Our London Debut

It was one of those shows that make me question what it is I'm trying to do. There were many positive elements. We performed well. The pieces looked great in the space, flanked by lush paintings of people wrapped in tight embraces. As we rolled and stretched together, we complemented the figures hanging all around us. The Red Gate Gallery was just large enough for our work, so that the audience got right up close, which is the best way to see us. Sona Jobarteh played delicious traditional African songs on her coras. We got some great photos. The Brazilian bassist Ricardo Dos Santos and saxophonist Bukky Leo showed up to play what promised to be some brilliant jazz! But we sent them home because there was no one to watch.

Our audience consisted of the painter, Christine Allison, and her sister; my wife, Jen, and 19-month-old daughter, Maya; Sona Jobarteh (when she wasn't playing); and the gallery owner and the bartender. By the time Ricardo and Bucky were to play, Christine and her sister had left for another engagement and Maya was melting down. There seemed to be no point for the musicians to set up.

I essentially arranged for a really lovely artist salon at a price too dear to repeat often.

There are clear reasons for the lack of audience. First, the London underground happened to pick that night to close the nearest Tube stop, Brixton. Second, it was the night of a big football match. Third, the gallery had had a well-attended opening the night before, so folks who frequent the gallery did not return two nights in a row. Fourth, and foremost, we used traditional marketing techniques, press releases, online bulletin boards, and cold emailing, which came to nothing.

Nevertheless, I feel positively about this event. I loved the work we performed there and the cadre of artists we knitted together. I don't think there was a better arts offering in London that night. I dance primarily for me: a form of self-expression, an act of love. I hope that others are able to appreciate it, but I don't require it. It is enough for me to perform for myself.

I regret, now, only that I called off the show before the jazz combo. Looking back, I realize that I am satisfied because I got to do what I love to do. I wish I had given Ricardo and Bucky the option to perform for us, artist to artist. At the time, I was embarrassed to ask, but I won't be next time. For those of us who live to play, it is cruel to create an event and then close it early.