Raggin' Piano Boogie
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Since 1987 |
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HELP! A new Carburetor is needed. SpotFund: Long Live the Traveling Piano Spotfund Venmo: Dan Kean @TravelingPiano 2156399378 - Paypal Direct: Paypal - And of Course this Website Contribution Page. Contribute Or email me for snail mail.
December 31, 2024Las Vegas, NevadaMy passions for life are are dissipating. It is becoming like pick and choose as my energy becomes less and less. Some passions are still alive and strong. My passion for being with Mo could not be stronger. I still care about this blog even though I do not post religiously as I have for the last eighteen years, lol. Give me a break, right? Every casino on the strip is setting off fireworks as I write this and with the new sphere attraction, I know the perfect spot to see it all. It is a three minute drive away. Naa... I've seen enough fireworks for my life? Usually I take photos from my doorway. The interest is not there. The need to document everything and share it online is losing interest for me. I've some nice holiday food for the night, still enjoy that. 
 Just watched a mushy Christmas movie with Mo next to me, that was nice. I've about five candles lit in my room, loving that. If I had someone to share the hoopla with everything might be different but then again maybe not. I still enjoy interacting with people via the Traveling Piano, that passion still exists when I have the energy. My passion to nuture, still there. Nature... I have not had the time to enjoy especially now with the Art Gallery and I just got over the second flu in two months. Wow, this all sounds like a downer. I am not depressed or anything it just is what it is. I am feeling quite content right now while fighting off just a little bit that I am not jumping into life like I should. In reality tho, I am jumping in with all I got. |
December 30, 2024Las Vegas, NevadaI was running around doing errands. I drove to get some lumber to secure the fabric sides of the Art Gallery. It can get very windy here in Las Vegas. The price of lumber has gone through the roof. I purchased some fun food to enjoy for News Years. Went to the dentist about teeth issues. They itemized every detail of work needed... removing a bad tooth, replacing root bone, building caps for a crown or a new bridge, blah, blah, blah and it would cost four thousand, five hundred dollars over what my health insurance would pay. They would give me financing if needed and that is not even the most expensive option which would include an implant. No way. What a racket. I'll just lose two teeth and never chew again on my left side. Sad. Luckily, it will not be visible. 
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December 29, 2024Las Vegas, Nevada
I could do nothing today. Three days of working in a row did me in. It will take at least two days to recover. Financially, someone sent me a $50 contribution in check form. I have no bank account and it is impossible to cash a check without one. Same with Zelle, you need a bank account. It does not work with Paypal, Cashapp, Venmo, etc... Two people send me $20 each and thats going to go nowhere. I am not paying a monthly fee for a bank account that I use only a few times a year and cannot afford to keep a monthly balance to avoid fees. Even Walmart no longer cashes personal checks. What a world! Paypal says you can take a photo to cash a check, I even did it once. Now... they say it can still be done but just try. Does not work. Whatever will be will be. Business manipulation has never worked for me. I'd rather do without than give into what is just wrong. |
December 28, 2024Las Vegas, Nevada
People when interacting are beginning to ask if I need help, can they help... when I am getting into and out of the truck bed. That is just a, wow! The days of jumping up and into the truck all sprite and chipper are done. If I get in and out more than ten times in a day my sides get sore. Age. I can barely lift Mo onto the top of the piano. More and more he with his own age issues just prefers to stay down anyway. The interactions are still energetic but I need to consciously keep the speed of my patter as fast as possible. When I am done there is nothing more I can do for the entire day. Both my mind and body are spent. I just lay in bed doing mindless computer work. Running back and forth from the truck to to gallery well, I last about four hours a day tops. Still, I know if I look back I am still doing as much work as ever. It just does not feel that way. |
December 27, 2024Las Vegas, NevadaAfter musically interacting with four young adults I took them inside the gallery to show them the photos hoping they would want one. They would have taken one if I had told them to do it but I could not. I could not close the deal! They needed to hear me say outloud, "take a friggin' photo and give me twenty bucks for it"! LOL I wanted them to take the initiative. If I pushed for them to contribute that changes the dynamics of what the Traveling Piano offers, that of unconditional authentic relationship without obligation or expectation. What a delemma! I do not want to have to "sell" to gain support. I've been dealing with this since the start. You would think that by now I would have it all worked out in my brain. Well, it was all worked out... back when I had money. 
