Post-gig, Stix and Stones took an accounting of the assault from Lylepalooza. Betch determined upon disembarking back home that one of the many gusts of wind that blew through the River Rat during our set, actually did some damage to his much loved "Breedlove" acoustic guitar. Breakage. Ouch! A major crack between the frets and the headstock. It's one thing to intentiionally throw your guitar into your amp due to a wild music frenzy. It's quite another thing to have your guitar take off in flight and go crashing down to Mother Earth. Calling all luthiers.
Hendrix, Thrash and Chris, all staying at the Lyle Hotel, felt like they had been in Combat Rock all night after the gig. Freight trains...long and loud. Not only did Hendrix have to climb up on a dresser to knock out the smoke detector that was beeping every 2 minutes after 1 AM, he also, had those "dawg gone" trains blasting through his room....or I guess ...that was 20 feet from the hotel. Hendricks decides at 5AM to just pack it up and head north. Thrash and Chris gut it out until 7 AM and then they are making quick time up
I-5.
Can we say...earplugs needed????
We left Lucky Lefty still snoozing ....we were the lucky ones, staying at Lucky Lefty's. Comfort..ahh! T-Bone wagged his tail as we jetted out...asking for one last petting, but we were onto him at 7 AM.
Still looking for my congas. Miss those girls. Lucky Lefty promises to have them back to me soon, hopefully unscarred. : )
4th Annual Rock the House
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Breakdown
Wouldn't you know it, Log Lady returns. She wants another romp on my drums while we break down the stage. She steps in and lets loose. Jose...Christ! Those are my first borns. Lefty realizes the danger. He
moves closer to Log Lady like he is going to take those babes from her. Log Lady steps away this time, but she doesn't step so well. In fact, she doesn't know about Lefty's stage construction...she is in the bush. Face Down. Coulda been that case of "Sunburst" she consumed during our set. She pops up and asks who has her beer. That's what we call a "Break Down".
Stix and Stones load up all the cars and trucks sitting outside the River Rat. We congregate at the corner of Highway 14 and the River Rat. We decompress and check for hearing loss. All is quiet 'cept for the buzzing in our ears. We give "knuckles" all around and confirm our next gig...in a week. ..Forest Park Meadows block party. Next Sunday. You all be there, now, for some more Rock and Roll Music.
Stix
moves closer to Log Lady like he is going to take those babes from her. Log Lady steps away this time, but she doesn't step so well. In fact, she doesn't know about Lefty's stage construction...she is in the bush. Face Down. Coulda been that case of "Sunburst" she consumed during our set. She pops up and asks who has her beer. That's what we call a "Break Down".
Stix and Stones load up all the cars and trucks sitting outside the River Rat. We congregate at the corner of Highway 14 and the River Rat. We decompress and check for hearing loss. All is quiet 'cept for the buzzing in our ears. We give "knuckles" all around and confirm our next gig...in a week. ..Forest Park Meadows block party. Next Sunday. You all be there, now, for some more Rock and Roll Music.
Stix
Log Lady Cuts In
We are playing in Lyle...it kinda reminds me of Twin Peaks. Sure enough "Log Lady" approaches me...asks if she could sit in at break on my drums. She asked to have Thrash and Hendrix jam with her. I say...yeah...I guess it is OK, but all I gotta do is grab a glass of wine and then we are back to the set.
Log Lady climbs up on the stage and starts pounding my babes. If that is jammin' I would like to know what pounded the livin' daylights out of 'em might be. Hurry, get The Stones to regroup. I take control of the Log Lady. Back away from the drums, I'm 5'3" and I can beat things.
We resume our play list with fervor..what a great word for a windy night. We rock the River Rat. We are on to Johnny B. Goode, Chuck Berry style...which is the best and always will be. Then some crash...Betch's Breedlove takes a windy fall...from it's perch in a guitar stand. Jeez...that thing almost flew. No cops yet...10 PM...do a few encore songs....just to let Lyle know that we got gig. What a high. Can't get better than this road trip, first bar gig under our belts, guitars and drums. It's that adrenaline rush. Yippeee! Skippeee! Do Dah!
Log Lady climbs up on the stage and starts pounding my babes. If that is jammin' I would like to know what pounded the livin' daylights out of 'em might be. Hurry, get The Stones to regroup. I take control of the Log Lady. Back away from the drums, I'm 5'3" and I can beat things.
We resume our play list with fervor..what a great word for a windy night. We rock the River Rat. We are on to Johnny B. Goode, Chuck Berry style...which is the best and always will be. Then some crash...Betch's Breedlove takes a windy fall...from it's perch in a guitar stand. Jeez...that thing almost flew. No cops yet...10 PM...do a few encore songs....just to let Lyle know that we got gig. What a high. Can't get better than this road trip, first bar gig under our belts, guitars and drums. It's that adrenaline rush. Yippeee! Skippeee! Do Dah!
