Biggest show to date. Results Edition!

[martingitdave]

I've had plenty of big performances when I was young and in school. But, I gave up music for 20 years as an adult and started back up about 5 years ago. Wed evening I play and sing in a benefit battle of the bands concert with a band we put together for the occasion. It is at a very notable venue.

We hope, collectively, to raise about $100k for a children's music education non-profit. Proceeds will fund music instruction, and instruments, for under-privileged schools in Chicago.

I'll have coworkers, clients, associates, coming to support our group.

I'm actually not as nervous as I thought I'd be.

Thank goodness we also have a female singer who's got pipes. And, it's all about the kids anyway. I assume expectations are sufficiently low.

Wish me luck.

After Wednesday, it's back to boring ol' life.

UPDATE:

We raised $100,000! 20 additional Chicago public schools will now be able to start music education programs!

We were the opening act of 3 adult bands, and 1 kid band, and had to get the crowd warmed up. We didn't get a lot of video for the evening. But, a friend was able to catch a clip of our opening song.

Drop down to the last post to read about my amplification woes.

[Glennwillow]

I do wish you luck, Dave! I hope you get over your sinus infection by then!

I will be sending good wishes your way on Wednesday evening! Best of luck to you! -- Oh, excuse me -- BREAK A LEG!

- Glenn

[martingitdave]

Originally Posted by Glennwillow

I do wish you luck, Dave! I hope you get over your sinus infection by then!

I will be sending good wishes your way on Wednesday evening! Best of luck to you! -- Oh, excuse me -- BREAK A LEG!

- Glenn

Thanks Glen. I edited my post because, when I reread it, it sounded a bit self involved. :-).


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[reeve21]

Good luck, Dave! Raising 100k for charity, you are doing something that transcends the performance. Awesome

In my experience people who know you in your "real" life will be amazed that you even know which end of the guitar is up, so no worries there, you are going to wow them.

[LSemmens]

The audience will think you sound better than you think you do. Don't sweat it, have fun, and remember the kids! I hope it all goes well for all involved!

[leew3]

Dave
This sounds like the best way any of us could use the gifts we've been given. Relax and enjoy-well done!

[martingitdave]

Thanks folks! I'm getting psyched up for it!


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[buzzardwhiskey]

Break a leg, dude! Sounds like a very worthwhile benefit concert.

[kydave]

Kick butt & take names!!!

Have a great gig, David!

Taking the A game? (Authentic, that is)

[martingitdave]

Thanks for the well wishes everyone!

Dave, I'm undecided on the guitar. I played the A out on Sunday. It was awesome. But I'm think tomorrow, I'll bring "El Impostor." :-). I have to work in the City tomorrow, so I'll be dragging the guitar around all day in the car.


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Best of luck and remember to have fun!

[martingitdave]

See first post for update. I figured I'd keep the technical stuff out of the first post. For you amplification junkies, here are some lessons learned.

1. Bring your own amp!
2. There are no other lessons.

The sound guy for the event was wonderful and a true professional. Since it was a notable venue, I wouldn't expect any less. However, the dynamics of the stage, monitor mix, and the fact they had to switch out for 4 bands, made it impossible for him to get the mix right for my acoustic guitar in a band setting. Evidently, the gain on my equipment was too sensitive and too hot through the 25,000 watt venue system. Given more time for sound check, we probably could have gotten it right.

My fellow guitarist suggested throwing in the towel and plugging into an available tube amp. It worked. It didn't sound great. But, in a band, that's OK. It wasn't all about me anyway. We turned the amp facing backwards and mic'ed it. No feed back. Unfortunately, that also meant that I couldn't hear it. But, I knew the music well enough and could hear enough from the soundhole to get the idea.

In the future, I'd bring my Line 6 with automatic feedback suppression, go straight in, and set it up as a monitor to do my own "backline." Then, I'd throw a mic in front, or a DI. I thought I would need my vocal effects, but I was mistaken. The sound guy was way better than any canned stuff from my box. My stuff is good in solo and coffee house environments, but I know to leave big stage stuff to the pros from now on.

Fun was had by all!

[Riakstonic]

For some reason the vid did not play well but what you are doing is great awesome in fact congrats

[martingitdave]

Thank you Riakstonic. It's great to be able to contribute.


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[LSemmens]

Well done! Sounds like you had a great time, too.