Alright guys! Let’s do it!
9:22 am: my caller ID read “Dan Acsadi,” a GuitarFest staff. I quickly learned that for the next few days, my phone would be the devil that pried my eyes open. Last-minute confusions, questions, and clarifications were always part of the gig. We dealt with them and put them out like small fires.
There were two major tasks today: airport transportation and setting up check-in.
Coordinating airport runs was crazy as Boston’s traffic. Joaquin Clerch, one of our Cuban faculty members, was held up at US Customs for a good while. We had a wild entourage of a Honda CR-V and a rented Ford Escape to pick up Tlen Huicani, the incredible folk trio from Veracruz (Mexico) and their massive folk harp.
Back at NEC, check-in went along. It went on smoothly, and I was met with happy faces, hugs, and smiles at the reception. Eliot gave a short introductory speech afterwards. I guess it was no official! After a short mingle, Joseph Williams and I checked ourselves into Jordan Hall.
Concert time came. The AC units in Jordan Hall were broken and the stage was lit dimly to reduce heat emissions. I walked out onto the stage, thinking, “This is it! Awesome!”
Like with most performances, this one came and went in a flash. I loved the energy from the audience though. But at the same time I felt extremely at peace doing my thing. During the month before GuitarFest I never had much time to practice but I was still happy with the way I played. Joseph played the second half beautifully. The crowd loved his Scarlatti and the Rochbergs were driven with energy.
Now that I had the concert behind me, all that remained was the second Boston GuitarFest!