Got Gig Accomplished
Lefty's lights..check...
Betch's camera on...check
All amps up to max...check
Drums set in right places...check
mics on...check
wind at 20...check
sequins...check
patrons...check...do you see that...people out there! We got folks from all over the country...Washington DC .....a couple from Domaine Pouillion that we bribed. Virginia kids in their 20's...awesome. Plus a couple of bikers still wearin' leather. Even Washougal is represented. Locals take their seats with "Sunburst" in hands. Yippee!
Let 'er rip. Off on "All Along the Watchtower". Feels good. Rockin' and Rollin'. We keep rollin' through our song list. Gotta love those cover songs from The Stones, Petty, Beatles, Mellencamp, Paul Revere and the Raiders, and Creedence. The audience throws us lots of claps after each song. Whew! However, one vocal, local...yells, " Turn up the vocals"...so Betch hits the power boost. You would think that it would send the folks down to the River, but the River Rat air must be too thick...I guess. Betch's vocals need more boost, but it's all we got.
My drums are jumpin' so much they are slidin' off the uneven stage that Lefty installed for me. He tells me that he should have used a level, but the show goes on. I rope those babes back in after each song. Hendrix let's loose after the 3rd song. He was holdin' back on the crowd, so as not to create a frenzy in the beginning. I think he was afrad he might have to leap that barb wire. Betch finds a way to scream into his mic, as we don't have any chicken wire in front of us. Thrash, being steady Eddie and amped up to the max...powers through. Lefty, still bandaged, evens out the rhythm and starts his own kind of dancin'.
As the set keeps developing, the sun goes down and the stage lights are blaring at us. More like blinding us. But we feel like we are playing the Gorge. The crowd grows to 20...then 35. This is getting to be Big!
"Gloria" gets the crowd stompin and clapping. Hold on tight! There is more to come...break time.
Betch's camera on...check
All amps up to max...check
Drums set in right places...check
mics on...check
wind at 20...check
sequins...check
patrons...check...do you see that...people out there! We got folks from all over the country...Washington DC .....a couple from Domaine Pouillion that we bribed. Virginia kids in their 20's...awesome. Plus a couple of bikers still wearin' leather. Even Washougal is represented. Locals take their seats with "Sunburst" in hands. Yippee!
Let 'er rip. Off on "All Along the Watchtower". Feels good. Rockin' and Rollin'. We keep rollin' through our song list. Gotta love those cover songs from The Stones, Petty, Beatles, Mellencamp, Paul Revere and the Raiders, and Creedence. The audience throws us lots of claps after each song. Whew! However, one vocal, local...yells, " Turn up the vocals"...so Betch hits the power boost. You would think that it would send the folks down to the River, but the River Rat air must be too thick...I guess. Betch's vocals need more boost, but it's all we got.
My drums are jumpin' so much they are slidin' off the uneven stage that Lefty installed for me. He tells me that he should have used a level, but the show goes on. I rope those babes back in after each song. Hendrix let's loose after the 3rd song. He was holdin' back on the crowd, so as not to create a frenzy in the beginning. I think he was afrad he might have to leap that barb wire. Betch finds a way to scream into his mic, as we don't have any chicken wire in front of us. Thrash, being steady Eddie and amped up to the max...powers through. Lefty, still bandaged, evens out the rhythm and starts his own kind of dancin'.
As the set keeps developing, the sun goes down and the stage lights are blaring at us. More like blinding us. But we feel like we are playing the Gorge. The crowd grows to 20...then 35. This is getting to be Big!
"Gloria" gets the crowd stompin and clapping. Hold on tight! There is more to come...break time.
A Few Last Moments to Gig
Getting in Gear
What about Bob? Where is Hendrix? Do we need that guy? Hell, yes! Better cell him. Lefty dials up with his left hand...wait a second...he is left handed. All that blood splurting and bandages don't really matter. Back to Bob. Apparently, he tells Lefty that he can't talk, cuz he is talking to the sheriff that is writing up his ticket for rolling his truck with his Fender, amps and congas. Guess, he tells Lefty he did his own pre-function of 5 beers. Then Lefty, who is brilliant, surmises that Hendrix is on to "fibbin'" cuz Hendrix can't manage 5 beers...he's a 3 beer dude. Lefty asks Hendrix if he is tellin' the truth. Hendrix fesses up and gets a good chuckle goin'. Hendricks is in tact with his blue tooth dangling and he is behavin'.
Back to the Rat. Got gear set up. Getting tuned up, 'cept for Hendricks, of course. He's closing in on Wishram...20 minutes up stream.
