Sorry I missed it yesterday (well, it's still Monday evening here). I went to Oahu (That's Hawaiian for "The Crowded Island") for a part work/part fun weekend. I saw a concert by a slack-key guitarist named Dennis Kamakahe who also plays a mean electric. He's been touring on the Mainland with his son, David, who is an awesome ukulele player. If you're looking for a fantastic evening of traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music (with some good old country/rock as well), check them out if they're in your area. And while you guys were singing, I was going eye to eye with queen angels, Moorish idols, parrotfish, and a baby moray eel.

But to uncreep, I agree that the kind of "personnel management" that is often difficult in a song circle becomes nearly impossible when you can't see the other people. In general, I think everybody does a superb job and I've enjoyed the sessions tremendously. I think the suggestions that have been made are good ones. I do like it when somebody takes on the role of greeter/moderator, as kat and Jon have done in the past. I'll be happy to volunteer to do so next time I'm on -- with the understanding that it's a rotating position!

Also, before I hit the F9 key I try to do two things. (Three, if you count figuring out what I'm going to sing and whether I remember the words!) Step One, I look through the list of participants to see if there's anyone who hasn't sung or played something since the last time I did. If so, then Step Two: I wait...then wait some more. Sometimes, if it seems appropriate, I'll offer an invitation. I think there are some people for whom HearMe offers a chance to do something they might not have the courage to do with other people in the same room. And having been in that situation in times past, I would like to give those "shy persons" as much space and encouragement as possible.

Okay, enough said. I'll be in Colorado next week, but I'll try to be back the following week. And you DownUnders, send me a message if you want to try a session on a weeknight, and I'll stay up late and join you.

Aloha,
Mark