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December 26, 2024Las Vegas, NevadaWhen I am driving around town and see so many people living on the streets it just makes me feel like I want to help. It makes me feel like I want to forget about forgetting everything else with the Traveling Piano and just finish out the rest of my life working with, giving to, sharing with and nurturing the love they all need so much. I've not been able to find a middle ground of having my own life of comfort and joy, sharing with people not in so much need while also serving those in who are desperate. Back a few years ago I was doing pretty good with all that. Now, everything just takes more time and I need to pick and choose what I can or cannot do in life concerning everything. 
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December 25, 2024Las Vegas, NevadaMo kept me up all night kicking in his sleep so I did not feel very rested on waking. While having some coffee an email came through with a $100 contribution from an old friend, a person who had been at my very first performance back in 1987. There, that was my Christmas gift for the day. It was cold and windy as I drove up the street to the gallery. No one was around. I set up. My friends Arron and Ann who are homeless and who helped me set up the gallery, I had some gifts for them and so that happened. A homeless guy walked by in his bare feet and I had a synthetic silver insulated cover blanket I gave him. Another guy came by saying, "where's the food" half joking. This is the first year I am not out sharing Christmas Cheer with everyone living on the streets. As I sat under the galleries flapping plastic side walls from the wind I thought, I can't do this and packed up, drove home. After making myself a Christmas breakfast I passed out for about four hours on this beautiful day with the door open and really needing the rest. There was a community dinner happening later but I felt perfectly content to be with just Mo and myself on this Christmas day. When one keeps hearing that Christmas is for family... it is for much more than that and... thank God I am not with that "family" they talk about. Lol... and I know a lot of family people who are jealous that I escaped from all that obligation and expectation and complete dysfunction many years ago!  |
December 24, 2024Las Vegas, NevadaLast night I slept twelve hours and I needed that! A new life stage has begun and I am full on, into it. Life is all about the Traveling Piano residency now. When I finish at the gallery it is a practice now to let it go for the sake of rest. Physically, I am exhausted so there is no choice when it comes to doing anything. Mentally, to let go of all thoughts and not ruminate about the gallery, that is a challenge. What a weird Christmas Eve it is. Not bad, just weird. The energy was very peaceful on the street. A neighbor came up and handed me $100. A local restaurant server who plays piano gave me $100 for one of the framed set of photos that had been in another local art gallery a few years ago. 
 That felt great to let that go! A local artist contributed for two prints one for himself and another for his mother as a Christmas present. This is the first Christmas in many years with my not serving those living on the streets with a truck full of Christmas treats. I know many will miss Mo and I this year. It is something people look forward to. I was surprised there we're not more people out shopping and eating in the restaurants. In places like New York city, the streets are always packed on Christmas and Christmas Eve. Before going home I stopped at Walmart to pick up a small fence lock for the gallery. There... it was packed with Christmas and all that is Christmas people crazy. I lucked out in getting in and out quick! |
December 23, 2024Las Vegas, Nevada
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December 22, 2024Las Vegas, NevadaWell, its going. At one point there were seven people in the gallery today. It is a small gallery space so that was cramped. The area is not inviting enough yet from the outside to get people to go in on their own but two did. 10 photo contributions were made in three days. I think that is pretty good. Of course thousands of contributions are needed. The word is not out yet. I'm enjoying people with the truck, that is for sure! The energy of Christmas is helping to get me going from such low energy over the well... entire last year I mean really, the last few years. One day at a time. A rhythm needs to be developed between the gallery, the music, interacting, resting and living everyday life. Mo is tired of it all. Sometimes when I get on the piano he chooses just to stay on the ground. Thats ok. It is uncomfortable for him to be lifted up onto the top now and even more uncomfortable (awkward) getting him down. 