Time to try out the River Rat pub food with band mates. If you ever have a cravin' for a burger the size of a flying saucer, which will feed a family of 20, mowzie on down to the Rat. Preferred beer for washing down that flying saucer..."Sunburst", the Rat's house beer....maybe that does not sound that tempting. But Lefty swears by it.
Friends drop in from Camas...2 hours down river. Steve and Linda date back to Betch's childhood days (or daze). They want to experience our first public gig ( I hope I got that typed right this tme). They even ask us to sign our poster so that they can have it for future hocking should we become a famous or infamous band.
Hendrix shows up with just enough time to throw around that River Rat burger. At 6'4", he could throw down a few more. Got his 3 beers to boot. Stix and Stones are ready for some tune up.
Lucky Lefty Wilbur's Right
As the story goes, Friday night, LLW grasped a wine glass with his right hand. Somehow that wine glass popped it's stem while LLW set the darn thing down. The questions are....How much wine was in the glass at the time and how much wine was not in the glass at the time? The answer might determine the amount of force that a wine glass hits the counter and then breaks into pieces leaving Lucky Lefty with blood squirting in all directions. Consequently, when we arrive in Lyle, LLW has bandages on his right hand strummin' finger and bandages on some of the other digits. Lucky remains to be Lucky. Rock and roll music has got to go on.
Gig Tripping
Put the city behind us. Up and over Snoqualmie Pass, escaping with all the other city folk in their SUVs.
Ellensburg to Columbia River, farmlands burst with fruits of labor. Our first stop, to enjoy some of that labor is Maryhill Winery. At first site, the venue for bands at Maryhill, fills our heads with visions of future gigs. Wine isn't bad either. We then "celled" Lucky Lefty, "see ya in 20 minutes at the River Rat. Winds are at 20 mph. Boarders and Surfers are flying across the Columbia. What a sight. Pull up to The RR with 20 bikes, as in Harleys, parked outside the Rat. I thought I had leather....those dudes got leather everywhere, 'cept on their butts...go figure that one.
Now we are into some serious gig surmising. Scope out the stage and set-up. We surmise in 20 that this is gonna work. Since it's only 2 PM, we've got the time to pre-function with Lefty and his brother, Rick, at Domaine Pouillion. Lefty left his wife (not for good), Karen to tend the wine tasting room, while the owners
scooted out of town for the day. Karen was serving up some mighty fine fermented grapes in a glass. T-Bone, resident dog, greets us. We are warned, "If you pet T- Bone, don't scratch anything, you might get a bad case of poison oak, as T-Bone likes to behave badly in that stuff." Poison Oak is not something someone would want prior to playing a gig. We obey for now. Unsuspecting gangs of wine tasters, don't call them drinkers, arrive. They come with willing ears to hear about our Rock and Roll gig at the Rat and they come with open mouths to taste the fermented grape. Fun start to "Functioning".
Closing in on 4 PM, we hop in our band sleigh for the Rat. Lefty is right behind in his F150.
To be continued.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
LYLEPALOOZA IS TODAY
All systems are a "GO' for Lylepalooza today. We got word from Lucky Lefty Wilbur that he checked out the outdoor lighting last night, along with his brother. At 10 PM last night, the bros were at the River Rat observing the stage, lighting and dance floor. Looking good for Stix and Stones. The weather forecast has improved. Less wind and rain predicted. Lucky has another story to tell us upon our arrival...he mentioned something about a broken wine glass. I'm telling you....by the time we play our gig, Lefty might be just that.
We will jumping into the band sleigh at 9 AM...through the farm lands to Lyle. Yipppee! Peace and Love.
Stix
We will jumping into the band sleigh at 9 AM...through the farm lands to Lyle. Yipppee! Peace and Love.
Stix
Friday, August 20, 2010
Roadie Packs Up
Our "Roadie", aka Lead Singer, guitar, just got the VW bus packed. OK...it's not a bus, and it's not a VW. It's a BMW, X3. Red. Big Sun Roof, which will be open all the way to Lyle. When I say "packed", I mean as in "there is no room for me", the drummer. I am going to be ridin' outside that sun roof. Let's review what the lead singer and drummer have nestled snugly inside their band sleigh.....keep in mind that we pawned off 4 amps on to Bobi Hendrix.
Bass drum, rack toms, high hat, 2 cymbals, 2 large congas, 1 tambourine, 3 mics, 6 music stands, keyboard, mixer, big box of gear, chords, tarps, 2 guitars with cases and one cowbell.
We're off and ready. Wait a second. There isn't room for me. The Roadie is going to take the congas and the keyboard over to Bobi Hendrix. I guess the Roadie decided that the drummer should ride inside for the the trip to Lyle.
By the way, if you need exact precise directions anywhere...call on Lefty. Mapquest and Garmin are not sufficient. Here are the directions to Lyle. You gotta read these...Think: Woodstock / Yasgur Farm.
