Save Me


Callin' the Cape Crusader, Green Hornet, Kado too;I'm in so much trouble, I don't know what to do...If you think anything about me, save me! -Aretha Franklin





Melissa, the leader of "The Blue Mama Blues Band" contacted me a few months back about being a substitute bass player for a gig at "Pineapple Willys" a local restaurant. She explained that it would be a trio, guitar, bass and keyboards. NO DRUMS. I thought this was a little odd, but I jumped at the chance to play a smoke free venue with great food and drinks. This particular restaurant was made more famous by a Visa commercial in the early 1980s that I am sure the reader will remember. As an extra bonus, the venue is family friendly enough that I was able to invite some close relatives including my 10 year old niece.

I started my day job early that morning just at sunrise. I had to deliver some swimming pool chemicals to one of the condominium resorts, and while wrangling a barrel of chlorine, managed to get splashed. It ruined a brand new shirt and ended up in my mouth. Great fun. I wonder if Sting had these problems when he was on the way up musically. Interesting that, steps away from a failure, geographically, a triumph was in store. It happened literally 100 yards from the stage. Another interesting note, this was the same area I was an extra in the movie "East Side Story" "Dancin', It's On". The price of fame, I guess, much like a an actor that has to wait tables.


I got off work early so I had a couple hours before the gig to go home, change clothes and gather all my equipment.  I put my gig bag across my shoulders and rode my motorcycle back to work where my other stuff was stored.  My wife and niece had planned on following me to the gig, but ended up coming a bit later.  I arrived at work and double checked that I had not forgotten anything.  Playlist. CHECK.  Cables. CHECK. Amp and accompanying hernia. CHECK.  I was determined not to forget anything this time.  I load up one of the fleet trucks we keep and drive the 1 mile trek to the venue.

I encountered the usual Front Beach Road construction and tourist traffic and pull up to the restaurant.  "LOT FULL" greets me written on a barricade to the entrance.  I beckon the security guy and tell him "I am with the band."  I have been asked this before, but NEVER have I used this phrase.  What happened next was pure magic.  Barricades were moved, and I received a walking escort entourage.  I stop in the parking lot and open the door of the truck and a crew of people unload everything and bring it to the stage. I felt like I had roadies.  They showed me where to park and I went in to setup.  Right then, my wife and niece show up and they repeat the process.  

I realize why "NO DRUMS" was a requirement.  The stage was super tiny.  Trying to be a good "side-man"  I always wait to see what side of the stage the other musicians want me in.  Perry, the keyboard and sax player helps point out a spot for me.  I start setting up and Melissa further shows me where to go.  I get on the stage and look out at the huge crowd eating beach food and drinking frozen drinks and start to feel comfortable with the idea of playing for about 300 people.

Melissa tells me that the set lengths will be about and hour and 15 minutes with a half hour break.  We are playing from 7 till 10, so this sounds fine to me.  About 2 songs into our first set, more of my family trickles in and the look on their face is priceless.  My wife had been saving seats for them and I watch as they all order food.  I pantomime that I am thirsty and my niece comes over and shares a drink with me between songs.  She busies herself by handing out my plastic lizards to the kids in the crowd and hangs out by the stage.  She seems fascinated by the whole thing.  They leave after the first set.

During the break, the band compares notes on volume levels and groove, and we really hit our stride in the second set.  The tourists hit the dance floor and the tip jar starts to fill up.  We finish our night and start breaking down for load out.  I mentally consider it a success.  I had great fun and got LOTS of compliments.  That always feels good.  I push my stuff outside and the great crew there loads me up and I go on my way.  I wish all gigs were like this one.












When I arrived home, my wife asked "How did it go after I left?"
"I had to close out your tab with my Visa card." I answered.
"Why didn't you use the Amex?" She asked.
"They don't take American Express and Visa is everywhere you want to be." I replied.

What else could I say?


Stir up that MONKEYDUST!


© 2018 MATT COLEMAN ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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