September 7th was a very important gig for the Band.
BlueShadow was playing a very high end dinner dance/ fund raiser for a local Club. This was the second year for this event. We decided to set up and run the sound checks the night before to ensure that we not to disturb the guests during the cocktail hour.
The stage was an odd shape, so Jerry, AJ and I discussed the best lay-out for the Band. At the last minute, due to a difference in opinion, we needed to install a different drummer. Fortunately, earlier that week I had called Mark, a friend of Jerry's, to come play additional percussion. Last year he was with the Band and his work really filled out the sound. Jerry gave him a call, told him to bring his kit (drums) and leave the rest of his percussion tools at home. I could just imagine Mark's response to hauling all the percussion instruments out and loading his drum kit into his car.
The next evening before the guests arrived Mark set up is kit and with that we were ready. I cannot express enough my thanks to Mark for his expert playing of the drums. He is one of the finest drummer/percussionist I have ever played with.
Now I am going to say what I could not say before the gig. This crowd was expecting Joanie Stanley to front the BlueShadow Band. Angie had an up hill battle to win this crowd over.
I was a little nervous, not that Angie wasn't every bit the singer, but of the reception she would receive. I need not have worried. Two songs into the first set, Angie left no doubt that she now fronted the BlueShadow Band. She proceeded to blow them away the rest of the night.
As for the rest of the gig, people were dancing right up to 11pm. I had to laugh though, it was late in the evening and a few couples were putting their coats on to leave. Angie then started singing At this Moment and quickly the coats came off and onto the dance floor the couples went.
What a night! AJ, Pete, Dave and Mark did an exceptional job as Lite Blue, Angie won over the crowd, & the horn section never sounded better.
Here is a link to Youtube to see part of the peformance
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDqZu-HZCL4&feature=plcp
The gentleman that hired the Band and I discussed next year as we broke down the stage.
As reward for a very successful night, the band members went to an all night diner for something to eat at 1am.
As I sat there among the rest of the Band laughing and reminiscing about gig, I wondered how did I get here from part 1 of this saga to now playing in a very good band. I am indeed fortunate to have met Jerry Byville and jumped on board with his idea to start a Band.
A footnote
Mark agreed to play our next scheduled gig---that's a relief!