DRIVING TO LYLE / SNOWDEN ROAD 98635)
VIA I-90 (the scenic route)
Take I-90 east to Ellensberg. Pass the Canyon Road exit and take the last Ellensberg Exit 110 (97 South to Yakima). Yakima is half way. From Yakima continue east on 82 toward Richland. (82 and 97 are the same road at this point), thru Yakima. Just past Union Gap take exit 37 (97 south to Goldendale / Bend) . This Yakama Indian Reservation road has occasional brief traffic lights for the next 12 miles as you go through Wapato and Toppenish (lots of fruit trees, plus too many stinky cows much of year). If you need gas, stop in Toppenish because it is 50 miles of town-free mountains from Toppenish to Goldendale. For food or gas, go left at the Fort Road light. The Fort Road light is the last light before 97 turns right towards Goldendale.
From Toppenish, take the Hwy97 right fork to Goldendale, 50 miles and about 45 minutes away. The road becomes a very nice two lane mountain hwy with occasional truck passing lanes in the mountains. Goldendale is about 200 miles from Bellevue and 45 minutes from our place.
From Goldendale continue south, still on 97. In 10 minutes you will start to see huge white wind turbines everywhere as the road begins to wind down into the Columbia River Gorge and turns west. About 15 minutes from Goldendale you’ll pass the Biggs junction on the left which would take you across the river and towards Bend. But continue straight (west) on the Washington side, on what is now Hwy 14. In 5-10 minutes you’ll pass Maryhill Winery on the left. You are now about 30 minutes from our house in Lyle. As you continue west, you’ll pass the tiny town of Wishram scattered above and below the cliffs (across the river is the historic Indian “town” of Celilo). Drive past the left turn onto Hwy 197 that would take you to The Dalles. Continue on 14 about 10 minutes to a couple of 40mph tunnels drilled through the rock. When you exit the tunnels, you are in in Lyle. The River Rat is halfway through town on the left. To get to our place, continue through town and cross the concrete bridge over the Klickitat River.
Bass drum, rack toms, high hat, 2 cymbals, 2 large congas, 1 tambourine, 3 mics, 6 music stands, keyboard, mixer, big box of gear, chords, tarps, 2 guitars with cases and one cowbell.
We're off and ready. Wait a second. There isn't room for me. The Roadie is going to take the congas and the keyboard over to Bobi Hendrix. I guess the Roadie decided that the drummer should ride inside for the the trip to Lyle.
By the way, if you need exact precise directions anywhere...call on Lefty. Mapquest and Garmin are not sufficient. Here are the directions to Lyle. You gotta read these...Think: Woodstock / Yasgur Farm.
DRIVING TO LYLE / SNOWDEN ROAD 98635)
VIA I-90 (the scenic route)
Take I-90 east to Ellensberg. Pass the Canyon Road exit and take the last Ellensberg Exit 110 (97 South to Yakima). Yakima is half way. From Yakima continue east on 82 toward Richland. (82 and 97 are the same road at this point), thru Yakima. Just past Union Gap take exit 37 (97 south to Goldendale / Bend) . This Yakama Indian Reservation road has occasional brief traffic lights for the next 12 miles as you go through Wapato and Toppenish (lots of fruit trees, plus too many stinky cows much of year). If you need gas, stop in Toppenish because it is 50 miles of town-free mountains from Toppenish to Goldendale. For food or gas, go left at the Fort Road light. The Fort Road light is the last light before 97 turns right towards Goldendale.
From Toppenish, take the Hwy97 right fork to Goldendale, 50 miles and about 45 minutes away. The road becomes a very nice two lane mountain hwy with occasional truck passing lanes in the mountains. Goldendale is about 200 miles from Bellevue and 45 minutes from our place.
From Goldendale continue south, still on 97. In 10 minutes you will start to see huge white wind turbines everywhere as the road begins to wind down into the Columbia River Gorge and turns west. About 15 minutes from Goldendale you’ll pass the Biggs junction on the left which would take you across the river and towards Bend. But continue straight (west) on the Washington side, on what is now Hwy 14. In 5-10 minutes you’ll pass Maryhill Winery on the left. You are now about 30 minutes from our house in Lyle. As you continue west, you’ll pass the tiny town of Wishram scattered above and below the cliffs (across the river is the historic Indian “town” of Celilo). Drive past the left turn onto Hwy 197 that would take you to The Dalles. Continue on 14 about 10 minutes to a couple of 40mph tunnels drilled through the rock. When you exit the tunnels, you are in in Lyle. The River Rat is halfway through town on the left. To get to our place, continue through town and cross the concrete bridge over the Klickitat River.
