Dec.17-18th: All this is 1 weekend!

I had a very busy weekend that wrapped up a year of many performances (don't believe me, look in the archives). It was fleeting but it was fun and I hope I served the audiences well.

Dec17th-- Mitch Thomas and Friends Advent Concert: 2:30p-4p

I do this every year and it keeps getting better. Mitch is a household name in my area for theatre, public speaking, and sacred concerts. I play at least 5 concerts a year with him as well as a weekly service at AUMC during the fall/winter. This concert featured young and older singers, a blend of traditional carols, musical numbers, and a heart-wrenching story about a young baby fighting brain cancer (true story, and we pray he gets better and stays strong).

Dec. 17th-- MaineStream at the Ramada: 9p-12:30a

After a long hiatus, the band MaineStream finally got a gig at the infamous Ramada Inn. It was not serious until the costumes came on and the lasers shined in our eyes. Planning was put into this and we had to deliver.

I was in charge of 3 keyboards, and I didn't have my list of patches since I chose to do a few general things for the songs. I bought a special midi pedal but I didn't have time to program it for this concert--- and I couldn't have something fail on me in the heat of battle.

We all wore "costumes" to look the part of a happening Top 40's band. We changed for each set so I never got too comfortable. We worked through song changes throughout the night-- extended beginnings and endings-- mysterious sounds from a massive amount of electronics. Overall, from what I hear, it was a good show. I looked down on several dancers and I received a few winks-- but the piano nerd doesn't get 20's thrown at him unfortunately.

Dec. 18th: Augusta Symphony: Handel's Messiah

I was able to play Handel's Messiah once more before the end of the season with the ASO. I was still in dire need of strings that didn't come in on time, but I made the best of it. We only had 4 singers with an audience participation for the chorus numbers. Having played with Bates (and with their budget), this performance didn't have the pizzazz of harpsichord, organ, professional players and a choir of 50. I still enjoyed it and I was able to make a small audience thankful-- that is all that matters!

Thank you

Dec. 10th Student Christmas Recital

On Dec. 10th at the Auburn United Methodist Church (http://auburnmethodist.org/), there was held a small student recital. I had held a very small (4 student) recital in the lobby of this building the year before, and was asked about doing it this year-- I didn't want to let anyone down. This year I was able to get the main foyer and  initially many students wanted to take part in the event. I had also planned to have musical and technical help with the day, since I couldn't manage that many people all at once.
Things do not always go as planned. The week leading up to the concert had several cancellations, my tech and musical help backed out, and emails were not responded to. This is something I am accustomed to, so I made the best of it, setting up equipment and calming nervous students and anxious parents. A few last minute performers joined in and it made the recital all that more exciting.

The parents brought baked goods and I brought my famous cocoa assembly line (with whipped cream and candy canes). Everyone thanked me for my efforts and the lengths I went to prepare it-- I was just proud of everyone who performed and their courage to get in front of an audience of 40. The students made the show and I was glad to provide them with a platform-- I only wish I could have done more.

Thank you for all that participated and watched!

Messiah part 1 at Bates and The AVCO string quartet at The Royal Oak Room

This weekend (12/2-/4) was busy with classical music-- which is how every weekend should always be.
Friday and Saturday at 8pm was Handel's Messiah Part 1 conducted by John Corrie with the Bates College Choir and a small orchestra (including me of course).

It was exciting, well executed, and the music was uplifting to say the least. I still get to play this music in two weeks with another orchestra so I have an excuse to keep the music in my head.

BTW-- for ballet dancers, The Nutcracker is the seasonal show that one can rely on. For orchestra members, Handel's Messiah is our seasonal standard. I play with musicians that personally own their own copies of the music (with marks from 10 years passed), and some feel right to show up for the performance only. This year marks my third year playing the Messiah-- I look forward to many more!

On Sunday I took part in something I have been inquiring about (even on this blog) for some time-- a string quartet! Former members of Androscoggin Valley Community Orchestra met together to play chamber music for the retirement of a Head Start program coordinator. We played at the Royal Oak Room in Lewiston and it was a good experience-- and something we all agreed should be repeated-- and it will should a need arise (we are all busy). I did get to find out that my Schellinger violin is in need of new strings-- my Obligatos are dead and cannot hold a pure note for too long. Good string quartets usually agree on  strings to use-- I sent out my opinions to the group-- we will see what happens when a new gig appears. Keep in mind that strings for classical instruments are very expensive-- I am looking at around $65 for 4 strings- and this is somewhat of a bargain (with hopes that my violin accepts their sound). For cello-- well, get a loan!

