Yay, it’s Thursday! I have to remind myself because this week’s been a little tricky. It started off a week or two ago, when the Calvins’ singer let us know, he was going to Chicago for a wedding, so we wouldn’t be able to practice on Tuesday of this week. We have a show coming up on Saturday, and I cancelled practice last week to spend time with my daughter, so we need the practice. We all agreed that Wednesday would work the best. However, last Thursday at Hustlers’ practice, I was informed that they don’t like practicing the day after a gig. And, since we had a gig last Saturday, and normally practice on Sunday, that Sunday practice was not going to happen. Hence, we needed to find another day to practice because we have another gig coming up this Saturday, and we need the practice. We’d been doing Sundays and Thursdays, but we were informed that our acoustic guitarist’s wife is no longer cool with practice on Thursdays. Which initially made me happy, because I am ready to get back to practicing with the Eruption. Come to find out, the only day that would work for everyone was Wednesday. I’m not a fan of multiple practice changes, but I asked the Calvins to switch to Thursday, and they obliged. So, I had Hustlers’ practice last night, and I’m having Calvins’ practice tonight. That, along with having already written to you once this week, it’s becoming difficult to know what day it is. On top of that, my sister-in-law, and her family are in town, so my wife’s been spending time with them. If that weren’t enough, for the past 2 days they have been repaving the street outside our home, so I’ve been stuck indoors for two days, breathing noxious fumes. Not that I ever go anywhere during the day anyway, but it’s more the principle. My wife had to park around the corner, because we weren’t allowed to drive on our road! Needless to say, the past two weeks have been eventful.
The Hustlers’
gig last Saturday was, as the kids say these days, fire. We got there at 6:30
for sound check, and the venue must have already been 90 degrees. It was like a
jungle. Then, come to find out, the big-name acts had already set up and done
their sound check, and we were not to touch their stuff. We had to set up in
front of their stuff, and we were not being mic’d. So, it was basically like a
big hot practice. In front of people. We played well, except for one small
moment where we basically went right off the tracks. There’s a little bit of
confusion over what actually happened, but we’ll let it go, there’s no point in
bringing up drama, it doesn’t matter who did what, as long as “we” don’t do it
again. After practice last night, I think we’re good. Anyway: We played well,
and people responded positively. We had a lot of people there. I was surprised.
It was our first gig, and people showed up. That was awesome! Some of us said
that was the best first show they’ve ever played. I guess most people don’t get
their first gig with an internationally touring band. The touring bands were
being really weird about us being added to the bill. At first. They were being
all tight with the schedule, and kind of threatening us to not play if we couldn’t
stick to the program. It felt like we were being treated like stepchildren. As
opposed to the pseudo-professionals we really are. After we played though, the
attitudes started to change. Not only did we annihilate our set, we did so in
time, and with grace. They seemed surprised that we were good, and brought
people. The show was good, but it was so hot in there, people were griping.
There were no dry bodies, it was like a sauna. A loud, crowded, sauna. It must’ve
been 100! I’m glad I was there, but I don’t need to see those acts again.
I checked Yelp
the next day to see if anyone complained about the venue. They did not. I was a
little surprised, everyone was complaining. But I guess they didn’t care that
much. I would have Yelped, but the owner is kind of my friend, so I don’t want
to muck it up for him. Although, I will be shocked if the production company
ever goes back there. People were not happy. Plus, they ran out of some beer.
The beer people were drinking! This was not the first time. Actually, I think
every time I play there, they run out of whatever the people like. It’s kind of
embarrassing. If I was him, I would have been embarrassed. I’ll be interested
to see if they get anymore “big” shows there. Speaking of “big” shows, this
Saturday should be a good one. It’s all locals, except for one band from Orange
County, so it doesn't really count as a “big” show, but it is for us. This was
intended to be the Hustlers’ debut, and for a lot of people, it will be. I was
going to be there all day anyway, but I think it’s a little jacked that the
Hustlers are first, and the Calvins are last! I usually prefer getting my sets
out of the way, instead of having to be “careful” for several hours. I also
usually prefer my sets back-to-back, so I don’t have to worry about my gear.
Now I have to set up, break down, then in a couple of hours, set up, and break
down. That’s a bummer. But I get it, they think the Calvins have a draw. And we
might, although probably not as big as Inciting Riots, who go on just before
us. Also, they want to mix up the punk bands and the Punktry bands, I get it. I’m
just glad to be getting to play. Last time it was packed, this might be better.
I’m just a little curious to see if I’ll have more friends come early, or later
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