Lucky Lefty Goes Off Deep End
Lucky Lefty Wilbur emailed the band last night at 3 AM..."earworm" infection...repetitive songs blaring in one's ear. Makes one rather sleepless. Lucky also had anxiety about the play list. Apparently, the cheat sheets on the foor might not work for him. Can't see them at that distance, might blow away in the now predicted 20 - 30 mph wind. The lights might be too dark outside, then he won't be able to see the chords even if they were posted to his forehead. Lucky might need some serious sedation in the next 24 hours.
Promise me...Lucky....that you won't be doing anything that requires hand precision...like trimming your nose hairs..with the jitters you got...you might do some long term damage. And you might try a visit to that costume store again, where you purchased Kirk's Rastafarian wig. Chill out, dude....it's Rock and Roll music. Once we get goin' you will be in the groove.....music will happen....and people will be dancin'...at that point...we just in it for the fun.
In 24 hours....we hit the road to Lyle.
Promise me...Lucky....that you won't be doing anything that requires hand precision...like trimming your nose hairs..with the jitters you got...you might do some long term damage. And you might try a visit to that costume store again, where you purchased Kirk's Rastafarian wig. Chill out, dude....it's Rock and Roll music. Once we get goin' you will be in the groove.....music will happen....and people will be dancin'...at that point...we just in it for the fun.
In 24 hours....we hit the road to Lyle.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Thursday Unplugged
The guys arrived at 7 PM, we tuned up with a few beers and some wine. Not a bad start. Hit the first song, which is going to be....(drum roll)...."All Along the Watchtower." Bobi Hendrix has it nailed. Thrash has such a sweet bass line to that song. Lucky Lefty's got that back up rhythym goin'...add Kirk with the vocals and back up guitar...we got us some music goin' on. I love the way that song just gets rockin' and you can kick it up a gear or keep it sweet and dramatic. From there we will be sure to have a good rockin' time.
Our dilemma is that we have so many songs that we love to play. How can you not love the Classic rock songs? Add some Tom Petty (wait til you hear "Free Fallin") and we won't be able to stop...even if the Commissioner shows up.
We broke down the gear tonight. Sent the amps with Bob....is that a good idea? The neighbors might boot him out of the neighborhood.
Chuck says that he wlll meet us at the River Rat. The Thrash's have some serious traveling adventures ahead before they find The River Rat.
Wilbur's got all fingers tonight...Lucky Lefty....and then there is some extra hair growing around his face that we have not seen before. Is that "Lucky Lefty Livin' it up in Lyle""
Kirk chose to have a "wind down wine"....who wouldn't after that set? A buzz, is just that. You got to calm the buzz. Or not???
As for me...I know I will have an "earworm" and a "beat worm" some time after midnight. Our last song tonight was "R.O.C. K. in the USA". Wilbur said I should try some Tylenol PM to sleep. Come on now....who wants to sleep with that shakin'?
Up til then...
Our dilemma is that we have so many songs that we love to play. How can you not love the Classic rock songs? Add some Tom Petty (wait til you hear "Free Fallin") and we won't be able to stop...even if the Commissioner shows up.
We broke down the gear tonight. Sent the amps with Bob....is that a good idea? The neighbors might boot him out of the neighborhood.
Chuck says that he wlll meet us at the River Rat. The Thrash's have some serious traveling adventures ahead before they find The River Rat.
Wilbur's got all fingers tonight...Lucky Lefty....and then there is some extra hair growing around his face that we have not seen before. Is that "Lucky Lefty Livin' it up in Lyle""
Kirk chose to have a "wind down wine"....who wouldn't after that set? A buzz, is just that. You got to calm the buzz. Or not???
As for me...I know I will have an "earworm" and a "beat worm" some time after midnight. Our last song tonight was "R.O.C. K. in the USA". Wilbur said I should try some Tylenol PM to sleep. Come on now....who wants to sleep with that shakin'?
Up til then...
Weather for Saturday in Lyle
Saturday August 21
Mostly sunny. Highs in the low 80s and lows in the upper 50s.
Wind Speed: 20 Ideal for wind surfing the BIG KAHUNA's
Amp Speed: Over 90, will bend trees side ways
Precipitation: 10%
Mostly sunny. Highs in the low 80s and lows in the upper 50s.
Wind Speed: 20 Ideal for wind surfing the BIG KAHUNA's
Amp Speed: Over 90, will bend trees side ways
Precipitation: 10%
Commissioner Approves Gig
The Commissioner (as in County Authority) visited the River Rat today. He approved of our loud gig for Saturday night. The next door guy might be hearing some Classic Rock. Hood River might be hearing some Classic Rock. I understand that Chuck's amp alone will loosen ceiling tiles in of itself. Multiply that times 4....can we say sonic boom? New gig attire: Hard Hat. That might work with sequins.
Gig Wear Redux
Now all he needs is some weed and we will be all set for our Gig.
Friends to the Rescue
What would I do without friends to help me this week?
