Turn it up... little bit higher...
Played a show last night at Escape Java Joint as part of the opening of an environmental art exhibit there. There were multiple occasions and aspects of the situation where disaster was barely averted.
The first was preparation: we had virutally no time to practice before playing this show. 3 of the songs we played as a group for the first time only earlier that day.
Second was transportation to the venue--mainly with respect to drums and amps. I was going to borrow Eric Huynh's car until that plan fell through due to said car being blocked in to its parking spot. Then after Britigan graciously agreed to drive our stuff, he *also* at the last minute had his car blocked in. Luckily, his roommate came home before long and unblocked it. Then Britigan ran into horrific trafic ont he way over. Luckily, we had allowed ourselves enough time that this was okay. But Britigan's car wasn't big enough to fit all of us, so I rode with him, Kent took my bike, and Jessica and Amber waited for Jeffrey to come with his SUV to give them a ride. Come show time, Jessica and Amber were still at Nottingham waiting for Jeffrey, but fortunately we were able to just push everything back while we waited for them. They got there just in time and we were able to start close to on schedule.
Third was equipment. We knew Escape had a PA system and we were planning on using it. What we didn't know was that there's only one employee there that has a key to that stuff, and he wasn't working that night, so we weren't able to get at it. Then we found out that the owner himself was around so he got us set up with everything and was generally just a very nice guy about the whole thing. Still, during our first set we had lots of technical difficulties with power and equipment cutting out or distorting, volume levels fluctuating, etc. During the break we got everything sorted out though, and the second set went off without a hitch.
In the end, we wound up with a very fun and successful (if exhausting) show. There were lots of new people there that had never seen us before and we could tell we were a draw keeping a lot of those people around that have left otherwise. And then we also got to feel good about supporting Isabella's art event because we also brought some people to the opening who came just to see us. Kent's older sister and little niece were there, and the little one kept dashing around talking to us while we were playing; it was pretty adorable. There was also a fairly cute girl working the counter at the coffe shop who seemed to really like us. We also got asked by an instructor in the Environmental Studies program if we would play their department's cook-out. Assuming the schedule and facilities are conducive to doing so, I'd love to be able to play that event. Outside shows rule.
We've also got a show coming up on May 17th at Lothlorien, playing with some other bands that have set up a show there.
In other musical news, I had a bass lesson this morning (and got a nice workout biking there and back--about 4 miles each way), and I'm also getting my guitar back from the shop today. Guess that means I'll have to go play out on State Street one of these days. I miss doing that.
Today my parents are coming in to town (should be here in about a half hour) , and we're all going to my induction ceremony for Phi Beta Kappa (yes, I'm joining a douchey honors society, but it looks good on a resume). Then tomorrow I have to work on my Chile 1973 presentation for Spanish class (12-2), and then from 2-8 study for Monday's Spanish test and finish my highway simulation java program for CS302. At 8 is the Trampled by Turtles show at High Noon. Then somewhere in there I have to finish reading this book Global Warning, so I can discuss it with George this week. I think I will try taking oen of George's Concerta tomorrow to give me that extra edge (first time for everything...) or else I will never get all this shit done.
Looking forward to graduation, but still badly in need of employment, both here for the summer and in MN for August. And in 40 days or so I should start looking for a place to live in Minneapolis. So much to do, so much to do, I can feel the effects of long-term stress taking their wear on my body/mind/soul, but I also don't see any responsibilities that I can cut out of my life while still being the person I want to be. Just gotta fight through it. It will be easier after graduation. No more homework ever again. I am so ready for the straight up 9-5 you have no idea. And end to the work day will be a sight to behold.
The first was preparation: we had virutally no time to practice before playing this show. 3 of the songs we played as a group for the first time only earlier that day.
Second was transportation to the venue--mainly with respect to drums and amps. I was going to borrow Eric Huynh's car until that plan fell through due to said car being blocked in to its parking spot. Then after Britigan graciously agreed to drive our stuff, he *also* at the last minute had his car blocked in. Luckily, his roommate came home before long and unblocked it. Then Britigan ran into horrific trafic ont he way over. Luckily, we had allowed ourselves enough time that this was okay. But Britigan's car wasn't big enough to fit all of us, so I rode with him, Kent took my bike, and Jessica and Amber waited for Jeffrey to come with his SUV to give them a ride. Come show time, Jessica and Amber were still at Nottingham waiting for Jeffrey, but fortunately we were able to just push everything back while we waited for them. They got there just in time and we were able to start close to on schedule.
Third was equipment. We knew Escape had a PA system and we were planning on using it. What we didn't know was that there's only one employee there that has a key to that stuff, and he wasn't working that night, so we weren't able to get at it. Then we found out that the owner himself was around so he got us set up with everything and was generally just a very nice guy about the whole thing. Still, during our first set we had lots of technical difficulties with power and equipment cutting out or distorting, volume levels fluctuating, etc. During the break we got everything sorted out though, and the second set went off without a hitch.
In the end, we wound up with a very fun and successful (if exhausting) show. There were lots of new people there that had never seen us before and we could tell we were a draw keeping a lot of those people around that have left otherwise. And then we also got to feel good about supporting Isabella's art event because we also brought some people to the opening who came just to see us. Kent's older sister and little niece were there, and the little one kept dashing around talking to us while we were playing; it was pretty adorable. There was also a fairly cute girl working the counter at the coffe shop who seemed to really like us. We also got asked by an instructor in the Environmental Studies program if we would play their department's cook-out. Assuming the schedule and facilities are conducive to doing so, I'd love to be able to play that event. Outside shows rule.
We've also got a show coming up on May 17th at Lothlorien, playing with some other bands that have set up a show there.
In other musical news, I had a bass lesson this morning (and got a nice workout biking there and back--about 4 miles each way), and I'm also getting my guitar back from the shop today. Guess that means I'll have to go play out on State Street one of these days. I miss doing that.
Today my parents are coming in to town (should be here in about a half hour) , and we're all going to my induction ceremony for Phi Beta Kappa (yes, I'm joining a douchey honors society, but it looks good on a resume). Then tomorrow I have to work on my Chile 1973 presentation for Spanish class (12-2), and then from 2-8 study for Monday's Spanish test and finish my highway simulation java program for CS302. At 8 is the Trampled by Turtles show at High Noon. Then somewhere in there I have to finish reading this book Global Warning, so I can discuss it with George this week. I think I will try taking oen of George's Concerta tomorrow to give me that extra edge (first time for everything...) or else I will never get all this shit done.
Looking forward to graduation, but still badly in need of employment, both here for the summer and in MN for August. And in 40 days or so I should start looking for a place to live in Minneapolis. So much to do, so much to do, I can feel the effects of long-term stress taking their wear on my body/mind/soul, but I also don't see any responsibilities that I can cut out of my life while still being the person I want to be. Just gotta fight through it. It will be easier after graduation. No more homework ever again. I am so ready for the straight up 9-5 you have no idea. And end to the work day will be a sight to behold.