OK, way overdue and therefore brief…

Another incredible weekend at the Alpine Inn/Snorting Elk. First night found a contrast in the world of “band participation”. We have a concept in the band of the “Rich” of the night. Based on a true character, Rich is the person that heckles the band, tells band what to do, wants to sit in with band (but can’t play), sing on the microphone, talk to you while you’re playing, etc… Basically, Rich wants attention, and as the loudest thing in the room, Rich wants attention through the band. Did I mention that Rich is usually drunk? Nice drunks are fine. Mean drunks are bad.

Anyway, night starts out a little shaky as we’re having some trouble dialing in the sound. A group of women begin getting right up close telling each of us to play or not play, demanding (not requesting) songs that we don’t play, and critiquing our skills. I inadvertently offended one of the women by agreeing that she could be my mother. Hey, she brought it up and it was true… Anyway, after a few more shots they migrated away from us towards the dance floor where one of them proudly wore her room key around her neck – you fill in the rest of the story.

Later on was the good type of audience participation. Another group of folks was there from before our arrival. During the second set, one of them bought us Irish carbombs and even fed me one during a song. Another woman from their group played air mandolin and eventually tambourine with us. They were simply fun loving and unobtrusive – the kind of audience participants that enhance the night.

Lots of great jams and spring skiing on Saturday.

0 Comments | Posted by Michael Spaly in Shows