Nancy, who has been a willing participant in my life for 36 years, kindly pointed out to me that I had, what she thought might be a typo in one of my posts. I apparently typed in "pubic" gig, instead of "public" gig. Do I fess up now to my error, or do I let it hang out there in blog space so that we could really get some interesting fans for our first ever PUBLIC GIG? Letting it hang....
Susan, invited me to lunch to celebrate my birthday. She discoverd a recipe for removing wrinkles. The recipe calls for a 1/4 cup of Sunflower Oil. She gave me a pint. I can get a zillion applications in before Saturday.
Deanna, knowing about my gig attire dilemma, arrived at my door step with some emergency advice.
Yes, I could wear the sleeveless sequin top, as my underarms do not flap in the breeze while I am drumming. That is yet to be determined.
Thank you....friends. You're the best.
Nancy, who has been a willing participant in my life for 36 years, kindly pointed out to me that I had, what she thought might be a typo in one of my posts. I apparently typed in "pubic" gig, instead of "public" gig. Do I fess up now to my error, or do I let it hang out there in blog space so that we could really get some interesting fans for our first ever PUBLIC GIG? Letting it hang....
Susan, invited me to lunch to celebrate my birthday. She discoverd a recipe for removing wrinkles. The recipe calls for a 1/4 cup of Sunflower Oil. She gave me a pint. I can get a zillion applications in before Saturday.
Deanna, knowing about my gig attire dilemma, arrived at my door step with some emergency advice.
Yes, I could wear the sleeveless sequin top, as my underarms do not flap in the breeze while I am drumming. That is yet to be determined.
Thank you....friends. You're the best.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Up and Running
3 days until our first debut.
Awake at 1:30 AM with drum beats in my head. 1&2&3-e-and-a-4and, repeat 11 million times.
Then change that beat to 1and a 2 and a 3 and a 4and a.....repeat another 11 million times.
Now this is different than an "ear worm", which is a repetitive song that repeats in your brain, again and again. Every time I hear or play, "Running Down a Dream", my brain kicks into a scratched "45". I have no cure, just "go with it". I get to dance in my dream.
But the drum beats, those are different. I go through all the various drum beats, repetitively, repetitively, repetitively. No words, just beats. No cure, just beats. No sleep, just beats. Need guitars and 4 guys (The Stones of Stix and Stones) to help me through this repetiitive dream. Got Band Practice Gig Rehearsal in one day. Hope I can get back to "Running Down a Dream" cuz dancing in my dreams is soooo much fun! Let's get goin' guys asap.
Awake at 1:30 AM with drum beats in my head. 1&2&3-e-and-a-4and, repeat 11 million times.
Then change that beat to 1and a 2 and a 3 and a 4and a.....repeat another 11 million times.
Now this is different than an "ear worm", which is a repetitive song that repeats in your brain, again and again. Every time I hear or play, "Running Down a Dream", my brain kicks into a scratched "45". I have no cure, just "go with it". I get to dance in my dream.
But the drum beats, those are different. I go through all the various drum beats, repetitively, repetitively, repetitively. No words, just beats. No cure, just beats. No sleep, just beats. Need guitars and 4 guys (The Stones of Stix and Stones) to help me through this repetiitive dream. Got Band Practice Gig Rehearsal in one day. Hope I can get back to "Running Down a Dream" cuz dancing in my dreams is soooo much fun! Let's get goin' guys asap.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
It's all in the Name
After posting the last blog, I realized that I have not mentioned that Chuck's last name is "Thrash". I ain't joshin'. How cool is it to have a bass player with that name? Well, he is one cool bass guitar player wearing an Hawaiian shirt with the name, Thrash. You gotta come hear that guy play.
Lucky Wilbur will be "on hand" to lay down some rhythm to Thrash.
Lucky Wilbur will be "on hand" to lay down some rhythm to Thrash.
Wilbur Gets Lucky!
You might think by the title of this post, that this might have to do with sex. Read on...
I had to get you a little excited...
Wilbur enjoys hanging out in 2 places, Bellevue and Lyle. One place is all work (Bellevue), the other place is all play (Lyle). (Am I getting close to mentioning anything about sex?) The Bellevue hang out requires attention at times, especially when it involes electrical dilemmas. Recently, Wilbur tackled the job of repairing a range hood fan (yes, I think it is from the 70's). Keep in mind that Wilbur needs all fingers for our Lyle gig in 4 days. I get this email today:
By the way, on the topic of prayer, I think I owe one to the Big Guy. This morning I was putting the last screw into the underside of my range hood after reinstalling the fan motors (got new circuit wiring Friday morning--that deserves its own round of prayers). Somehow I reached into the fan inlet to brace myself, and the fan was running on high speed (stupid, huh?). Now don't panic -- I'm typing this, aren't I? There was a big THUNK as my fingertip hit the "squirrel cage" fan. I looked down at my right index finger, which had been covered with a latex rubber glove, expecting to see bloody bone and thinking "At least it was my pick hand." Didn't even break the skin, just a little bruised! Whew!
