"There's no such thing as canceling a gig, it's either hospital or death," my 86-year-old father-in-law Armin Baptist explains to me. His humor caries a mischievousness only musicians have who have been on stage for decades like him. Armin has worked as a pianist & arranger in East Germany for the stars of his time. Nevertheless, there is some truth in his arsenal of musicians' sayings. Years ago, he snuck out of the hospital to give a concert. When I asked him if he would like to retire one day, Armin quotes German humorist Loriot: "Sorry, this is my first retirement. I'm still rehearsing."