More concerts coming up. I will keep readers in touch!

Thanks!

The Amazing Borromeo String Quartet!

http://www.borromeoquartet.org/

Tuesday night (Nov 29th), I was able to see an amazing group of brilliant musicians playing music that is dear to my heart-- this was the Borromeo Quartet from New England Conservatory. They graced the Olin Arts stage at Bates college playing Schoenberg and Schubert (the latter I am very familiar with).

What can I say about a concert? How does it affect me? I always like to be in awe of musicians now and then. In my world, I can be the best, but I prefer to see others that trump me on certain instruments and are able to get to a higher plane-- I can see where my journey will eventually lead.

This quartet played with emotion, incredible dynamics (soft as a mild scratch of bow and loud as a screech), and an intimacy that made everyone feel as if we were back in time in the composer's own quarters. I was not surprised to find that they play on instruments that are the biggest names in the world: Stradivarius, Guarneri Del Gesu, Zanetto-- a cello made for a king in 1576. The instruments could well have been 5 million a piece (seriously)-- and well deserved on their part.

I went home humble, possibly a bit jealous, but reserved to practice more diligently. Someday I hope to be on the world stage like they are. Coincidentally, I was on the same stage they played last night rehearsing the Messiah. The closest I can get at the moment is that I share with them a love of teaching-- they are all on the board of New England Conservatory-- my first choice of school back in 1997-- until money forced me 45min north to a far lesser program (take this in the spirit in which it is written). I will still get down there someday-- and by next month, a few big steps in that direction will be taken. More on that later...

Thank you Borromeo Quartet!

What a weekend! Medieval Feast 2011 and ASO performance!

This was a great weekend for performances! I feel less stressed now having gone through it, but nonetheless am happy about the process.

Saturday night was the 4th annual Medieval Feast at the Franco-American Heritage Center. What a night that was!

Don't worry, this is my wife-- but this picture tells you what the night was like-- costumes, innuendos, a badly written script that was memorized, and small events that didn't come off as they did on paper. I knew what to expect so it was no surprise to me. I actually got to eat this year!
More photos will be uploaded as they become available. I had a number of costumes and was at one time a jester, a French prince, and a minstrel. It was a good time and I hope the patrons liked it. Next year, less lines please!

Sunday the 20th was the Augusta Symphony Orchestra's Haydn, Dvorack and Sibelius concert. I already loved the Haydn but I was not sold on the Dvorack-- until I played it-- beautiful music and melodies that need some coaxing out, but then expand and repeat in wonderful ways. It was a great performance and while I missed the night before, I was told that the venue I played at was better. The High St. Church in Auburn has great acoustics and I hope I get back there soon for more orchestral magic!

Thanks to all that went and pics will soon follow!

Bates/Bowdoin Fall Concert

I had fun this weekend playing with the Bates and Bowdoin orchestras.They combined to present a concert with music by Mendelsohhn, Haydn and Bartok. This was being prepared since the beginning of the semester, and although I didn't make every rehearsal, I made enough to have been included in the concert.

I was honored to be playing under the baton of Hiroya Miura and Roland Vazquez-- they inspire confidence and explain music in a way that makes it interesting and manageable. When I say manageable, I am of course talking about a music that is complicated and has many layers-- symphonic music is not a single listen but a series and/or lifetime of listens. It can be interpreted in different ways and one always has to wonder how the composer originally wanted it-- unless that composer is still alive.

Thank you great composers, conductors, and symphony members. This class may have just been a grade, but the trip we took at the end together was a worthy memory!

(Christian prior to the concert)

Sorry for Rescheduling... and being so busy.

This time of the year means concerts for anyone involved in theatre, symphony orchestras, and fundraisers. I am in all 3 and more-- two contemporary bands, 2 consorts, and a number of other bands and projects that pop up every now and then. I have to make money, that is a given since I am supporting a house, a wife, my son and two stepsons. I also do these performances for more important reasons that few don't think about.

Let me first apologize for rescheduling your son or daughter for my rehearsals or performances. I wish there was more time in the day and I wish directors and conductors could "let it go" and trust in their performers. I have to put up with big egos everyday and say "yes" and do what I am told-- even when my ideas could fix the problems that arise. This is what it feels like to be at the bottom of the totem pole-- I work harder and more because I am working my way up (which is one reason I do so many things).

