Ruby reporting on Roy Hargrove in Ischia

Roy Hargrove meets Ruby in Ischia

We’ve been here in Ischia (Italy) for the past six days and it has been really a great trip! Yesterday was my birthday, I’m 2 years old now, which means I’m actually 14 in human years. The folks here had a birthday party for me last night, and it sure was fun. Got lots of dog biscuits and a birthday cake too. The Allan Harris Band sang me Happy Birthday during their show which made all the other dogs envious, I could tell…especially this dog named Du Du…(isn’t that a Sting song???)

Any way, reporting on music: Our first night in town I was happy to be invited to see Roy Hargrove and his quintet. Man they really were swinging that night, Roy plays a mean trumpet. The restaurant was this cool location about 10 miles from where we’re staying so we took a taxi. I love riding in the car with my head hanging out the window. When we arrived we were ushered downstairs and into this huge restaurant built underground with one whole wall of mirrors. We stayed for the first show (even though Allan and Pat were really jet lagged). Our drummer, Jerome Jennings, sat in and boy did he kick butt. The audience went wild and then we left to get a good night’s sleep. It’s been a fantastic trip … music, food, people. Oh yeah and I’ve really got my swimming stroke down now. This is my second year of practice!