Had a great experience up in Portland yesterday, and it nearly didn't happen. I was scheduled for a gig at a library on the East side of town, right off the 205, and I left myself plenty of time to get there, like I usually do. I was scheduled to go on at 5pm, and figured I'd arrive around 4:15, just like usual.
But I saw a sign on the highway saying that the 205 was closed due to a truck crash and fire, and to 'find an alternate route'. I called my housemate Mark and asked him to check the map and get back to me, which he did in a few minutes. I'd have to drive into the city and catch an east west route to where the gig was. But damn, it was during the rush hour and with the highway closure, the traffic was gonna be bad. I turned on a Portland radio station to find out what I could, and yeah, things weren't looking good.
Fortunately I had the number of the library so I called in to tell them about the closure and to report on my progress, and then it was just 'see what happens'. I wasn't stressed at all. If I made it, good, if I didn't, oh well, there was nothing I could have done. The traffic slowed to a crawl but kept moving and slowly I got into Portland and began heading east. I kept in contact with the library, and they were able to switch things around a little bit and give me some leeway.
Pulled into the place at 5:07, immediately went to take an enormous piss and then walked into the room to find maybe 60 or 70 folks, lots of young kids, mostly Hispanic, eating their healthy snack of fruit and veggies, cheese and crackers. The event was a 'family health day' put on by the 'Healthy Starts' program, which is some type of consortium that advocates for good nutrition, exercise and all that good stuff. They figured that I'd be the perfect entertainer to add to the program, and they were right. It was in my wheelhouse.
I did a fun half hour, got them moving and laughing and then it was over. The kids got their free book from the library and a good time was had by all. Me, I was kind of ecstatic to have gotten to play the event after wondering whether it would happen. I figured the chances were maybe 50 50, so it was wonderful to hot only do the show, but earn the $300 fee, which comes in handy these days. But I think the most satisfaction comes from the fact that I had zero stress about it. It was out of my hands, and I found it to be a peaceful feeling. Other than having to take a wicked piss for the last half hour of the trip, it was an oddly calming experience. And the show itself was a pure gift. Gracias.
