"The Graduate"

Graduation Party – Houston, Texas

Marcos Witt is a performing musician and songwriter, a four time Grammy winner, and a sought after music producer, selling over 10 million copies of his records in México, the United States and Latin America. More than 3 million people have attended Marcos Witt's concerts in some of the main concert stadiums of Latin America. He is the author of ten books, the senior pastor of the Hispanic congregation at Lakewood Church. But most importantly, he is the father of four children. And today, his eldest son, Jonathan has graduated from high school.

With numerous connections in the music industry, one wonders why Marcos had his personal assistant go out of the way to contact the trio to perform for Jonathan's graduation party. But the guys have learned to never look a gift horse in the mouth - In fact don’t look at a gift horse at all. (Lee once thought he saw a magical gift horse, but it was probably just a hallucination since the horse was bouncing on a pogo stick with a bright orange tattoo on his back of Mahatma Gandhi striking Mayor McCheese with a cane.)

The trio arrives to the Witt home late in the afternoon. Load-in goes very quickly, since family and friends have yet to arrive from the ceremony across town, the guys are able to move quickly and unobstructed. The only thing that slows them down a little is Matthew's candy dish munching. Each time he walks by the bowls of M & M candies, he inconspicuously grabs another mouthful and quickly shoves it in. Lee and George become suspicious since Matthew is usually very 'chatty' as the equipment is being set up - Today he is strangely quiet. Finally he gets caught. "Hey Man, Those are like decorations! Don't eat all of those." "But they put them out to be eaten." "Yeah, but you see how they're only the yellow and blues ones? That must be the high school colors or something. If you're going to eat them, take equal amounts of the blue and yellow." "Alright. I'm done anyway." "Good - the 'M' printed on them is not 'M' for Mathew."

The Witt's staff haven't noticed the rapid M & M depletion, as they are busy putting the last minute touches on the food and other decorations throughout the house. And speaking of decorations, the front of the home has been adorned with a bright red new Mustang GT . Delivered directly from the dealership, with less than 20 miles on the odometer. It is a beautiful car. George pulls his 'more experienced' car on up the street so as not to confuse the guests (who are beginning to trickle in).

Due to space limitations in the area where the guys are to play, the staff has suggested that George play Marcos' custom-made baby grand piano. They only have to ask once - George eagerly tries out the keys. He accepts with an "Oh Yeah! This will work." His enthusiasm is only matched by Matthew's return to the candy dish - "Oh Yeah! This will work too." Lee is forced to set up in the darkness of the den adjacent to the room that Matthew and George will be playing in. Lee is used to being 'In the dark' with these two, but the concern is how will he be able to hear the piano so he can keep time for the trio. He and George quickly devise a way. They mic the piano and run the line back to a monitor near Lee and start softly playing. Just in time too - Jonathan has just arrived with family in tow.

He is confident and courteous. He works the room with a finesse that any politician would be envious of. The difference is that all of his gestures, hugs, and handshakes, seem genuine. He even stops the band's playing to take a photo with the guys. "Oh this guy is smooth." thinks Lee before returning to his darkened 'cave'. It's dark but Lee doesn't mind. He's discovered he's in the 'trophy' room. The mantle proudly displays the four Grammys awarded to Jonathan's father, Marcos. Lee also has a musical display tonight. A life-long friend/surfing buddy and artist (John Olvey) has recently completed a customized paint job for Lee's main conga drum. http://www.george-p.com/Blog/BlogArt/Conga.htm The result is a kind of modernized hieroglyphics that tells the story of emancipation from bondage in vibrant colors. He's even included genuine gold leaf for accent color . Lee is very proud of this new modification, and is pleased that the first gig to use it at is a rite-of-passage event for this young man. In fact, George and Matthew are also excited to be at what George calls a 'Scrapbook-Type Venue". "We have the best job in the world. We get to help people celebrate special moments like this, play music, and get paid for it." "Mmm hmm... Don't forget the M & M's." "Yes - those type benefits too."

The music shifts to more spirited jazz as the attitudes in room warm up to the guys. The only pause of the evening comes when Jonathan addresses his guests. Like royalty in exile, his speech is elegant and even inspirational. For a moment Matthew wishes he was back in high school too. A flash of nausea, brings him quickly back. Jonathan thanks everyone who has helped him achieve goals, shape him, and helped him to become the young man he is. George doesn't even know this kid, and yet he still feels proud. The cake is cut, and ceremoniously shoved in Jonathan's face. Everyone applauds, and Jonathan returns to mingling, while wiping icing out of his hair.

