These stories are so entertaining to read!
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A year ago, a table of six--it looked like the grandparents, the kid & kid-in-law, and a couple grandchildren--came into my supperclub. The youngest child was a girl about four years old. Generally, I don't relish little kids in the club because I have to edit my ad libs and work the house differently.

Within a few minutes of their arrival, the little girl turned in her chair and began watching me. And watching me. And watching me. After first thinking that she was merely curious or intrigued by the different lights and colors onstage, I passed her off as being just another non-bothersome kid. But, after three hours of her glued attention to everything I did from playing dinner music to getting offstage and onto the dancefloor for my "signature" medley from Phantom, complete with cape, mask, and candelabra, I realized that this young child was every entertainer's ideal audience. She clapped and laughed and tapped her toes and absolutely poured her own energy into the room, which, as all entertainers know, is what actually makes the magic possible.

At the end of the evening, I visited their table and asked permission to take a picture with this "other half of the equation." She quietly agreed. As I hunkered down for the snapshot, her Mom and Dad told me that she's always been completely enthralled by live entertainment. I felt lucky that she had approved of my work.

That picture helps me forget the dozens of dead-minded people who suck energy out of a room. I will always remember that little girl. I wonder if she'll remember me when she older. I'm just vain enough to hope so.

[This message has been edited by Jim Henry (edited 11-08-2000).]