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December 21, 2024Las Vegas, NevadaI did a CNN podcast for the "5 Good Things" show. They found me from the CNN Travel Article a few weeks ago. When I was listening I thought, "they slowed down my voice! As I listened, the interviewers voice was not a slow. If they had changed the speed it would have been to create a balance with the interviewer. Then I realized... I am getting fucking old and my voice and delivery is slowing down, lol! I've noticed it when talking with people from the truck, this is just another reminder. |
December 20, 2024Las Vegas, NevadaWell, this is it. I am in the last fundraiser ever for the Traveling Piano. I am hoping people will send their best, as in the largest gift or contribution possible to make this journey last as long as warranted into its 39th year. The fact that it has gone on this long is almost unfathomable, eh? The first twenty years for profit is a feat in of itself but the last eighteen years of working with a piano in the back of a pickup truck as an individual with no team of help and without fees, tips or commercial affiliation all for the sake of musical fun, friendship and respect... that is a feat almost beyond belief. So it is. ...... Spotfund ...... Paypal ...... Venmo: @travelingpiano Dan Kean ...... CashApp: $travelingpiano ...... Check/Money Order/Cash by Mail: Please Email Me For The Address: dannykean@ragginpianoboogie.com |
December 19, 2024Las Vegas, Nevada
I started back working while still feeling the trail end of this last flu. The gallery is still getting set up. It feels like I'll never have the strength I want and once had ever again, Adjusting to that is tricky. Being physical takes all my effort all the time. The people I have been around at the Hola Habibi tap room and Hooka Lounge where the Traveling Piano Fundraising Photo Art Gallery Residency is, they feel like a friendly community. There is a warm feeling. Those in the neighborhood living around the place give me a feeling of community. Everyone is happy and content in having me there and everyone acknowledges each other in friendship. People want to support what I do. Of course I need to tell them to support but they want to... willingly. What is going on and what the Traveling Piano is about is certainly not conventional. |
December 18, 2024Las Vegas, Nevada
I was thinking about how I will probably be alone for this Christmas (not the first time) because my health, energy and inspiration to do the usual with the homeless on the streets does not exist. Friends are doing things I would not fit into. I cannot pull my brain into even going to some local business to get donations of a few hundred bucks together to purchase something. I've been damaged with Christmas for my entire life, indoctrinated in the idea that it is all about blood family, family of origin, the church family. There were eight of us and my parents did their best to make it about family in good relationship with each other but it was all through coercion. I am the only one who really wanted the relationships but that possibility was not to be had. My world was run through fear, obligation, anger, expectation, neediness, protocol, everything that is authoritarianism. Those in my life has no reference for anything other than that. My family was all about "I love you as a brother." It was all in the title, there was zero... I love you as a human being, for the person you are.
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December 17, 2024Las Vegas, NevadaNot doing anything this year for Christmas with those living on the streets is really bothering me. I almost spent all the money I have today on getting a project going. I could also go to local business but my focus needs to be on the Artist Residency and that has already cost a lot on money to get going. Also, I am just sooo... tired anymore. When spending Christmastime for and with those on the streets, the time does not feel lonely. Doing just for myself well, sure do hope I do not fall into a Christmas depression. I know, I know all the brighter ways to look at the situation. Sometimes, a person just does not have the where with all to help themselves. This is the way it is for those homeless on the streets. There really is no one in my life at Christmastime. Everyone is out doing their thing. One thing, this is for sure. I'd rather be by myself verses with others out of obligation, expectation or dysfunction, lol! 
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December 16, 2024Las Vegas, Nevada
I'm fighting a huge depression about everything. I know it is because I've been sick and there are few people around. There has been no music, interacting with people and the biggest void to fill is online. I've just lost so much interest in the social platforms. They have been a huge communication vehicle for me through the years. Politics has almost completely destroyed my desire to go onto social media. I do not want to see the shit or get drawn into it and, there is not much for me to post myself these days about life. It feels like it is ending. So very much I would like to keep everything light hearted and inspirational for others because I know I am not alone... at all. The doom and gloom hanging over the heads of people in the spirit of truth like myself is palatable. There is no choice but to be myself with not only this blog but in person with people. We are all just doing the best that we can, right? I just need to stay in the reality that everything is safe and secure in the truth of spirit through gratitude, humility and grace. I need a long period of nothing but fun.
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December 15, 2024Las Vegas, Nevada
I gloss over the news less and less. The same goes for my Facebook timeline. When I see something where I think a comment will be useful, I make one. My discretion on that matter is getting better. When someone is just acting out with anger, whining or just creating trouble without knowing it, I pass by. My focus is more on those thinking that hate is winning, love is lost and also those in complete denial. That last one for me to address, that is more self serving than anything else. Falling into denial translates into death for me. I tell people, if you believe in a loving God and a loving universe... love is all there is and that is true reality. Love will always prevail, always has always will. Pain and suffering is an illusion. Knowing that fact leads to understanding and understanding leads to coping. Gratitude will put you in that place of knowing. 2025 will be for practicing how to live in the present moment with faith and determination, We must not live in denial and develop coping skills to live life in the best ways possible... now, today. |
December 14, 2024Las Vegas, Nevada
I cancelled a tv interview. That was a first. It was too early in the morning for me and if I had someone doing everything with me I probably could have pulled it off but by myself its just too much. I need help with the zoom and someone to set it all up so I can look presentable. Yes, I have some vanity going on with my looks and sound but it is in fact tv entertainment. It was too be live and I would have to be up and out with the Traveling Piano and Mo at 6am when the sun is just rising and its still in the 30's. Ain't gonna happen. Part of me says, never miss an opportunity. Well... opportunities will always exist. I need to get my Mojo going!
