Well, we did our show at Winnarainbow on 6/17. We have been playing there for 5 years now. Before I get into it I should say that it was quiet a success. I was a bit worried that we would not be able to maintain the quality that we have had there previously. Mainly because we wouldn't have Sylvia, plus a new drummer and also reports of foul weather.
The weather starting the day before was not too good; rain, clouds, wind, etc). Usually the show/dance there is outdoors on the rainbow stage (Wavy likes it best under the stars). By the way, that rainbow stage which you can see in our photo gallery is quite interesting. You can walk on stairs over the whole rainbow and much of the sound equipment is from the Grateful Dead's touring stash. For most of Camp Winnarainbow's history the chief tech/sound guy there was Stan Goldstein. He passed away recently but the first few years that we played there he was the man. We learned so much from him about sound, music,etc. Thanks Stan. His ashes are embedded in the recently refurbished rainbow stage. Hey, Stan hired all the bands for the original Woodstock Fest.
Since the weather was iffy, it was decided that we move into the "big top" circus tent, a place usually used for yoga and meditation. While were setting up a belly dance class was happening a few feet away. It was a nice space. The sound was real good, kind of warm. We all got a fresh supply of clown noses as well.
Right before we are about to start there was some kind of commotion - A super sunset and a giant rainbow over the camp. Sounds phony but it happened. Wavy was ecstatic! We started playing and had a real good time. There were a lot of people in tent all doing their whatever in all sorts of way out costumes.
I must also say how pleased I am with how every member of our group contributed to a fun and satisfying musical sojourn. On a couple of tunes we had a kazoo section of Steph & Wavy!
Enough Winnarainbow I guess. We did Northwood this past Thursday 6/23. It was a bit strange, a very different version of the band. Due to some scheduling conflicts and an injury to our bass player(Chris will be back in action soon) the band consisted of Andre/bass, Shawn/ drums & myself, yow. I thought it was halfway decent. Andre rocked it on the bass and Shawn's groove and actual playing of the song and not just doing a beat were all yes from me! The new owners Chris & Jeff were very helpful and pleased with the turnout. As long as folks use common sense and move away from the building to partake of their herb we will be able to our weekly thing there. Too bad Tim & Tim ignored the rule. The new carpet in the place has improved the sound considerably. The old Northwood was one of the worst sonic spaces we have ever played in. A few folks complained about having difficulty dancing on the carpet. It was the same at the Pink Elephant. Ya gotta modify your technique I guess. We will return to Northwood on 7/7 and hopefully be there most Thursdays through out the summer. Next up for us is 4th of July at the Backyard in Forestville. On board for that one will be our original keyboard player Russ Kerger & a special guest appearance by Brackett Clark (all the way from Maine). Stop in for some tunes & a brew. It's free 6 - 9 p.m. Probably a bunch of Dead tunes will be jammed upon. Enough ranting for now.