Old-time in Oldtown

Michelle and I opened at the new downtown Salinas farmer's market in front of many enthusiastic listeners last weekend, June 3. It was a blast, although I learned two things: sunscreen is not optional; and press people, even very experienced ones, cannot be trusted to shoot your best side. (Yikes!) A nice Russian vendor gave us blinis, saying, "You sing. Now you have lunch!" Another, grateful we'd brought more business his way, gave us carrots and cilantro; the bakery lady "paid" us in bread and cookies. Folks stopped to smile, sing and dance along. Little kids clapped and twirled about. Lots of people took our publicity cards and quite a few signed up for our mailing list. Lunch, water, and parking were all provided by the venue; and we made pretty good tips. What could've been better, other than T-Bone Burnett emerging from the Steinbeck Center to offer us a contract?