Wilbur (or you can call me Lucky)
So Lucky it is. Now let's hope for some of that "Other Luck".
Chuck responded:
Wilbur - put the tools down and step away from the tool box. I've never played in a band with a guitar player named "lefty."
Chuck
Keep in mind that Chuck's last name is "Thrash"....for real. I ain't joshin'
Watch out Lyle....we have a bass guitar player named "Thrash" and One Lucky Wilbur
I had to get you a little excited...
Wilbur enjoys hanging out in 2 places, Bellevue and Lyle. One place is all work (Bellevue), the other place is all play (Lyle). (Am I getting close to mentioning anything about sex?) The Bellevue hang out requires attention at times, especially when it involes electrical dilemmas. Recently, Wilbur tackled the job of repairing a range hood fan (yes, I think it is from the 70's). Keep in mind that Wilbur needs all fingers for our Lyle gig in 4 days. I get this email today:
By the way, on the topic of prayer, I think I owe one to the Big Guy. This morning I was putting the last screw into the underside of my range hood after reinstalling the fan motors (got new circuit wiring Friday morning--that deserves its own round of prayers). Somehow I reached into the fan inlet to brace myself, and the fan was running on high speed (stupid, huh?). Now don't panic -- I'm typing this, aren't I? There was a big THUNK as my fingertip hit the "squirrel cage" fan. I looked down at my right index finger, which had been covered with a latex rubber glove, expecting to see bloody bone and thinking "At least it was my pick hand." Didn't even break the skin, just a little bruised! Whew!
Wilbur (or you can call me Lucky)
So Lucky it is. Now let's hope for some of that "Other Luck".
Chuck responded:
Wilbur - put the tools down and step away from the tool box. I've never played in a band with a guitar player named "lefty."
Chuck
Keep in mind that Chuck's last name is "Thrash"....for real. I ain't joshin'
Watch out Lyle....we have a bass guitar player named "Thrash" and One Lucky Wilbur
Monday, August 16, 2010
Monday, Monday....counting down....
One day closer to gig. What could we possibly be doing. For one thing, Wilbur, our rhythm guitar and back up vocal guy, has sent us more emails regarding Lylepalooza. It takes a team to put on a gig...mostly because we do not have a manager, publicist, stage hand, roadie, electrician or lighting personnel...we have Will (or Wilbur by his stage name.) Wilbur has done it all....built me a stage outside the River Rat in a raised bed area where we can set the drums and congas. A little scarey for me to know that perhaps someone might be watching me and not the lead singer and our outstanding lead guitar player, Bobi Hendrix...OK...so his name is Bob, but he does sound like Jimi.
Wilbur found away to do all the lighting needed for an 8 PM - 11 PM show. At least we hope. He also, finds a way to convince Jerry (River Rat Manager) to let us use his ice machine's plug while we play, which basically means that if you stop at the River Rat for ice after 8 PM, you might get water. Wilbur has all the bases covered, except that the next door neighbor complained last weekend that the jukebox inside was too loud. I wonder if this next door guy has seen any Stix and Stone Posters hanging around town ( Wilbur resurfaced many walls around Lyle with our gig poster). Next door neighbor guy does not understand that the "Stones" part of "Stix and Stones" do not know how to turn down their amps. Perhaps we can walk some fancy cotton over to him to solve his "loud" problem.
What else are we doing on this day...panicing a bit. ...printing out all our songs into smaller format so it can be a cheat sheet. Well, we have a pretty good handle on the songs. You never know when the "deer in headlights" effect might hit during a song. Copying, taking notes, dramatizing every page with more scribble than is really necessary. This may be a good ritual for future pubic gigs. Settle into a visual format and then glare at it for the next 5 days.
Then of course we are discussing our clothing for the event. We are both in our late fifties. Kirk wants to look like a lead singer rock star....I want to look like Ringo...Ok...maybe not Ringo. How about Joan Jett on drums?
Chuck, our bass player, looks cool in his Hawaiian shirt..always. Piece of cake for that dude. Bass players have it made..they can wear any look and just be as good with it. It's about how they play that is sooo cooool!
Do sequins and leather work at Lylepalooza on a hot summer August night? I need Tim Gunn..fast.
I know he will just say "Make it Work." Sequins and leather, it is. By the way...did I mention that I am a grannie? Actually, Nana, but you get the picture...pehaps I should post that image...or NOT!
On to tomorrow.....
