Joesph and Jen Adu's Wedding on Sunday the 21st

I had the fortune of being asked to play classical piano at a wedding in Cumberland. This happened as a fluke, as the person who had said yes to play months before couldn't make the gig and was searching for someone last minute. Ahmed, the original pianist, went to the Music Center to look for a replacement. He left without finding one and we met in the hall after I came out of the bathroom. He asked if I played, I gave a positive response, and a few emails later from both the groom and Ahmed and I was set with music and all.
I set up practice times in the morning and night to get down the 3 songs they wanted as well as add the music to be played 1hr before. I chose a song called "Secret of the Forest" from an old nintendo game and various jazz songs by Lyle Mays and Pat Metheny (as well as standards).

Here I am on a Yamaha upright that sounded alright. After a short rehearsal with a singer I went right into expanding chordal harmonies and intertwining melodies.

Here is the great singer named Katie. She sang "Make you feel my love".

Here is the amazing couple. Their union brought together two loving and generous families that I later was able to meet personally.
After the wedding, refreshments were outside with pictures being taken.

This was all great, but the best was yet to come: a restaurant in Portland that would capture the feeling.

This is not a planetarium-- it is Grace Restaurant-- a church in downtown Portland converted into a high class restaurant and bar. The scene was low lighting with small little colored light dots all over the place. String quartet music was playing and the wait staff was pushing appetizers that were delicious.

 This bar looks like the Wright Bros designed it.

I loved the architecture-- but the people made the event special.

Here are the lights that were all over the place-- I traced it back to the Dj-- I want that effect for my bands!

Patty enjoyed the event very much-- great food, atmosphere and new friends at every corner.


Overall, this was an amazing experience. Everyone was thankful and the families and cultures I met made me think about my life and all of the people I know-- am I living in the wrong place? People were physically and spiritually happy-- we talked about what we liked-- a great meal, doing what you love for work, family-- and talked about cultures that are always happy and expressive. People came from Ohio, Boston, DC and even France-- the latter brining up a conversation of how France's work system and morals are superior to what we have here in the States-- 6 hour work day, a long lunch to savior food, and a basic love of culture- a fit. I am not saying this doesn't exist in Maine, but it is not all that common in those trying to make a living-- money should not ruin everything. I wouldn't mind paying 60% in taxes if I had the French way of life.


In the end, I met great people, I was happy for Jen and Joe, and I saw multiple cultures blending together through love and commonality. I wish them all long lives and good fortune.

Thank you!