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December 13, 2024Las Vegas, Nevada
I am so knocked out. Head in a fog, coughing, sneezing, entire body aching, diarrhea, chills, etc... Thank God Mo is with me. I am having a bout of the same exact flu I had last month. While having a weak immune system for my entire life, being older is creating a situation for getting sick more often. This, especially since I am in close contact with so many people in public. Is this how I am going to die, just getting sick more often until it does me in one of these times? So be it. I am enjoying my little comforts. I know people love me. I have "things" around me that create great comfort in my room. A small motion Christmas Tree, candles, Christmas lanterns... I can pay the most basic of bills and have plenty of food. The only troublesome issue is the Traveling Piano residency. Part of me says it is the worst time to not get it finished and going especially with the holidays. Another part says, so what. It is what it is. I am too sick to put pressure on myself anyway.
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December 12, 2024Las Vegas, Nevada
And yet today... another interview, a zoom preliminary for a nationally syndicated talk show. It may never happen. It was just exploratory and if anything comes from it, that will not manifest for at least until the new year. I did it and now I just let go. I'm beginning to feel sick so I am glad it was done before the shit hits the fan again with another round of the flu. Vaccinations, I am so not on the anti-vax crusade with its agendas and mis-truths but I have my own truths. I did get another Covid vaccination and a Flu vaccination just a few weeks ago. Worthless. I still got covid last time and now with what is coming on again? Flu vaccinations are lie, an industry roulette table. They cover only a percentage of flu virus strains. This has been for years. Personally, I do not think the pharmaceutical industry wants people to be able to avoid all the flu strains. They would lose billions over all the antibiotics and fake over the counter flu aids sold, most proven fake. So here I am vaccinated and getting sick once again!
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December 11, 2024Las Vegas, Nevada
Gave yet another interview for CNN today, this time is was for the International Podcast. It will be published online, Saturday. How am I going to keep talking about myself and selling the Traveling Piano to garner support when I am so over that! This blog is very personal for me. I cannot say things like this on social media because the responses will drive me crazy. My blog is like talking to a wall, lol. I just want to express myself. It is not for feedback and that suits me just fine. If someone finds it and relates to the realness of it, awesome! The energy output in doing an interview well actually, it is rarely an interview as I just get going and it doesn't stop until time is up, that is more energy and drains me more than working with people on the truck. I suppose it is because my energy is being shared directly and going into people verses just me, me, me.
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December 10, 2024Las Vegas, NevadaDid a short radio interview for the Calgary Canada QR Radio Morning show. Getting up at 7am was a challenge for both my voice and brain! |
December 9, 2024Las Vegas, Nevada
Sifting through media news becomes more daunting daily. How the news reporters and AI spins to influence our minds, the mundane and immature focus on everything, the misinformation... it all seems inescapable. With online social media through friends it can be even worse. And now as they all kiss the trump ring I just cannot knowingly support that. As I try to get the word out about the Traveling Piano, the fundraising gallery and myself... what am I to do? I do know that I need to move away from it all. I think the only answer is to find a media representative and learn now to work through community with it all like in the old days.
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December 8, 2024Las Vegas, NevadaToday gave me a little more energy. I set up at the photo gallery and my goal is to create music on the hour for about 12 minutes and then interact with people when that happens. How to manage that is just going to be super difficult because once I get into relating with someone the exchange takes on a life of its own and plays out in its own time. While interacting, when I see someone go into the gallery I think "they need attention, explanation and a sales pitch." How to manage creating my music, interacting with people on the truck and running the gallery all at the same time... I am going to need help. About five people went into the gallery on their own to check it out while I was on the piano. Thats a start. 
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December 7, 2024Las Vegas, NevadaI went to the Traveling Piano photo gallery to build a table and set of shelves. After doing that I was so exhausted I could do no more. (exhausted from yesterday too) It was only like an hour of work and then I could barely climb the stairs to my apartment. It is a strange feeling not having the strength of motion. As in 2021 with friends supporting us for the Traveling Piano's last ever Cross Country Venture... now it is time for the very last Traveling Piano Fundraising Venture! I am specifically looking for representation and backing to rebuild the truck and endow it for future generations, sell the rights to my story or just find someone to adopt me until I die, lol! I'll need contribution to pay for the setup. 
