Don't quit your day job
Just got back from the second gig on our China tour. Ga Dai was wunnerful with her violin solo. As for our family rendition of "The Garden Song".... eh. Both Yau Neih and I blanked on some of the lyrics. (Ga Dai didn't, but then again, Ga Dai had the lyric sheet.)The "party" was essentially a talent show. There was your usual selection of acts--singers, dancers, instrumentalists and skits. It seemed that the routine was that the act would be announced and applauded, then about one minute into the act, they'd get more applause. The more popular acts might get intermittent applause at the appropriate high points and the really popular performers would see fans run up on stage to give them a flower or twelve. Most acts would end rather abruptly--for example, the sound guy would cut the music using the stop button rather than a fader. Overall, the acts were well done. The singers usually knew their lines, the dancers were, for the most part, in step.
Since we were an hour early the last time we arrived on time, we took our time getting to this party. We arrived about a quarter after 8, with our neighbors Michael and Joan. Wouldn't you know it, the festivities had already started. What really surprised me is that we were applauded when we arrived. It was like LaoWei-mania or something. Michael, of course, was the most popular one. We were also formally introduced and welcomed, as if it were some great honor to have us among them. I appreciate the sentiments, but really, if anyone should feel honored, it should be me for having been invited. Next time I'll have to wear a tie and try to memorize my lyrics better.
posted by John @ 9:12 AM
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