Wilbur found away to do all the lighting needed for an 8 PM - 11 PM show. At least we hope. He also, finds a way to convince Jerry (River Rat Manager) to let us use his ice machine's plug while we play, which basically means that if you stop at the River Rat for ice after 8 PM, you might get water. Wilbur has all the bases covered, except that the next door neighbor complained last weekend that the jukebox inside was too loud. I wonder if this next door guy has seen any Stix and Stone Posters hanging around town ( Wilbur resurfaced many walls around Lyle with our gig poster). Next door neighbor guy does not understand that the "Stones" part of "Stix and Stones" do not know how to turn down their amps. Perhaps we can walk some fancy cotton over to him to solve his "loud" problem.
What else are we doing on this day...panicing a bit. ...printing out all our songs into smaller format so it can be a cheat sheet. Well, we have a pretty good handle on the songs. You never know when the "deer in headlights" effect might hit during a song. Copying, taking notes, dramatizing every page with more scribble than is really necessary. This may be a good ritual for future pubic gigs. Settle into a visual format and then glare at it for the next 5 days.
Then of course we are discussing our clothing for the event. We are both in our late fifties. Kirk wants to look like a lead singer rock star....I want to look like Ringo...Ok...maybe not Ringo. How about Joan Jett on drums?
Chuck, our bass player, looks cool in his Hawaiian shirt..always. Piece of cake for that dude. Bass players have it made..they can wear any look and just be as good with it. It's about how they play that is sooo cooool!
Do sequins and leather work at Lylepalooza on a hot summer August night? I need Tim Gunn..fast.
I know he will just say "Make it Work." Sequins and leather, it is. By the way...did I mention that I am a grannie? Actually, Nana, but you get the picture...pehaps I should post that image...or NOT!
On to tomorrow.....
7 days until River Rat Gig
Kirk ( lead guitar and vocals) and I ( drummer ) are driving from Bend, Oregon to Bellevue on Sunday, August 15th. We are one week away from our first ever Pub/Tavern/ public gig. While, we have done various gigs for our friends in private settings, this one is a little more challenging for our mental state. This is a public appearance with posters hanging around Lyle and the River Rat counting on Stix and Stones to pull off a memorable gig. With any luck, we might score a Lylepalooza II.
Every time we glance over at each other, we show our anxiety smiles with grimaced teeth. We have to kick back and let it happen. Second thiought, we load the I-Pod with our gig songs, we hit the play list starting in Goldendale. It's 9 AM..but what the hay! We gotta do what we gotta do and that is listen for more nuances in our own instruments...and perhaps it would be a good thing for the leader singer to memorize all the songs. At least a drummer can pound away and hopefully stay on beat.
With the sun blazing and the heat turning to 85+ degrees by the time we hit Toppenish....we are cruisin' the road and our set list. I am diligently slapping my legs, the seat, the dashboard, trying to get all 4 limbs in play, as a drummer would and should be doing. Still cruisin' 90 + degrees in Ellensburg and still playing our set.
We are deaf by the time we get to Cle Elum, but the set is memorized. The hands have no skin left on them. The vocalist starts to whisper to save his voice for next Saturday. OHHH! Anxiety just to think about it. Don't think about it!
Every time we glance over at each other, we show our anxiety smiles with grimaced teeth. We have to kick back and let it happen. Second thiought, we load the I-Pod with our gig songs, we hit the play list starting in Goldendale. It's 9 AM..but what the hay! We gotta do what we gotta do and that is listen for more nuances in our own instruments...and perhaps it would be a good thing for the leader singer to memorize all the songs. At least a drummer can pound away and hopefully stay on beat.
With the sun blazing and the heat turning to 85+ degrees by the time we hit Toppenish....we are cruisin' the road and our set list. I am diligently slapping my legs, the seat, the dashboard, trying to get all 4 limbs in play, as a drummer would and should be doing. Still cruisin' 90 + degrees in Ellensburg and still playing our set.
We are deaf by the time we get to Cle Elum, but the set is memorized. The hands have no skin left on them. The vocalist starts to whisper to save his voice for next Saturday. OHHH! Anxiety just to think about it. Don't think about it!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Formerly Rusted Rock
Same Band, Different Name. We are hitting the tour. The VW Bus is loaded with gear. We are headed south to the Columbia Gorge. Lyle has windsurfers, wineries and wild sunny weather. We hear there are wild turkeys grazing in the Canyon. This makes for a perfect spot to initiate our new name, along with our first tavern gig. While we enjoy the comforts of home, we are drawn to the sleepless nights and loud Classic Rock music busting out of our amps. Guaranteed to wake the town of Lyle with covers from Tom Petty, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, Mellencamp and many more. We are hoping that Bob Dylan and John Mellencamp will stop by on their tour to Bend, Oregon. Of course, all of our groupies are invited to join us for our first tour. See you in Lyle on Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 8 PM. "Don't wait until the last song to start dancing."
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