So You Want to be in a Band Part 31

So Check this out-----Lately that's how all of the Band stories start.


I was checking out the BlueShadow facebook page and noticed a new message.  The message was from Roxa, the leader of a troupe of Vaudevillians who had seen/heard our show at Culvers.  She said nice things about the Band and wondered if we would be interested in performing with her troupe "the Northern Starlets".  After checking with the Band, I set up a meeting with Roxa and invited Jerry and AJ.

I was thinking that Jerry was going to be there to be sure I didn't over promise the Band.  AJ was there to ensure that rhythm section had a voice in this venture.  What really happened was Roxa has a personality like Jerry, always looking to bigger and better.  Jamie of the Starlets, AJ and I were trying to keep the ideas in check.  So after about an hour of discussion we had the basics, or at least enough to go to the rest of the Band.  I could see in Jerry's eyes it was a done deal.  I am not sure if promises were made, but here was definitely a "show must go on" feeling to this.

Jerry had to leave and so did Roxa and Jamie, so there AJ and I  sat ----"what just happened here?"  AJ said with a look of concern.  "I think we just booked a gig." I replied.  We sat for a few moments.  AJ then asked "What exactly  is Burlesque and what's a Fan Dance?" At this point I felt it my duty to also inform him about pasties, and I don't mean the pastry.

So we pitched the idea to the Band.  Everyone seemed to be on board and Jerry was willing to write arrangements for Steam Heat,  What ever Lola Wants, Dick Van Dyke Theme,  Mamma's Done Gone and Muppet Show. As we practiced and talked about the up-coming show that was a mere 3 weeks away, we couldn't help but ask ourselves,  "What were we thinking?"

BlueShadow Band invited Roxa and Jamie to the practice.  Here is a side note, everybody in a troupe has a stage name.  Until they arrived at the rehearsal I really wasn't sure who would be there. At this practice we checked the timing of the songs the Band would play against the dances the Starlets would perform.  We collaborated, made some changes and timed the whole show right up to Mid-night.  It was decided that the Band would show up for dress rehearsal and play the show that weekend....what could go wrong?

Dress Rehearsal ----lets just say it was rough.  The biggest issue was the timing of any CD backed songs and just having the players ready on stage between acts.  The Band tried to help by vamping a couple of songs to buy time for the performers.  Even with this, it became obvious by the end that  Roxa was clearly unhappy with the timing.  As we were packing up she drew me aside."I can't thank you enough for what the band is doing.  However, I need to ask for an additional favor."  What she needed was more time between acts and for the Band to play a song after each act to allow the troupe more time to get things set up.  I asked Jerry's opinion on adding songs and it was decided to be the perfect solution.

Show time--- BlueShadow played a few tunes to get the crowd warmed up.  Out came the Emcee and the rest of the show went on very well.  The Troupe was right on all night.  The Band was playing some of the best music to date.  This was with songs we had not rehearsed in weeks and a drummer that had only practiced with us 3 times.  We did however have the extra percussion talents of Mark Goike, always a plus.

Fan Dancers, knife jugglers, fire breathers, skits, tumblers and a hot Band made for one very entertaining night.  Thanks to Roxa for inviting the Blueshadow Band to perform with their talented troupe!