VIDEO PROOF
So the Almanac reading at the Amsterdam was a wonderful event. A wide array of readers, a nice crowd, no fights erupted at the bar. Personally, after an early glitch, it went off nicely, though I'd have to see the video to be sure.
So the Almanac reading at the Amsterdam was a wonderful event. A wide array of readers, a nice crowd, no fights erupted at the bar. Personally, after an early glitch, it went off nicely, though I'd have to see the video to be sure.
First
thing I noticed when I arrived was that there was no podium on stage.
Every reading I've ever taken part in had a podium. No big deal, you
might think, but if you have Essential Tremors—like me—it's kind
of a big deal. It's not a nervous thing; the tremors just happen—home
alone, my hands shook as I practiced reading from the book. I sought
out the man in charge, David Stein, and explained my situation. He
scrounged a music stand from somewhere and announced that it was
there for any of the readers to use. Of course, I was the only one in
need.
When
he introduced me about halfway into the show, I jumped onstage,
dragged the stand to the mic, struggled mightily to get it to the
proper height—all the while wondering what the crowd must be
thinking of this guy who required a stand while others had read from
their books or their phones. (If you're curious about the photo that
accompanies this post: It was staged, after the fact, by my friend
John Lutter. Looking at it you'd think I was as steady as the next
guy, wouldn't you?)
Like
I said, my part seemed to go smoothly after that. If the video
affirms that I'll post it here, if not you're on your own finding
it...