Marcos makes a point to thank the trio. The guys comment on his Grammys in the next room and ask if they can take a photo holding them, as if they had won them. Marcos laughs, but declines. He states it's against the Grammy rules. George laughs until Marcos convinces him this is true. "Really?" "Yes, really." "Really???" "Yes."Apparently the academy makes the Grammy recipients, sign a formal document stating that they will not allow other people be photographed holding your Grammy(s). Read bylaws of academy here There are also rules about not using it as a door stop, and you can not use it as a weapon in the event you stumble upon a prowler in the middle of the night and the only thing to bludgeon them with is your Grammy. George is disappointed at missing out on a great photo-op. Lee can't tell what's going on from the dark recesses of his adopted lair in the den. Matthew shirks it off, and fakes coughing as he secretly shoves in another fistful of M & M's.

George launches the band into the final set. Lee's drumming is impeccable tonight -the piano mic gimmick works perfectly. Matthew's fingers are courageously walking up and down the neck of the bass like never before -he's discovered a freedom within this instrumental jazz that burns with a new intensity. These three have never played as tight as they are right now. At the end of the set, George hears a rumbling upstairs. The three realize that there's someone upstairs playing a drum set. Always looking for a way to involve an audience, George yells out to the drummer to bring his set downstairs. It turns out to be Jonathan's younger brother, Carlos. After taking a few moments to set up he is ready to go. A few measures in George is painfully aware that this is the worst idea he has had in a long time. Looking to 'go out on a high note', George encouraged Carlos to play it up. The problem is, the boy has no sense of volume. His strikes on the snare and toms are perfect, but they are ridiculously loud. The decibel level in the room triples, and guests (and Jonathan) scatter for safety into other parts of the home . Only the boy's mother, Miriam stays behind to support his sonic assault. Upon realizing this miscalculation, George only plays an obligatory amount of the piece and shuts it down.

Marcos comes out of hiding, and mentions that Jonathan has left to go to another party. George thanks him for allowing him to play his custom piano. The two begin to ramble on and on about piano stuff. Steinways vs. Bosendorfer, the keyboard responsiveness of the August Forester and on and on. Lee's back is hurting and he secretly wishes that Carlos would do a drum solo encore to cover up all this fruity piano talk. The three pack up their gear and head to the vehicles. Jonathan's car is gone from the front entry, so loading goes very quickly. George returns inside to say goodbye to Marcos and Miriam. Marcos asks "So do you want that picture?" "Of the Grammy? I thought we couldn't hold it." "You can't, but we could make it look like I'm awarding it to you." George is elated "That'd be perfect! Let me get the guys." A few moments later Gabriela, the Witt's personal photographer snaps the shot. http://www.george-p.com/Blog/BlogArt/WittMattGrammy.jpg

George has his mock photo, Lee has a backache (and a new drum), and Matthew has a shirt pocket of half-melted M & M's. And to these guys, that's a pretty good night.

Open Wide and Say "Aaaahhhhh."

Dental Office Grand Opening – Katy, Texas

Dental Math: There are 4,961 dental facilities in the greater Houston area. Over 1/5 of these seem to be in Katy, Texas. The population of Cinco Ranch (Katy) in 2000 was 11,196. An adult human mouth has 32 teeth. So, multiply 11,196 mouths by 32 teeth (358,272) then divide by 992 practices and you end up with a TTDP (tooth-to-dental practice) ratio of 362 to 1. In other words, in Katy, you have a dentist office for every eleven to twelve people. The city charters must have opted for setting up dental offices instead of having Starbucks coffee shops percolating on every corner (as in most cities). So it is no surprise that if the boys are playing in Katy tonight, they're probably playing for a dental facility. In fact, they are helping to celebrate the grand opening of Dr. Bryan Berteaux's new practice at Cinco Ranch Endodontics.

Endodontics is a specialist sub-field of dentistry that deals with the tooth pulp and tissues surrounding the root of a tooth. If you've ever been fortunate enough to have a root canal, you've been to an endodontist. Even though Lee and George profess to be good teeth brushers, that have had their share of painful trips to the dentist. So both pleased that they will be working tonight instead of being 'worked on.'

In a strange co-opt/marketing maneuver by Beverly, the band's agent, she has paired them up with a group called La Dee Da Catering. As the trio arrive, they meet their surrogate employers for the evening, Ray and Jan. They're both nice enough, but the dental staff mistake the trio for members of the catering company's band. No bother to George though, "Let them think whatever they will; as long as no one gets food poisoning and that prevents us from playing future functions, I'm okay with it." Matthew is just grateful to be playing in doors. Tomorrow's gig at an apartment complex is outside, so he is breathing in all the air conditioning he can force down his lungs in preparation.

The facility's surroundings are very serene, designed to calm visitors and take their minds off the pain - not from the root canals, but the pain of having to use a co-signer to pay their expensive medical bill. The office staff is eager to help Dr. Berteaux's first practice be a success. He approaches the trio and everyone politely exchanges introductions. His demeanor is much like the environment he's chosen; his voice is calming, his words gently pass through his perfect teeth soothing the ears of the listener. Each syllable links to the one before and after it like a soft hypnotic chain of sounds. This tactic, no doubt, lulls patients into an unparalleled state of relaxation to deal with the pain (again of the bill - not teeth). The guys are pleased to be playing for the grand opening of his office, or maybe that's just the hypnosis talking.

