Ashokan Day 2

Sometime in the night there was a strong rainstorm. I woke in the dark, hearing the pounding on the roof, and went back to sleep, certain that today would be a cooler, drier day.

Silly of me, really. Instead, this day has been a day of wading through air that feels like wet hot washcloths pressed against your face. Thank heaven I am here at Ashokan. If I was anywhere else, I would be lying on the floor, whimpering. But here - well, it is heaven here, and that's that.

Classes began today, and I am teaching three. One is for folks who may be afraid to sing, but want to. One is a master class for those who are already singing enough to know they want to sing better. And one is a swing harmony class, taught in partnership with Dave Davies, one of my favorite musicians on the planet. Dave's a multi-instrumentalist, and a great singer in the style of Johnny Mercer, swinging and smooth. I'm also singing for a Lindy dance class, and with the swing band at night for the evening dances. I tell my students to drink a lot of water, and to rest their voices as often as possible. So far, I have been remembering to take my own advice.

I just heard that there may be a thunderstorm tonight, and some slightly cooler weather tomorrow. So I am going to take another bit of my own advice, and go to bed.

More tomorrow...