The biggest reason why I perform is to hone my craft. I can teach someone about music, but I want to prove to them in a concert setting that what I talk about is legit. I speak from experience-- working, tried and true experience. I have read many books, but an audience changes everything.
I also perform so that students see something to strive for. We all live in Maine (I am generalizing about who is reading this). This is a state of limited resources for artists, and yet there are many artists. Everything is a fight to get money to produce anything. I have worked with very aggressive teams and with many that are too relaxed to make anything happen-- I am sure you know who wins. Steve Jobs was not relaxed, but he produced and delivered. I have my eggs in many baskets because no one thing has ever panned out. 90% of what I do is volunteer, with hopes that it will lead to something that is paid. I have presence in many forms, multiple business cards, multiple employers, contacts...It all helps, but only a little. When something comes up, even as a favor, I say yes before they change their mind. This comes from a childhood of having close to nothing. I am making up for lost time.

I hope this provides some understanding. I am fully enveloped in the artist life-- which is what someone wants in a teacher of arts. All these opportunities are not just for me though-- I pass gigs along and look for chances where students get to perform. The area is full of opportunities-- the road is long but if persevered, it is worth it.
Do what you love.

Thanks.

Performances Approaching!

What have I been up to? Rehearsals, working, and preparing for a host of concerts approaching-- basically practicing and setting up a schedule for which piece of music to devote my time to. Here is what it looks like:

Bates and Bowdoin College Orchestras combined:
The orchestra, which will be conducted at Bates by Hiroya Miura and includes musicians from Bates and Bowdoin colleges, plays works by Bartok, Haydn and Mendelssohn at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12.
 The orchestra program consists of Bartok's "Romanian Folk Dances"; Haydn's Symphony No. 99 in E-flat major; and Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 4 ("Italian"). The ensemble also performs this program at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13 at Bowdoin's Studzinski Recital Hall, Kanbar Auditorium, conducted by Bowdoin's Roland Vazquez.
http://www.bowdoin.edu/calendar/event.jsp?bid=520286&rid=61057


Medieval Feast at The Franco-American Heritage Center in Lewiston:
Nov. 19th 6p
http://www.francoamericanheritage.org/public/index.cfm?fuseaction=articles.view&id=5944

Augusta Symphony Orchestra plays Dvorak, Haydn and Sibelius:
Nov. 19th, 7:30p in Manchester, ME
Nov. 20th, 3p at High St, Church, Auburn
http://www.asomaine.org/

Bates choral orchestra plays Handel's "Messiah":
Dec. 1 and 2, 8p Olin Arts Center, Lewiston
http://www.bates.edu/events/concerts/

Student Holiday Recital @ Auburn United Methodist Church
Dec. 10th, 2-4p
http://auburnmethodist.org/

Mitch Thomas and friends Christmas Concert @ Auburn United Methodist Church
Dec. 17th, 2-4p


MaineStream @ The Ramada in Lewiston
Dec. 17th, 9p
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=269789136397058




I am sure more events will arise. By all means, please come to a performance (which many are free), and allow me to show you the ropes of how it all works. I am playing everything from Classical to Renaissance to Pop to Rock. There is something in there for everyone.
Thank you!

Public Theatre's "Around the World in 80 Days"

For a month and a half I created, edited, and constantly re-edited a sound design for The Public Theatre's (in Lewiston) production of "Around the World in 80 Days". The show required canned music (my job) and live sound effects to be performed by a Foley artist (partially my job). The ASM performed the sound effects for most productions, but last week I was able to run effects for 2 shows. This involved following the script with props in hand or tap shoe ready-- cues marked after lines. I made train sounds, whistles, bells, and a few animal and native sounds with my voice. It was a chance to perform and yet not be stuck memorizing lines and blocking (movement on stage). It was what I normally do-- but the musical instruments were sound props.

The actors were sensational-- all from New York (or mostly), and making their living doing just this. The resumes alone were impressive and humbling-- these are motivated individuals that want something and work very hard to achieve it. Most of these actors were multiple characters and one was at least 8-- all different accents, motion, and facial features and dress-- all done in a flash. I am happy to have been involved with such great masters.

Thank you!

The Lion in Winter at the Chocolate Church in Bath

For the past two weekends I had the privilege to play lute for a production of The Lion in Winter done by Bath Studio Theatre. It was presented at the Chocolate Church-- a somewhat decaying structure in downtown Bath with a rich history of performers and productions. Bath is a nice town/city near the ocean-- home of the ship building site Bath Iron Works-- also home of a ballet studio I frequented for years: David Church's School of Classical Ballet (directly and ironically across the street from the ship builders).

