First Performance and a pair of Pink Dolphins

Robin has been having quite an adventure, and seen some fabulous sights, over the last few days.
Unfortunately internet access is painfully slow, if working at all, so he has been unable to send any photographs.

However, after one conversation, which was constantly interrupted by shouts of, "Wow, a pair of pink dolphins," I have found you a picture:



These are incredible, beautiful creatures, which are now at risk due to the rapid changes in the area. You can read more about them here.
The need to preserve this fabulous part of the world is something that Robin has been involved in previously. Here's the post, 'Help Save the Brazilian Rainforest'.

Robin also really enjoyed watching as groups of very small children paddled up to the ship in their canoes, waving and smiling, and generally having a wonderful time.

But there has also been work to do.
During this trip Robin has had two concerts to perform, the first of which was on Friday.
It was an easy job for the sound man on this occasion as all that was required were two microphones and a chair with no arms!
So after a simple sound check the concert got underway and went very well indeed.
Since then Robin has had the opportunity to speak to many of the audience and received excellent feedback.
No comment yet from the pink dolphins...
I do hope they manged to pick up a few sound waves and enjoyed the experience.

Today is concert day once again.
Preparations will have started, and luckily they are now heading towards Devil's Island, and the sea has calmed down a little.
That's a relief as it isn't much fun practicing scales and arpeggios whilst trying to remain upright in ones chair.

Help Save the Brazilian Rainforest

The tradition of musicians being associated with good causes goes back a long way.
High profile artists such as Paul McCartney, Sting, Peter Gabriel, Paul Simon and Joni Mitchell have all been connected with rainforest preservation worldwide.
So when we were approached by Brazilian Springs, to help promote the work they are doing in aid of the Brazilian rainforest, there really was no hesitation.
The Brazilian rainforest is often referred to as "the lungs of the planet", as it not only reduces global warming by absorbing harmful gases, but also produces 20% of the world's oxygen.
For every 300ml bottle of Brazilian Springs water you purchase, the Brazilian Rain Forest Foundation can buy at least 12 square meters of rainforest. One bottle a day for a year adds to an area the size of a football pitch.
Alongside preserving and regenerating the forest they are also helping local farmers to find alternative farming methods.
Follow the links to the sites for more information and some very nice pictures, and even better, if you are in or around London on the 18/19/20th March come to ExCel and talk to the company yourself whilst listening to Robin play his guitar on and off throughout the day.
They will be on stand No ST4723, or, just follow the sound of music.

Meanwhile out a sea, Robin had the luxury of enjoying an evening as a member of the audience for a change, and watched an enjoyable show with singers and dancers covering songs by Cole Porter and Irving Berlin amongst others.

Cast Off From Cape Town

To prove that Robin really is in Cape Town this is the view just before he set sail earlier today. I assume it is 'Table Mountain' in the background.


A rather uneasy looking musician about to do the lifeboat drill....



But now they are at sea and he can concentrate on preparing for his recital.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:

As I mentioned the other day Robin will be playing in London on the 18/19/20th March.
It is part of the international food and drink event being held at the ExCel centre.
He will be there on the Sunday afternoon and all day Monday and Tuesday.
Anyone with an interest in food should have a great day out as there will be stands from around the world.
As for Robin and why he is there, well, it's connected with the Brazilian rainforest, but more details soon.
It will be an excellent opportunity to see and hear him play, with the added bonus of the less formal setting allowing you to ask questions if you want to.
You will need to check your diary and get tickets in advance.

Cape Town Not Quite Calling

As I write Robin is heading towards Cape Town.
He left at 7.30 this morning for a short hop to Heathrow, a total of 147 miles, he then waited 5 hours for his flight to South Africa. For those of you that like facts and figures that journey is 5996 miles and will take 11 and a half hours.
That should allow him to get quite a way into 'Hard Times'.
Still, I'm reliably informed that it is a wonderful 79F there at the moment, so I'm sure that will ease the aching joints of a travel worn musician.
Most people these days are aware of the environmental impact that flying has and we are no exception.
The problem is that when it is due to work there really is no alternative. We do all we can when at home, recycle, walk instead of using the car whenever possible, etc, but it remains an issue we are concerned about.
We have however made a contact that could well help us sleep easier in our bed(s) at night.
It's all connected to the Brazilian rainforest and I'll tell you more in the next few days.
But for now, any of the UK readers in the London area, you could well get to see Robin play later this month.
Watch this space for more details.