Going to N'awlins!

I can't believe it, but it's true. I'm traveling to New Orleans to play my saxophone in the Mardi Gras parades next March! I never intended to go. In fact, I had pretty much decided not to, but got talked into it. It all started when I decided on a lark, to play with the Edison High School Alumni Marching Band in the St. Patrick's Day parade in Minneapolis in March 2010. I had so much fun that I also played in the Aquatennial parade, the Northeast Parade and the St. Anthony Villagefest parade. In late summer, talk began circulating about how the band had been invited to perform in several Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans. Playing in town was enough excitement, I decided. I didn't need to add the expense and separation from family of flying out town. However, prior to one of the performances, a flute player named Kim approached me and asked if I was planning to travel to New Orleans. I said "No, I've already been to Mardi Gras," Kim said, "Do it for the band. We really need woodwinds." I was taken aback by this, and went home to think it over. Next thing I knew, I was buying a plane ticket, and planning to go after all.

The folks back home can watch us live on the telly. We'll be featured on the 5 o'clock news on KARE-11 in Minneapolis on Saturday, March 5th. Wish me luck as I practice and prepare for the trip of a lifetime!