Ironically, which it seems everything is nowadays, Natalie MacMaster was my favorite fiddle player and performer in my early 20's. We share a sign finally!

In case no one looked at the lighted sign, a homemade one was up written in ye olde English hand.

The show was well acted, it was rewarding for me to play music that was dear to my heart (early music), and I got to finally play my lute which arrived the 2nd weekend. The 1st weekend was played on a Neapolitan mandolin-- cousin to the lute but limited in range. I played pieces by Mudarra, Dowland, Milan, Cutting, and Vivaldi-- I know, not medieval-- but in researching, few medieval pieces exist, let alone playing single lines of Gregorian chant (which I did for a bit).

I made new friends and I hope to meet up and work with this group again soon.
Thank You!

I walk into...Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul

I never set foot into what I deemed the largest and most gorgeous church cathedral I had ever seen until last weekend. I had pictures of it from the outside and I took a peek downstairs once (nothing spectacular), but never could I get any of the over-sized doors open...until last weekend.
An organ concert was happening at a convenient time. I thought I might go-- the music would be alright but I just wanted admittance to so masterful of a building. I also knew that I wanted to secure a concert there at some point (even a practice session with natural reverb).
So I walked into a European scene:

It was tempting to toss a few droplets of holy water on my face-- certainly that water WAS holy.

I didn't feel the organ music was suited for such a resonant building. The music would end with incredible delay and after effect-- and that would feed into more polyphonic lines when played. But, I knew what instrument would suit this place-- it would suit all of Catholicism in its right!
I met with the curator/organist after and got the tour. A secret room was shown behind the pulpit and I found the place that I need to prepare for. This place will not be easily earned-- but I intend to!

Norlands-- Tribute to Nancy Drinkwine

When I did the Norlands Civil War event I was asked at the end if I would join them for a fall festival with pie-- I of course agreed and put it on the back burner. I starting receiving emails 2 weeks out and wrote to Nancy Drinkwine (the coordinator) what I was thinking about doing. She was supportive and excited, although I was less so having lost 3 duet partners in a row. I was finally able to get EOS frontman Mike French to commit to the event.
I received an email 4 days prior from Nancy confirming the event and asking what kind of pie I liked. I believe I emailed her back. She passed away 2 days later from a heart attack. I felt bad but I knew I had to still play-but I wanted to do a eulogy for her.

I prepared a fiddle tune called "Nancy's Waltz" for her. I made a small speech prior and it seemed very few people knew of what happened. The event was poorly attended. The pie was delicious. I hope I can still play music for Norlands now that the position has been passed down.

RIP Nancy Drinkwine, you made everyone happy and "glued" all of Norlands together!

Bates is back! Orchestra Rules!

I think everyone should have something they get excited about that may have no meaning or change anything. For me, playing in an orchestra is hard work that is rewarding and fun. I grew up taking dance classes and being yelled at for not doing something right-- I got leagues ahead of those that had milquetoast teachers. Is that bad? I never had this playing music though-- so I have found it in various ensembles. Of course, what ensemble is the ballet of the music world? (perfection sought but never quite found)
 Classical music!
What better way to understand and feel it then to be at the helm of a living and struggling orchestra. Well, maybe the conductor is at the helm-- I am a passenger but I am helping to move the ship with my oar!
Bates is conducted by Hiroya M. who has a world of information about scores and knows how to use the right analogy or metaphor to get the desired effect out of a section. Even when the music is physically daunting and mentally exhausting, I am learning and I am adjusting.
And that is what I was talking about from my flashback earlier-- adjusting. I had to adjust to another's expectations-- and it made me better. It doesn't matter what we think about our performance-- we are being watched and heard and sometimes paid-- keep that pay coming by giving them what they want. They want good sound that is polished and from the heart-- yes, they want a lot from you. But, if no one wants anything from you then why are you here?

I am glad that Bates has begun again. The Augusta Symphony Orchestra has also begun and I will be getting their music. It is a chance to be on stage, to be a part of a greater whole, and to accomplish something that it takes a group to accomplish. Sept. 11 was a few days ago-- we all should understand that it takes a village sometimes to make a greater truth.

Thank you

Who am I?

No, I am not getting all philosophical(yet) on here-- I just want the readers and visitors to the website to know who they are dealing with-- no one-sided simpleton with a few hobbies.

Yes, I am in a top 40's band currently that plays clubs around the state.
Yes, I do play weddings on piano, classical and jazz guitar, lute, violin, and whatever is called for.
Yes, I am in a wedding rock band that has played for the past 2 years.

