Amusing....

Ok, so we've all heard the stories of how big name stars just "show up" at places unannounced and "so and so" just happened to be there correct? Well, I just had one of those experiences....sort of.

Picture this: A quiet night on the boardwalk in a Jersey Shore town which is trying to reconnect with the masses as well as its' own identity. I'm playing with my band in front of a popular little sandwich shop on a Friday night. Just down the block a crowd begins to gather as the town is about to launch its first of several Friday night "Bonfires On The Beach."

Due to some minor difficulties, the band takes an early break. So as I'm standing there, I notice this gentleman walking towards our location; he's all alone and dressed like a regular "Joe." The man is wearing blue jeans, motorcycle boots, chaps and a leather jacket; his motorcycle helmet tucked under his arm. Now given the location of this event, I'm thinking that this fellow is dressed as such because he's a "wanna be." My exact thoughts were, "Look at this idiot! He's a wanna be! What an idiot." Then as he drew closer I realized that he wasn't just any "idiot" trying to duplicate a famous personality; he WAS the famous personality!

The place was the Sand Witch, the location was Asbury Park NJ, and the man was none other than "The Boss" himself, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN. Bruce said a brief hello to my band mate and continued on his way. So now that I feel like the "idiot," I'm dumb founded as to how come no one is even noticing him.

Is it that everyone else felt like I did? Could it be that he commands that much respect, such that people don't wish to intrude on his privacy? Perhaps it's because he's such a local icon and ingrained in the Asbury Park culture that he really is "just like us?" Whatever the answer may be; none of them can change the fact that I pre-judged an individual based on some preconceived notion that things are not always as they appear. I mean, come on people, granted it's Asbury Park, but does anyone actually think that they are going to see Springsteen just strolling down the boardwalk on a Friday evening? I never expected it.

I guess that my point is; never be judgemental. Just like I pre-judged a legend, many artists, bands and musicians (as well as co-workers, friends and sometimes family) suffer the same fate. Things (such as in this case) are not always as they appear. Some times you just need to see things for yourself, block out others opinions, and make your own informed decisions and judgements. I made a rash judgement and almost made a fool of myself. Notice I said almost? This is only because I realized before it was too late that he was the real deal and I didn't comment on my first thoughts aloud. Just think about it my friends......

Saturday 9/25, I'll be playing along with KIM YARSON & THE VOLUNTEERS from 2-3pm on Maplewood Ave. in Cranbury NJ at CRANSTOCK. This is a benefit for The Cranbury Arts Council. This festival runs all afternoon and will feature many talented bands and artists.

Sunday, 9/26, popular Jersey rockin' pop artist LINDA CHORNEY is my guest on ROCK ON RADIO. This very talented artist has a world of experience that she'll be sharing with us. Tune in at 10pm est. to http://www.wifiam1460.com/ or multiple other outlets and ROCK ON!