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December 2006
Posts: 6995
Location: Jet City | I haven't really discussed this much since that first night several weeks ago, so I thought I'd give an update, especially for those of you thinking of doing these sorts of things too.
It gets easier every week, and I think it shows in the performance too, especially in the singing. This Wednesday night I had several people come up and compliment me on my singing which was really cool. That's the part that I am least confident with.
Anyway, I got REAL brave and did a solo performance with just the acoustic and the singing of Crush from Matthews. I nailed it, so I was pretty happy about that. It's a tough one to play and sing. But then the BIG FUN started to happen...
I brought the UKII
It's been more than 20 years since I've played that thing on stage, and it felt real good coming round full circle. Everyone's eyes were glued to this wonderful looking instrument, and when I started to play, the jaws dropped. Here's this guy, he's been doing ELP, Neil Young, Dave Matthews etc on an acoustic, and now he's wailing on this strangely beautiful guitar like it never left his hands all of these years.
A few folks joined in, we rocked the house. Ended with some Van Halen. The owner picked up my bar tab. It was a good night.
Randy's not around, so I'll say it for him, VIDEO. I'll get some here one of these weeks. |
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Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Gawd, I love stories like this! This ranks right up there with cliff's Chapin MOG... 
Yeah, I'll pile on... VIDEO!!!! 
:D |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4065
Location: Utah | Originally posted by Damon67:
I haven't really discussed this much since that first night several weeks ago, so I thought I'd give an update, especially for those of you thinking of doing these sorts of things too. I've been thinkin', but don't have the nerve yet to go solo on stage. Playing in the band is no sweat at all, but solo still scares me.
Last Wednesday at the restaurant I got up between sets to tune my daughter's O, and it really tugged at me to play something. Problem is, all I know is the lead or rhythm parts to songs the band plays. It seems silly that I am too nervous to play in front of a crowd, yet teen girls get up and have fun doing it. |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | My girls grew up play acting. The youngest never seemed to get nervous playing piano, guitar or singing in front of an audience. She was my crutch, playing backup, when I played and sang in front of an audience for the first time in years. I think they just get used to the drama that represents their lives, so getting up on stage isn't anything to get nervous about. |
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Joined:
March 2008
Posts: 2683
Location: Hot Springs, S.D. | Damon, lately things here have been a little depressing. I've got a couple of friends who are having major problems that I can't help with. Hearing that another "friend" has been having great times like this gives me a boost. Thanks for sharing. |
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Joined:
August 2005
Posts: 3736
Location: Sunshine State, Australia | Inspirational Damon. (Urban legend is that you ARE pretty hot on an electric...)
My open mic experience ended my solo 'career'. I'll get up on stage again, soon, but not solo!
You da man, Damo!  |
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Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6995
Location: Jet City | more like urban MYTH.
I dazzle with a bunch of BS.
Thanks all, FlySig, just do it man! And for the rest, go for it too. Muzza, my second week I was horrible (I thought anyway). I messed up all over the place, and the voice was off, and nothing went right.
Don't give up!
I'm gonna try something completely new (and extremely difficult) on Wednesday. UKII will be involved again. I need my friend to learn the keyboard parts first though. I have "No More Tears" down. I'll sing Ozzy's part, and do all the guitars including Zakk's solo. It'll be interesting to see how it comes out. I've been using those backing tracks to get it down. |
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Joined:
October 2007
Posts: 2711
Location: Vernon CT | Solo, I doubt I'll ever do, BUT, last night My friends and I helped a friend of thier's out by filling in for them. We considered it a practice gig as we have never done more then 4 songs at 1 Open Mic. All we really do is Play 30-35 songs every Friday night for Fun. It was at a Lake Association's "Harvest Dinner and dance" We don't play dance music, but were amazed at the "crowd" by the middle of our 3rd set all standing in front of us, Singing along, dancing and having a great time!! We finished up and they wanted more!!! We were lucky they were in our age group and knew the songs we played. Long story short, the Lake assoc. President came up to us after, handed us some money that we were not expecting, and asked us to play thier New Years Eve party and want us back for thier annual
Begginning of Summer Picnic (Yes, ther're paying us) Never in my wildest dreams did I think that would happen! All I could think of was a Quote from one of the OFC members Sig line.
"The drunker they get, the better I sound"!! LOL!
Sorry to "steal" you topic here Damon. NOT my intention. Congrats to you on getting back up there and playing!!! |
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Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6995
Location: Jet City | Originally posted by BT717:
Sorry to "steal" you topic here Damon... No way man, that's exactly what this thread is about. Good job! It took me so long to get over the fear and get back up there. I'd love to see some others do it too.
Any other stories? |
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Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by 2ifbyC:
Gawd, I love stories like this!
BT, ditto Iffy!!!
:D |
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Joined:
October 2007
Posts: 2711
Location: Vernon CT | Originally posted by Damon67:
Originally posted by BT717:
Sorry to "steal" you topic here Damon... No way man, that's exactly what this thread is about. Good job! It took me so long to get over the fear and get back up there. I'd love to see some others do it too.
Any other stories?
IFFY, thank-you too! |
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REVISITED: Open Mic/UKII makes an appearance