Did you know that at one time I was part of 4 orchestras? Bates. Bowdoin, AVCO, and ASO. AVCO has disbanded because of lack of funds, but the other 3 are going strong if I have the time. I play 1st chair violin and I enjoy classical music on a very high level. I can experience it on guitar, piano or lute, but the thrill of moving with a large number of people in a symphony is amazing. I hope I can experience it this fall again.

Yes I teach private music lessons.
Did you know I teach ballroom dance? It started as private lessons and then the opportunity arose to have a night free and a studio space. I just finished a summer session and a fall session begins in two weeks.

I teach in multiple locations as well. At a store located in a mall, at student's houses, at two art centers and at my own house. I am juggling a schedule that is ever-changing.

Practice? Yes, of course I practice. I practice in between students, at night after a long day of work, and in the morning to wake myself up and stretch. The instrument that will be displayed the soonest gets the attention- or whatever strikes my fancy. Some people meditate-- this is my meditation. Some instruments work better, but all come from the heart.

Is this all I am?
No way!!

I just wanted to inform all of you that my path is always varied and my skills are many. You can only speak from authority if you have been there.

Weddings this weekend: Kate and Josh

Leaving from Adam's wedding broke my heart, but I had a job to do and two other musicians that I had to lead into victory. This was planned months in advance, and yet we were unsure of how we were going to take on the music up until one week before.
The band was basically a configuration of Mere Point, the jazz band formed years earlier in Brunswick for a birthday party. On this gig, Mitch Thomas played keys and Ray Libby played woodwinds (sax, clarinet and flute). I played jazz guitar and violin for the klezmer songs-- that is right, klezmer! This wedding was an amalgamation of Jewish and Catholic traditions-- brought together by food and love. We brought it together with jazz and klezmer.

Here is the couple getting pics taken before the ceremony. The bride, Kate, made this hutzpah in wood shop. It fit the surroundings-- we were playing the Boothbay Harbor Botanical Gardens.

Here we are playing a klezmer song-- my violin tells me that!

Here is an example of the many paths that swivel around thousands of species of flowers. There was also wildlife that you wouldn't normally see (rabbits, different bird species).

This should have been used-- maybe I will go back and play classical guitar under it!

Even the monkey bars have been taken over by flora!

Here the couple is discussing something-- possibly prior to the eating of biscotti!

This was definitely a jazz song--- and I am sure that we loved it.

Woodchips hit the sky once the couple parted. We played Siman Tov and then we were alone, save for a couple that showed up late. They ended up with a private show.

Till death do us part? Apparently not!

Weddings this weekend: Adam and Amanda's!

One of my good friends had a wedding this weekend-- Adam Ames. We grew up together and I cannot say that I would be where I am today, as involved in music and as critical of it, if it were not for him. We could talk in depth about anything vague for hours and get to another place-- I always felt better after talking with him. He turned me onto so many bands and ideas, showed me how to multi-track record, and gave me metaphors for how to subjectively understand music. I feel bad that we haven't kept in touch too often, so I was surprised to learn that I was going to be his best man in his wedding. He told me a year in advance and I put it on a calendar. During the summer, my busiest wedding season, I had been booking gigs like normal without any idea that they would conflict with anything else. Adam's finacee emailed and gave me the date for the wedding-- on the exact day of another wedding I had to play at. Luckily, I would be able to make his wedding and only miss the reception-- which I heard about later and how great it was. I felt bad all day and I haven't fully apologized to him for powers out of my hands, but I hope this blog eventually makes it into his vision.

Here is Adam and Amanda at Mackerel Cove on Bailey Island. The day started foggy but sun burst through.

See what I mean? This is around noon on Saturday.

The wedding party posing-- but not for the camera that took this photo.

Here is to you both: Adam and Amanda Jordan Ames!

While I did not play at this wedding per se, I did set up the keyboard for Phil House ( a fine pianist), and I was fully ready to play guitar or violin at the drop of a hat. Maybe next time...

Joesph and Jen Adu's Wedding on Sunday the 21st

I had the fortune of being asked to play classical piano at a wedding in Cumberland. This happened as a fluke, as the person who had said yes to play months before couldn't make the gig and was searching for someone last minute. Ahmed, the original pianist, went to the Music Center to look for a replacement. He left without finding one and we met in the hall after I came out of the bathroom. He asked if I played, I gave a positive response, and a few emails later from both the groom and Ahmed and I was set with music and all.
I set up practice times in the morning and night to get down the 3 songs they wanted as well as add the music to be played 1hr before. I chose a song called "Secret of the Forest" from an old nintendo game and various jazz songs by Lyle Mays and Pat Metheny (as well as standards).

