Subject: [Harp-L] chiming in

[EGS1217@xxxxxxx]

Jason Ricci writes: (majorly snipped)<G>
 
"Over all the tour went great we had an awsome time and are looking  forward
to seeing more of you guys in Jan.

Thanks Harp L for  everything good to be back home and on the list again"
 
....after describing what sounds like the tour from hell!   You have an  
astonishing ability to meet adversity with great  humor, my friend, one of my 
favorite traits in a person. I'm glad at  least some of it was fun, that none of 
the MVA's were more serious and  only hope that the one on Long Island didn't 
occur because I didn't more  forcefully insist on taking you lot out for 
breakfast the morning after your  show.  (If I can help at all about what happened 
here, email me  offlist, of course.)
 
At least some of my good strong coffee (we'll ignore Froggy's "cafe?   you 
call this cafe??", lol because it really IS good coffee)  might have  helped 
keep you warm on the road.   Maybe next time... especially  after such a lovely 
compliment  (for such a "nasty" boy,  you're way too sweet to me).  <G>
 
You deserve some much needed rest after what is probably the most  intensive 
touring schedule of any musician/harp l'er here.  You keep  getting better and 
better (though I can't fathom how) as Garry Hodgson can  testify to as well 
and Garry and I also are in sync about  Todd (Buck Weed) your new bass player 
seamlessly clicking right  into place with New Blood.
 
Honestly, though...I can't imagine putting up with the craziness you  do of 
some "fans"...scalpels in hands cutting you, for God's sake; another  shoving 
into your booth without a word (realize your band was facing him...he  was 
sideways to you, so they had a distinct advantage in recognizing the  guy...so 
please stop blaming yourself)... any real fan/friend would have  understood and 
cut you some slack....it's a nutty world out there, and I worry  about the 
vulnerability of anyone who is forced to meet and greet after  a show.
 
How do other musicians do it...those right on the cusp?  We know how  
mega-celebrities with deep pockets handle it... with entourages and big  
bodyguards...but what do people do when they're just making a living and can't  afford to 
pay for extra security?   Don't the venues have some  sort of responsibility 
here as well, security-wise? 
 
  Perhaps Hohner could design a new Golden Melody belt..a combo  harp/gun low 
slung sexy one ..call it the "JR"...you could get a carry  permit..start a 
new fad.  Seeing a gun on your hip right on stage might  dissuade some overly 
zealous "fans".   I'm being facetious, but  hey..it might work!   So what do 
other musicians do in  your shoes, and have they had similar experiences to this 
"scalpel" fan? (sorry,  but that one just freaks me out.)
 
Glad you're home safe,
Elizabeth