The three return to setting up as the good doctor prepares for visitors. Tonight's venue is to be instrumental music only - no vocals through the sound system. In fact, the sound system (affectionately known as the GP5000) has been brought upstairs, but has not even been plugged in. Due to not having to check vocal and equipment mic levels, the trio has finished setup earlier than usual and have some time on their hands - And this is never a good thing. The three are not destructive or anything, but given enough time, all of their conversations end up in some sort of juvenile dare (usually instigated by George). Today is no different - George convinces Matthew, then Lee to check out Dr. Berteaux's new equipment in the back rooms. By 'check out' he means demonstrate how to perform root canals on each other. http://www.george-p.com/Blog/BlogArt/DentalChair.jpg Lee and Matthew willingly participate, and George didn't even have to use the hypno-voice technique that he picked up from the doctor.

After a few minutes, the guys return to the front lobby. Understanding that they will be the first thing that guests will see as they enter the facility, they do some 'housekeeping' straightening up stray chords and tucking away cases. They want to make a good first impression for the practice. It's 5:00 PM and time to start. George has brought jazz arrangements of many of the 'regular' songs the band plays. He and Matthew find it invigorating to play these tunes without singing the lyrics. The songs have a freshness, and these two are forced to listen to what the other is doing more intently since the words are often used as guideposts in each piece. Lee could care less - words or not, he's happy to be pounding out the pulse on the bass drum and conga.

After 30 minutes or so of exuberant playing, the guys notice a an interesting pattern:

1.) Visitors come through the front door into the lobby,
2.) Pause a moment and smile at the band,
3.) Take one of the band's business cards from the edge of the piano,
4.) Look interested in business card,
5.) Leave the lobby headed to the back of the facility (never to be seen again)

So the guys find themselves performing for four or five people at a time, and for a very short duration. It's much like speed-dating...except it's between an audience and a band. After a while the trio realizes they've essentially been playing for an empty room. They can hear the crowd down the hallway, smell the food, but the view they have of a lonely reception counter. But the guys don't loose heart; they know their music is being heard down the halls and echoing into the examination rooms.

With the audience in another part of the building, Matthew seizes an opportunity. By now he has become bored with no vocals through the system. He begins singing on-the-spot parodies of each song played. Only George is within earshot to hear Matthew's lyrical quips about gum disease, flossing, crowns, fillings, gingivitis, etc. George loses it when Matthew sings "She's Got Decay" to Billy Joel's SHE'S GOT A WAY. He's smiling from ear to ear as more guests arrive through the front door. They think he's either really friendly, or there's a nitrous leak in the office and he's inhaled too much laughing gas. The visitors follow protocols 2 -5 listed above and quickly disappear from sight.

George encourages Matthew to sing the 'real' words to AS TIME GOES BY even though there are no mics. "But you said Ray and Jan don't want singing." " They just didn't want the sound to be too loud with vocal amplification - But we should be okay to sing a few without mics." Matthew agrees and delivers a passionate performance of the song. It's as if not singing for a few hours has built up some magical performance power in him. George asks him to sing another, in which Matthew complies with Patsy Klein's CRAZY. A peculiar thing about the human voice is that it entices listening. And tonight is no different: Like a pied piper, Matthew's singing has brought a few curious listeners back into the lobby where the band is playing. They eagerly sit in the waiting room chairs, and even make a few song requests of the trio. This encourages the band to continue down this path for the remainder of the night. George begins the only song he will sing vocals to this evening, COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS INSTEAD OF SHEEP (one of his favorites). More people re-enter the lobby.

A few tunes later and the guys finish up with LOVE CATS, a spunky song from The Cure that the trio has recently added to the repertoire. It features Matthew's bass playing and singing, and Lee and George gleefully accompany by singing out the backup vocals "...Da de da de-de de doo De da da dit-dee doo da!" As the guys pack up, many of the guests compliment the band as they head back through the lobby to leave. George and Matthew make two interesting observations: This is the first time that the band has played that people didn't dance. And secondly, no tips were awarded tonight (unless they were given to the catering company by mistake). Neither of these indicate the success of an evening, but it is a little peculiar. Even so, it's been a good gig, the guys are pleased to have helped out. Dr. Berteaux returns to the lobby and repeatedly thanks the trio (the guys welcome his hypnotic voice). George realizes that he really likes this guy. He has a very humble spirit, and an accessible personality not always allowed by younger physicians starting out on their own. The band suspects he will do well in this town of dentists and wish him the best.

Editor's Note: At the time of this blog posting, the band has made a return trip to the Katy area to play for another office grand opening. You guessed it - Another dental office!