4/3/25

So the old joke goes, “A couple stops a street musician in New York and asks, ‘How do you get to Carnegie Hall?’ And the old guy strums his guitar and says, ‘Practice, practice, practice.’” 

So that’s what we’ve been doing— for our Sunday gig at Carnegie Hall!  The truth is that Mid Americas Productions does this all the time. They seek out strong, well-known conductors and offer them the chance to put a group together who will pay to come to NYC and sing, play, or whatever for audiences. So Nikki Baker is our invited conductor and we are one of those groups.

But here we are on Day One and it’s going well. We’re staying in the Marriott Marquis Hotel one block from Times Square, and across the street from theatre after theatre. In fact, we will be crossing the street tomorrow night for a show. Saving that surprise for later. 

The flight was great. Our cab driver gave us the 10-cent tour so we’ve already seen Grand Central Station, the Public Library, and the Empire State Building, which just around the corner from the hotel. He told us to go to the “Top of the Roc” if we want the best view in town— that’s New York lingo for the top of the Rockefeller Center. Oh yes, if only. But maybe.

Our rehearsal schedule is quite brutal—all day tomorrow. Too bad, too. It’s supposed to be our only nice day!  Then repeat on Saturday with a break at 3 pm for a quick trip to the MET.  Rehearsal all morning long on Sunday, performance at 1 pm. Looking forward to it all!  This is John’s first trip here, Katie’s and my second (though I only remember the World Trade Center when it was still there, so basically no memories.)

Our room is gorgeous and on the 22nd floor, so no problem with views here! And we’ve already been to Junior’s, the deli across the street. I’m a little shocked at the prices ($48 for breakfast???) so I’ve already picked up breakfast foods and a few drinks— cheap me. And our favorite New Year’s Day friends will be happy that I’ve now had a proper New York style Rueben sandwich and know just how thick the meat should be and that sauces are strictly on the side. Next year, expect more pickles!!

And that’s Day One. Now to study the music a little more and get some rest. Tomorrow will come sooner than we think! Thanks for reading!