One of the queries presented by The Artist Way goes something like "how do your parents support your art?" As I was watching my mom in the small crowd at Mama Buzz, complete with neon orange earplugs and grandbaby on lap, I was reminded of how supportive she has always been of my art and music. The day following the show, I got a text from her that reinforced the thought - "it sounded wonderful"... and it got me thinking about what kind of things she had done in the past to encourage my artistic expression.

Either while I was in high school or shortly thereafter, she created an opportunity for me that I may never forget - partially because it was so bizarre, but mostly because it was so exhilarating. Mom hired me to perform for her friend's exclusive birthday dining party, which took place in a private dining room in a very posh French restaurant in the city. I don't recall what exactly my perimeters were, but I do recall feeling free to do whatever I thought would be most entertaining.

A couple weeks prior to the event, we went down to the old costume rental shop just off of Adeline in Berkeley, and took a tour for inspiration.  It only took me about 15 seconds before I found it... an elaborate C3PO mask.  Hours later, I had a tuxedo to accompany and the beginnings of a script that had something to do with how sorry I would be to show up late for the birthday event, and that master Luke had intended to offer me as a gift to the birthday gentleman earlier in the evening had there not been some trouble that R3 had gotten us into.

After hours of watching the first 3 minutes of the first movie of the trilogy over and over again (to study the droid's voice pattern and mannerisms), I re-crafted the script until I was happy with it and I recited my monologue over and over for the next several days, filled with dire anticipation.

On the evening of the dinner, Mom pulled up to a stunned valet and dropped the Star Wars character (complete with exquisite tux) off at the front of the restaurant. I was lead into the private dining area where all of the guests went silent.  My performance really only lasted about three minutes, but it seemed like seconds and although I was sweating like mad and most definitely shaking from terror, it was also the most exciting thing I had ever experienced... and most definitely informed my desire to write and perform.

Needless to say, the birthday crowd were flabbergasted (or so I recall).

Thanks Mom! You're the best!

lveo,

Bob