#ssmac

LURA NYC

Once again I made my way to New York to perform. This time it was this cozy little spot called Lura Restaurant and Lounge. While I was getting ready to do sound check, someone asked me to sing "Happy Birthday" to a woman named Olga. ( And yes I was thrown of by her name, I guess it is the same as when I say my name is Chaquis Maliq lol) 

The weird thing, is that they started singing to Olga as soon as she walked in. But it was in another language. (So, of course I am looking lost as ever). So, I gave eye contact when it sounded like they were ending...and sure enough they gave me the que to start singing in English. ( Would have been cool if I knew Swahili or something...*writes note to self*) And no I did not over sing it with 1,000+ runs, that is not my thing. :-) But Olga was thankful for me singing to her.

Soon thereafter, I started my set. I did a laid back set, with a more Jazzy feel, because it fit the environment. )And you know what?! The night before, the Host of Views and Vibes had pizza for me and the crew....smh I ate 3 slices. So, yeah, I paid for that during this set lol!) So, I'm sitting here about to sing my song called "Renee" and yes all the froggish Phlegm in the world attacked my throat. (I said, No not today...) Then I realized, "Hey you are human, stop get it removed and give it your all"..... So, yep... I excused myself with the audiences approval and the song went over WELL! 

The Resident artist for the night was Randy Niles. This guy does all types of things with his guitar. Super talented musician. He is a looper/one man band. But no song is done the same. And yes we plan to tour together. The next show we have is on December 16th at the Masq Lounge in New York with Arsena Shroeder! 

SSMAC FESTIVAL NYC

The following weekend (10/26) I was selected to be apart of the SSMAC Festival (Soldiers, Sailers, Marines, Air-Mens Club) in NY, really close to Time Square. I have never performed in anything for the Troops. And it meant a lot especially, because my Big Homie/Military Bro and first bass player, who encouraged me to play the guitar ( he really said, You need to play an instrument by the end of the year...because you can't be just up there singing nothings, while we Jam out)

This was the weekend when it decided to be cold in NYC. So, I'm gonna be honest with you. My nose was running while I was singing on stage, the wind was blowing and (yes I have small lungs and I am asthmatic), hoping that my breathing stayed normal, and that my arthritis in my hands didn't act up. I managed to do 2 sets, along with some listeners attempting to test my focusing skills. It's true! They wanted undivided attention while I was performing for everyone. I made sure I made eye contact, smiled, nodded and any other acknowledgement I could give while doing my thing on the stage. This one man, had his puppy stand erect in his hands directly in front of me and waving his paw. I can't complain ya'll, I can't lol! Entertaining while being entertained...what more could you ask for. 

I ran into Winnie The Pooh and some others after the SSMAC Festival lol. 

I'm still curious to know what they are meeting about.

HARMONIES OF ME 

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