Gig was fun as hell last night. Played at Mahounoryu in Oizumigakuen (about 20 minutes from Ikebukuro station). The club is cool...good sound..vibe is cool...management cool with the musicians. I played there 4-5 times last year, usually to full rooms. Last night 0 customers. Thats right..0. Well, certainly can't make a living like that but, I'm a survivor (cancer) so I dont worry. But, I feel bad for the cats in the band. Last year, the club's vibe was really relaxed. People enjoyed going there listening to music, having a drink and maybe ordering a small dish. Suddenly, they have changed the concept. When the management came to us and cut-off of the sound check at 6pm, I knew something had changed. We were escorted downstairs to a room for a 2 hour wait for the gig. Seems as though their new dinner menu, higher prices and uptight vibe has scared the music crowd away. Last time I played there it was also a small audience. Around 10:30 when we were supposed to finish, the room started to fill-up. Being foolish, I thought we should play a little longer so those folks would get their moneys worth (cover charge). Come to find out later, there is no charge after 10:30. Oh well, I was trying to do a good thing. Funny how no one will complain if you play over-time but, dont EVEN think about starting 5 minutes late. Anyway, I couldnt have been happier with the creativity and the music that was made last night and THAT is my my commitment.