Here I am on a Yamaha upright that sounded alright. After a short rehearsal with a singer I went right into expanding chordal harmonies and intertwining melodies.

Here is the great singer named Katie. She sang "Make you feel my love".

Here is the amazing couple. Their union brought together two loving and generous families that I later was able to meet personally.
After the wedding, refreshments were outside with pictures being taken.

This was all great, but the best was yet to come: a restaurant in Portland that would capture the feeling.

This is not a planetarium-- it is Grace Restaurant-- a church in downtown Portland converted into a high class restaurant and bar. The scene was low lighting with small little colored light dots all over the place. String quartet music was playing and the wait staff was pushing appetizers that were delicious.

 This bar looks like the Wright Bros designed it.

I loved the architecture-- but the people made the event special.

Here are the lights that were all over the place-- I traced it back to the Dj-- I want that effect for my bands!

Patty enjoyed the event very much-- great food, atmosphere and new friends at every corner.


Overall, this was an amazing experience. Everyone was thankful and the families and cultures I met made me think about my life and all of the people I know-- am I living in the wrong place? People were physically and spiritually happy-- we talked about what we liked-- a great meal, doing what you love for work, family-- and talked about cultures that are always happy and expressive. People came from Ohio, Boston, DC and even France-- the latter brining up a conversation of how France's work system and morals are superior to what we have here in the States-- 6 hour work day, a long lunch to savior food, and a basic love of culture- a fit. I am not saying this doesn't exist in Maine, but it is not all that common in those trying to make a living-- money should not ruin everything. I wouldn't mind paying 60% in taxes if I had the French way of life.


In the end, I met great people, I was happy for Jen and Joe, and I saw multiple cultures blending together through love and commonality. I wish them all long lives and good fortune.

Thank you!

L/A Balloon Festival Part 1

Saturday the 20th MaineStream performed at the Balloon Festival in the Twin Cities.

Parking had always been problem for me at this event in the past, but since I was in a band I got special treatment.

This was my transportation with my keyboards. I felt like a King!

It was hot, but the band played well and we tried to keep the energy up for the small audience we had. Luckily, I heard that the sound carried for at least a mile in all directions-- if that is lucky, since no one would know what it was right? Eh..

Few pictures are available now, but at least in this one you can see I was busy. I want to prove that I do work for a living!
Thanks!

Red Hat Society Private Party

Scoot and I were invited to play at a Red Hat Society cookout. This happened in Brunswick and we had two weeks to prepare music from the 60's and get down a few harmonies. The hardest part was meeting up for rehearsals and trying to sing lyrics that are phrased differently than they are written (let alone the stylistic points). In the end, we did an alright job and we kept an audience. They asked for faster songs but I took the 60's as a series of slow political love songs. Without a drummer it was hard to get the train going fast-- but we satisfied that with jazz. Overall, we liked it, we got tans, and we made a group of great people happy!

We smiled often because we were trying to read the audience for the next song. They wanted fast music.

The 60's theme was about peace-- now I get it!

Redneck Olympics Part 1 (Brief)

Of course it has been over for a week, but I still remember everything. Currently the guy who hosted it is being sued by the Olympic committee over the use of "their" word. We will see how that turns out.

What can I say? I showed up and drove through an oversized gravel pit where ATVs and trucks were navigating sand, mud and people. The air smelled like gasoline and cigarettes. The music was loud because of the sound system. Everyone had a drink of some sort in their hand and by the time I got there, everyone seemed tanked. I watched two girls fall off a mechanical bull as if they were sleeping once it started. The mantra was "What happens in Hebron stays in Hebron."
After two heavy rock acts and a certain contest (which made the stage wet and the guys unruly), we set up our equipment as quickly as possible. Ants were taking over the speakers on stage and I had to step through people with my 3 keyboards and stands-- and everyone wanted to be a friend and had an opinion at that time. After a mess of getting ready, we started in on our set. Lyrics were lost, the sound fluctuated, and not every band member was on the same page. I had lights in my face, sunglasses on, and my hands were busy so I just wanted to play the songs and give a good performance. I guess we did.

While there was light you could see the ground. Seemed calm now.

Can you guess what the contest was? Standing in water afterwards made me the loser.

Pics have not come in yet from the concert, but they will for Part 2. Thanks!