Fans noticed in my concert program this year that I had the occasion to perform at Mar-a-Lago. They wanted me to share my story.

Here it is.

It was about this time last year when Tim and I loaded up our car and drove down from Minnesota to Florida. We had three special events to attend: Tim's mother's birthday (Orlando), my very good friend Wendy's 60th birthday (Naples), and lastly, playing a private anniversary party for Cris and Adam (new friends . . .  and we would celebrate with them at Mar-a-Lago).

The previous fall we met our new friends Adam and Cris at a private party in Napa at Wappo Hill Estate, Jean-Charles Boisset and Gina Gallo's home. We were there with a group of friends from Minnesota and had been invited to dinner that night. Jean-Charles asked if I might play before dinner, and it was a hit. It was a magical night and I ended up talking to an interesting couple, Adam and Cris, late into the evening. They loved my performance and asked if I would play for their one-year anniversary party . . .  which was coming up in February. Of course I said "yes." And then they told me it was going to be at Mar-a-Lago, where Adam was a member.

Who wouldn't be excited about that?!! 

I always have reservations about "big" things. Something in me always holds back a little to avoid disappointment. But as the time drew nearer, it was evident it was really going to happen. I had a special dress from the tour I was just on, and decided it would be perfect for the night. (And it would fit in the trunk of our car!)

Mar-a-Lago is a very special country club. Yes, President Trump and Melania live in a club setting, with a restaurant, pool(s), manicured grounds, 17 acres of prime beachfront property, and 58 guest rooms . . .  all named after countries. We would be staying two nights, and three days. We checked in upon arrival in the grand lobby. Two desks with beautiful and friendly women sat at them and they checked us into the Portuguese room. Two younger men helped us take our luggage to our room.

(Lobby pictured below) 

I love architecture and Mar-a-Lago is an eclectic mix of Italian, Spanish, Dutch and Portuguese styles. If you know the history, you will recall that the property was built by Marjorie Merriweather Post. Our particular room was located on the second floor, overlooking the pool and outdoor eating area. We didn't know it upon check-in, but would later realize that our room was located right next to President Trump's personal residence on the upper corner of the property (the blinds are down in President Trump's area in the picture at the top of this blog and we were to the left of his place). We were so close to the Leader of the Free World that we actually think we shared a common wall. The room had all its original design elements, and all the wood and detail remained untouched. There was a grand canopy bed (probably an original piece) adorned with brand new linens. But even the bathroom was in its original decor and only a shower head was added to the old tub.

The first thing we did was go to the Grand Ballroom to see where I'd be playing the next night and sound check the piano that was waiting for me. I've seen and played in ballrooms at clubs before, but none like this. There would be about 250 people in attendance, and the area was busy with staff setting tables and delivering floral arrangements. It was buzzing. And it was spectacular. 

I would be playing off to the side of the main dining area, and I was scheduled for a 45-minute set at 9:45 pm. My set list had 12 songs.

For dinner, Tim and I were invited to sit at the main table with Adam and Cris. Next to me was Minnesota House Majority Whip Congressman Tom Emmer and his wife Jacquie. We had met before and I instantly felt relieved that I could carry on a reasonably good (Minnesota) conversation. Phew! Across from us were all kinds of famous political people . . .  Congressman Brian Mast and his lovely wife Brianna, and next to them was  FBI Director Kash Patel. Then there was Dr. Mehmet Oz and his lovely wife Lisa.  Funny enough, I don't know or ever recognize (or care about) actors or actresses. But I know politicians. We knew them all that night, or most of them.

At 9:45 pm sharp the event planner came to the head table and ushered me to the piano. People started to trickle in to listen. It was noisy . . .  but being a former department store pianist (ha!) and playing for hundreds of private events, I settled in and got comfortable. Dr Oz and Lisa were the first to sit down in the front row. I announced songs, told brief stories, and at 10:30 pm when I was on my last song, I felt a "wave" and a rush in the crowd and everyone went "ahhhhhh" and all the energy went to the left side of the room behind me. I was in the middle of Bohemian Rhapsody when . . . in walked President Trump.

The room went dead silent. So I stopped playing, stood up and said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, President Trump."

Adam and Cris then walked up to the stage and President Trump met them. I sat holding my breath at the piano, and as President Trump walked by, he looked at me, then looked at the crowd and said, "wow, what a talent!"

I smiled and graciously said "thank you, Mr. President."

He congratulated the bride and groom, and before he walked off the stage, he turned and talked to me for a few seconds about his day in court. HA!  When he got to the bottom of the stairs off the stage, I started to play The National Anthem.

Everyone instantly stood and sang . . . loudly . . .  with their hand over the heart . . .  looking at President Trump. 

I was done, and as I walked down the slippery makeshift stairs, President Trump grabbed my hand to help me down.

We had a brief salutation  . . . and then he was off (with a dozen secret service members escorting him). 

The next day before we packed up, as we were heading to our room we noticed a beautiful woman sitting out on the balcony next to our room. It was Melania. She was dressed in all-white. Hair in a ponytail. She was reading. Maybe she was working on her new book? I think so. On another trip up to our room we could see President Trump through the window, wearing a white golf shirt, talking to a woman in housekeeping making up his room. He was smiling. They were friendly. 

Everyone at Mar-a-Lago loves President Trump. They adore him.

Not knowing if I'd ever get the opportunity to return, I tried to take in all the detail of this Palm Beach mansion. The three days blew by, and before we knew it, we were driving back out through the security gates, and on our way back home to Minnesota.

I now have two favorite places where I've had the opportunity to peform. The White House. And now Mar-a-Lago. What a beautiful and legendary place with such history. 

Many people have different opinions about President Trump. Some people like him, some people dislike him, and some people absolutely love him. No matter what you think about President Trump, there is one thing we can all agree on.

I got to play for the most famous person in the world.

And . . . 

"Wow. What a talent."

Dear Fans,

We are now booking this year's tour. Check back often as we are posting new cities and dates weekly! Can't wait to see you this holiday season!

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