News and thoughts by Pianist Dan Cray
and the Dan Cray Trio.
. . .
3.22.2007
Spring Newsletter
I'd like to start by thanking all of you who made it out to the PianoForte and Cabin Fever gigs this month. The reception at both venues was really positive, and I was happy to meet some new friends in addition to seeing a lot of familiar faces. If you missed the Piano Forte concert, it will be broadcast in its entirety on WDCB (available on the web too!) on a Sunday night near the end of April. I'll let you know when I have the exact date and time.
In other news, we were surprised and flattered to be personally chosen by Michael Keaton for a small featured part in his new movie "The Merry Gentleman" which is currently filming here in Chicago. We're performing in a couple of scenes at a corporate Christmas party as a hitman lurks outside ready to take out one of the executives. (I was kind of hoping Clark could be taken out with him, but no such luck!) In addition to seeing firsthand how tedious shooting a movie can be (12 hours for maybe 3 min. of footage), I was really struck by how nice everyone on the set was. There wasn't a hint of attitude or negativity from anyone there, and the crew especially kept us in good spirts. All in all, it was a blast and probably a once in a lifetime thing for us--if all goes well, the movie will probably be out sometime early next year.
Spring Trio Gigs
The Trio will be performing every Tuesday through April from 9PM-1AM at the new Pops for Champagne in Chicago. This has turned into a really fun hang, with a great audience and a lot great of musicians hanging out and sitting in. INFO
As always, you can still hear the group at The Rhythm Room in Evanston every Friday from 7-11. I'm also there on most Saturdays in a duo setting with talented folks like Geof Bradfield, Clark Sommers and Dennis Carroll. INFO
