The two farmers’ market gigs (Saturday in Oakland, Sunday in San Rafael) were chilly, but I was dressed appropriately thanks to a trip to REI accompanied by my wife, an experienced backpacker who knows how to equip for cold weather.
Aside from a few stretches during which my fingers were a little too cold, I was quite comfortable both days. My fingers only got really numb a couple of times, and I only dropped my pick once.
These farmers’ market gigs are great for musical development. I play favorites from my musical youth (John Denver, Eagles, James Taylor, Johnny Cash, etc.), long stretches of improvisation built on a riff or groove I made up on the spot, lots of guitar solos. It’s a four-hour open rehearsal, and any time I notice people actually paying attention I can become more focused and “entertaining.” I love playing for little kids, too!
Here’s one especially satisfying bit of spontaneous music-making. You can hear the groove taking shape in the first couple of bars: I had no plan at all, just found a pattern and started building on it. I never play “Rider” in my solo shows, but that’s where this music sent me.