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December 6, 2024Las Vegas, NevadaWell, it is happening. Tonight was the Art District's First Friday Celebration and I wanted to be open with the gallery. Totally exhausted, no one was around. One block away in two directions there were thousands of people but only a few walked by on the street where I was. At 7:30 PM, I just called it quits. I was too exhausted to create music, it was cold and Mo... he wanted nothing to do with any of it. He cannot see in the dark and it is uncomfortable for him on the piano. He sat in the truck where it was safe as a very tired old dog who I love with all my heart. So, what I have going is an Artist Residency to Showcase the Traveling Piano for potential backers. It will be there for a few months. 
 As I am not a commercial entity, the photos are an option for people who want to contribute. Verses trying to give me a buck or two I say..." If you want to support my work, go get a photo for $20". (because a few bucks does nothing and my exchanges with people are worth much more than a few bucks) It is also a way for me to share my photos. I have given out thousands of posters, cd's and cassettes through the years. Even my past advertising promo, pre-journey had a "gift" quality. The photo gallery will also feature a slideshow screen of the adventures. This project is called... The Traveling Piano Fundraising Photo Art Gallery Residency. It is the 1st time I have ever been stationary in one spot for people to come and discover the Traveling Piano. |
December 5, 2024Las Vegas, Nevada
I wish I could feel happier about what is happening but I am really afraid that it all my just fall apart as it has in the past. The fear and excitement all in the same moments makes me want to cry. I sat for a good three hours this afternoon unable to function and just hung out talking with a new friend. Telling myself that this is what I want and that I can do it helps but another part of me says I cannot step up to the plate so to speak. With the recent CNN article, I hit a nerve internationally. Four different media outlets have reached out to me thus far in both the US and Canada. People throughout the world really need what the Traveling Piano has to offer right now... the positivity with no fees, tips or commercial affiliation this individual venture for the sake of community outreach, that of strangers becoming less afraid of each other with Musical Fun, Friendship and Respect... Empowerment and Inspiration through Synchronicity and with Spontaneity being all about relationship and yes... the Piano Man likes to use a lot of descriptive words!
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December 4, 2024Las Vegas, Nevada
While trying to organize and put things together for the "Traveling Piano Fundraising Photo Art Gallery Residency" (too long a name? 😆) I met a couple visiting from Canada and we had a great exchange. It was the woman's birthday and they we're exploring the area as they have had enough of the generic casinos to the south and the crazy Fremont area to the north. I had to hang eight panels of photos by myself. Jesus helped me. He and I did it. Lol, we can get a lot done together and it happened! Once back at my place my hands were cramping, my sides, my feet, my whole body from the stress and exercise.
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December 3, 2024Las Vegas, Nevada
 I went to work on the gallery today and it was Hola Habibi's... the bar where the gallery is, the 1st Anniversary so of course all my time was spent with the guests through music and interaction. Getting this gallery off the ground is excruciatingly difficult. I think, is this how I am going to die? The answer... what if it is, what if I die in the middle of doing a project like this while not having it finished? I mean is anything ever finished in my life? It just keeps going on and on. Thats ok... I can feel ok about dying with my life going on and on. Lol, does it ever happen in any other way? My life has been fulfilled for many years, there are no burning desires except to just keep doing what I do in every way. I must keep telling myself... this is what you have been wanting... a gallery to sell your photos, a place to showcase the Traveling Piano for permanent funding. I have been wanting this since I moved to las Vegas eight years ago! |
December 2, 2024Las Vegas, Nevada
I've been filing photos of Traveling Piano pup Mo and Myself. He has stopped the heaving and hacking he had for over a month... that turned into a cold with sneezing his butt off for the first time ever lasting a week... and now a days he his falling with his back legs giving out. The interesting thing about my buddy is that he never whines or shows pain. Dogs are amazingly stoic! When ever his legs give out, or he gets stuck on the stairs trying to climb them... he just freezes in position until I reach out to help. Never does he freaks out! What a lesson he is teaching me on how to just cope with whatever is happening in the moment physically and then just simply move on back to normal when possible. |
December 01, 2024Las Vegas, NevadaSo... there is this guy with a piano in the back of his pickup truck. His pup hangs out on top of the piano... they have been creating Musical Fun, Friendship and Respect with Empowerment and Inspiration together and with no fees, tips or commercial affiliation for a long time. Las Vegas has also been their home for a long time. CNN caught up with them recently. A final fundraising blowout has begun and they need your support. Share and contribute, share and contribute, share and contribute please! 😁 |