In an earlier post I may not have known it, but all of those impromptu jam sessions at Espresso Bay and Wildflowers connected me with other musicians which later would prove very useful. Bands will keep tabs on each other. There are discussions about gigs, venues, owners and crowds. You never discuss how much a band may have been paid.
In the spring of 2009 BlueShadow had, what I found out later, a “try out” gig at Wilderness Crossings. This was a shorter gig of about 3hrs. Normally this occurs on a week night and you are one of 5 or6 bands that played that week. By the end of the week you get a call if they are interested.
BlueShadow showed up with about 20 friends to eat, drink and appluade. It was our best night to date at that time. The manager didn’t wait and hired us for 2 gigs in the coming month. We played a total of 6 gigs at Wilderness in 2009. Our band had completed the first step; somewhat steady work at one of the nicer clubs in town.
I felt at this point when I talked with musicians that our band held a little more standing. We had created a band that could and was earning spots at local venues.
Late spring of ’09 we landed a 2 night gig on the floor of Turtle Creek Casino. To say I was excited was a tremendous understatement. We arrived early and set up the equipment. Having some time on my hands I took a look around. Turtle Creek is a very busy place with multiple lounges and places to eat; rows and rows of slot machines with people pushing those buttons nonstop. During a break in the show, the Casino had a fastest button pushing contest. As I was making my way back to the stage with Jerry, I noticed Elvis working a slot machine. (He looked just like Elvis). I com
mented to Jerry that this was a good omen for our show. We laughed and I continued on.
Before we started our first set Jerry took me aside and told me that “Elvis” was Greg Jaqura, an Elvis impersonator, and does shows all across the country. I thought that was very interesting. Jerry on the other hand had something else in mind. If you have not figured it out by now, let me clue you in. Jerry Byville’s wheels are always in motion cranking out ideas for the band.
We started the show. The Band was playing well and drawing an audience from the Casino. About half way thru set Greg Jaqura “Elvis” walked up next to the stage nodded at Jerry and Jerry responded accordingly. Between the next songs he informed the rest of us that we would end the set with Hunka Hunka Burnin Love. Oh, by the way, Elvis will be on lead vocals.
The Band played on. Part way through You Really Got A Hold On Me in through the front doors strode “Elvis.” Greg Jaqura was fully decked out in a white rhinestone jump suit. He worked the crowd all the way up to the stage. We had just wrapped up the tune when he stepped on stage. Looking at our guitarist he said, “key of D, right.” Mark gave the thumbs up and kicked it off. Elvis and BlueShadow performed that song for all it was worth. Greg “Elvis” worked the final vamp as if we had been playing together for years. A night I will never forget. At the end of the show compliments as well as business cards were exchanged, and most importantly, connections were made.
The Casino gig was different from other venues. Whether its 9pm or 1am, there are always people and energy there.
In the spring of 2009 BlueShadow had, what I found out later, a “try out” gig at Wilderness Crossings. This was a shorter gig of about 3hrs. Normally this occurs on a week night and you are one of 5 or6 bands that played that week. By the end of the week you get a call if they are interested.
BlueShadow showed up with about 20 friends to eat, drink and appluade. It was our best night to date at that time. The manager didn’t wait and hired us for 2 gigs in the coming month. We played a total of 6 gigs at Wilderness in 2009. Our band had completed the first step; somewhat steady work at one of the nicer clubs in town.
I felt at this point when I talked with musicians that our band held a little more standing. We had created a band that could and was earning spots at local venues.
Late spring of ’09 we landed a 2 night gig on the floor of Turtle Creek Casino. To say I was excited was a tremendous understatement. We arrived early and set up the equipment. Having some time on my hands I took a look around. Turtle Creek is a very busy place with multiple lounges and places to eat; rows and rows of slot machines with people pushing those buttons nonstop. During a break in the show, the Casino had a fastest button pushing contest. As I was making my way back to the stage with Jerry, I noticed Elvis working a slot machine. (He looked just like Elvis). I com
mented to Jerry that this was a good omen for our show. We laughed and I continued on.Before we started our first set Jerry took me aside and told me that “Elvis” was Greg Jaqura, an Elvis impersonator, and does shows all across the country. I thought that was very interesting. Jerry on the other hand had something else in mind. If you have not figured it out by now, let me clue you in. Jerry Byville’s wheels are always in motion cranking out ideas for the band.
We started the show. The Band was playing well and drawing an audience from the Casino. About half way thru set Greg Jaqura “Elvis” walked up next to the stage nodded at Jerry and Jerry responded accordingly. Between the next songs he informed the rest of us that we would end the set with Hunka Hunka Burnin Love. Oh, by the way, Elvis will be on lead vocals.
The Band played on. Part way through You Really Got A Hold On Me in through the front doors strode “Elvis.” Greg Jaqura was fully decked out in a white rhinestone jump suit. He worked the crowd all the way up to the stage. We had just wrapped up the tune when he stepped on stage. Looking at our guitarist he said, “key of D, right.” Mark gave the thumbs up and kicked it off. Elvis and BlueShadow performed that song for all it was worth. Greg “Elvis” worked the final vamp as if we had been playing together for years. A night I will never forget. At the end of the show compliments as well as business cards were exchanged, and most importantly, connections were made.
The Casino gig was different from other venues. Whether its 9pm or 1am, there are always people and energy there.
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