First Solo Gig
Posted: 20 May 2006 6:33 am
Yesterday I played my first solo gig in at least 20 years, and my first ever on non-pedal steel.
It was a blast! I used some CD background tracks that I had recorded in my studio,
and my trusty little Silvertone six string lap steel.
It was outside at a Starbuck’s Coffee shop. I didn’t know exactly what to expect,
and I had originally planned on using my Roland “MicroCube” for a simple setup.
But I decided to bring lots of extra gear along “just in case.”
I ended up playing the CD’s through a small PA, and I set up a Mic so I could sing as well.
Then I ran the Steel through my Fender Hot Rod Deluxe.
I was playing for about half an hour as customers came in and out, some sat on the tables in front and applauded generously. Then a nice lady with a buck in her hand suggested I open up my guitar case. I did and some people started throwing in money. I played Hawaiian songs, Jazz standards, Country, and Gospel stuff.
The morning was warm and I was under the shade of an umbrella, but then the “Oregon Sunshine” began to fall. Just a light drizzle at first, then it really turned to rain! I covered up my stuff and retreated to the porch.
Being the Ham I am, I was not willing to quit, so it was time to break out the Microcube, for a short battery powered set. That little amp cranked! The porch helped to project the sound, and I realized I could have easily done this gig that way. But I liked the power and hearing the echo of the music down the street.
Even while playing through the Microcube people on the other side of the street smiled and swayed in acknowledgement of the Hawaiian sounds. My favorite part was when an elementary class (all dressed in their little yellow raincoats) walked by on a field trip, waving and dancing as they passed.
The rain let up a little, and I went out to the umbrella, anxious to play louder again. But once again it began to pour, so I moved all my gear up to the porch. The poor Starbucks employees out under the umbrellas, giving away samples, got drenched. I played loud waiting for the School children to come back down the street, and this time I put on a little show for them. I watched at the teacher demonstrated Hula moves and saw her explaining to the students the difference between the Steel and a standard guitar. It made my day!
Thanks for letting me ramble, I am very exited and next week I am playing for a local nursing home. I hope this encourages some of you to try this also.
God Bless
Dom Franco
<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Dom Franco on 20 May 2006 at 07:39 AM.]</p></FONT>
It was a blast! I used some CD background tracks that I had recorded in my studio,
and my trusty little Silvertone six string lap steel.
It was outside at a Starbuck’s Coffee shop. I didn’t know exactly what to expect,
and I had originally planned on using my Roland “MicroCube” for a simple setup.
But I decided to bring lots of extra gear along “just in case.”
I ended up playing the CD’s through a small PA, and I set up a Mic so I could sing as well.
Then I ran the Steel through my Fender Hot Rod Deluxe.
I was playing for about half an hour as customers came in and out, some sat on the tables in front and applauded generously. Then a nice lady with a buck in her hand suggested I open up my guitar case. I did and some people started throwing in money. I played Hawaiian songs, Jazz standards, Country, and Gospel stuff.
The morning was warm and I was under the shade of an umbrella, but then the “Oregon Sunshine” began to fall. Just a light drizzle at first, then it really turned to rain! I covered up my stuff and retreated to the porch.
Being the Ham I am, I was not willing to quit, so it was time to break out the Microcube, for a short battery powered set. That little amp cranked! The porch helped to project the sound, and I realized I could have easily done this gig that way. But I liked the power and hearing the echo of the music down the street.
Even while playing through the Microcube people on the other side of the street smiled and swayed in acknowledgement of the Hawaiian sounds. My favorite part was when an elementary class (all dressed in their little yellow raincoats) walked by on a field trip, waving and dancing as they passed.
The rain let up a little, and I went out to the umbrella, anxious to play louder again. But once again it began to pour, so I moved all my gear up to the porch. The poor Starbucks employees out under the umbrellas, giving away samples, got drenched. I played loud waiting for the School children to come back down the street, and this time I put on a little show for them. I watched at the teacher demonstrated Hula moves and saw her explaining to the students the difference between the Steel and a standard guitar. It made my day!
Thanks for letting me ramble, I am very exited and next week I am playing for a local nursing home. I hope this encourages some of you to try this also.
God Bless
Dom Franco
<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Dom Franco on 20 May 2006 at 07:39 AM.]</p></FONT>
