I was asked by a family member to donate my playing for a good cause. (Of course, the good folks at the restaurant are earning money but musicians are always fair game.)

I say that I'll play but offer my services for the cocktail hour of the event on their acoustic piano. No fuss, no mess, no moving of equipment.

Well, it won't turn out that way. Now I'm told there will be no cocktail hour and I must bring my electric piano. For me to bring my set up requires five to six trips back and forth to the car. It's never just bringing a piano, there are speakers, speaker stands, piano stand, chair, flight case with mixer, amp, etc., case of cables, case with music and odds and ends.

I offered my services for the acoustic piano to avoid the hassle of the trips back and forth and the set up.

Well, that's not a problem you see, they're going to have a professional sound man so I only have to bring my piano (and piano stand, chair, cable box, etc.).

I'll report back on the professional sound system. I'm guessing it's not stereo and that will make my piano different than what I'm accustomed to ... and different will mean, not better.

I could bring everything to guarantee the quality sound I always have but I'm going to put my faith in the ... unknown.

The event is next Thursday.

One more thing, I've played this room several times before and it is a loud room as there is no carpet, no drapes and there's a high ceiling. It is difficult to talk across the table because when the room is filled there's nowhere for the sound to go. I specifically stated to play the cocktail hour as I already know this room is a nightmare for sound. I was told since there's a professional sound man the piano will be heard. Just what everyone needs, every more noise in an already noisy room.

No good deed goes unpunished. I have finally learned my lesson and I will report back on how this event goes.

Just say no. Or ask for expenses. I would, but then my philanthropy is limited....

Good luck Dave, it seems like it won't be the perfect setup for you.

I once was asked to play in a church (wedding event) by the bride herself, so I couldn't say no. I asked her about the song, and I had to play a jazzy piano song in a church's organ! Needless to say, the sound was weird, but funny in my opinion. Anyways it didn't mattered a lot, as it turns out nobody noticed I was playing, they were eclipsed by bride's entrance.

Be careful. Of your reputation. Trouble is that cuts both ways, family member(s) and professionally.

Back from the job. As a good friend in the US would say, ... well, out of all the jobs I've ever played, this has certainly been another one.

It was a painful job. A large room with a lot of people, no carpeting, high ceiling - it's what I called train station. I went through a sound system and had to wear headphones to hear myself because of all the room noise. I can't imagine anyone enjoyed the music over and above the already deafening noise, but what do I know.

I'm having a beer.