Heavy Surf! is 4 days away. Four days until you and we get to see Slacktone -- the best surf band in the world. Four days until a night of surf-inspired, mostly instrumental music. Four days until the Lava Pups get to warm up folks for two truly excellent and professional bands -- the Pyronauts and Slacktone. Fours days until the Pyronauts play in their hometown again.Will those 4 days be an eternity like when you were an excited kid counting down to a birthday? Or will they fly by like when you really could use some extra time to get ready for something?
Realistically, the Pups do not need any extra time. More practice will not make a difference in how we play now. We rehearsed our set enough. We stuck to a rehearsal schedule. We even focused on the nuances of some of the songs. Of course, that assumes that our straight-ahead garage sensibilities really allow for “nuance.” Importantly, with each rehearsal, we improved.
After our last rehearsal, Sue, Robert, and Glenn pronounced us ready to play. Their opinion was unanimous. No reservation like before. We clearly are way down the line from our first gig together.
Nonetheless, as you might expect, the nagging little voice started up, “Yes, but . . . .” But what? The voice answered, “What if you are overcome by nerves? What if you have a brain freeze? What if . . . ?”
I thought, “Hey, we’re an opening act. As long as we have fun, nobody really cares. In fact, if we don’t have fun, nobody really cares. So just shut up, Nagging Little Voice!” Why does this debate always seem to come up before a show anyway?
Then, the advice of Bob Bitchin’ resurfaced from the recesses of my brain in a nick of time to bring the debate to a screeching halt. “It’s okay to be apprehensive. Just don’t be afraid.”
Yes, we are ready. Buoyed by Bob’s advice, I cannot wait to lean into the microphone, reach down for a radio voice, and announce, “We are the Lava Pups. Are you ready for a party? What kind of party? Surf party!”
Start the countdown.