First gig

[bongoron]

Hello everyone! Last night was our first time playing ou with a partial band. I played Congas/bongos/percussion, and simulated kick drum patterns on my tumba as well. My son played electric guitar and we used a drum machine for one song so I could act like a real conga player on that one. My buddy played acustic or electric and sang lead vocals. I sang backup, and my son sang some as well. Three part harmonies in many areas of most songs. Only three guys, as our drummer couldn't make it.

We recieved rave reviews from the place (Christian Rock House) which has a wide mix of age groups, but a college age focus. They were standing in the front of the stage and singing along/dancing! The place was hopping!

My Schalloch drums were miked and sounded fantastic...every sound you'd want or expect with the added kick drum simulation (not my favorite way to play, but it worked). I had positive comments from the sound guy, and a couple of drummers (kit type) in the audience. Our new bass Player (see below) even said "you're a really good conga player" as he accepted an offer to join our band. He's not the type to throw complements around and he is a very quiet, talented musician, so I was floored by the comment. He may not really know traditional playing, but he knows rock and pop...since that's what I played, I take it, LOL.

As a result of our 14 song set, we now have the bass player we've wanted for a while. Once he heard us he was happy to join. He's extremely talented and we never asked him to avoid any awkward situation at church if he didn't like the stuff we do, or our skill level. Once he heard us, he practically volunteered! We are very humble and critical of our own abilities, and wanted him to decide for himself. Our practice is paying big dividends. Now we are a 5 piece band and my son even plays with us. We age from 48 (me on percussion/vocals) to 42 (lead guitar/singer) early 30's (drummer) and early 20's (my son on gutar/vocals and the bass player). We are very blessed.

The girl who runs the place and is a great vocalist (american idol quality..but not led to do that) has also agreed to join us for a number or two when ever we play there again, and she asked us back at the next opening when she figures out when that is! I'm very jazzed about this, as you can tell. I totally appreciate the wisdom and encouragement on this site for guys like me who don't have many financial recources. I have learned, and will continue to learn a tremendous amount from you guys. After two years of playing in the church band, and my recent frustration with lack of dedication by many of the band members, it's a blessing to know we are doing the right thing by taking in on the road. We will still play in church, but our ministry may eventually make that impossible...we'll see. Just felt like sharing.

God bless!

-Ron



Edited By bongoron on 1142704967

[mangorockfish]

Congratulations on a successful 1st gig. May you have many, many more my Brother.

[windhorse]

Awesome post!! Sure hope that your enthusiasm doesn't wane! Way to manifest the right stuff!!!!!

I'm also getting quite jazzed up about our upcoming gig in July! We'll be playing folkloric at the Dreamtime festival in Peonia CO, and everyone's taking it up a notch with their singing! It's really exciting! A noticeable change in just the last two Saturdays!

[bongoron]

Thanks guys! I think tomorrow night will be our first practice with all 5 people. It would be tonight if I wasn't on night shift tonight. Good luck with the folkloric..sounds very cool.

God bless!

-Ron

[pidoca]

hi Ron. way to go. it does feel good to play with quality musicians who have a professional attitude towards their craft and gift. I have actually felt the same way about playing in church, frustrated at the commitment and lack of professionalism. But hey, we must lead by example, be acountable only for what we do and how we do it.

And if we play from the heart, not much else maters; "in spirit and in truth" as the good book says.

Pidoca
http://www.cabritamusic.com

[bongoron]

I've often said, and even posted here, that it has to be fun...but there is the other extreme where its all fun and no quality, too. Then the folks who have fun as serious musicians stop having any fun at all because the results are so poor. Fortunately, some of the "less dedicated" members of the praise team are starting to get frustrated by the lack of music to practice ahead of time with. I believe this will work itself out soon, as more folks realize the accountability Richard mentioned. It's a process when the band has 10 members. In the meantime, it's great to finally have an outlet for our music our way at our desired quality level!

God bless!

-Ron

[caballoballo]

Congratulation Ron,

Yes indeed,it does feel very good,specially when after rehearsing for some time,the day you play everything falls in the right place. Also when you see the people dancing and singing means you are playing perfectly. Do not be surprise if on another ocassion you play and nobody dance or sing. When that happens it is not your music,is the people or the place . That happens to us last December,we played a private party and nobody danced,they just kept talking it was to us a payed rehearsal. If you have not experience that,you feel like if the music you are playing is not any good and you want to get out from there,believe me,it happens. What we usually do is to applause after every song to try to get the party people into the party but sometimes that does not work either and you have to keep playing until the time you have agreed to play. We have this Friday the second gig of the month,we are glad beacuse this time of the year is kind of slow for giging down here,we are 11 guys in our Salsa Band,2 trumpets,1 baritone sax,piano ,upright bass,conga,bongó,timbales and 2 singers. Keep going brother Ron and keep rehearsing which is the clue to great performances.



Edited By caballoballo on 1142953798

[CongaTick]

Played quite a few bar/club gigs where people more interested in drinking/playing pool/cruisin' for girls/guys and no rsponse to music. But i remember one where a pool table occupied the center of attention despite our best efforts. After 2 sets of being almost completely ignored as background music, one of the pool players (yeah, he was sober) -- without a word or comment--walked up to us and laid a $50 tip on our amp, and returned to the pool table as if nothing had happened. You just never know.....

[onile]

Vaya! Abure Bongoron!
I hope that you are well and in an abundance of blessings my brother!

CONGRATULATIONS! You played your first gig, awesome feeling brother! I can remember the nervous jitters of my first gig, but also it was exilerating to say the least! There is only one "first", so cherish the experience my friend. I am quite happy for you, but more so for the fact that your son was a part of your first gig experience, how cool is that?! That in itself is an incredible blessing my friend!

I'm currently down here in Pennsacola, Fla., my son is getting his "wings" and in a couple of months, he'll be stationed in Guam! They grow up so fast!

Many blessings!
Onile!

[bongoron]

Yes they do! You understand. It's hard to describe what it means when a 21 year-old decides he'll play in a band with dad. You're right...it really adds to it. What aircraft will your son fly? I was a B52 navigator/bambardier. I have 2200 hours in the belly of the beast.

[onile]

Alafia Abure Bongoron!
My son has trained as a Navy Copter Pilot, he'll be flying an MH60 Sierra! I was just at his "softpatch" ceremony, it was a great testament to the sacrifices these young men and women make.

So your son is 21 and wants to play in the same band as dad! Now that is sooooooo cool my friend! To actually create something as beautiful as music with your son is an incredible experience I'm sure!

Many blessings!
Onile!