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FRIDAY
07.10.98
another double header
I was okay coming into the North County Fair gig today. Traffic was horendous and I was a little late. But then again, Rick, Warren and Tom were late as well. The traffic on Interstate 15 north was just terrible, but at least I made it for the downbeat. The sound crew seemed to struggle with our dilemma. The riser in the back was not deep enough for the drums, so I had to set up in front of the guitar, which ended up on the riser along with the trumpets and trombone. There was a good sized audience out on the grassy area in front and all around the sound stage. All ages, from the very young to senior citizens. Once we started, I realized that I couldn't hear myself too well on the drums. For one, the guitar was up on the riser directly behind me and it was LOUD! And two, the sound crew didn't put my drums in the monitor mix. Boy, I always have trouble with these outdoor venues because the drum sound literally escapes out into thin air! I like it better when I can feel the acoustics of a room. I was able to do my solo on Sing, Sing, Sing and I was a bit uncomfortable with it, mainly because I got these new drumheads, the Jack DeJohnette signature series black drumheads made from 100% mylar. They're great drumheads with excellent response, but like anything, it takes some getting used to. Okay, applause, applause.... but I was exhausted after that solo and was happy to take a break! I saw Bobbie, Nate's wife and their newborn baby Olivia, Nate's brother and his girlfriend, and Nate's mom. Rick's wife Mary was there along with her kids. After meeting some of the people,
I went to the console tent and told the sound guys to put more volume in
my monitor. They apologized for the problems they were having.
Well, Jessica mentioned to me that she
kinda parked far away and as soon as she stepped out of her car she heard
the band, which was super loud according to her. I guess
she was a little surprised at the rock concert volume, but it was
a large venue and lots of people showed up, and it was FREE.
So it was almost like Woodstock but not quite there in numbers of people,
but definitely happening in spirit.
The Tio Leo's gig turned out a good crowd who were more the dance crowd type. I was totally exhausted and in a very bad mood, pretty much the entire gig. I felt I gave better solos at Tio Leo's than earlier at North County Faire. Aida, Little John, Debbie, Carol and some other friends were there. I guy named Willie showed up again. He starting his own swing band and I guess he's been pretty impressed with our band, so he's been checking us out. I was totally exhausted from the two combined gigs. I was glad some of the guys in the band helped me out after the gig 'cause I definitely needed it. I went home and tried to check email. I was just too tired and I crashed into oblivion. Tonight's Gigs:
Tio Leo's |