Goodbye Noosh

As I prepare for a move to Albuquerque in the spring, I've anticipated a series of lasts: the last lesson, the last service leading the NWUUC band, the last rehearsal, etc. I didn't expect that my first last would be the gig at Noosh Kitchen.

Godfrey and Guy have been performing at Noosh Kitchen for nearly four years. I had an excellent guitarist lined up to take my place in June, but it turns out that next week is our last gig at Noosh. As the owner told me, they are "exploring other musical options." I've noticed that the only vids Noosh posts on social media these days is the Saturday night group, which is much more dynamic (e.g. loud). They are also Persian. Noosh Kitchen is a Persian restaurant. We were originally hired to perform quiet, background jazz on Friday nights, but I think they want to have more Persian dance music.

Although I'm disappointed that I can't pass the gig along to Lori and the other guitarist, this has been a really great run. The gig was originally supposed to be six months, but we kept showing up. You can practice at home all you want, but there's nothing like playing a steady gig to improve your chops and expand your repertoire. I can honestly state that I'm a much better musician for having performed at Noosh, and our repertoire has expanded to the point where we play three weeks without repeating any songs.

I'll miss playing at Noosh, but it won't be difficult to fill up my Fridays. There's always something to do: extra practicing, music engraving projects, preparing for my move in June, and more.

This has been a great gig, and I'll be fortunate if I am able to find something similar when I move to Albuquerque.