Our back-to-back performances are a week away. The stress level is relatively low but probably will register higher on the tightening-up-o-meter towards the end of next week. Where is the anxiety? Does the lack of anxiety mean that we are moving to the next level – whatever that is – as a band? Weird or cool!The opener on Saturday night should be 30 minutes or less. We now have to winnow down our material. In April, “winnow down” was not on the screen! What is the right fit between covers and originals? What do we play best? Or screw up the least? Do we push the 30-minute envelope? What can we play without overlapping The Pyronauts?
We are the opening – or, at best, the second – band on a 5-band evening. We have no visions of grandeur. One look at our place on the bill puts an end to any perception of importance. Our job will be to pimp some merchandise, introduce the band, promote the Beach Hut Deli, Pyronauts, and other bands, and – possibly – get the audience primed for the rest of the evening. We can raise the energy level of a room. That means that “mic time” should be limited to our job. No meandering stories. No attempts at creating a repartee with the audience. Just get to the business at hand and let the audience order, eat, and drink.
Wow, Saturday night will be a cakewalk . . . if I can control myself.
Sunday should be easy too. We actually are the second -- and closing -- band. We are stepping up in the pecking order. Our poster had us in the big print!
We just have to be flexible enough to provide time for our “special guests” -- Paul and Bob Bitchin’ (if he shows up) -- to do some acoustic holiday songs. Bob has not committed yet. We can adjust our set to fit in the acoustic duo.
We are familiar with the ZuhG Life Stage and playing in the Downtown Plaza. We have played all the songs – except for “Squad Car” – publicly before. Don, Glenn, and I will get two “trio” practices in before the gig. Paul and I will practice together twice.
Sunday should be a cakewalk too . . . unless I over-prepare.
What is really strange is that my thoughts have shifted away from the songs and whether I am going to be a fool. Maybe, that is being reconciled to whatever happens happens and no performance is perfect. Consequently, a couple of weeks ago while cruising the aisles of Target, Santa hats caught my eye. So, we will be decked out in Santa hats. Can we find a Santa hat for the Hula Pig? What about tees for the band?
Despite the upcoming gigs, the thoughts include how to get something going for January and what songs we can add. New venues? Finding a venue for us? Surf Sundays? That is amazing considering that three months ago my thoughts focused on how to survive playing a “full” set at an iconic venue.
Maybe we are evolving to a higher level as a band! Now, if we only could find that hat for the Hula Pig.