for recognising the "warm heartedness" of my efforts. The Café Owner's Wife presented Brenda with a flower arrangement in recognition of the difference we have made to the ambience.

Tom,

Thank you very much for that, Tom. Your words means a great deal to me.

Kind Regards,

Stephen.